All the Lacrosse Equipment & Gear You Need to Take the Field

Every piece of required lacrosse gear for boys, girls and goalies, what each one does, what it typically costs, a printable checklist and where to buy it at BattleLax.

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There isn't another sport quite like lacrosse, from its storied history to how it's played. The mix of speed, contact, athleticism and physicality is unlike any other sport.

Lacrosse is a great sport, and there's no better time to get into the game with how fast it's growing.

Compared to other sports, lacrosse takes a lot of equipment to be successful and safe on the field. This guide covers all the required gear so you know exactly what you need and how it works.

Coach's note: Every season I see new families from upstate New York to Virginia Beach show up overwhelmed by the gear list, and Ontario box parents have it even worse with all the extra padding. Don't stress. Get a stick your kid can handle, a certified helmet that fits, and pads that let them move. Everything else can be upgraded later.

Just starting? Shop the youth starter bundle at Battle Lax

All the gear at a glance

Typical prices are ranges across brands and levels. The BattleLax column goes to a budget-friendly pick in stock now.

Parts of a lacrosse stick

The most important weapon on the field, aside from your own athleticism and lacrosse IQ, is the one in your hands. Your stick (or "spoon," as some call it) has two main parts, the head and the shaft, and each has smaller but very important pieces, from mesh to shooting strings to butt ends.

If this gets overwhelming, don't fret. Complete sticks from beginner through intermediate levels come with a head and shaft, which makes buying a stick easier. Try the Warrior EVO Complete Stick 2026 ($109.99), or for girls, the Maverik Ascent ST Women's Complete Stick ($49.99).

Lacrosse head

Typical price $50 to $100

The head is the plastic and mesh at the top of your stick. It's your third arm: you pass, catch and shoot with it and use it to check your opponent's stick.

The main parts of a head are the scoop at the very top and the sidewalls that connect the scoop to the throat, which is where the head attaches to the shaft. There's also a ball stop at the very bottom of the head, sitting on the throat, that keeps passes from cracking the plastic.

Head frames are made of advanced plastics that are usually a little flexible but durable. Each brand uses its own blend to keep your head's shape and feel reliable.

Mesh is mostly nylon or a nylon blend. Most players use mesh pockets, but a few channel the original spirit of the sport with "traditional" stringing that uses leather and string instead.

Here's how heads differ by position:

The last big difference is between girls' and boys' lacrosse. Since the girls' game has much less contact, heads can only have very shallow pockets. To make up for it, advanced girls' heads often have dramatic offsets for more control. Learn more in our girls' lacrosse heads guide or girls' lacrosse sticks guide.

BattleLax picks: Warrior Evo V Head ($99.99)

Read more: Best lacrosse heads, cheap lacrosse heads

Lacrosse mesh and strings

Typical price $10 to $30, depending on whether you buy a full stringing kit or spools of string

It's hard to rank the parts of your stick by importance, but the string job is right near the top. You can have the most advanced head in the game, but if your string job stinks, you're at a big disadvantage.

Hold and whip

You want a pocket with good hold (how well the pocket holds the ball) and the amount of whip you like (basically how much your stick throws the ball toward the ground).

Hold and whip usually go hand in hand. If you have a lot of hold, you'll likely have a lot of whip too. Beginners usually go with very little whip while they get used to the game, and more advanced players may use more whip for extra power on shots.

Parts of the pocket

• Mesh
• Top string (connects the mesh to the scoop)
• Sidewall strings (connect the mesh to the sidewalls)
• Bottom string (connects the mesh to the throat of the head)
• Shooting strings (the shoelace-looking strings across the mesh)

Mesh types are based on how many diamonds are in each row (10-diamond, 6-diamond and so on), but the vast majority of players use 10-diamond mesh, which is pretty much the standard.

For top, sidewall and bottom strings, you can usually just use sidewall string for all of them. You can buy it in a big spool (if you string a lot), in single pieces (for one string job) or in a full stringing kit with mesh and every string you need for a head.

Stringing sticks

I always recommend learning to string your own stick as early as possible. It's definitely tough to get the hang of, but once you know how, it's way easier to adjust your pocket so it always throws the way you like.

There are plenty of good stringing tutorials on YouTube. Beginners may want a pro string job on their main stick and practice stringing an older head until they can get it to throw like the pro-strung one.

If you don't want to learn, you can buy pre-strung heads, like a custom pre-strung head ($124.99). They may lack the personal touch of your own stringing, but they work for most players. You can also ask your coaches or teammates if anyone strings.

Finally, shooting strings fine-tune how your pocket releases the ball. Adjusting them, for example, changes the whip in your pocket (tighter means more whip, and vice versa).

What kinds of pockets are legal?

In the boys' game, there's something called the daylight rule. Refs check that there's no daylight between the top of the ball and the bottom of the sidewall when the ball sits in your pocket. You'll see these stick checks after goals and at random during games.

In the girls' game, legality is measured differently since the pocket is shallower. Part of the ball must be visible over the sidewall when it sits in the pocket. Shooting strings also have to attach to the plastic frame to avoid adding flex to the mesh during play.

That covers the basics. Once you're more comfortable with the game, do yourself a favor and dive into the deep well of pocket types, because there are some crazy string jobs out there.

BattleLax picks: ECD Hero 4.0 Complete Kit ($34.99)

Read more: Best lacrosse mesh and string kits, what makes a lacrosse stick illegal

Lacrosse shaft

Typical price $50 to $250, depending on length and quality

The shaft might be the least overwhelming part of a stick to buy. It needs little introduction: it's the metal or carbon fiber pole you hold when you play.

The shaft attaches to your head with a screw at the throat. Almost any head fits any shaft, though you may have to drill a new hole in the shaft so it lines up with the throat hole. The main exception is a head with a throat plug (mostly faceoff heads) on a solid carbon fiber shaft.

The other end of the shaft is the butt end, which is basically a plastic cap over the sharp edge. Most shafts come with one, and if yours doesn't, you can usually buy one for a few bucks.

Materials and shapes

Most shafts are made of metal alloys (like scandium and titanium) or carbon fiber. There's no single answer for which is better. It really comes down to preference and feel.

Shafts also come in different shapes (octagonal, concave, rounded and so on). That's another preference thing: the best one for you is the one you're most comfortable with.

What to consider

When you shop for a shaft, think about weight and durability. You want something light but strong. Defensive players especially should look for strong, durable shafts that won't break when they throw checks.

Grip matters too, even with gloves on. A lot of newer shafts add texture at the usual grip points. If yours doesn't have it, grab some tape and customize your own grip points.

Shaft lengths

Now the most obvious difference between shafts: length. Attack and middie shafts are shorter (30 inches) than defense shafts (60 inches). Goalies can use shafts anywhere from 30 to 60 inches, but most go with 30 to 40 inches.

BattleLax picks: Maverik A7 175 Attack Shaft ($99.99), Maverik A7 350 Defense Shaft ($129.99)

Read more: Best lacrosse shafts, lacrosse shaft lengths

Protective equipment needed for lacrosse

Since lacrosse includes whacking each other with sticks and hard body checks, players need protective gear to stay safe in this high-contact sport.

The boys' game requires a helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads and gloves. The girls' game only requires goggles and a mouthpiece for field players.

Here's a deeper look at each.

Lacrosse helmet

Typical price $100 to $300+

This might be the first piece of gear you notice on a lacrosse player. A lacrosse helmet is a full-cage helmet with a chin strap, somewhere between a football helmet and a hockey goalie mask. A mouthpiece is also required in most leagues.

Goalie helmets are standard helmets with an added throat protector hanging off the front. It's an important (and required) piece for anyone who plays between the pipes.

BattleLax picks: Cascade CPV-R Helmet ($175.00), Cascade XRS Pro Helmet ($339.99), Cascade TP-S Goalie Throat Guard ($39.99)

Read more: Best lacrosse helmets, best goalie helmets and throat protectors

Lacrosse shoulder pads

Typical price $40 to $150

Lacrosse shoulder pads aren't nearly as clunky as football pads, and they come in two main types. Full shoulder pads usually cover from the tops of your shoulders to the bottom of your sternum. They're a better option for attackmen and middies who often end up on the receiving end of contact.

Shoulder pad liners (or speed pads) are a much more stripped-down option. Liners usually run along the sternum without as much padding elsewhere (shoulders, upper arms and so on). They give you more range of motion and are a great option for players who mostly play defense, or for advanced players (college, pros and so on).

BattleLax picks: Maverik Charger Shoulder Pad 2026 ($74.99), Maverik M5 EKG Speed Pad ($79.99)

Read more: Best lacrosse shoulder pads

Lacrosse arm pads

Typical price $30 to $130

Moving down from the shoulder, there's a lot of valuable, meaty real estate that needs protection, and arm pads are just what the doctor ordered.

There are three main types of arm protection:

• Arm guards: The most protection. Mostly used by attackmen.
• Arm pads: A medium amount of protection. Mostly used by middies.
• Elbow pads: Minimal protection (mostly just the elbow). Mostly used by defensemen.

BattleLax picks: Maverik M6 Arm Pads ($79.99), Warrior Evo Pro Elbow Pads ($49.99)

Read more: Best lacrosse arm pads

Lacrosse gloves

Typical price $30 to $200

That brings us to the hands, and the always enjoyable glove purchase. The options are plentiful, and the designs can start to feel like a throwback to the Beanie Baby days in terms of "collectibility."

Beyond protection, the most important thing to look for in gloves is comfort. You should have a good feel for your stick while wearing them, and your hand and wrist mobility shouldn't feel restricted. It ultimately comes down to trial and error, and like any glove, they usually need some breaking in.

Pro tip: look for a glove with extra padding around the thumb. It's a spot that likes to get hit, and you'll be thankful for the extra cushion.

BattleLax picks: Maverik M6 Player Glove ($115.99)

Read more: Best lacrosse gloves

Lacrosse rib pads (optional)

Typical price $20 to $70

Rib pads are optional extra protection for players who are always in the middle of the action, or for box lacrosse players.

As someone who's cracked ribs on the field, I always wished I'd worn rib pads. They're great for younger players, players prone to rib injuries and players who carry the ball a lot.

BattleLax picks: Maverik Charger Rib Pad ($24.98)

Read more: Best lacrosse rib pads and kidney pads

Lacrosse chest protector (goalies only)

Typical price $80 to $200

The warriors between the pipes don't wear arm pads or shoulder pads, but they do need a chest protector to absorb the shots they'll eat over a game.

A chest protector is basically a flak jacket that covers a keeper's organs and other vulnerable spots along the torso. It's non-negotiable if you plan to play goalie. Add goalie gloves like the Maverik M6 Goalie Gloves ($115.99) and a goalie stick like the Maverik Krease Complete Goalie Stick ($199.99).

BattleLax picks: Maverik MX EKG Goalie Chest Pad 2026 ($99.99)

Read more: Best lacrosse goalie chest protectors

Lacrosse cleats or turf shoes

Typical price $40 to $130

Not exactly "protective," but just as essential. Lacrosse-specific cleats may not have as many options as football cleats, but they're designed for all the stress and movements every field player makes.

Cleats are the best option for players mostly on grass, and they work on turf too. Turf shoes are a great addition for players who are on turf regularly.

BattleLax picks: New Balance FreezeLX v5 Mid Cleat ($129.99), New Balance FreezeLX v5 Turf Shoe ($119.99)

Read more: Best lacrosse cleats

Lacrosse goggles or headgear (girls only)

Typical price $30 to $90 for goggles, about $150+ for headgear

For the only protection field players wear in the girls' game, we turn to goggles and headgear, which protect one of your most essential tools: your vision.

Goggles are pretty much what you'd expect, with a cage over the eyes similar to what you'd see on a helmet.

Headgear has the same coverage as goggles, plus a shell over the top of the head for even more protection. Most girls wear goggles, but headgear has gotten more popular in recent years, especially for girls with a history of concussions.

BattleLax picks: Brine Halo Women's Goggles ($69.99), Cascade LXP Women's Headgear ($174.99)

Read more: Best girls' lacrosse goggles

Lacrosse gear checklist

To make life a little easier, here's a complete checklist of everything you'll need.

Boys' lacrosse gear checklist

• Lacrosse stick (head and shaft)
• Helmet
• Chinstrap
• Mouthpiece
• Shoulder pads or liners
• Arm guards or pads
• Gloves
• Athletic protector (cup). Optional but highly recommended
• Cleats or turf shoes

Girls' lacrosse gear checklist

• Lacrosse stick (head and shaft)
• Goggles or headgear
• Mouthpiece
• Cleats or turf shoes

Lacrosse goalie gear checklist

• Goalie stick (head and shaft)
• Helmet with throat protector
• Chinstrap
• Mouthpiece
• Chest protector
• Goalie gloves
• Athletic protector (for boys and men)
• Cleats or turf shoes

A note on lacrosse equipment pricing

As you can see above, lacrosse gear prices cover a wide range.

Like most sports, there's gear of varying quality for every level of play. Beginner gear is almost always cheaper than advanced gear, and even within one category (like advanced), there are many levels of quality and cost.

If you want to save, check out used gear (see our guide on where to buy used lacrosse gear). You can also ask coaches or other parents if anyone has extra equipment.

Finally, there are starter sets built mostly for beginners and young players that include all the gear you need to play, like the Evo Rise CS-R Youth Bundle (From $284.96).

Good lacrosse companies to buy equipment from

Like every sport, lacrosse players have their favorite brands. But unlike most sports, the lacrosse equipment market keeps expanding every year, with companies specializing in all kinds of areas popping up constantly.

Some companies focus only on shafts, others only make mesh, and many make the full range of lacrosse gear.

With so many options, it's always best to read reviews and get input from teammates. We also have in-depth buying guides linked throughout this guide and in our menu.

Here are the most reputable lacrosse companies today:

• STX
• Maverik
• Warrior
• ECD (East Coast Dyes)
• StringKing
• Nike
• Epoch
• Gait
• Cascade (helmets)
• True
• Brine
• Under Armour

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do you need for lacrosse?

Boys need a stick, helmet, mouthpiece, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves and cleats. Girls need a stick, goggles, a mouthpiece and cleats. Goalies add a throat protector, chest protector and goalie gloves.

How much does lacrosse equipment cost?

A full set of boys' gear can run from a few hundred dollars for beginner gear to well over $1,000 for advanced gear. Starter sets and used gear are good ways to save.

What equipment do girls need for lacrosse?

A girls' stick, goggles (or headgear), a mouthpiece and cleats. Girls' goalies wear a helmet, throat protector, chest protector and goalie gloves.

Do you need rib pads for lacrosse?

No, they're optional, but they're a good idea for box players, young players and anyone who's had rib injuries.