Boys lacrosse is a contact sport. Helmets, gloves, shoulder pads, arm pads, mouthpiece, cup. The pads are not interchangeable with girls’ lacrosse and the sticks are not the same. Don’t mix the gear.
Ages 5–7 (Starter / Lightning)
Most starter programs at this age provide the team gear. You buy the basics.
A youth boys lacrosse stick
Boys sticks are 37 to 42 inches at the youth level. The head is shaped specifically for boys’ lacrosse (different from girls).
How to choose: stick length should reach the kid’s chin when they hold it head-up. The shaft should be light enough to swing easily.
Maverik Charger youth boys lacrosse complete stick
37-inch complete boys starter stick with head pre-strung with a beginner pocket. Youth shaft, legal boys' head.
Our take: Buy the complete stick — head and shaft assembled. At this age, having it ready to play matters more than any customization.
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A youth boys helmet
Required at every age. NOCSAE certified. Includes a face cage.
How to choose: helmet should sit level, not tipped back. Chin strap snug.
Cascade CPX-R youth lacrosse helmet
NOCSAE certified helmet with full face cage in youth sizing. Adjustable interior fit system.
Our take: Buy the helmet new. NOCSAE certification is the standard and used helmets may be expired. The Cascade CPX-R is the benchmark.
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Lacrosse gloves (youth)
Gloves protect the back of the hand and wrist. Required.
How to choose: thumb should fit fully into the glove with a small amount of space at the tip.
STX Cell IV youth lacrosse gloves
Youth-sized palm and backhand protection, flexible enough to still feel the stick. The standard entry glove at most youth programs.
Our take: Fit matters more than brand. Thumb should fit fully with room at the tip. Too tight and they can't grip the stick properly.
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Shoulder pads, arm pads, mouthpiece, cup
Shoulder pads and arm pads are required. Most starter programs sell a kit of all four. Mouthpiece and cup are required separately.Shoulder pads and arm pads are required. Most starter programs sell a kit of all four. Mouthpiece and cup are required separately.
Maverik Windy City youth shoulder pads
Youth shoulder and chest pad set that meets NOCSAE ND200 requirements. Lightweight foam, adjustable straps.
Our take: Check with the league for exact requirements. NOCSAE ND200 compliance has been mandatory since 2022. Verify the pads you buy meet this standard.
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Shock Doctor boil-and-bite mouthguard
Standard boil-and-bite youth mouthguard. Required at every level of boys lacrosse. Mold it at home before the first practice.
Our take: Buy two. One lives in the gear bag. One goes in the car.
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Cleats
Soccer cleats work. Lacrosse-specific cleats exist; they’re not necessary at this age.
Youth molded soccer cleats
Standard plastic-stud youth cleat. Works for lacrosse and soccer. No metal, no restrictions at this age.
Our take: Soccer cleats and lacrosse cleats are the same shoe at the youth level. One pair covers both sports.
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Ages 8–10 (Junior)
Real games begin. The pads upgrade. The stick gets more important.
A 37-to-40 inch stick
Better quality stick. The head shape and stringing matter more now. Some kids string their own; most have a coach or older player do it.
How to choose: the head should be legal under the league’s rules (NCAA-spec or boys’ youth-spec depending on league).
A real youth helmet
Upgrade to a higher-end helmet at this age. Better fit, better impact protection.
Better gloves
Position-specific glove options begin to matter. Goalies wear specialty gloves with extra thumb protection.
A pair of lacrosse cleats
Lacrosse cleats have a slightly different stud pattern than soccer cleats. Mid-cut for ankle support.
Ages 11–12 (Middle school feeder and travel)
Travel lacrosse is a real thing in lacrosse-heavy areas (Maryland, Long Island, Massachusetts). Costs go up. Gear upgrades.
A high-quality boys stick
The shaft and head matter. Composite shafts are lighter. Different head shapes for different positions (offense, defense, midfield).
A high-end helmet
Look for the VTI star rating. Better helmets cost more and protect more.
Pro-quality gloves and pads
Lighter, more flexible, better range of motion.
Ages 13–14 (Junior high) and 15+ (High school)
High-school programs typically provide team helmets and shoulder pads. You provide stick, gloves, arm pads, cleats, mouthpiece, cup, and any specialty gear.
Travel and club lacrosse costs far more per year than the gear itself.
How to choose a boys stick
Three checks:
One. Length. 37 to 42 inches at the youth level. Adult midfield 40-42 and defenseman 52-72 inches. The stick should reach about chin height when held head-up.
Two. Pocket. The pocket is where the ball sits. Beginner pockets are shallow and easier to scoop. Tournament-legal pockets have specific depth rules. New players want shallow; experienced players want deeper.
Three. Weight balance. Hold the stick at the throat (just below the head). It should feel balanced, not head-heavy. A head-heavy stick fatigues the wrist quickly.
If you don’t know what you’re buying, take your kid to a lacrosse-specific shop. They will help you choose the right setup.
A few honest notes
Boys and girls lacrosse sticks are NOT interchangeable. The heads are shaped differently and the stringing rules are different.
Used lacrosse gear is plentiful. Most lacrosse-heavy regions have annual gear swaps in February or March. Worth showing up.