Lacrosse is a contact sport so there is a considerable amount of equipment required.   Your sons will need a helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, athletic supporter, mouthpiece, cleats, and a lacrosse stick.    We would also suggest purchasing a equipment bag to store all the equipment.   Costs for equipment can range from $300 - $450 if all new equipment is required. 

Where to Purchase  

SFYLC works with both Lombardi Sports and Sling-It Lacrosse in terms of providing equipment. 

SFYLC members receive a 10% discount on all lacrosse equipment and clothing at Lombardi Sports at 1600 Jackson Street in San Francisco.   Lombardi offers a large selection of lacrosse equipment and is great place to buy equipment for new players since it gives players the opportunity to try on the gear, especially helmets and pads.  Please mention that you are a member of SFYLC at the register to insure you receive your discount. 

https://www.lombardisports.com/      

SFYLC also works with Sling-It Lacrosse for uniforms and spirit wear.   Sling-It is dedicated to lacrosse and has an extensive website and 3 stores outside the city. Sling-It does have a Starter Package for players that need all new equipment and it is quite affordable, especially for the younger players that may outgrow their equipment quickly.    If you do utilize this package, we ask you to get the Starter Package without the stick ($25 savings) and when you order the helmet, make it sure it is all white (see below for additional info) 

http://www.slingitlax.com/           

Recommendations 

Helmets – There are several manufactures, including Cascade, Warrior, and Brine.  It is important to choose the correct size of the helmet.  It should fit firmly on the head and the 4 point chin strap should be adjusted evenly and the chin pad should be firm against the chin providing additional support.   After the chin straps are adjusted and buckled, there should be minimal movement of the helmet if the player shakes his head from side to side.  Try to get it correct before you leave because many places will charge a restocking fee for returned helmets.  We would like our players to buy all White helmets so we can add our team decals on them and they average about $100. 

Sticks  – There is a huge selection of sticks and shafts on the market.   The heads cost anywhere from $50-$115 for a “strung” head and another $20-$90 for a shaft.   Most of the sticks on the market are for high school players so we would like to offer our recommendations for team, especially Pee Wees and Pups.  Please note that there are also “mini” sticks on the market that are not for official play.   The right type of stick and stringing is very important so before you purchase a new stick, feel free to contact the appropriate coach.

Heads – For younger players, we would like to see them use wider heads / throats that will enable them to catch the ball easier.   This is easier to see when you are at a store and can compare the various styles.   Some examples would be the Warrior Blade 2.0, Razor 2.0,  and MoJo. STK makes the Proton + and Xcaliber. Brine produces the Motive. 

Stringing – We would like all of our players to use “Hard mesh" throughout the entire head without any additional special stringing style.  Mesh is basically small diamonds with no vertical leather in the stringing.   There are two types of mesh, soft and hard.   Soft is as it means, it is very loose and flexible.  Hard mesh, sometimes called durable, is much more firm and takes a little more time to break in.   It will form a better pocket after several weeks of use, tends to throw better and is also low maintenance. 

Shafts – There is an array of shafts on the market.  It is usually easiest to buy the same shaft as the manufacturer of the head.   Any type of alloy shaft will suffice and titanium shafts for youth lacrosse are overkill.

Used Equipment