Lacrosse Equipment List: What Equipment is Needed for Lacrosse?

After reading our guide on how to play lacrosse for beginners, you’re probably eager to experience the thrill and character-building this sport has to offer. 

But where you do go from here? More specifically, what equipment is needed for lacrosse? While lax definitely requires more gear than basketball, soccer, and other mainstream sports, you don’t have to get stressed out trying to find the necessary lacrosse equipment for beginners. We’re here to help with this complete lacrosse equipment list!

Beyond our comprehensive lacrosse gear list, we’ll help you feel confident heading out and starting shopping for all your lax equipment. You’ll gain invaluable tips on saving money without compromising on the comfort, longevity, and performance of your gear. 

But before we get into the specific equipment needed for lacrosse, let’s start by talking about the role lax equipment plays in the first place.

The Importance of Quality Lacrosse Equipment for Beginners

Quality equipment is crucial for any sport, and lacrosse is no different. If you’re just beginning your journey in the world of lacrosse, understanding the importance of investing in high-quality lax gear from the get-go can greatly enhance your experience. Here’s how…

Setting Yourself Up For Success 

Playing lacrosse requires more than just a stick and a ball. This fast-paced sport involves various specific types of equipment that enable players to perform their best. Selecting the right equipment can have a significant impact on your performance. 

From sticks that improve your handling and shooting, to shoes that offer superior grip, every detail matters. Investing in quality equipment from the onset can set you up for success by ensuring you’re well-prepared to perform at your best.

Staying Safe

Lacrosse is a high-intensity contact sport, and safety is a priority. From helmets that shield your head, to body padding that absorbs the brunt of shot blocks or stick checks, the importance of reliable, protective gear cannot be understated. 

Remember that safety isn’t merely a box-ticking exercise of owning the gear. It’s about having quality equipment that offers you the maximum protection. Don’t compromise on safety to save a few dollars, as it could cost you later.

Maximizing Budget

While safety and success are crucial, we understand that budget is a key factor for beginners. You might be tempted to go for the cheapest options when assembling your lacrosse equipment list. While staying within budget is important, it’s equally crucial to balance cost and quality. 

Not all expensive gear is good, and not all affordable gear is bad. Some pieces of equipment might warrant a bigger investment for their role in safety and performance. Others, like practice balls or accessories, might not require you to break the bank. 

Don’t worry – after breaking down our lacrosse equipment list, we’ll offer tips on shopping for gear. But with that being said, what equipment do you need for lacrosse?

What Equipment is Needed for Lacrosse? A Detailed Lacrosse Equipment List for Beginners

As you embark on your lacrosse journey, having a comprehensive lacrosse gear list is invaluable. It helps you to understand what equipment is needed for lacrosse and prepares you to hit the field with confidence. Let’s walk you through each essential piece of lax equipment: starting with the most important!

Lacrosse Stick

Your stick, or ‘crosse’, is an extension of you on the field. Composed of the shaft and the head, it’s used for catching, carrying, shooting the ball, and defending against opponents. 

The stick lengths vary based on the position played. Attackers and midfielders use shorter sticks for better ball control, while defenders and goalies use longer sticks for increased reach.

Helmet

Helmets are mandatory in men’s lacrosse and are designed to protect your head from high-speed shots, stick checks, and body checks. 

Look for a helmet that offers a snug fit and excellent visibility. It should be NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) certified for the highest safety standards.

Shoulder Pads

Shoulder pads absorb impacts and protect your upper body during the game. They come in different styles, with some offering more coverage for added protection and others being lighter and less restrictive for improved mobility. Choose a pair that suits your position and style of play.

Arm Pads

Arm pads safeguard your arms against slashes and hits. They cover your elbow and a portion of your forearm and upper arm. Like shoulder pads, these also come in various styles, ranging from heavy-duty arm guards for attackers to lightweight arm pads for defenders.

Gloves

Lacrosse gloves protect your hands, fingers, and wrists from injuries while providing a good grip on your stick. Look for gloves that offer excellent protection without compromising flexibility and stick feel.

Rib Pads

Although not mandatory, rib pads are recommended, especially for attackmen who are more likely to get body-checked. They wrap around your torso, protecting your ribs and kidneys from impacts.

Cleats or Turf Shoes

Lacrosse requires fast, multidirectional movements, and the right footwear is essential. Cleats provide excellent traction on grass fields, while turf shoes are perfect for artificial turf and indoor arenas.

Goalie-Specific Lax Equipment

Goalies have a challenging role and need additional protection. They use chest protectors to shield against high-speed shots, goalie sticks with a larger head for saving goals, and throat protectors to guard their neck area.

Female-Specific Lax Equipment

Women’s lacrosse, while less contact-intensive than men’s, requires specific equipment. The sticks have a shallower pocket, so be sure you’re shopping for the right type of stick. Instead of full helmets, players typically wear eyewear or goggles for protection.

Some leagues also require mouthguards and soft headgear – which is why we always recommend checking on the required lax equipment according to your specific league.

What Do You Need for Lacrosse Beyond This Essential Equipment?

In addition to the primary pieces of lacrosse gear we’ve discussed, a comprehensive lacrosse equipment list includes a number of other essentials and accessories. 

These additional items not only enhance your practice sessions but also ensure you’re fully prepared for every game. So, let’s take a look at what equipment you need for lacrosse beyond the essentials.

Lacrosse Balls

The humble lacrosse ball is an indispensable part of your lacrosse gear. These small, dense balls are what you’ll spend most of your time chasing, catching, and throwing. It’s a good idea to have a few extras on hand for practice. All lacrosse balls used in official games must meet NOCSAE standards, ensuring they’re the right size, weight, and density.

Here at Lacrosse Balls Direct, we have lacrosse balls for sale that meet NOCSAE, NFHS, and NCAA standards. We keep our prices low despite the high-quality, durable nature of our balls – so you get the best bang for your buck.

We even offer specialized textured lax balls that can maintain their grip longer (still, you should learn how to degrease lacrosse balls to keep your gear pristine). Or, check out our custom lacrosse balls for your team, league, or event. As you’ll discover below, we don’t just offer lax balls either…

Lacrosse Nets

A lacrosse net is essential if you’re keen on practicing your shooting accuracy at home. They come in different sizes and styles to cater to varying needs. 

Some are freestanding and portable, while others are designed to be anchored into the ground. Quality matters here – a well-constructed net can withstand high-speed shots without tearing or tipping over. Fortunately, we also offer the best lacrosse nets here at Lacrosse Balls Direct!

Travel Gear

As you move from practice to game to tournament, you’ll need a way to transport all of your equipment. Lacrosse bags and backpacks are designed with multiple compartments to organize and protect your gear. Some even have special pockets for specific items like your helmet and cleats.

Apparel 

Lacrosse-specific apparel includes jerseys, shorts, undershirts, and socks. These garments are designed to be comfortable, durable, and breathable to withstand the rigors of the game. Additionally, many players wear compression garments under their pads for added support and comfort.

Other Miscellaneous Lax Equipment to Consider

There are several other miscellaneous items that can make your lacrosse experience smoother:

• Mouthguards: These protect your teeth and gums from impacts. Some leagues even make them compulsory.
• Lacrosse Ball Bag: If you’re a coach or if you’ve got a lot of balls for practice, a ball bag can be incredibly useful.
• Water Bottle: Lacrosse is a high-intensity sport, so staying hydrated is crucial.
• Equipment Deodorizer: Trust us, after a few games, you’ll understand why this is necessary!
• Stick Accessories: These include replacement heads, shafts, mesh, and grip tape for maintaining your stick.
• Sideline Jacket: For those chilly morning games, a sideline jacket can keep you warm and ready to hit the field.

By understanding what equipment is needed for lacrosse and ensuring you’re fully equipped, you’re setting yourself up for success in this thrilling sport. 

Whether it’s the basic gear or additional accessories, each piece plays a part in enhancing your game and ensuring you’re prepared for anything that comes your way on the field. And before we bring our lacrosse equipment list to a close, we want to offer a few pieces of advice on gathering everything you need to get started practicing and playing.

Advice on Gathering the Lacrosse Equipment Needed to Start Playing/Training

Now that we’ve gone through the exhaustive lacrosse equipment list, it’s time to start assembling your gear. This might feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re a beginner. But don’t fret! Here’s some advice on how to start your journey smoothly.

Understanding Quality vs Price: Investing in Your Equipment

Like most things in life, with lacrosse gear, you generally get what you pay for. That said, pricier doesn’t always mean better. The key is to find a balance between quality and cost. 

Prioritize key pieces of equipment like the stick, helmet, and pads – investing a bit more in these can enhance performance and safety. For other items like apparel or accessories, you might find budget-friendly options that serve just as well. 

You can always upgrade over time, but when buying all this at once, the price of completing your lacrosse gear list can be daunting. If you’re not certain lax is right for you (trust us, though – you’re going to love it!) you can always look into renting gear locally for a season. But if you’re going to buy gear online, here’s our advice on where to shop…

Where to Buy Lacrosse Equipment Online

When it comes to sourcing your lacrosse gear, finding a reliable supplier is essential. We’re proud to say that Lacrosse Balls Direct is not just a store, but a community passionate about lacrosse. 

Our comprehensive range of products is built to cater to the needs of both beginners and veterans. Moreover, our user-friendly platform makes the buying process smooth and convenient. So whether you’re looking to buy lacrosse balls, nets, or other gear, we’ve got you covered!

That being said, if you’re looking for sticks, helmets, and other essentials, here are a few reputable suppliers:

• Lacrosse Monkey
• Lacrosse Unlimited
• Universal Lacrosse

Tips for Selecting the Best Lacrosse Equipment for Beginners

As a beginner, here are a few tips to help you choose the best lacrosse equipment:

• Look for adjustability: As a beginner, your skills are still developing. Adjustable gear, like lacrosse sticks with extendable shafts, can grow with you.
• Prioritize comfort and fit: Ill-fitting gear can hinder performance and increase the risk of injuries.
• Seek advice: Consult with coaches, experienced players, or reach out to our customer service at Lacrosse Balls Direct. We’re here to help!

Final Thoughts on the Equipment Needed for Lacrosse

Gathering all the lacrosse equipment needed might seem like a daunting task initially. But once you understand the function and importance of each piece, it becomes an exciting part of your lacrosse journey. Remember, the right equipment can make a significant difference in both performance and safety, so it’s worth spending time researching your options.

At Lacrosse Balls Direct, we’re dedicated to providing top-quality gear for all players. With our wide selection of equipment, outstanding customer service, and passion for the game, we’re here to assist you in your lacrosse journey.

We hope this lacrosse equipment list has helped you feel a bit less stressed about gathering all the essentials. So, what are you waiting for? Lace-up those cleats, gear up, and let’s get out there and play some lacrosse!