6 Best Youth Lacrosse Protective Gear For Travel Teams That Coaches Actually Trust

That email from the travel lacrosse coach just landed in your inbox, filled with excitement about the upcoming season and one very long, specific gear list. It’s a proud moment, but it can also be overwhelming. You want to get them the right equipment to succeed and stay safe, but you also know they’re still growing. Think of this not as just a shopping list, but as an investment in your child’s confidence and protection as they take a big step up in their athletic journey.

Gearing Up for Travel Lacrosse: What’s Needed

The jump from a local recreational league to a travel team is significant. The game is faster, the players are more skilled, and the physical contact is more intense. This natural progression means their beginner gear might not offer the protection or performance needed for this next level of play.

The core list includes a certified helmet, shoulder pads, arm guards, gloves, and cleats. However, the key difference at the travel level is the emphasis on advanced fit and specific safety certifications. For instance, all shoulder pads must now meet the NOCSAE ND200 standard to protect against commotio cordis. This isn’t just a rule; it’s a critical safety measure for a faster game.

Of course, the "they’ll just outgrow it" thought is always present. For travel lacrosse, where gear is used multiple times a week, the investment is more justifiable. High-quality equipment not only offers better protection but also often has better resale value or can be passed down to a younger sibling, making the initial cost more manageable over the long term.

Cascade S Helmet: Elite Protection for Young Heads

The helmet is the single most important piece of protective gear you will buy, and it’s the one area where you should never compromise. Coaches trust the Cascade S helmet because it represents the pinnacle of safety technology and adjustability for young athletes. It’s built to handle the higher-velocity shots and more physical play common at the travel level.

What sets the S model apart for developing players is its comprehensive liner system, designed to manage a wide range of impacts. For athletes in the 11-14 age range, this is especially important as the physicality of the game ramps up. Its precise fit system ensures the helmet stays securely in place during dodges and checks, which is essential for it to provide maximum protection.

While it carries a premium price, view it as a multi-season investment in your child’s well-being. A properly fitted, high-quality helmet gives a player the confidence to compete without hesitation. Always check the helmet’s manufacturing date and be aware of its recertification timeline to ensure it remains safe and compliant.

STX Cell V Shoulder Pads: NOCSAE-Certified Safety

You’ve probably noticed that the level of contact in travel ball is a big step up. Shoulder pads are no longer an afterthought. As of 2022, a new safety standard was implemented, and coaches will insist that every player has a chest protector that meets NOCSAE standard ND200.

The STX Cell V shoulder pad line is a go-to recommendation because it meets this critical safety requirement while prioritizing mobility. It features a floating chest plate that moves with the player and stretch zones that allow for an unrestricted shooting motion. Bulky, ill-fitting pads can hinder skill development and create bad habits, but the Cell V is designed to feel like a part of the player.

This piece of gear strikes the perfect balance of protection and flexibility, ideal for the intermediate player who is refining their stick skills. With highly adjustable straps, you can dial in the fit so the protective elements stay exactly where they need to be, game after game.

Maverik M5 Gloves: Top-Tier Protection and Feel

A player’s hands are everything in lacrosse. They need robust protection from aggressive stick checks but also the dexterity to feel the stick for nuanced cradling, passing, and shooting. A great pair of gloves makes a world of difference in a player’s confidence and touch.

The Maverik M5 gloves are consistently trusted because they excel in both protection and feel. They incorporate advanced foam that absorbs impact on the thumb and backhand, which are common targets for checks. At the same time, the Ax Suede palm offers a soft, natural feel that gives players a better connection to their stick.

For players moving into the more competitive 10-14 age bracket, this combination is a huge advantage. It allows them to play aggressively without fear of painful hand injuries, all while developing the subtle motor skills required for higher-level stick work. Better gloves can mean fewer drops and more goals.

Warrior Evo Arm Guards for Mobility and Coverage

As your child progresses, the speed and intensity of defensive checks increase dramatically. Arm guards are a must, but the challenge is finding a pad that provides enough coverage without feeling like a cast. If a pad is too bulky, it can disrupt a player’s natural shooting motion.

The Warrior Evo line is a coach-approved favorite because it solves this problem beautifully. It offers a "mid-length" design that protects the most vulnerable parts of the forearm without restricting elbow flexion. This allows a player to maintain the fluid mechanics essential for both power and accuracy.

The best gear is the gear a player forgets they’re wearing. The Evo arm guards feature an internal sleeve and secure strapping system to prevent them from slipping down during play. This reliability allows your young athlete to focus on the game, not on constantly readjusting their equipment.

New Balance FreezeLX v4: Cleats for Quick Cuts

Lacrosse is a game of explosive, multi-directional movement. A player’s footwear is their foundation for every dodge, sprint, and defensive slide. The right cleats are a critical tool for both performance and injury prevention.

The New Balance FreezeLX line is specifically engineered for the unique demands of lacrosse. Unlike cleats for other sports, its sole plate is designed to provide grip and support during the sharp, lateral cuts that define the game. This specialized traction helps reduce the risk of slips and lower-body injuries on grass or turf.

While a basic soccer cleat might be fine for a first-timer, a travel-level player will immediately feel the difference in a lacrosse-specific shoe. The enhanced ankle support and cutting-edge traction of the FreezeLX v4 give players the stability they need to be more agile and explosive, which is a key separator at higher levels of competition.

STX Stallion 500 Rib Pad for Attack Positions

Does your player love to drive hard to the goal and mix it up in front of the crease? For attackmen and offensive-minded midfielders who consistently face cross-checks and body contact, rib pads are an essential piece of "confidence armor."

The STX Stallion 500 is a trusted model because it provides significant protection without making a player feel stiff or slow. It uses a segmented design with hard plastic inserts that moves with the athlete’s torso as they twist and shoot. This allows for full rotational movement, so the protection doesn’t come at the cost of performance.

Rib pads are not mandatory for all players, but coaches strongly recommend them for aggressive offensive players. A painful shot to the ribs can make a player hesitant to go to the goal again. This piece of gear can prevent those game-changing bruises and keep your child playing with the fearless attitude needed to score.

Balancing Performance, Fit, and Your Budget

Looking at the full list of travel-ready gear can certainly feel daunting. It’s natural to want the absolute best for your child, but the goal is to be smart, not just to spend. The focus should be on providing safe, effective gear that fits their current stage of development.

Here is a simple framework for making decisions:

• Priority #1: The Helmet. This is a non-negotiable investment in safety. Always buy new.
• Priority #2: Certified Pads & Quality Gloves. Ensure shoulder pads meet the NOCSAE ND200 standard. Gloves protect the hands, which are vital to play.
• Find Value Elsewhere: Look for last season’s models of high-end arm guards or cleats. Check sideline-swap sites or team exchanges for gently used pads, which can be a great way to save money.

Ultimately, the best gear for your child is the gear that fits them correctly. An expensive helmet that wobbles is more dangerous than a mid-range one that is perfectly snug. Take the time to have your child properly sized. By prioritizing fit and certified safety, you are making the wisest investment in their performance and protection on the field.

Gearing up is just the first part of an incredible experience for your young athlete. By choosing equipment that prioritizes safety and proper fit, you’re giving them more than just protection. You’re giving them the confidence to step onto the field, play without hesitation, and fully embrace the challenge and joy of the game.