The Ultimate Guide to Lacrosse Gear for Beginners

6 December 2025

So, you’ve decided to dive into the exciting world of lacrosse? First off, welcome! Whether you were drawn in by the fast-paced action, the team camaraderie, or just the cool gear, you're in for a wild (and fun) ride.

Before you hit the field, though, there's something you seriously need to understand: your gear matters. Having the right lacrosse equipment can make a huge difference—not just in how you play, but how safe and confident you feel out there.

In this ultimate guide, we’re breaking down every piece of essential lacrosse gear you’ll need as a beginner. We'll also throw in some tips, mistakes to avoid, and a few useful buying suggestions to get you started on the right foot.

🥍 Why Lacrosse Gear Isn’t Just About Looking Cool

Let’s get this straight—lacrosse isn't a game you can play in just a T-shirt and sneakers. It’s physical. There’s running, whipping balls at high speed, body checks (depending on the version you play), and a serious chance of ending up on the ground.

Having the right gear is about protecting yourself while giving you the freedom to move, pass, dodge, and score like a champ.

🧔‍♂️ The Essentials: What Every Beginner Needs

Here’s the quick checklist of what you absolutely need:

1. Lacrosse Stick
2. Helmet (for men’s lacrosse or box lacrosse)
3. Gloves
4. Shoulder Pads
5. Arm Guards or Elbow Pads
6. Lacrosse Cleats or Turf Shoes
7. Mouthguard
8. Protective Cup (for male athletes)
9. Goggles (for women’s lacrosse)
10. Lacrosse Balls (for practice)

Let’s break these down one by one.

🥍 Lacrosse Stick (Your Magic Wand)

What It Does:

This is the soul of your gear—the thing you’ll cradle, pass, shoot, and check with. And just like how a knight wouldn’t go to battle without his sword, you wouldn’t step onto the field without your stick.

Key Parts:

- Head: The plastic top part used to catch, hold, and throw the ball.
- Pocket: The mesh inside the head that holds the ball.
- Shaft: The handle, usually made of metal, composite, or alloy.

Pro Tip:

If you're new, go for a complete beginner stick. These are pre-strung and balanced for learning, with softer mesh pockets for better ball control.

> “Should I get a men’s or women’s stick?”
Yes, there’s a difference! Women’s sticks have shallower pockets and slightly different dimensions to match their rules, which restrict contact and checking.

🧠 Helmet (For Men’s and Box Players)

Safety first, skills second—that’s the golden rule, especially in men’s and box lacrosse where body checks are legal.

What To Look For:

- NOCSAE approved
- Proper fit (no wobbling)
- Strong face mask
- Good ventilation

Brands like Cascade, Warrior, and STX make helmets specifically for lacrosse. Never borrow someone else’s helmet unless it fits you perfectly—this is your noggin we’re talking about!

🧤 Gloves (Your Hands Will Thank You)

Lacrosse is rough on the hands. You’ll be catching hard passes, swinging your stick, and taking checks from opponents.

Features to Consider:

- Padding on fingers and back of the hand
- Palm grip (for better stick control)
- Breathability

Avoid gloves that are too big—they’ll make cradling awkward. And too small? Say hello to blisters.

🦾 Shoulder Pads (Protection Without Restriction)

Shoulder pads have come a long way. Most are now designed to protect the chest and collarbone while allowing full range of motion.

Beginner Tip:

Choose shoulder pads made for your specific position. For example, goalies often use extra-thick chest protectors for obvious reasons (hello, 90 mph shots).

Don't get talked into bulky, football-style shoulder pads. Lacrosse pads are lighter and made for more dynamic movement.

💪 Arm Guards and Elbow Pads

If you’ve ever been whacked on the elbow with a stick, you know why these are necessary.

Arm Guards vs. Elbow Pads:

- Arm Guards: Offer full arm protection—best for beginners.
- Elbow Pads: Just cover the elbow—used more by defenders who want a wider range of motion.

Stick to arm guards when starting out. You’ll appreciate that extra layer during close contact.

👟 Lacrosse Cleats (Traction + Speed = Confidence)

Can you wear soccer cleats? Technically, yes. But lacrosse cleats are designed for quick cuts and lateral movements, which you’ll be doing a ton of.

Key Features:

- Mid or high ankle support
- Molded plastic or metal spikes (depending on league rules)
- Lightweight material for speed

If you're playing on turf, go for turf shoes with rubber soles. Regular cleats can be slippery or even banned in indoor settings.

😬 Mouthguard (Small but Mighty)

This is not optional. Period.

Why You Need One:

- Protects your teeth and gums
- Prevents concussions by absorbing shock

You can find boil-and-bite mouthguards at any sporting goods store. They’re cheap, effective, and even come in cool colors. Just make sure it's labeled for lacrosse.

Bonus: Some leagues won’t even let you play without one.

🛡️ Protective Cup (For Male Players)

Yes, it’s awkward to talk about. But trust us, it’s more awkward to take a hit without one.

Get one that fits snugly, doesn’t shift, and doesn’t make you want to throw it across the locker room after every game.

🥽 Goggles (For Women’s Lacrosse)

Since women’s lacrosse has different contact rules, helmets aren’t required—but goggles are essential.

What To Look For:

- ASTM-approved for women’s lacrosse
- Anti-fog coating
- Adjustable strap

If your goggles slip or pinch, try another brand. A clear view and comfort are key!

🥎 Practice Balls (Don’t Rely on Team Gear Alone)

Every beginner should own a few balls to practice cradling, dodging, and passing. You can grab a 3- or 6-pack of lacrosse balls for cheap.

Want to practice indoors without breaking windows? Try soft practice balls made of foam or rubber.

👜 Optional But Helpful: Lacrosse Bag

You’ve got all this gear—how are you going to carry it?

Choose a lacrosse-specific gear bag with:
- Stick storage
- Ventilated compartments (especially for cleats and gloves)
- Shoulder strap for easy carrying

Trust me, you don’t want to be juggling your cleats, helmet, and stick through the parking lot.

💸 How Much Should You Expect to Spend?

Here’s a rough breakdown for beginners:

| Gear | Price Range |
|-------------------|-------------|
| Lacrosse Stick | $40 - $120 |
| Helmet | $100 - $250 |
| Gloves | $30 - $100 |
| Arm Guards | $30 - $80 |
| Shoulder Pads | $50 - $150 |
| Cleats | $40 - $130 |
| Mouthguard | $10 - $50 |
| Cup | $10 - $30 |
| Goggles (Women) | $30 - $75 |
| Bag (Optional) | $30 - $80 |

You can usually find starter bundles that combine multiple items and save you money.

🛍️ Buying Tips: Where and How to Shop for Lacrosse Gear

- Online Retailers: Lacrosse Monkey, Lax.com, and Amazon offer a wide range and reviews.
- Local Sports Stores: Helpful for trying on helmets and gloves.
- Used Gear Shops: Great for saving money, just inspect items thoroughly.
- Team or Club Sales: Teams often sell gear at a discount during the season.

🚨 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid

1. Buying a stick that's too advanced – You’ll struggle with control.
2. Skipping the mouthguard – One bad hit and you’ll regret it.
3. Wearing soccer cleats – They lack ankle support for lateral movement.
4. Using someone else’s gear – Especially helmets… just don’t.
5. Going too cheap on protection – Bargain pads can mean bargain safety.

🔄 How Often Should You Replace Your Gear?

- Helmet: Every 3–5 years or after a major hit.
- Gloves and Pads: When padding wears down or gets uncomfortable.
- Cleats: When the soles flatten or tear.
- Stick Mesh: Replace if it gets stiff, torn, or warped.

Take care of your gear, and it’ll take care of you.

🧩 Final Thoughts: Your Gear, Your Game

Getting the right lacrosse gear as a beginner isn't just about following a checklist—it's about setting yourself up with the tools to play with confidence, stay protected, and, most importantly, have a blast. You’ll grow into your style and preferences over time. For now, stick with the essentials, invest in quality safety gear, and don’t sweat the fancy upgrades.

Once you’re comfortable with your equipment, everything else will start to click. The passes will feel smoother, the shots faster, and your confidence will soar. So lace up, grab that stick, and get ready to play your heart out!