2. Maverik Shift Lacrosse Gloves Lightest feel

The Maverik Shift is the glove for players who want the flexibility of the Evo V but find it too heavy. It weighs 4.8 oz and uses a Power Flex design with thicker finger breaks that extend onto the back of the hand.

The textured Connekt Palm keeps your control in wet weather, and FlowCool technology keeps your hands dry over long sessions. The fully open cuff maximizes flexibility, but I'd rather have a Velcro adjustment.

The wrist area is light on protection, but I like how well these absorb shock. I took some aggressive checks, and the padding soaked up the impact without feeling bulky. The fit stayed secure during quick movements too.

View now on Battle Lax ($179.99)

3. Nike Vapor Elite Lacrosse Gloves

Next up is the Nike Vapor Elite, an attackman's favorite. I love how secure they feel around the fingers, and they give you great stick control when you're dodging or handling under pressure.

The 4-piece cuff is flexible enough for clean wrist movement on quick feeds and shots without feeling loose. Nike kept the padding low-profile but protective. I barely felt slashes on the backhand, and the wrist coverage held up on checks.

The AX Suede palm is soft and gave me a consistent grip even when my shaft got slick in the rain. The break-in took longer than I expected, though, and the ventilation wasn't what you'd expect from Nike.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Nike Vapor Elite Lacrosse Gloves right now. A comparable glove in stock is the Maverik M7 Player Glove ($149.99).

Shop the Maverik M7 Player Glove

4. Maverik M6 Lacrosse Gloves Best value

The Maverik M6 feels broken in from the first game. It has a traditional fit that balances protection and mobility, and the padding flexes naturally, so your hands move freely while still absorbing checks.

The Connekt palm gives you good stick control, though I'd have liked a little more grip in wet weather, like the Nike Vapor Elite. They were also tight on my hands since there's no 14", but they're a good fit for smaller hands.

The backhand has a big open vent you can see through. It moves air and keeps your hands from sweating on hot summer days, and perforations in the palm stop sweat from pooling so the glove doesn't get clammy mid-game.

View now on Battle Lax ($115.99)

5. Warrior Burn Lacrosse Gloves Most comfortable

The Warrior Burn gloves were the most comfortable ones I wore last year. The wrist cuff is very adjustable without Velcro or cords. It shifts a little on quick movements, but the easy fit gives you wrist protection with unrestricted mobility.

The Bone System padding is surprisingly soft on the inside. My hands stayed relaxed without that pinched feeling you get from bulky gloves, and it spreads out the force of slashes and checks so very little reaches your hand.

Breathable mesh on the sides of the fingers and palm keeps air moving without hurting your grip. The AX Suede palm gave me a smooth stick feel and stayed scuff-free despite rough use.

View now on Battle Lax ($74.99)

6. Nike Vapor LT Lacrosse Gloves

The Nike Vapor LT is a more affordable, beginner-friendly version of the Vapor Elite. It didn't weigh my hands down, and I liked how light it felt cradling and passing.

The backhand padding is thinner than the Elite's, so it isn't built for heavy slashes like high-end gloves, but it still absorbs impact decently.

The palm isn't as grippy as standard AX Suede, but I still had tacky stick control in transition. There's no adjustable strap, but it felt secure without being restrictive.

Ventilation was better than I expected for an entry-level glove, and small perforations in the palm kept my hands from getting too sweaty. It's one of the best beginner gloves, with solid protection and a light build.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Nike Vapor LT Lacrosse Gloves right now. A comparable glove in stock is the Warrior Evo Rise Glove ($64.99).

Shop the Warrior Evo Rise Glove

7. STX LZR Lacrosse Gloves

I practiced with the STX LZR for two months and found it very durable. The AX Suede palm liner kept me comfortable and sweat-free in hot weather, and the double-layer palm holds up to repeated contact.

I'd worn the RZR2, so I bought a medium, which was true to size. The glove didn't need constant adjusting, even with quick hand shifts on the stick.

The flexible rounded thumb with padded skeletal cuts adds security on checks and loose-ball scrambles, and I didn't feel the hits. The back-of-hand design is genius, with skeleton-like finger breaks. STX cut out extra stitching to make a light, frictionless glove that moves like your own hand.

The wrist cuff was a little stiff at first and limited my wrist mobility, but it loosened up after a few games, and the wrist strap helps. Despite the break-in, it's a great men's glove with excellent protection, flexibility and comfort.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX LZR Lacrosse Gloves right now. A comparable glove in stock is the Warrior Evo Lite Glove ($109.99).

Shop the Warrior Evo Lite Glove

8. Under Armour Command Pro 3 Lacrosse Gloves

I wore the Under Armour Command Pro 3 last summer, and it offers some of the best protection from checks I've had. The flared cuffs and suspension padding did a great job keeping my wrists safe.

It gives you a good range of motion, especially cradling in traffic, and the flexible rounded thumb with a PE board helped a lot there. It didn't shift, so I felt confident making sharp cuts.

The padding on the back of the hand and wrist disperses impact well, so it never felt like I was taking a direct hit. The dorsal vent keeps air flowing to keep your hands dry in summer.

The AX Suede palm started to wear after a few months with a rough-gripped stick, and I could feel the shaft texture through it. If you want a well-lined palm, look elsewhere. Otherwise, it's a great glove for protection with a flexible backhand.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Under Armour Command Pro 3 Lacrosse Gloves right now. A comparable glove in stock is the Warrior Franchise LT Glove ($99.99).

Shop the Warrior Franchise LT Glove

9. STX Cell VI Lacrosse Gloves

The STX Cell VI is a big upgrade over the Cell V. I loved how flexible it is, even though it's heavier than the STX Surgeon RZR. It also broke in faster than the Cell V, which felt stiffer in the fingers.

The biggest difference for me is flexibility. The updated finger joints gave me a firm grip and easy cradling at different wrist angles, and the IsoFlex thumb keeps your grip consistent.

GeoFlex II padding feels built for power players. It's a flexible shield that doesn't cost you mobility, which helps when you're dodging and taking checks on the run. It also protects the thumb and backhand better than the Surgeon RZR, though the extra padding adds a bit of bulk.

The dual ventilation system kept my hands cool even on hot days. My buddies loved the Guard Lock strap for holding your mouthguard off the field too. At 6.8 oz, it's not light, but it delivers elite protection and comfort.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Cell VI Lacrosse Gloves right now. A comparable glove in stock is the Adrenaline Phoenix 2.0 Glove ($164.99).

Shop the Adrenaline Phoenix 2.0 Glove

10. Epoch Integra Select II Lacrosse Gloves

The Epoch Integra Select II is one of the best gloves I tried this year. Its dual-density foam stacks are firm enough to absorb checks and slashes, especially on the backhand and fingers.

A carbon fiber-supported thumb adds protection against that stinger after a good thumb hit. The hard carbon surface spreads out the force but still lets you move freely.

The one-piece AX Suede palm is soft and grips well, and I haven't seen any wear after lots of use. It runs a little warm in long practices compared to better-ventilated gloves.

The extended cuff protects your wrist and forearm, but it's bulkier than other gloves at this price and slowed me down until I got used to it. It's also a little loose at the wrist even with the strap, so if you want a tighter fit, go with something snugger like the STX Cell VI.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Epoch Integra Select II Lacrosse Gloves right now. A comparable glove in stock is the Warrior Evo Lite Glove ($109.99).

Shop the Warrior Evo Lite Glove

11. STX Surgeon RZR2 Glove

The STX Surgeon RZR2 is the updated version of the Surgeon RZR, which used to top our list.

It literally breaks the mold by cutting out the bulk of traditional gloves with a single, continuous-piece design. That makes it light (possibly the lightest glove on the market) and flexible.

The Taper Fit through the fingers gives you a snug feel without hurting breathability, and the AX Suede palm has the best feel of any glove I've tried. Nothing feels as good as bare hands, but the RZR2 comes close.

It doesn't skimp on protection either. Reinforcement on the thumb and backhand protects you from slashes. The only real downside is the price. It's expensive, but worth it if you can afford it.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Surgeon RZR2 Glove right now. A comparable glove in stock is the Maverik M7 Player Glove ($149.99).

Shop the Maverik M7 Player Glove

12. Maverik M5 Glove

The Maverik M5 came out in 2021 to replace one of the most popular gloves in recent memory, the M4, and it builds on everything players loved about it.

FlowCool venting and a quick-dry liner keep your hands dry and comfortable, which is huge when you're playing into the dog days of summer. The AX Suede palm is soft and holds up over time, and the mesh lets air in.

Unlike some gloves, the M5 has an adjustable cuff so you can control the fit.

The downside is a tighter fit. I usually wear a 13" and I'm comfortable in most, but the M5 runs tight. If most 13" gloves already feel tight, or you wear a 14", look elsewhere. Maverik has since replaced the M5 with the M6.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Maverik M5 Glove right now. A comparable glove in stock is the Maverik M6 Player Glove ($115.99).

Shop the Maverik M6 Player Glove

13. Warrior Evo QX2 Glove

The stripped-down, no-frills Warrior Evo QX2 gives you great feel and great protection.

It improves on the original Evo QX with an AX Suede liner, the same as the STX Surgeon RZR2, for unmatched stick feel.

The Cloud Cuff gives you great wrist mobility for checking, dodging and shooting. High-density foam placed at key impact areas keeps it light without giving up protection, and the Wartech liner wicks away sweat if your palms get sweaty.

The only knocks have nothing to do with how it plays: there aren't many color options, so if you like a certain look, you're limited. If you want a glove that performs and protects without a flashy exterior, the Evo QX2 is a great fit.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Warrior Evo QX2 Glove right now. A comparable glove in stock is the Warrior Evo Lite Glove ($109.99).

Shop the Warrior Evo Lite Glove

14. Maverik Max Glove Most protective

The Max in Maverik's glove stands for maximum protection, and that's exactly what you get.

The newer models added extra divots in the knuckles for more flexibility. Triple-density foam with SharkGel inserts at high-impact areas gives you unmatched protection on the thumb and backhand, and the DuraStretch design keeps the fingers flexible.

The magnetic cuff is a highlight. You can adjust the fit for more protection or more mobility, depending on your game.

Older Max gloves had some durability and feel issues, but the newer versions are much better, and the AX Suede liner gives you an almost bare-hand feel. BattleLax carries the latest Max 2028 Player Glove. It's a great option if you want maximum protection with good feel.

View now on Battle Lax ($189.99)

15. Epoch Integra Elite Glove

You might think of Epoch as an indie brand when it comes to equipment, but the Integra Elite is punching way above its weight class.

Players rate it highly across the board, with bonus points for comfort and flexibility. Ariaprene gives the glove a natural, toned-down feel, and the composite and foam build gives you great mobility.

Epoch's Player Core Control shows up here too, fighting moisture and odor. And if gloves have a mortal enemy, it's the smell.

I had to stretch to find a con. The muted color options are the most obvious one. It uses a traditional suede palm, but Epoch eliminated stitching and seams to improve your connection to the stick. If you want top-of-the-line protection and feel at a better price, it's a great value.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Epoch Integra Elite Glove right now. A comparable glove in stock is the Adrenaline Phoenix 2.0 Glove ($164.99).

Shop the Adrenaline Phoenix 2.0 Glove

16. Epoch Integra Select Gloves

Epoch makes the list again with an even more affordable glove, the Integra Select.

It uses a lot of the same tech as the Elite but tones down some materials to cut costs. Like the Elite, it uses dual-density foam for top-of-the-line protection without sacrificing flexibility or adding weight.

Feedback on durability is mixed, but it leans positive. The muted colors are a knock again, and some reviews say it runs small, so keep that in mind.

As the most affordable glove on this list, the Integra Select is cheap in price, not quality. It's a great pick for players on a tight budget or just getting into the game.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Epoch Integra Select Gloves right now. A comparable glove in stock is the Maverik Charger Glove 2026 ($49.99).

Shop the Maverik Charger Glove 2026

18. Nike Prime Elite Goalie Gloves

My teammate in goal used the Nike Prime Elite goalie gloves for two seasons and got amazing thumb protection from the full-coverage thumb guard. It has one of the biggest thumbs on the market, right up there with the Maverik M6. It felt stiff in the first few games, though.

They're light and well-ventilated thanks to Dri-FIT, but if your hands naturally sweat, they'll get warm in extreme heat.

The suede palm gives you a strong grip on the stick, and the flex joint in the thumb helps mobility. The loose cuff allows easy wrist movement for quick reactions and clearing passes. After a season, there was some wear in high-friction spots like the side of the index finger and thumb.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Nike Prime Elite Goalie Gloves right now. A comparable glove in stock is the Warrior Nemesis QS Goalie Gloves ($199.99).

Shop the Warrior Nemesis QS Goalie Gloves

19. STX Cell VI Goalie Gloves

Compared to the RZR2 goalie gloves, the STX Cell VI is a little heavier at 6.8 oz. It's still one of the best goalie gloves for anyone who doesn't like the RZR2's external thumb guard.

The new LOCK BOX thumb guard gives you a locked-in thumb with solid protection, so it's easier to keep control of your stick.

The dual ventilation system improves airflow and cuts down sweat outdoors, and the C3 cuff system doesn't restrict your wrist when you twist for quick reactions.

They feel stiff, though. I've used them for a season and the stiffness hasn't gone away, so I wouldn't recommend them if you want a traditional flexible feel.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Cell VI Goalie Gloves right now. A comparable glove in stock is the Maverik Max Goalie Gloves 2028 ($189.99).

Shop the Maverik Max Goalie Gloves 2028

20. Maverik M6 Goalie Gloves Best thumb

Most brands have their own reinforced thumb, but Maverik's Torque Lock system is one of my favorites. It's a hard shell that fully wraps the thumb with two flex points, so you get better movement without giving up protection.

Maverik's Anaform ridges mold into one piece over the fingers to spread out the force. Even with an open-palm grip, I felt protected from shots at every angle.

The heavy padding makes it less suited to beginners, since it lacks a natural flex and light feel. It breathes better than the Shift, though, with mesh sections and a quick-dry liner that handle heat and sweat. It's a well-protected option for elite goalies.

View now on Battle Lax ($115.99)

21. STX Surgeon RZR2 Goalie Gloves

STX designed the RZR2 goalie gloves to cut down that usual restrictive feel while giving you the flexibility to react quickly.

It has a stiff articulated thumb with extra padding that absorbs impact well, though it doesn't lock your thumb in place like older designs.

Gloves are usually done once the internal plastic thumb piece breaks. Here, the external thumb piece is more durable and gives you extra lateral coverage against missed shots.

The tapered fit and comfortable palm feel snug, and they didn't feel bulky even when I was cradling outside the crease. If you play goalie one half and run the field the next, you won't need another pair.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Surgeon RZR2 Goalie Gloves right now. A comparable glove in stock is the Maverik M7 Goalie Glove ($149.99).

Shop the Maverik M7 Goalie Glove

23. Epoch iD JR Glove

For how stripped-down Epoch's adult gloves are, the iD JR has a clunkier, more traditional design without the paneling of their higher-end gloves. It's functional rather than innovative, but it's durable, protective and very affordable, which makes it a great first glove.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Epoch iD JR Glove right now. A comparable glove in stock is the Maverik Charger Glove 2026 ($49.99).

Shop the Maverik Charger Glove 2026

24. Warrior Burn Next Jr Glove

The Burn Next Jr is a throwback to Warrior's older youth gloves. It's bare bones, with solid protection and none of the frills of high-end gloves. There's no cuff or strap to adjust the wrist fit, so keep that in mind, but it's an ultra-affordable entry-level glove.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Warrior Burn Next Jr Glove right now. A comparable glove in stock is the Warrior Evo Rise Glove ($64.99).

Shop the Warrior Evo Rise Glove