As with any sport, the right equipment in lacrosse can have a huge impact on both performance and safety. But not all lacrosse gear is created equal—what works for a beginner won’t necessarily suit a more experienced player. Equipment evolves with your skill level, playing style, and how intense your level of play becomes. Whether you're new to the game or looking to upgrade for a more competitive season, understanding the differences in lacrosse gear across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels is key.
Sticks
Let’s start with lacrosse sticks, the most essential piece of gear. Beginners usually use complete sticks that come preassembled with the head and shaft. These sticks are designed with lightweight aluminum shafts, soft mesh for easier catching, and wider heads to make it easier to learn the basics like cradling, passing, and scooping. As players advance to the intermediate level, many begin transitioning into custom setups or higher-quality complete sticks. These typically include stronger alloy or composite shafts and semi-soft mesh, which offer better control and durability. The heads may be slightly narrower for improved accuracy and ball retention. At the advanced level, players often use fully customized sticks tailored to their position and style. These high-performance setups feature carbon fiber or top-tier alloy shafts, elite mesh stringing, and narrower heads for pinpoint accuracy and quick release. Every component is optimized for speed, precision, and durability at a competitive pace.
Helmets
Helmets follow a similar progression. Beginner helmets offer basic protection with standard padding and simple ventilation, suitable for low-impact, youth-level play. Intermediate helmets come with more advanced padding, improved ventilation, and better fit systems, offering a noticeable upgrade in both comfort and protection. At the advanced level, helmets include top-of-the-line impact protection technologies like multi-layered or specialized foams, highly adjustable fit systems, and lightweight yet durable materials. These helmets are built to perform under the intense physical demands of high school, college, and professional play.
Gloves
When it comes to gloves, beginners typically use models with basic padding and limited flexibility. These are designed to introduce players to stick handling and offer general protection. Intermediate players need gloves with better ventilation, enhanced mobility, and more coverage in high-contact areas like the thumb and back of the hand. Advanced gloves go even further, offering reinforced protection, more articulated cuffs for wrist movement, and better overall grip and responsiveness to meet the needs of fast-paced, high-impact gameplay. Some of the best brands in the game right now include maverik, stx, and warrior. Here at lacrosse unlimited we can customize gloves for you with your favorite number and color put on to the glove for you to make sure that you are standing out to your competition.
Arm and shoulder pads
Protective padding, such as shoulder, arm, and rib pads, also varies significantly by level. Beginners usually wear full-coverage, lightweight padding that provides maximum protection and builds confidence. As players become more skilled and physical, intermediate pads offer slimmer profiles and improved adjustability, giving players more freedom of movement while still absorbing contact. Advanced-level players often opt for minimalist padding with strategic protection in key areas, using high-tech materials that are lighter, more breathable, and less restrictive, allowing for explosive movement while maintaining safety.
Footwear
Footwear, often overlooked, also plays a major role. Beginner cleats are typically more affordable, with basic ankle support and standard traction, good enough for learning how to move on the field. Intermediate players will benefit from cleats with better grip, durability, and more structured foot support for quick cuts and sprints. Advanced players often wear cleats tailored to their position—speed players might choose low-cut designs for agility, while defenders might prefer high-cut for support. These top-tier cleats also feature responsive cushioning and high-performance materials for all-weather conditions.
As players grow in skill and compete at higher levels, their equipment should evolve accordingly. Beginners need reliable, affordable, and confidence-boosting gear, while intermediate players benefit from a balance of performance and protection. Advanced players require high-performance, position-specific equipment that enhances every aspect of their game. Investing in the right gear at each stage not only improves your performance but also keeps you safer and more confident on the field.
