Best Lacrosse Shoulder Pads & Liners

4) Nike Vapor Elite Shoulder Pad Liner

Full Lacrosse Shoulder Pads vs. Liners

We want to dive a bit more into the differences between liners and full pads so you can determine which is best for you. I imagine this question popped up for those newer to the sport as they went through the list above.

Liners

We’ll start with liners. Liners are scaled back versions of full shoulder pads. In comparison, a liner lacks the shoulder capping and upper arm attachments that make their full counterparts a bit more hefty but a lot more protective around the shoulder and arms.

You’ll notice many liners appear to just be the central component of a larger full pad model, and that’s because THAT is exactly what they are.

Liners provide necessary coverage to vital regions around your chest and back that tend to be in harm's way across the board.

Liners are a great option of defensemen as they really do not require the added clunkiness of shoulder caps and upper arm pads. Middies may also look to liners over pads as they tend to be less intrusive to play overall and much lighter/more streamlined in comparison.

If you are purchasing pads for a youth player, we advise not purchasing a liner. The lack of true physical control in the youth game makes full pads a much safer option for your young laxer, and also gives them the flexibility to explore every field position safely as they grow into the game.

Shoulder Pads

Moving onto full shoulder pads. Full models tend to provide more customizable options for coverage based on your preference/style of play. Many full shoulder pads provide detachable pads at the upper arm and shoulder that can be stripped away as you grow more comfortable on the field or move primarily into a position where such coverage is not a priority.

Full pads are the best option for attacking players, especially those primary attackmen around the cage. Wayward checks from poles and desperate middies have a tendency to not land where intended, so the extra padding along the shoulders and arms will be very much appreciated.

Full pads may also be a great option for newer middies who may be trying to get comfortable in the position. The added protection they provide will give you confidence diving in for ground balls until you’re ready to yank away the extra padding.

Finding Shoulder Pads That Meet the NOCSAE ND200 Standard

In an important move for player safety, US Lacrosse is requiring all shoulder pads and liners to meet NOCSAE ND200 standards at all levels of the sport beginning in 2022. This standard is not a design change but solely a measurement of protection in the effort to reduce impact forces that heighten the risk of commotio cordis (cardiac arrest due to a blow to the heart area).

ND200 compliant products are certified by the Safety Equipment Institute and should include the NOCSAE Lacrosse label on the tag. You should also look for this label on the packaging of any shoulder pad or liner you purchase.

Beginning on January 1, 2022, if your shoulder pads do not meet the ND200 standard and bear the tagging to indicate compliance, you will not be allowed to take the field. So, if you’re planning to take the field in ten months plus change, you may want to start upgrading your shoulder pads now.

Lacrosse Shoulder Pad Buying Guide

With the changing lacrosse shoulder pad safety standard, manufacturers are still playing catchup to increase the number of options that meet the 2022 rule change. Over the next year, we expect a lot of new shoulder pads to hit the market.

While we will keep this guide updated as new shoulder pads come out, here are some things you should look for if you want to figure out how good a pair is on your own.

1) Protection

It goes without saying, protection is why you buy lacrosse shoulder pads. You want to navigate every facet of the game with the peace of mind that you are protected, whether it be your ribs, shoulders or chest.

This isn’t football, so why do we need shoulder pads you may be asking? Well, if you’ve ever taken a 50/50 ball on the ground, you’ve no doubt heard the clash of shoulder pads that comes with it.

Beyond man on man contact, if you’ve ever been caught between the net and a shot happy attackman, you know the importance of cushioning to withstand the potential blow of a wayward shot.

Conversely, you’ll be thanking your lucky stars for the protection as a short stick that is the unenviable recipient of long pole slash to the shoulder blade.

2) Comfort & Flexibility

Always number two on our lists but never in our hearts, comfort and flexibility are hugely important things to consider second to protection. There is nothing worse than a clunky set of pads to weigh you down on the field that don’t even fit right.

You should keep an eye out for things like anaform plating and foam cushioning at areas more prone to intense shifting, such as around your arms and ribs. Padding that matches your movement rather than constricting it is key.

The shoulder joint is another key area to keep an eye on—at least one of the pads on our list had a noted rigidity around the shoulder that was intrusive to overhand shots. This is something to keep in mind depending upon the type of play you normally find yourself in.

Lastly, customizability goes hand in hand with comfort. Look for pads that provide secure detachable options and plenty of tightening points at key tether areas, such as your waist and chest, to ensure a secure fit. There’s nothing worse than loose pads playing the bongos on your chest while you’re sprinting down the field.

3) Durability

It goes without saying that you want your money’s worth when you invest in shoulder pads, so durability is key to longevity. You’re already splurging to keep up with safety standards so better to go all in on a product that will last.

The primary marker of durability is of course the product itself. Just visually analyzing a pad can pinpoint some key vulnerabilities such as faulty Velcro work or overexposure of seams. As a rule of thumb, clasps tend to be better than Velcro, and less stitching is always best.

Keep an eye on the detachable elements as well. Connecting points on full pads have a tendency to be less than secure as users drag on, so do your due diligence and see what other users say about the product.

Another good marker is the brand name and price of course. We all know the trusted/our preferred outfits when it comes to gear, so go with your gut and a company that’s built your trust over the seasons.

Price is the other side of the coin—the more expensive, the better the quality of material and the more durable it should be. Both of these elements are not hard and fast rules but worth keeping in consideration.

4) Breathability

There’s nothing worse than shoulder pads turning into a twenty-pound weighted vest halfway through a game cause it’s soaked up your sweat like a sponge.

Look for pads that promote breathability with built-in ventilation to the design that keeps air recycled close to your body and prioritizes coolness and dryness. Moisture wicking fabric liners are also key—anything that moves your sweat without absorbing it.

Others will also thank you for keeping in mind the above cause, like arm pads and gloves, shoulder pads are one of the main culprits of lax funk on and off the field.

5) Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are worth major consideration before you splurge on shoulder pads. Keep in mind, there may be a bit of gap in the feedback on ND200 compliant products given they are just making it to the market.

Still, do your due diligence and seek out every website and resource you can for some first hand input on how any of the above four elements are for a given product. Other users can provide actual feedback to the wear and performance of a shoulder pad.

Additionally, reviews can be helpful in finding out any quirks to a pad’s fit or the buying process. Such feedback can be helpful in avoiding the pitfalls that may have ensnared other customers.

And don’t forget to leave your own review for whatever pad or liner you choose—it’s always good practice to pay it forward.

6) Budget

Find something that fits your budget…this is easier said than done when it comes to an investment like shoulder pads but it’s still worthy of consideration.

With gear such as shoulder pads though, it may be better to stick to as high a price point as you can afford – such protection isn’t an area where you want to cut corners. Still, if you go with a cheaper option, keep in mind that you may be giving up certain benefits on the field and in the longevity of the product.

Unfortunately, with the upgrade to compliance, sales for shoulder pads may be few and far between. As a silver lining though, pad options that were already compliant in 2020 may still be overstocked given the wash of that season for much of the country, so be on the lookout for some deals as we move closer to Spring.

Lacrosse Shoulder Pad Size Chart

Here’s a general shoulder pad size chart to consider when it comes to finding a pair that best fits you or your young laxer. Please keep in mind that certain company sizes may run bigger or smaller, so best to consult their own size charts before making a purchase.