Lacrosse shoulder pads are the protective gear essential for the player. They keep the player going and protect against hard shots, stick checks, high-velocity impacts, and many other things that can affect the player’s quality of the game. Here we have collected the best lacrosse shoulder pads that can protect you in the most natural manner so you can enjoy your gameplay.
Best lacrosse shoulder pads for 2023
| #1. Epoch Lacrosse Integra High Performance Lightweight | Our Review |
| #2. STX Lacrosse Cell 4 Mens | Our Review |
| #3. Maverik Lacrosse Max Speed Pad- Medium | Our Review |
| #4. Brine Youth Uprising II | Our Review |
| #5. Maverik Max EKG | Our Review |
1. Epoch Lacrosse Integra High Performance Lightweight
Epoch has always been amazing in providing high-quality lacrosse gears and this time, their shoulder pads exceed the expectations of the professional players.
It uses the phase change technology that can detect the body temperature and regulate the environment of the shoulder pads. This technology stores, absorbs, or releases energy as per the body’s demands. Astronauts have this superclass textile in the spacesuits to maintain the temperature of the body. When the player sweats, there are micro crystals that absorb and melt which keeps the inside cool.
To provide this gear extra protection, it has very flexible and lightweight carbon fiber. These features add comfort and mobility to the pads as well. Thanks to the dual-density foam, the stitching is reduced overall that, in turn, also helps in easy movement and flexibility.
Epoch states that this protective gear is made by the lacrosse players who know what professional demands. With removable bicep pads, large Velcro for perfect fit, and quick release front protection straps, these shoulder pads are truly the best when it comes to functionality.
2. STX Lacrosse Cell 4 Mens
Great price and high-quality, this shoulder pad could be your best purchase for the season.
This shoulder pad uses a new geoflex II technology that makes this protective gear over 25% more flexible and lighter which gives unique features to it. The lightweight makes it comfortable to wear even for long.
Further, it uses a new breathable protection system that lets the air flow through the pads. This special feature keeps the player dry and cool. The optimal temperature allows giving the best performance.
The shoulder caps are pre-formed that makes them fit perfectly on the shoulder. Also, it has removable bicep pads for the convenience of the player. Available in different sizes, you have the choice to select the one that is perfect for you.
Overall, this lacrosse shoulder pad is comfortable but provides the desired upper body protection in the field so you can play your favorite sport with confidence. It is one stylish protective gear to make your lacrosse just perfect.
3. Maverik Lacrosse Max Speed Pad- Medium
From shoulder to chest, this lacrosse protective pad offers the ultimate protection needed during a fast-paced game.
This Maverik shoulder pad is super light thus doesn’t hinder the gameplay by giving the natural light feeling. But, having a lightweight doesn’t mean that it compromises the protection. It is designed in such a way that it can protect the outer as well as inner organs even during the high-velocity impacts.
It covers the front as well as back and protects your chest, shoulders, and spine. The pads move with the body and offer perfect mobility and flexibility thanks to the durastretch panel across the torso.
Additionally, it features a comfortfit arch that helps the player to set this protective gear according to the shape and size of their body. Its design doesn’t allow the sweat to make you wet because of the 37.5 liner. Sweat evaporates from it really fast.
On the whole, this shoulder pad offers maximum mobility, ideal flexibility, optimal protection.
4. Brine Youth Uprising II
This protective gear is designed specifically for the youth players who have just entered the world of lacrosse.
Uprising II is the combination of the classical and advanced shoulder pad features. In the protection and comfort, this simple-looking shoulder pad is second to none.
It offers the perfect fit because of the long Velcro and adjusting straps. It can be quickly worn and instantly fastened according to the size and shape of the body. To further be precise with the fit, it comes in three different sizes of small, medium, and large.
These shoulder pads thoroughly protect the chest region. The rib pad keeps the organs safe inside. It has the dual-density protection that not only absorbs high-velocity impacts but also offers the optimal comfort that is needed to remain confident in the field.
With this shoulder pad, mobility and flexibility are at their best because it doesn’t hinder them at all. Also, the price of this shoulder pad is highly amazing when you are tight on your budget. It doesn’t empty your whole pocket.
Taken as a whole, when you are new in this sports and looking for something affordable yet efficient in providing protection, then this shoulder pad has everything that you want to have.
5. Maverik Max EKG
Presenting the new performance standard to tackle commotio cordis, this protective gear has the features that are the best among all.
With these shoulder pads, you just get the perfect fit which along with providing protection keeps you comfortable and totally mobile to give your full in the field. It Comfortfit arch is highly adjustable so that the player can have the coverage according to the body size.
It features Quickdry that keeps the moisture away and doesn’t make you feel wet at all. This, in turn, provides the player with a cool confidence that is needed during the game.
These shoulder pads have the special spine and chest plates to provide protection against the high-velocity impacts. It covers the torso with the durastretch panels that supports the natural body movement. Furthermore, it also offers added shoulder protection to make you fearless during the game.
Lacrosse shoulder pads sizing
The perfect shoulder pad size is breathable yet it is neither loose to bounce around nor tight to make you feel trapped. It should be covering your heart, ribs, sternum, shoulder, and collar bone.
You should follow the given shoulder pad sizing chart to know which one is the best for you.
- Extra Small: When the height is under 46”, age 5-7 years, weight around 50 lbs, and chest size 22-25”.
- Small: When the height is between 46” and 54”, age 7-10 years, weight around 50-70 lbs, and chest size 25-29”.
- Medium: When the height range is 54-58”, age 10-13 years, weight around 80-120 lbs, and chest size 29-34”.
- Large: When the height is 58-65”, age 13 years and more, weight around 130-180 lbs, and chest size 34-36”.
- Extra Large: When the height is more than 66”, age is 16 years or more, weight more than 180 lbs, and chest size crosses 37”.
How to choose the best lacrosse shoulder pads
The lacrosse shoulder pads come with diverse features and knowing them will make it easy for you to make the selection.
Strapping system:
To be competitive and efficient, manufacturers offer different strapping systems but the most common is the use of the Velcro and the plastic buckles. Many shoulder pads are the combination of both while some exclusively use each. Velcro may seem comfortable but lose adhesiveness with time; on the other hand, buckles keep your pads intact for long but don’t give the tighter feel like Velcro if the size selection is wrong.
Flexibility:
Many shoulder pads are flexible enough to copy the movement of the rib cage when the player breathes. They expand when you inhale but they come with higher prices as they cover the whole rib cage and offer enhanced protection. However, that is not the optimal selection only. Any shoulder pad would do when it covers your chest cavity but also helps you to breathe without hindrance.
Protection system:
The shoulder pad should be the complete package to cover the torso from any injury during the game. Lacrosse is a dangerous sport and the high-speed impact can greatly affect the heart. Thus, the pads that come with the air bladder or a sternum plate are highly recommended to protect the heart.
Further, there are also many shoulder pads that offer protection to the spine plate as well to protect your spine during the game. Many also have elbow pads as well that can be attached or detached as per the player’s need.
Playing Level and Style:
Advanced players like to go for liners mostly as they fit perfectly and protect the sternum and collar bone region without adding the bulk of shoulder and arm padding. They choose it because they know the game really well. The defense and middie players also go for it. On the contrary, heavy padding is the choice of the advancing players as well as offensive players. But those who want to remain protected use the heavy padding even when they reach the pro levels. All in all, it is the personal choice of the player to select the one that suits him the best.
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