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Lacrosse Helmets
Lacrosse helmets  are a requirement for boys youth, high school, and men's collegiate level lacrosse playing. In order for a helmet to meet the standards it must bear a NOCSAE logo (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment). Note that the helmets used by males are different than those women use, which will also be discussed in this guide, but after the men's. Click on the link in the table of contents to jump down to that section.
Men's Helmets
So you know you need a safety seal of approval. What next? The one thing that you want is the best fitting and most comfortable helmet that you can afford. That is not to say that you have to spend an arm and a leg, but safety and comfort are your priorities. Helmets start at around $100 but can cost as much as $300. Typically, the more aggressive a player you are, and the higher the level in which you compete, the more expensive the helmet.
Here are famous brands and popular models by each manufacturer grouped by their price. Keep in mind that all youth helmets are less expensive than adult helmets and that this list is not exhaustive, but rather an idea of where to start shopping. - Youth
- Budget
- Mid-Range
- High-End
Performance Factors
Nearly all helmets are built with EVA foam interior linings to absorb shock and to provide comfort. The outer shell is what provides the most impact protection, and the type of material used often affects the weight of the helmet. That's why youth helmets are built lighter and not as sturdy as adult helmets -- they won't be playing aggressively enough to warrant the super heavy-duty helmets from the start.
The cage can be built of steel or other metals. The one requirement is that there be a metal bar running down the middle of it for support. While strength is important, the design also matters. Most pro and high-end models will feature cages that enable better peripheral vision and they will use open faces to allow the better field of view head on.
Goalies will need an additional throat protector.
Sizing
Sizing is measured in inches and it varies from one manufacturer to the next so it's always good to double check with the maker. However, here is a rough guide to sizing. Note that Riddell runs smaller than the others.
Max. Inches | Sizing |
| Up to 20 1/8" | XS |
| Up to 22 1/2" | S |
| Up to 23 5/8" | M |
| Up to 24 1/2" | L |
| 24 5/8" or more minimum | XL |
Women's Lacrosse Masks
Float like a feather, sting like a bee. Women's masks are nothing like those for me. They are streamlined, minimalist, lightweight, and are only geared at protecting the eye area instead of the whole head. However, this goes for the players, and not for the goalie. She too has to wear a heavy-duty helmet, similar to a man's helmet. The only real difference between the two is that women's helmets are smaller, lighter, and colored with fun patterns that are more feminine.
As for the masks, most will run about $30 to $60. Brine, Warrior, Cascade, and DeBeer are the major manufacturers to choose from. When shopping, the key issue is comfort. The mask should sit comfortably on your face without slipping or pinching in any place. You also want to get a feel for the vantage point that you get. Everyone's heads and faces are shaped differently, so it's always best to test masks out for yourself.
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