Boys lacrosse: required gear
Helmet with chin strap and mouthguard. Buy new. Never buy a used lacrosse helmet. NOCSAE certification is required at the youth level. Helmets run $80-200 new.
Shoulder pads. Used is fine if there are no cracks and the straps hold. Budget $30-60 used.
Elbow pads. Used is fine. Check that the elbow cap is intact. Budget $15-30.
Gloves. Used is fine if the palms are not worn through. Budget $25-50.
Rib pads and arm pads. Required in some programs, optional in others. Check with the league.
Stick. Starter complete sticks (head with shaft) run $40-80. Do not buy the cheapest option; the pocket on very cheap sticks strung out of the factory are often too deep to pass a referee stick check. Buy a mid-range starter or have a local shop restring a used head.
Girls lacrosse: required gear
Goggles. Required at the youth level. Buy new if possible. ASTM-certified eye protection runs $20-50.
Mouthguard. Required. Buy new.
Gloves. Light padded gloves are required in most youth programs. Budget $20-40.
Stick. Girls starter sticks run $50-90. The pocket depth rules in girls lacrosse mean a freshly strung legal pocket matters. Have a local shop check the pocket if you buy used.
Both
Cleats. Soccer or football cleats work at the youth level. Metal cleats are not allowed. Budget $30-60 used.
Bag. A lacrosse stick is awkward to carry in anything that was not designed for it. A mesh lacrosse bag or stick bag runs $20-40 and is worth it.
What to skip
Rib guards and arm guards beyond what the league requires. Specialty stick wax. Premium shaft upgrades before the player is at the competitive travel level.