Best Lacrosse
Protective Gear.
Lacrosse protective gear includes helmets, shoulder pads, arm guards, elbow pads, and gloves. Choosing the right equipment depends on your position, gender, and level of play. This guide covers the best options across every category — for men’s, women’s, and youth players.
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Lacrosse Protective Gear
Lacrosse is a contact sport. The right protective gear reduces injury risk without limiting your range of motion. Every player — regardless of position or gender — needs a minimum set of pads before stepping on the field.
Lacrosse Helmets
Required for all men’s field lacrosse players. Protects against head impacts, stick checks, and ground balls. Look for NOCSAE certification and a proper fit above all else.
View HelmetsShoulder Pads
Protect the shoulders, chest, and ribs. Attackers and midfielders prefer lighter, low-profile pads for mobility. Defenders typically choose more coverage for physical play.
View Shoulder PadsLacrosse Gloves
Protect the hands and wrists from stick checks while maintaining feel for the ball. Fit is everything — gloves that are too big or too small will hurt your game.
View GlovesLacrosse Elbow Pads
Protect the elbow and forearm from checks and ground contact. Attackers and middies often prefer arm pads for lightweight protection without restricting throwing motion.
View Elbow PadsLacrosse Arm Guards
Full arm coverage from wrist to elbow. Preferred by defenders and players who take a lot of body checks. More protection, slightly more bulk than elbow pads.
View Arm GuardsLacrosse Goggles
Required for all women’s field lacrosse players. Protect the eyes and face without a full helmet. Look for ASTM-certified goggles with a proper fit and good visibility.
View GogglesShop by Gender
What Equipment Do You Need?
A complete lacrosse equipment list for men’s players includes a helmet, shoulder pads, arm guards or elbow pads, gloves, cleats, and a mouthguard. Women’s players need goggles, gloves, and cleats at minimum.
The exact gear you need depends on position and level of play. Beginners can start with budget-friendly options — protection matters more than brand at the start.
Every guide below includes honest recommendations across price points so you can gear up without overspending.
Best Lacrosse Gear Guides
NOCSAE-certified helmets reviewed across price points — from entry-level youth models to varsity and pro-grade options.
Read Guide 02 Best Lacrosse Shoulder PadsPosition-specific shoulder pad reviews — lightweight options for attackers and middies, full-coverage picks for defenders.
Read Guide 03 Best Lacrosse GlovesGloves reviewed by feel, protection, and durability. The most important spec is fit — here’s how to get it right.
Read Guide 04 Best Lacrosse CleatsMen’s and women’s cleat reviews covering traction, comfort, durability, and value across grass and turf surfaces.
Read Guide 05 Best Lacrosse Elbow PadsElbow pad reviews for attackers and middies who need protection without sacrificing throwing range of motion.
Read Guide 06 Best Lacrosse ReboundersSolo training equipment reviewed for rebound angle, durability, and portability. The best way to get reps in when no one else is available.
Read GuideAll Equipment Pages
Gear Up.
Play Better.
Shop lacrosse protective gear, equipment bags, cleats, and more at the Stringers Lacrosse Shop.