Equipment
GEAR CHECKLIST
Not Included: Protective Cups and Mouthguards are required items, but not lacrosse specific.
Stick
Head Types
Attack
Designed to give maximum control, quick release, and precision when dodging, feeding, and finishing near the crease. Features: tighter face shape, low to mid-pocket, lightweight, high scoop, stiff but flexible, and short throat.
Midfield
Designed for versatility - ability to dodge, shoot for power, defend, and scoop in transition. Features: balanced face shape, mid to mid-high pocket, strong scoop, durable, stiff sidewalls, and universal throat design.
Defense
Designed for reach, checks, ground balls, and durability. Features: wide face shape, mid to high pocket, high durability and stiffness, heavier, extended scoop, and deeper sidewall holes.
Faceoff
Designed for specialists who need quick hands, flexibility, and control. Features: narrow face shape, mid-low pocket, highly flexible plastic, shortened and narrow throat, special scoop design, and lightweight.
Goalie
Designed for shot-stopping, clearing, and controlling rebounds. Features: extra wide face shape, deep and customizable pocket, reinforced stiffness, special scoop design, and lightweight.
Shaft Types – Material
Aluminum
Pure aluminum or blended alloy with scandium or titanium. Lightweight and good for entry level players. Easily dents.
Titanium
Pure titanium or bended alloy with aluminum or scandium. Stronger and lighter than pure aluminum. Durable and slightly heavier than scandium or carbon. Good for defense and defensive midfielders.
Scandium
Mixed with other alloy (aluminum and titanium). Adds strength and is lightweight. Not as durable as pure titanium, but stronger than pure aluminum. Good for all-around players.
Carbon Fiber
Mixed as a composite with fiberglass and/or alloy. Provides flex, strength, and lightweight feel. Costly and for more advanced players mostly on the offensive side.
Shaft Types – Length & Shape
Length
Attack and Midfield use short sticks (40-42 inches - head + shaft) with the shaft approximately 30 inches. Defense and LSM use long poles (52-72 inches - head + shaft) with the shaft approximately 60 inches, but can be cut down). Goalies use shafts around the same length as Attack and Midfield or slightly longer.
Shape
Octagonal is the most traditional. It offers a classic and consistent feel. Concave shafts provide more control and grip for more offensive minded players. Rounded is smoother and provides less control for players who want quick hand movement. Bottom line: this is more of a player preference decision.
Pockets & Stringing
High Pocket
Ball sits "higher" on the head (i.e., closer to the scoop). Provides ball carrier with stronger ball retention or more hold, has a later release, and greater whip.
Mid-Pocket
Ball sits near the "middle" of the head. Provides ball carrier with a balanced feel, moderate hold, release, and whip.
Low Pocket
Ball sits "low" towards the throat of the head. Provides ball carrier with less hold, very fast release, and minimal whip.
Note on Stringing: there are many different methods, techniques, and preferences for stringing sticks. Further, every player develops a preference for how their stick is strung. There are many great video resources available to learn how to string a stick, and players are encouraged to learn how to string their own sticks.
If you are interested to learn how, don’t hesitate to ask those around you for help.
If you don’t currently know how to string, but need your stick strung, again, don’t hesitate to ask.
Helmet
This is one of the two most important pieces of protective equipment. As such, it is one of the most expensive. There are different brands with slightly different looks, but it often comes down to player preference and/or the team’s preference. This is a piece of gear that is best purchased through a program that will purchase in bulk. You will likely pay the full retail price at a store. Goalies wear the same helmet, but are required to have addition throat protection, which is offered as an attachment to the helmet.
Shoulder Pads
Types
This is the other of the two most important pieces of protective equipment. While they are called “shoulder” pads, it is more about the protective function it holds for the heart. Any shoulder pad must have the NOCSEA certification to be legal for play.
Arm Pads
Types
Arm Guards
Provides the most protection. Covers the upper arm, elbow, and forearm. Used primarily by Attack and Offensive Midfielders.
Arm Pads
Provides less protection than the arm guard. Cover less of the upper arm, elbow, and forearm. Used primarily by Midfielders.
Elbow Pads
Provides the least protection. Covers the elbow. Used primarily by Defense and Defensive Midfielders.
Gloves
Types
Field
There are different brands with slightly different looks, but it often comes down to player preference and/or the team's preference. Most gloves offer the same degree of protection to the fingers, knuckles, back of hand, and wrist.
Goalie
The main difference between field and goalie gloves is the thumb protection. Goalie gloves offer a hard plastic protection to the thumb.
Chest Protector
Designed specifically for Goalies. Provides enhanced protection to the upper chest, front of the shoulders, and abdomen.
PURCHASE OPTIONS
Considerations
Brand
Common brands that you will find include the following: Cascade-Maverick, East Coast Dyes (ECD), Gait, Nike, Stringking, STX, and Warrior. Only a few offer every type of lacrosse equipment. Choosing a brand really comes down to athlete and/or team preference.
Price & Quality
There is a strong correlation between price and quality (i.e., higher cost, higher quality). Each brand typically offers beginner through advanced level gear. Price does not vary much between brands.
Function
What level of play is your athlete at? There is a time and place to transition from the starter sets to upgraded gear, and another when you go for more advanced gear. That is really up to you and what you are willing to spend.
Use
The more lacrosse, the more wear and tear on gear. As players get older, the lifecycle is sped up and you may find the need to purchase new items every year.
The following is not an exhaustive list, but is is one that includes options that are often referenced as reliable:
Lacrosse Monkey
Large selection of gear and carries more color options that other vendors. Not many retail locations. Free returns. Good rewards program.
Lacrosse Unlimited
Large selection of gear, but not as many color options. Growing number of retail locations (new one in the Capital District). Fees for Returns. No rewards program.
LAX.COM
Large selection of gear. Fees for Returns. Good rewards program.
Sideline Swap
Great option to sell and purchase used gear.