Lacrosse Gear – The Essential Pieces of the Puzzle

The sport of lacrosse requires a lot of gear to play safely and well. From helmets to gloves, the equipment protects players from aggressive checks and slashes while increasing their ability to perform at a high level. A key piece of the puzzle is the stick, a weapon that combines both power and finesse to help players dominate in the field. For these reasons, the right lacrosse equipment is essential for all players at every level of the game.

Generally speaking, there are two main types of lacrosse gear: protective and non-protective. The former includes a helmet, arm pads, chest protector and shin guards. The latter include a glove, mouthguard and a protective cup. Some of these items are required in boys’ and men’s fields while others are optional. Additionally, goalies require some unique gear items such as a different chest protector and specialized goalie gloves.

While all players must wear a mouthguard to prevent concussions, the rest of the protective equipment is largely dependent on position. Those playing defense may prefer additional arm and shoulder padding while attackers and midfielders will typically choose lighter and more streamlined protection. Goalies also require a unique set of gear including padded goalie gloves, a chest protector and shin guards.

Lacrosse equipment is available in a wide range of prices with starter sets designed for beginners and youth players being considerably cheaper than more advanced options. In addition, within a single category of gear (such as goalie equipment), there is often a significant difference in price between brands and between different levels of protection.

The most important part of any lacrosse player’s gear is the stick, a long wooden weapon that allows them to carry and control the ball. For these reasons, the right stick is a crucial investment for any new player. The head of the stick is comprised of a number of elements including the shaft, which is often made of either titanium, aluminum or a combination of the two. The shaft also determines a number of key factors including a player’s stick height, grip size and weight.

Another essential aspect of a stick is the stringing, which can have a huge impact on a player’s control. Different types of strings are available with nylon being the most common. While many young players will opt for a traditional nylon string, other players may prefer more advanced and innovative stringing options.

Finally, a player’s cleats are also an important factor in both their safety and performance. Cleats should be specific to lacrosse and offer support for the stresses of quick cuts, sudden stops and the constant movement that a field player endures throughout a game.

Although some of the protective gear in lacrosse is mandatory under USA Lacrosse, NFHS and NCAA rules, other items are recommended for maximum comfort and safety. For example, a helmet that meets NOCSAE’s ND200 standard is recommended for all field players while goalies will benefit from a helmet with face mask and a separate throat protector along with padded gloves, chest protector and shin guards.