# Best Lacrosse _Protective Gear._

Lacrosse protective gear includes helmets, shoulder pads, arm guards, elbow pads, and gloves. Choosing the right equipment depends on your position, gender, and level of play. This guide covers the best options across every category — for men’s, women’s, and youth players.

## All _Equipment_

- **Lacrosse Helmets** [Men’s · Youth · Best Picks](/content/lacrosse-equipment/helmets/index.html)  
- **Shoulder Pads** [Protection + mobility](/content/lacrosse-equipment/shoulder-pads/index.html)  
- **Lacrosse Gloves** [Feel + control](/content/lacrosse-equipment/gloves/index.html)  
- **Elbow Pads** [Arm protection](/content/lacrosse-equipment/arm-pads/index.html)  
- **Arm Guards** [Full arm coverage](/content/lacrosse-equipment/arm-guards/index.html)  
- **Lacrosse Cleats** [Speed + traction](/content/lacrosse-equipment/cleats/index.html)  
- **Turf Shoes** [Indoor + turf fields](/content/lacrosse-equipment/turf-shoes/index.html)  
- **Lacrosse Goggles** [Women’s eye protection](/content/lacrosse-equipment/womens-lacrosse-goggles/index.html)  
- **Lacrosse Bags** [Backpacks + duffels](/content/lacrosse-equipment/bags/index.html)  
- **Rebounders** [Solo training gear](/content/lacrosse-equipment/lacrosse-rebounder/index.html)  
- **Accessories** [Extras that matter](/content/lacrosse-equipment/accessories/index.html)

## Lacrosse _Protective Gear_

Lacrosse is a contact sport. The right protective gear reduces injury risk without limiting your range of motion. Every player — regardless of position or gender — needs a minimum set of pads before stepping on the field.

- **Lacrosse Helmets**  
  Required for all men’s field lacrosse players. Protects against head impacts, stick checks, and ground balls. Look for NOCSAE certification and a proper fit above all else. [View Helmets](/content/lacrosse-equipment/helmets/index.html)  
- **Shoulder Pads**  
  Protect the shoulders, chest, and ribs. Attackers and midfielders prefer lighter, low-profile pads for mobility. Defenders typically choose more coverage for physical play. [View Shoulder Pads](/content/lacrosse-equipment/shoulder-pads/index.html)  
- **Lacrosse Gloves**  
  Protect the hands and wrists from stick checks while maintaining feel for the ball. Fit is everything — gloves that are too big or too small will hurt your game. [View Gloves](/content/lacrosse-equipment/gloves/index.html)  
- **Lacrosse Elbow Pads**  
  Protect the elbow and forearm from checks and ground contact. Attackers and middies often prefer arm pads for lightweight protection without restricting throwing motion. [View Elbow Pads](/content/lacrosse-equipment/arm-pads/index.html)  
- **Lacrosse Arm Guards**  
  Full arm coverage from wrist to elbow. Preferred by defenders and players who take a lot of body checks. More protection, slightly more bulk than elbow pads. [View Arm Guards](/content/lacrosse-equipment/arm-guards/index.html)  
- **Lacrosse Goggles**  
  Required for all women’s field lacrosse players. Protect the eyes and face without a full helmet. Look for ASTM-certified goggles with a proper fit and good visibility. [View Goggles](/content/lacrosse-equipment/womens-lacrosse-goggles/index.html)

## What Equipment Do You _Need?_

A complete lacrosse equipment list for men’s players includes a helmet, shoulder pads, arm guards or elbow pads, gloves, cleats, and a mouthguard. Women’s players need goggles, gloves, and cleats at minimum.

### Complete Equipment List

- **Lacrosse Helmet** [Required — Men’s](/content/lacrosse-equipment/helmets/index.html)  
- **Shoulder Pads** [Required](/content/lacrosse-equipment/shoulder-pads/index.html)  
- **Lacrosse Gloves** [Required](/content/lacrosse-equipment/gloves/index.html)  
- **Elbow Pads** [Required — Men’s](/content/lacrosse-equipment/arm-pads/index.html)  
- **Arm Guards** [Men’s](/content/lacrosse-equipment/arm-guards/index.html)  
- **Lacrosse Goggles** [Required — Women’s](/content/lacrosse-equipment/womens-lacrosse-goggles/index.html)  
- **Lacrosse Cleats** [Required](/content/lacrosse-equipment/cleats/index.html)  
- **Equipment Bag** [Recommended](/content/lacrosse-equipment/bags/index.html)  
- **Lacrosse Rebounder** [Training](/content/lacrosse-equipment/lacrosse-rebounder/index.html)

## Best Lacrosse _Gear Guides_

- **Best Men’s Lacrosse Helmets** [NOCSAE-certified helmets reviewed across price points — from entry-level youth models to varsity and pro-grade options. Read Guide](/content/lacrosse-equipment/helmets/mens-helmets/index.html)  
- **Best Lacrosse Shoulder Pads** [Position-specific shoulder pad reviews — lightweight options for attackers and middies, full-coverage picks for defenders. Read Guide](/content/lacrosse-equipment/shoulder-pads/index.html)  
- **Best Lacrosse Gloves** [Gloves reviewed by feel, protection, and durability. The most important spec is fit — here’s how to get it right. Read Guide](/content/lacrosse-equipment/gloves/index.html)  
- **Best Lacrosse Cleats** [Men’s and women’s cleat reviews covering traction, comfort, durability, and value across grass and turf surfaces. Read Guide](/content/lacrosse-equipment/cleats/index.html)  
- **Best Lacrosse Elbow Pads** [Elbow pad reviews for attackers and middies who need protection without sacrificing throwing range of motion. Read Guide](/content/lacrosse-equipment/arm-pads/index.html)  
- **Best Lacrosse Rebounders** [Solo training equipment reviewed for rebound angle, durability, and portability. The best way to get reps in when no one else is available. Read Guide](/content/lacrosse-equipment/lacrosse-rebounder/index.html)