Lacrosse Arm Guards And Protectors

Arm guards and protectors are essential pieces of equipment for lacrosse players. There are several types of arm guards and protectors. Most players wear some mode of protection to defend their arms from slashing and checking, falling, and the overall physical nature of the sport.

What are arm guards and protectors used for?

Arm guards and protectors are used to keep lacrosse players safe. These pieces of equipment are worn by players on their arms, and are primarily used to protect against checks and contact from other players. Depending on the type of protector, the length of coverage on the player’s arm varies. Therefore, some guards offer more padding and protection while others provide the arm with more mobility.

One form of arm protection may be preferable over the others, depending on the player’s position and playing style. For those that value flexibility and are not as worried about coverage, elbow pads are a favorable option. On the other hand, for those that value coverage and greater protection, arm guards and arm pads may be better options. In addition to position and playing style, the level of lacrosse also plays a factor for players when choosing protectors.

Things To Consider

When looking for lacrosse arm guards, you'll want to consider the following:

• What size arm guard do you need?
• How much do you want to spend on arm guards?
• What position do you play?
• What level of lacrosse do you play?

Types

There are several types of arm protection available for lacrosse players including arm guards, arm pads, and elbow pads.

Arm Guards

Arm guards provide players with the most coverage and protection but the least mobility, as they typically run from the top of the bicep down to the upper wrist area. In addition to padding, arm guards also have an outer layer of plastic that provides added protection. Arm guards are generally best for players who experience a significant amount of checking and contact during the game.

Arm Pads

Arm pads are the middle ground of arm protection, as they provide a sufficient amount of coverage but allow for more mobility than arm guards. They generally run from the mid-bicep to mid-forearm area of the arm and lack the outer plastic layer found on arm guards.

Elbow Pads

Elbow pads are the most minimalistic form of protection, as they only cover a player's elbow and contain the least amount of padding. However, for players that favor the greatest amount of flexibility and do not need as much arm protection, elbow pads are often the preferred option.

Materials

A few of the most common materials found in lacrosse arm protectors include lycra, polyethylene, polyurethane, and silicone.

• Lycra: Lycra is the elastic fabric that is often used in the sleeves of lacrosse arm protectors.
• Polyethylene: Polyethylene is the primary form of high-density plastic found in arm guards and protectors.
• Polyurethane: Polyurethane is commonly used as the foam padding found in lacrosse arm protectors.
• Silicone: Silicone is often used to provide grip and keep lacrosse arm pads from sliding on the arm.

Brands

A few of the best brands for lacrosse arm guards and protectors include Epoch, Maverik, and STX.

• Epoch: Epoch offers a variety of arm guards, arm pads, and elbow pads with impressive technology and protection.
• Maverik: Maverik provides several lines of protective gear for all skill levels and playing styles including M5, Rome, MAX, MX, and Charger.
• STX: STX is one of the most popular brands for lacrosse arm protection and is known for its CELL protective technology.

Considerations

A few things to consider when choosing lacrosse arm protection include durability, cost, and size.

Durability

One of the most essential aspects to consider when choosing arm protection is durability. It is important to make sure the equipment is able to last many games and even seasons. The durability of the protectors is often correlated with the brand, with some of the most durable brands including Epoch and STX.

Cost

Another important aspect to consider is cost, which varies based on the type, quality, and brand of the arm protector. The cost of arm protectors can range from $5 to over $100. A few of the most expensive brands with the best technology include Epoch, STX, Warrior, and Maverik.

Size

Lacrosse arm protectors can be found in both youth and adult sizes, with youth sizes generally being more affordable. The size of the equipment also varies based on the type protector. Elbow pads are typically the smallest, arm pads fall in the middle, and arm guards are the largest.

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