Lacrosse Gear List: Learn How to Buy Lacrosse Equipment

Whether you're just trying out lacrosse for the first time or have played for many years, it's important to find the right lacrosse equipment for the best possible experience. There are a lot of lacrosse gear choices out there, so finding the right equipment can be daunting at times. If you're searching for the right equipment for youth lacrosse, men's lacrosse, or women's lacrosse at any level, we'll guide you through the process of finding the best lacrosse equipment for you. In this article, we'll cover:

• Lacrosse Equipment List & Sizing Information
• Lacrosse Equipment Tips for Beginners
• Do Different Positions Have Different Gear?
• Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse Gear
• Which Brands Make the Best Lacrosse Equipment?

When shopping for lacrosse equipment, you should understand what the purpose of each piece is and how it should fit and feel. Each part of lacrosse gear may have different design options depending on certain factors such as what position you play and your experience level. In order to purchase the appropriate gear, you should know exactly what you need and consider your own individual preference.

A complete lacrosse stick usually consists of two parts, a shaft and a head. The lacrosse stick head contains a net pocket which is designed to catch, shoot and pass the lacrosse ball. The net is generally wide and flat at the top in order to scoop balls off of the ground and provide a flat surface for more power when passing or shooting. The bottom of the pocket is designed to nestle the ball in place when on the run. You'll also notice thicker strings that run horizontally along the top half of the pocket. These strings are known as "shooting strings," and they help with the speed and control of shots and passes. The shaft of the stick can be made of different materials, some can be more flexible than others depending on their length, so considering your preference between a stiff or flexible stick can be an important decision. When choosing a lacrosse stick, be aware that you can choose between a complete stick or purchase the head and shaft separately for better personalization of your preferences.

Once you've chosen your complete lacrosse stick or shaft and head combination, proper sizing is a key to success on the field. There are a few different size options depending on the position you play, so it's vital to take that into account. If you play multiple positions, you may wish to consider having multiple lacrosse sticks to improve your experience. Lacrosse defensemen should consider a stick that equals their height to give them more reach when defending. Attackers and midfielders prefer a shorter stick for quick passing and shooting, generally 40 to 42 inches from the end of the shaft to the top of the head. Keep in mind that beginners and youth players, especially at defense, may not be able to handle or control lacrosse sticks that are too long for them, so consider shortening their shafts by a few inches to help them learn how to handle their lacrosse stick.

For more information on how to size and cut lacrosse sticks, check out our lacrosse stick sizing guide.

Beyond standard equipment, there are a few different lacrosse gear accessories that can be added to your lacrosse gear. Some options include:

• Mouthguards
• Helmet Accessories (decals, visors, cages, straps, etc)
• Stick Accessories (tape, end caps, etc)
• Training Accessories (nets, cones, field markers, etc)
• Stringing Accessories
• Coaching Accessories (whistles, coaching boards, hardware kits, etc)
• Apparel

If you're beginning to learn the game of lacrosse or are looking for the right gear for a youth player, you should be aware of how each piece of equipment should fit and feel. Before simply buying an entire lacrosse gear set, consider different factors for each piece of lacrosse equipment to ensure the best performance and feel possible.

• Stick: The lacrosse stick should never be longer than a player’s height. Defensemen can use a stick up to their complete height, while attackers use a stick in the range of 40 to 42 inches. Youth players' sticks should feel light enough to control passes and shots, but not cut too short where they’ll struggle with longer sticks as they grow.
• Helmet: A lacrosse helmet should fit snugly with no movement if a player shakes his head. Their eyes should be looking out through the top set of bars, and the top and bottom chin straps should fit tightly and be even in length on either side.
• Gloves: A good fitting set of lacrosse gloves will fit tightly, but not so tight that fingertips stick out past the padding on the top of the hand. Gloves that are too tight leave the fingertips vulnerable to strikes. However, a set of gloves that is too loose will not provide the grip and movement necessary for a positive experience for beginners and young lacrosse players.

Depending on what position you play, you may see different types of equipment in every category. One of the most notable differences is the length of sticks used by defensemen and attackers and midfielders. Due to the style of play on defense, lacrosse defensemen prefer a longer stick while midfielders and forwards will desire a shorter stick for precision control. Goalie lacrosse sticks will generally be longer than an attacker’s lacrosse shaft and head, but not quite as long as a defensive stick. Due to the unique nature of goalie play, this length will vary based on personal preference, but in general, falls into the middle range of lacrosse sticks.

Besides a unique stick length, goalies will also require additions to their equipment package. Lacrosse goalie gloves will include extra padding and an added thumb guard while they'll wear a chest protector, shin guards, and padded goalie lacrosse pants. When it comes to shoulder pads and elbow pads, there's a lot of room for individual personalization, but in general, defensemen may choose padding that provides more coverage than attackers or midfielders.

Due to the different rules and standards between men's lacrosse and women's lacrosse, the equipment involved can be very different. With the exception of the goalie, all women's lacrosse sticks are required to be the same length rather than the varying length of men's lacrosse sticks depending on their position. The net in the head of the shaft of a women's lacrosse stick is also tighter rather than the deeper pockets of the head of a men's lacrosse stick.

The nature of contact between men's lacrosse and women's lacrosse calls for drastic differences in the nature of protective equipment. Women's lacrosse is considered to be less physical and more of a finesse style of play versus men's lacrosse rules, resulting in less padding in women's equipment. Since stick and body checking is a rule violation in women's lacrosse, female lacrosse players will wear protective eye goggles and possibly a light shell helmet rather than a full helmet with a face guard. Their gloves are designed for control without the added impact protection on the back of the hand of men's lacrosse gloves and elbow and shoulder pads may not be required.

LacrosseMonkey carries high-performance lacrosse equipment by some of the world's best equipment manufacturers. Many of our major brands provide the safest gear that meets or exceeds safety standards in many leagues. Be on the lookout for these three top brands:

STX has been a mainstay in the lacrosse equipment industry and is one of the most respected brands at every level. They offer a wide variety of high-performance sticks, helmets, gloves and other lacrosse gear essentials for youth, men and women lacrosse players at every age of playl. When watching any high-level lacrosse play, STX equipment will be visible and noticeable on the field. 

Maverik is a close second behind STX as far as visibility in the lacrosse gear field. Maverik provides all of the essential lacrosse gear for any level of play as well as a number of optional accessories. Whether you’re a youth beginner or pro, Maverik has some of the safest and best performing lacrosse gear on the market.

Warrior may be better known for their ice hockey gear, but they have a well-earned reputation for supplying lacrosse gear that performs like high-end lacrosse gear should and provides a safe and comfortable experience. If you’re looking for comfortable and well-tested lacrosse gear, Warrior has the equipment that will enhance your lacrosse experience.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect stick for high-level play, or a lacrosse gear package for beginners and youth, LacrosseMonkey has the high-grade gear you’re looking for. Start browsing our full selection of lacrosse equipment today.

Lacrosse gear can be a huge investment, but price points can vary based on the level of lacrosse equipment you're looking for. Complete budget sets can be put together for approximately 400 to 600 dollars, but if you’re looking for top-of-the-line equipment, purchasing a complete set can cost nearly 900 dollars or more.

 Both choices have their advantages. Purchasing a complete stick will provide value and a consistent feel that may help beginners grow their game. Purchasing the head and the shaft separately allows for more customization with look and feel that experienced players may prefer.