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Lacrosse arm guards and elbow pads are extremely important. They absorb checks and errant shots, and can be the difference between a light bruise and a shattered bone.
Arm protection in lacrosse comes in three main types that are typically based on the position (attack, midfield, and defense) for which they are worn.
There is no rule as to which position must wear which pad so long as some form of arm protection is worn. But there is a tradeoff between mobility and protection that you should consider based on your position.
- Attack arm guards are longer, bulkier, and designed to withstand the physicality of life around the crease.
- Arm pads for middies are a bit smaller allowing for more mobility while maintaining a decent level of protection.
- Elbow pads for defensemen are easily the smallest and lightest for a position that is more focused on dishing out punishment than absorbing it.
This guide will break down the best arm guards and pads on the market in all three categories and give you the pros and cons of each product so that you find protection that works the best for you or your player.
Best Lacrosse Arm Guards (Typically for Attackmen)
Arm guards are mainly used by attackmen due to their maximum protection. They are longer, bulkier pads that could run from a few inches from your glove to well over your bicep.
These arm guards are designed to withstand the physicality of life in the box and around the crease. They provide the greatest amount of protection for the position that easily receives the most checks out of anyone else on the field.
Best Lacrosse Arm Guards:
1) STX Stallion 900 Arm Guards
- Colors: White, Black, Navy, Royal, Red
- Features:
- Made of HD2 foam which is lightweight without skimping on protection
- Hex Pro material for ventilated and flexible protection in key areas
- Adjustable fit with a 360+ strap system
The STX Stallion 900 Arm Guards are the perfect union of flexibility and protection, making them a great option in the attack arm guard market.
This model is an updated version of the popular Stallion 500 Arm Guards, and STX has put in the work to upgrade this guard wherever possible.
The biggest upgrade is in the material. HD2 foam is a leap forward from the previous model’s construction, sporting a lighter weight without sacrificing protection. The center pad employs Hex Pro material over the HD2 foam to promote greater flexibility at the elbow.
But, with flexibility comes some downside. The inside of the arm guard does not have any padding, leaving the inside of players’ arms more vulnerable to checks and errant balls.
Despite this being a less-checked part of the arm, some other arm guards provide some padding there, whereas the STX Stallion 500 only features a neoprene sleeve. This sleeve does, however, add to the mobility these arm guards allow for.
The STX Stallion 900 is a great arm guard to consider for those players that value both protection and flexibility in their gear.
You can wear this around the crease with comfort in its protective quality or rock these with the midfield line thanks to their light weight and flexibility that will not weigh down your box-to-box play.
Pros
- Comfortable & flexible
- Forearm strap to minimize restrictiveness and sliding
- Lycra wrapping for a smoother feel to the skin
- Many color options
Cons
- On the expensive side
Buying Options:
>> SportStop
>> Lacrosse Monkey
2) Maverik Max Arm Guards
- Colors: White, Grey, Black
- Features:
- Anaform pad covers a lot of bicep & forearm
- Quickdry sleeves keeps you dry
- 3-piece constructions provides great mobility
The new Maverik Max Arm Guards provide the same protection as other options but have a less bulky design.
The 3-piece design allows for easy flexing at the elbow and the extended inside sleeve with grip points keeps the pads in place.
The Anaform padding covers everywhere from the mid-bicep to the mid-forearm, keeping you protected from slap checks and slashes.
The Maverik Max Arm Guards are also cheaper than a lot of the other top-tier arm guards on the market which can cost well over $100.
While there aren't any clear drawbacks to the new model of the Max AGs, they are newer, so there aren't any long-term reviews. In addition, they only come in white, black, and gray as of now.
This arm pad is perfect for a more advanced attackman. It provides maneuverability without undervaluing the protection you require around the crease.
Pros
- Great & wide-ranging protection
- Extended inside sleeves with grip points provide secure fit
- 3-piece design allows for great mobility
- Less bulky than other arm guards
Cons
- Limited colors
- Little inside arm protection
Buying Options:
>> SportStop
>> Lacrosse Monkey
3) STX Surgeon 700 Arm Guards
- Colors: Black, White
- Key Features:
- PolyMorph material offers lightweight, flexible protection
- Floating elbow cap does not hinder mobility
- Lycra sleeve for moisture control and breathability
- HD2 Foam for protection without moisture absorption
The STX Surgeon 700 Arm Guard is another solid option from the STX line of protective gear.
Like the Stallion 500, the Surgeon values a lightweight design with moisture-wicking technology that keeps the fit comfortable and unobtrusive to all of the moves you need to make around the crease.
Additionally, despite this being one of the newer arm guard models on the market, it isn’t as expensive as some other options.
The downside to the Surgeon comes at either end of the pad. The Surgeon employs an elastic sleeve to cling to the user’s arms. This can be troublesome for smaller players who cannot fill out the pad, possibly causing the arm guard to slip down.
A few customers also complained about the pads not providing enough protection for their biceps.
Still, the Surgeon is an arm guard that you will see countless attackmen wearing in the upcoming high school and college lacrosse seasons.
These are great pads for a crease player as they provide maximum protection with no notable gaps between sections and mobility that will not affect a quick-release shooter.
Pros
- Newer model
- PolyMorph flex zones for maximum mobility
- Sweat/water resistance for comfort in wet conditions
Cons
- Some issues with sliding down
- Don’t cover much of bicep
Best Lacrosse Arm Pads (Typically for Midfielders)
Middies have a difficult decision to make when it comes to their selection of arm protection.
Their involvement between the boxes puts a value on speed and range of motion, but they also need protection for when they inevitably get checked in transition or on offense.
Luckily for them, arm pads are the perfect mix of protection and mobility with sizes that are typically between that of an arm guard (attackmen mostly) and elbow pads (defensemen mostly).
Best Lacrosse Arm Pads:
1) ECD Echo Arm Pad
- Colors: White
- Features:
- Hardens on impact thanks to SmartFlex technology
- Extremely flexible & mobile
- Machine washable
ECD just came out with its first line of arm protection in 2022 with the Echo Arm Pad.
I've tested out the Echo Arm Pads and I'm not exaggerating when I say they are the most comfortable and mobile arm pads I've ever worn. They are extremely lightweight and flexible.
Instead of large, bulky pads like most arm pads have, they use small blocks of padding in the most important areas that harden on impact.
The neoprene sleeve on the inside is very breathable and the bands on the end of the pads lock the pad onto your arm so you don't have to pull them up mid-game.
To make things even better, you can wash these in the washing machine once they get stinky—something that I don't think you can do with any other arm pad.
The only real downsides of these pads are that they only come in white (though they are very clean looking) and there are no long-term reviews since they are brand new as of November 2022.
I recommend these for almost any player. They are protective enough for offensive players and have a low profile that would work for defensemen and LSMs despite being larger than most elbow pads.
They are also a great arm pad for faceoff players who want flexible protection that won't hinder their movements but are protective enough when the wing players come in and slash them at the X.
Pros
- Most flexible & comfortable arm protection on the market
- Good protection with les padding
- Breathable & moisture-wicking
- Can put in washing machine
Cons
- Only come in white
- No longterm reviews
Buying Options:
>> SportStop
>> Dick's Sporting Goods
>> Lacrosse Monkey
2) STX Stallion 500 Arm Pads
- Colors: Black, Red, Royal, White
- Features:
- Made of HD2 foam that is lightweight without skimping on protection
- Hex Pro for ventilated and flexible protection in key areas
- Adjustable fit with a 360+ strap system
The arm pad version of the STX Stallion 500 uses all of the same technology and upgraded material as its arm guard counterpart. But this version of the 500 strips down the excess padding around the upper arm and forearm to make for a streamlined performance that middies gravitate towards.
The Stallion’s positives mirror that of its attacking counterpart. Similarly, its sole drawback comes with the meeting place of the top and bottom pad to the center.
There is a potential vulnerability thanks to a slight gap that may appear between the pads depending upon your arm position.
Still, this drawback is even less of a gamble in the midfield as the number of arm checks and threats from errant shots reduces dramatically compared to the attack.
Like the majority of STX products, the Stallion 500 Arm Pad is high quality and high performance-ready. It provides the mobility and weight reduction middies desire without sacrificing much in the way of protection.
Pros
- Comfortable and flexible thanks to innovative design
- Forearm strap to minimize restrictiveness and sliding
- Lycra wrapping for a smoother feel to the skin
Cons
- Some narrow gaps between pad sections
Buying Options:
>> Amazon
>> Lacrosse Monkey
3) Epoch Integra Elite Arm Pad
- Colors: Black, White
- Features:
- ARIAPRENE material acts like a second skin
- S.Cafe Technology cools and protects against moisture and odor
- 2-Step Molded Multi-Density Foam for flexibility and protection
- Sandwich Locking System to eliminate slippage
Epoch Lacrosse may be a newer lacrosse company, but that does not deter them from challenging the status quo when it comes to gear—and the Integra Elite Arm Pad is no exception providing great protection without limiting mobility.
ARIAPRENE and molded density foam work in tandem to leave next to no vulnerabilities to the protection offered while still providing a natural range of motion for the user.
Labeling this pad as plain would be a miscalculation to what Epoch accomplished—they eliminated all excess padding and other unnecessary material to favor function over fashion (though I must say I really do like the clean look of them, as well).
The lone drawback is in the sizing. This arm pad may run large in comparison to the provided size chart. You may want to purchase the Integra Elite from a retailer with a favorable return policy in case there are any sizing issues.
The Integra Elite offers more padded surface area in comparison to some of its competitors making it a good option for those players who spend a lot of time carrying the ball.
Pros
- Layered padding for unparalleled protection
- Compression sleeve and Locking System for secure fit
- Reinforced protection in slash areas
- Reduced stitching for a cleaner, more durable finish
Cons
- Some sizing issues based on reviews
4) Maverik M5 Arm Pads
- Colors: White
- Features:
- Maverik's newest arm pad for 2022
- Anaform molded foam pads for protection & mobility
- Adjustable strap for customized fit
- Quickdry moisture-wicking liner
Maverik's newest arm protection is its M5 Arm Pad—a slightly larger arm pad that is good for middies and attackmen who prefer smaller pads.
It uses Anaform bicep and forearm pads to provide protection without sacrificing mobility. When taking checks on the elbow, we felt that the pads absorbed most of the force.
These pads shouldn't be noticeable when you're playing, either—and that's a good thing. The inner arm cover allows for full range of motion and it truly feels like nothing is there.
The only real knock on these pads is the lack of reviews on the long-term durability since they came out recently. While they feel like they are constructed well, it remains to be seen how they hold up over time.
The M5 Arm Pad deserves strong consideration for any middie who prefers more protection as these pads are a bit bigger than others on this list. They could also be a good option for attackmen who like smaller pads.
Pros
- Anaform values protection and flexibility
- Adjustable strap allows for customized fit
- Quickdry liner stays cool & dry
Cons
- No longterm reviews
- A bit larger than other lacrosse arm pads
Buying Options:
>> SportStop
>> Lacrosse Monkey
>> Dick's Sporting Goods
Best Lacrosse Elbow Pads (Typically for Defensemen)
Defensemen and LSMs (and some bold middies) prefer the smallest elbow pads possible to give them maximum mobility.
As a long pole, you dish out a lot more punishment than you receive making arm protection less important. Still, you do need some kind of arm protection based on the rules. In addition, it’s nice to have something there for when you come across a pesky riding attackman.
Best Lacrosse Elbow Pads:
1) Epoch Integra Elite Elbow Caps
- Colors: Black, Grey, White
- Features:
- Form-fitting compression sleeve to limit slippage
- Sandwich Locking System for a secure, custom fit
- Composite material for a lightweight, flexible feel
- Hardshell elbow cap for extra protection
Another form of arm protection from Epoch makes our list, this time the Integra Elite Elbow Caps.
Compared to most other elbow pads designed for defensemen, the Integra Elite Elbow Caps have a bit more protection for the lower bicep without limiting mobility.
In addition, the Sandwich Locking System and odor control pay real dividends when it comes to security on the field and longevity as your arm protection of choice.
There are drawbacks to the Integra Elite Elbow Caps, however, depending upon your body type. Larger users have noted discomfort and tightness around the bicep.
In the same vein, the cap extends further up the bicep than down the forearm which is not the best prioritization outside of the elbow.
Still, the Integra Elite is a great product to consider for those long poles looking for a bit of extra protection around their elbows and biceps.
Pros
- Elbow focused padding
- Good range of motion
- Unobtrusive and secure wear
- Odor control and protection
Cons
- Sizes may run small compared to size chart
- Tightness around biceps
- Little padding around the elbow
2) STX Stallion 500 Elbow Pad
- Colors: White
- Features:
- Neoprene sleeve for comfort and slip prevention
- High Def 2 Foam polymer is lightweight and moisture resistant
The Stallion 500 Elbow Pad is about as minimalist as you can get for defensive arm protection. It is extremely stripped down without even a strap for security of the wear.
The positives to this are clear: the Stallion 500 is lighter and less hampering to a long pole’s natural movement, while still sporting a main elbow pad for protection.
The downside of this minimalist design is the long-term fit of the pad and the lack of additional protection beyond the elbow.
Notably, the compression sleeve’s elasticity, while great in concept, can be prone to slippage for smaller body types and diminishing quality over time.
The Stallion 500 is a great pad for any long pole not looking to break the bank and who also does not mind leaving their forearm and upper arm unguarded.
Pros
- Minimalistic and lightweight
- Compression sleeve (no straps)
- Relatively affordable
Cons
- Not very protective
- Questionable durability of the sleeve
Buying Options:
>> Amazon
>> Lacrosse Monkey
>> Dick's Sporting Goods
3) Epoch Integra Elite Defensive Caps
- Colors: White
- Features:
- Form-fitting compression sleeve
- Single wrap strap for secure fit
- Composite material is lightweight and flexible
- Hardshell elbow cap for extra protection
- S.Cafe Technology cools and protects against moisture and odor
The Integra Elite Defensive Caps is the meeting place between Epoch’s other Elbow Caps and STX’s Stallion 500 Elbow Pad; it sports the minimalist style of the Stallion but with the additional protection and features of its Epoch relative.
The Integra Elite Defensive Caps’ design makes for a lightweight feel that values maximum flexibility for the user.
Even if it is stripped down, the Defensive Cap still sports Epoch’s hardshell padding and moisture protection that elevates it amongst similar products.
The addition of a strap to the compression sleeve adds a necessary layer of security to avoid the discomfort of slippage that may occur without it.
The Integra Elite Defense Caps are the top of the line in minimalist elbow protection as they solve the Stallion’s main deficiency while remaining at a competitive price point.
This is a great pad to consider for those poles seeking a long-term addition to their gear.
Pros
- Good protection for elbow
- Good range of motion
- Straps and sleeving for an unobtrusive, secure wear
- Odor control and protection
- Affordable price
Cons
- No additional padding beyond the elbow
Buying Options:
>> Amazon
>> Lacrosse Monkey
>> Dick's Sporting Goods
4) STX Cell 5 Elbow Pads
- Colors: Black, White, Grey, Royal, Navy, Red
- Features:
- Geoflex II Technology to decrease weight and increase flexibility
- Breathable Lycra sleeve promotes comfort and moisture management
- Dual 360+ Strap system replaces a traditional, adjustable strap
The STX Cell 5 Elbow Pads offer more protection than most other elbow pads without being intrusive.
Aside from the elbow, the pads also provide a bit of protection for the lower bicep and upper forearm.
The Cell 5s don't have straps, which may be a positive for some and negative for others. Instead, it has a Dual 360+ Strap system that is essentially a neoprene sleeve with built-in elastic straps on the ends.
Some players will find this to be less intrusive and more comfortable, while others may wish that they could adjust the tightness more.
The Cell 5 strikes a perfect balance between the minimalism of the previous elbow caps and the extra protection of some upper and forearm coverage.
This is a great option to consider for any player that wants more protection and decent flexibility. Middies who prefer elbow pads, especially, may find this an amazing choice.
Pros
- Larger protective surface area for elbow pad
- More elements to maintain a secure fit
- Good moisture & odor prevention
- Competitive price
Cons
- No adjustable strap
Buying Options:
>> SportStop
>> Lacrosse Monkey
>> Dick's Sporting Goods
Lacrosse Arm Pad Buying Guide
Here are some things to consider to find a lacrosse arm guard, arm pad, or elbow pad that works best for you.
1) Position & Style of Play
As touched upon earlier, your position will often be the single most important decider in narrowing down your selection of arm protection. There is some interchangeability between certain positions which is where style of play will enter in as more of a factor.
To reiterate from earlier, attackmen value larger, bulkier arm guards to withstand the inevitable onslaught of stick checks they’ll receive in a game. They need pads that can withstand the physicality while not infringing too heavily upon their ability to quickly react and maneuver with the ball.
Midfielders tend to drift more towards lighter weight and more flexible arm pads that still provide enough protection for when they are in transition or on offense and for those midfield scrums for a loose ball. As they are less checked, the standards for protection become a bit looser.
For most defensemen and LSMs, elbow protection is more of a formality required by the rules than a necessity as they seldom get checked hard throughout the game. They instead value mobility, giving them the freedom to lay checks quickly.
As you grow into the game, you become cognizant of the type of checks your style of play absorbs. For an attackman, this may allow you to experiment with less and less padding around your arms. The same goes for a midfielder: a defensive middie may gravitate more towards the elbow caps of their long pole counterparts than the bulkier forearm protection offered to their position.
The hard and fast rule is more protection equals less mobility, and more mobility equals less protection. Figuring out what arm guards/pads work best for you is weighing your value between these two.
2) Finding the Right Fit
Next to your jersey, your arm protection may be the most size-dependent item that you wear on the lacrosse field. Given the lack of adjustment possible in an arm guard, it is important that you consult the size charts provided on the product page or by visiting the manufacturer’s website to get to the closest approximation of fit that best suits you.
But, you still should not take a size chart as undisputed truth to the fit of the product. It is important that you also consult all available reviews from customers to see if a given pad runs large or small, favors certain body sizes over others, or if there are any other quirks to the fit that may not be clear in the product listing.
We cannot overstate the importance of doing your own research into the sizing because there is nothing quite as disruptive and simply uncomfortable on the field as a slipping or bunching arm pad. Take your time to get it right.
3) Breathability
As harmless as sweat seems, it can be detrimental to your immediate play on the field and the long term durability (and hygiene) of your arm pads. An arm guard that gets soaked in sweat can weigh you down and cause distracting slippage in your pads that detract from your play.
Luckily, many arm guards on the market today come prepared for the war on moisture. Most, if not all, employ compression sleeves that wick away moisture, keeping your arm dry and your pads snug. This works in tandem with lighter weight, breathable foam and modern cooling technology to maintain the highest level of comfort for the player.
When researching pads, it is important to look for these breathability features that will support you through the wet Spring and hot Summer days.
4) Strap System
Your preference in a strap system vs mainly compression fit for an arm guard is also important to consider. As mentioned under breathability, compression sleeves provide a natural cling to the user’s arm for initial security in the fit.
However, you may not be comfortable with depending on only compression for the fit of your arm guards. Many options, especially those for attack and midfield, include some form of strap —usually elastic—at both or one end of the pad. This allows players to adjust the fit for themselves, letting them find the perfect balance of tightness and comfort.
There are also some other inventive options. The STX Cell 4 elbow pad, for example, employs an inner lining of silicone tape to supplement the compression fit rather than the added bulk of a strap. You may prefer an alternative solution like this to maintain a more streamlined fit to your arm protection.
5) Customer Reviews
To reiterate from the fit section, customer reviews are an invaluable resource in your search for arm protection. We depended on customer reviews to construct this guide, and you should do the same to see what pads worked for people and what potential hiccups may be present in a given product.
Things like durability are not immediately obvious in a product listing. A customer review can easily tell you if an arm guard starts to deteriorate after a few months of use or if the product has a slipping problem or some other deficiency that affects the wear.
6) Budget
Last but not least is your budget. Arm protection for the most part comes at a premium given the necessary value between protection and mobility.
As you scroll towards the high-end arm guards, the balancing act between protection and mobility skews much closer to equilibrium. The opposite goes for cheaper pads on the market, potentially leaving you to choose between one or the other.
Additionally, the long-term viability of your protection is something to consider. The constant wear and tear at these pads could send you back looking for a new option every few months if you rely on a cheaper product.
It is important that you try to stick to your budget, however, arm protection is not the best place to cut corners on quality when it comes to your gear.
How We Rate Lacrosse Arm Pads
We take our ratings seriously and only recommend products that we would use ourselves.
To come up with our ratings for each product, we test the product ourselves whenever possible, review product specifications (weight, materials used, etc.), and read customer reviews/talk to lacrosse players we know that use the product.
When testing arm pads, specifically, we most often bring them to a field and use them in a game situation, making sure we try passing, catching, shooting, and getting checked. When we can't bring them to a field ourselves, we try them on at the store (at the very least) and spend more time talking to players we know that use them.
If you ever have any feedback for any of the products listed on this page or have a recommended addition, please contact us and let us know!
Other Gear Guides
Here at Lax Drip, we have many other gear guides to help you find your perfect fit. Here are some you may be interested in:
- Lacrosse Equipment Guide
- Best Lacrosse Gloves
- Best Lacrosse Shoulder Pads
- Best Lacrosse Heads
- Best Lacrosse Shafts
- Best Lacrosse Helmets
- Best Lacrosse Cleats
- Best Lacrosse Rib Pads
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