Equipment 101...

• What is the required equipment for lacrosse players?

• Where can I buy lacrosse equipment?

• Is there a difference between boys and girls lacrosse sticks?

• I see two different lengths of sticks at stores- which one should I buy?

• How much should I spend on a stick and what brand?

• How short can a stick be?

• How do I cut down a stick?

• What brand of helmet should I buy?

• How much should I expect to spend on a helmet?

• How do I know what size helmet to buy?

• What kind of pads should I buy?

• What training aids do you recommend?

Q:  What is the required Equipment for Lacrosse players?

 
 
 
Q:  Where can I buy lacrosse equipment?

A:  If you know specficially what you want, there are a number of online retailers offering good deals.  To try on and experiment, you can look at Dicks Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, Play It Again Sports (Baltimore and Ellicott City) or the most comprehensive lacrosse retailer, Laxworld.  Laxworld has multiple locations in Baltimore and Annapolis.  Lacrosse International is an excellent online retailer with good service and prices, www.laxzilla.com.
 
Q:  Is there a difference between boys and girls lacrosse sticks?

A:  Yes.  Girls lacrosse sticks are specifically designed with a more narrow handle and a shallow pocket.  Boys sticks are allowed to have a deeper pocket than girls sticks so make sure you differentiate between the two when you buy.
 
Q:  I see two different lengths of sticks at stores- which one should I buy?

A:  Unless your player has played before and interested in a defensive position, you should purchase a "short stick" for your player.  If your player has learned the basics with a short stick and wants to play the defense position, you might then consider a "long stick".  Note:  Consult with your player's coach first as some coaches have different philosophies as to the appropriate time to introduce a long stick to a player's skill set.
 
Q:  How much should I spend on a stick and what brand?

A:  For beginners, you do not need to spend more than about $40 on a lacrosse stick.  The variations between the less expensive to more expensive are shape, design and rigidity.  The more advanced sticks are more narrow offering more ball control but making it difficult for a beginner to learn to catch.  Also, the expensive sticks break no less frequently than the less expensive.  Any brand is acceptable.  STX andBrine are the longest standing brands in the market followed by Warrior and Gait (Debeer).  Maverik is a relatively new brand with Reeboknow entering the lacrosse equipment market with solid products.
 
Q:  How short can a stick be?

A:  The overall length, from top of head to butt-end of stick varies among sticks:
1.  For U9 players, the length can be no shorter than 37"
2.  For U11 and up, the length of the short stick must be between 40-42".
3.  For U11 and up, the long stick and goalie stick must be between 52-72".
*Note - most short sticks come in a 42" length.  It is recommended to cut the length down to 40".
 
Q:  How do I cut down a stick?

A:  First, the head of the stick must be attached and screwed to the shaft.  Then, remove the plastic or rubber "butt" from the end of the shaft.  Using a tape measure, please the hook of the measure on the top edge of the head, and measure down the shaft to 40".  Then mark and cut with a hack saw.  Use an abrasive material to smooth off the shavings from the new cut then re-attach the stopper. *Note - for rubber butts, it's a good idea to put a piece of athletic tape around the end of the shaft to give the butt more grip.  When the sticks get wet, the butt's can come off.  Also, after putting the butt on, make a few wraps around the butt and stick to help secure.
 
Q:  What brand of helmet should I buy?

A:  Cascade and Brine are the leading helmet brands.  Warrior and Riddell also make acceptable helmets.  Cascade and Brine are the most widely used in youth lacrosse.  Warrior also makes a popular youth helmet.  The Cascade CS and Brine Triad are great youth helmets and are adjustable.
 
Q:  How much should I expect to spend on a helmet?

A:  New helmets range from low $90's to over $200.  You can find the helmets mentioned above anywhere from $90 to $120.  You can also find used helmets for less on eBay.  Look for an adjustable helmet as that should get you at least 3 years and maybe 4 before your son outgrows it.  For 7th or 8th graders, you might consider the Cascade Pro-7 which is a one-size-fits-all helmet and should follow your player at least through highschool (get a white one as that's more versatile across multiple team colors).  This helmet is $200+ but may be worth the long-term investment.
 
Q:  How do I know what size helmet to buy?

A:  Head shapes and sizes vary.  The best way to decide is to find a brand in your price range and try different fits.  With the chin strap attached, the helmet can have a little "play" for growing room but should not be overly tight and constricting.  As a point of reference, the adjustable Cascade CS and Brine Triad fit players from 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades (unless your child has an unusually large head).
 
Q:  What kind of pads should I buy?

A:  At the youth level, any brands you see at stores like Dicks or Laxworld are acceptable.  Look for combo packages that offer gloves, arm pads and shoulder pads in a set.  Some manufacturers such as Warrior offer a complete starter set while some retailers may provide a discounted price on the purchase of all 3 items.  The pads should generally not allow much of the arm to be exposed in the transition from glove to armpad and armpade the top arm cuff of the shoulder pad.
 
Q:  What training aids do you recommend?

A:  If your child is serious about the game, make your first investment in a lacrosse rebounder.  The rebounder allows your player to improve his or her catching and throwing skills through repetition.  As your player becomes more advanced, you might consider purchasing a lacrosse goal.