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As much as lacrosse can be a high-intensity sport, it requires agility, speed and strategic gameplay. What makes safety a top priority in lacrosse is its physical nature. Hands down the best way to minimize physical injury is to invest in quality protective gear. Hitting the field with the best equipment that gives you protection from head to toe can significantly enhance your safety on the field. This blog explores the importance of using high-quality lacrosse protective gear, from lacrosse helmets to protective pads, and how it can protect players from common injuries.

1. Helmet

There is no piece of equipment more important to a player than the helmet. Lacrosse helmets are meant to be a solid safeguard against injury. They are lightweight and comfortable and are made of several components to keep you safe on the field. All helmets used in the game must be fully NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) -approved.

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Components of the Helmet

The helmet has a hard outer shellmade of plastic to protect from impact while the inside has a liner made of thick cushioning to help absorb that impact. The face mask has strategically placed bars made of metal to prevent the ball from going through and also provide the widest field of vision possible. The chin is made of plastic and protects your lower face and chin, while the chin strap is a four-point harness to make sure you have the perfect fit. The goalie is going to wear the same helmet as a field player, with the addition of a throat guard to keep them safe from shots.

The Perfect Fit

For a helmet to give you maximum protection, a perfect fit is very important.

• Size Options: Most helmets come in one-size-fits-all, but some models do have various sizes from adult to youth. If there are other sizes, make sure to measure the head to ensure a good fit.
• Measuring Your Head: Run a tape measure around your head about one inch above your eyebrows, and then cross-reference that with the instruction manual that came with the helmet to figure out what size would be best for you.
• Nice and Tight Fit: Once the helmet is on, shake your head back and forth. A well-fitting helmet should remain snug and not rattle, you shouldn't feel the helmet sliding across your forehead.

Helmets are a great way to express your interests too. It can be customized with different colors in the shell, face mask, strap, and chin, and can be accessorized with decals to show off your personal style.

2. Gloves

Padding, Wrist Guards, and Dog Tracks

When choosing gloves for playing lacrosse, it's important to consider the level of protection they offer. Prioritize gloves with substantial padding on the back of the hand and fingers, and some models may even come with padding on the thumb. Ensure each includes a padded wrist guard and "dog track" for extra safety. Generally, gloves with thicker padding provide better protection, although newer models may use padding that hardens upon impact. Goalie-specific gloves have extra padding on the back of the hand and thumb, including hard plastic over the fingers, and an extended wrist cuff for added protection.

Flexibility

Most lacrosse gloves have segmented padding on the back, as it allows for greater flexibility. As a general rule, the more segmented the padding is, the more flexible the glove will be. This flexibility helps you move your hand more fluidly and dynamically as you handle a lacrosse stick.

Ventilation

If your glove doesn't have proper ventilation, your hand will become sweaty and wet during the game, and this moisture could stay on your glove even after you store it in your bag. This can cause your glove to wear out more quickly and develop a musty smell. To avoid this, look for a glove with good ventilation on the sides of the fingers, the back of the hand, and the palm. Some gloves also have textures or anti-slip inserts on the palm to help you grip the stick better.

Size and Fit

Once you've decided what features you're looking for in the glove, it's important to consider size.Gloves typically come in three standard sizes: large (13 inches), medium (12 inches), and small (10 inches), but these can vary by brand. The final thing to consider is the fit. You want to make sure that they are snug while keeping in mind that they're going to break in over time and get slightly looser. If you're a youth player and trying to buy gloves, make sure there's no more than one inch of room at the end of the fingers, to ensure maximum protection. Now you know what to look for in lacrosse gloves, you'll be ready to suit up.

3. Mouthguard

Mouthguards are mandatory for all levels of play because they protect the player's jaw and teeth. Many mouthguards come with a strap that attaches to the helmet, allowing players to take the mouthguard out for a breath while keeping it securely connected. Players can also detach the mouthguard if they choose to play without the helmet itself.

Why Do We Need Mouthguards?

Mouthguards safeguard players' teeth, lips, and gums from injuries by distributing the force of impacts from balls, sticks, or falls, significantly reducing the risk of dental trauma such as broken or knocked-out teeth. Additionally, leagues like NCAA and US Youth Lacrosse mandate mouthguards to ensure all players have the same level of dental protection. These regulations require mouthguards to cover all upper teeth and be in prominent color; it helps to confirm that equipment complies and is visible during play.

Types of Mouthguards

Players can choose from different types of mouthguards:

• Stock Mouthguards: Pre-formed and ready to wear, offer convenience but a less personalized fit.
• Boil and Bite: These are warmed and then molded to the player's teeth, providing a better fit than stock options.
• Custom-Fitted: Made by dental professionals from a mold of the player's teeth, offering the best protection and comfort.

Ensure that your mouthguard is rinsed after each use and stored in a ventilated container. Regular inspections for wear and tear are necessary to ensure they continue to provide optimal protection.

Keep in mind that wearing a mouthguard is not just about compliance with rules but a critical measure for safety that allows players to focus on the game with confidence.

Mouthguards come in different styles, and the selection available at Marchants gives you a variety to choose from,

Gel Max Bl/BLACK Adult Mouthguard (Moq 6)

The gel max mouthguard is what you are looking for if protection and comfort is an essential to you. This triple-layer mouthguard is a universal fit and it comes with a convertible tether that allows the mouthguard to be used strapped or strapless.

Youth Mouthguard - Black

This mouthguard is designed to fit the unique contours of a youth’s mouth. It ensures both protection and comfort. Some special features of this mouthguard include the ergonomic design of it that fits comfortably to a youth’s mouth. Talking while wearing this mouthguard feels normal because of the ultra-soft material used to manufacture it.

Pro Adult Strapless Mouthguard (Moq 12)

Designed for adults this mouthguard features advanced materials and a thoughtful design to safeguard your teeth and jaw. The dual composite construction provides durability and effective protection. The internal shock-abosorbing frame of the mouthgaurd minimizes the impact and enhances comfort.

4. Shoulder Pads

When choosing shoulder pads for lacrosse, players should consider their playing style and position to select the right type for optimal performance and protection.

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• Traditional shoulder pads offer the most comprehensive protection with multiple layers of padding, safeguarding vital areas like the clavicle and deltoids, and are reinforced with hard plastic covers. These are particularly suited for attackmen, aggressive players, and youth who face frequent physical contact.
• Hybrid shoulder pads are more streamlined to remove the usual excess weight seen in traditional pads without sacrificing too much protection. This is great for agile players and those looking for a full range of motion, such as midfielders, defensemen, and skill position players.
• Liners, which are essentially hybrid shoulder pads with even more padding removed for the lightest weight option. While they are very flexible and comfortable, they should be reserved for practice situations or advanced, mature players
• Additionally, players can enhance their protection with rib pads, which are worn under shoulder pads to shield the ribs and abdomen; this is ideal for beginners.

Once you've chosen your style, it's important to think about the fit. If the shoulder pads are the right size, the sternum pad should sit directly over your chest and not sag too low. The pads should fit snugly, allowing full motion, and the Velcro straps must be tight to prevent shifting during play. Always verify with your coach or an official that your pads meet the sport's legal requirements. Now, you're set to tackle the season confidently.

5. Goggles

Goggles are mandatory for women’s lacrosse. Like the other equipment, fit is paramount for both safety and comfort during play. However, lacrosse goggles must meet specific safety standards and be certified by ASTM, as indicated on their packaging. These goggles come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different facial structures and preferences.

The Right Fit

A well-fitting pair of goggles should sit comfortably over the eyes without pressing into the skin. The fit is crucial to ensure that the goggles do not move or shift, even when the player is in motion. This stability is typically achieved through an adjustable strap at the back, which allows the player to secure the goggles snugly against their face.

Youth Goggles

For younger, non-high school players, goggles are specifically designed to withstand lighter impacts, reflecting the different levels of play and associated risks. It’s essential that these goggles also provide a secure fit to prevent any movement that could obstruct vision or reduce protection.

6. Arm Guards

Players need to choose gear that fits their field role and offers the right combination of protection and flexibility. Different positions require specialized gear, tailored to balance security with flexibility and mobility. We watered it down to three types. Each type of protection features adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit that remains in place during intense action.

• Attackmen and Midfielders Arm Guards: Designed for players who frequently handle the ball and face aggressive physical play, these arm guards offer extensive coverage from the bicep to the forearm. There is a large elbow cap to give reliable protection against hits. Ensuring that the elbow fits securely within the cap is essential to prevent the guard from shifting, which could compromise safety.
• Midfielder Arm Pads: These pads are tailored for players who need protection without sacrificing speed and agility. Covering from just below the bicep to the forearm, they include an elbow cap but are designed to be less bulky, allowing for a greater range of motion. This makes them ideal for midfielders, who require quick transitions between offensive and defensive roles.
• Defensive Elbow Guards: The most streamlined option, these guards focus solely on protecting the elbow. They are best suited for defenders, who generally face fewer direct hits compared to attack positions. The minimal design helps maintain speed and maneuverability, which is crucial for effective defensive play.

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It's important to note that the protective gear required in lacrosse varies significantly between genders, as the game is played differently by males and females. For men, the sport involves more physical contact, so they are mandated to wear helmets, and gloves,and carry a stick to safeguard against severe injuries. On the other hand, females play a version of the sport that typically involves less physical contact, so they are only required to wear a mouthguard and protective eyewear. Regardless of gender, all players must wear properly fitted and fully utilized protective gear to minimize the risk of injuries and ensure safety during play. To find the perfect lacrosse equipment, Marchants offers a wide selection at unbeatable prices. Now that you know what to look for in protective equipment, strap it on and get ready to dominate this season.