Best Lacrosse Glove Review for 2023

Choosing the right lacrosse gloves can be a daunting task for most players. The right feel, mobility, positioning, and comfort contribute to choosing the right pair of gloves. Lacrosse is a contact sport that requires proper protective gear for safe gameplay. Lacrosse gloves are essential in protecting players' hands and fingers from hard hits, slashes, and checks. The Epoch Integra Elites, STX Cell V, Maverik M5, and Warrior Evo Elites are four of the most popular and high-end lacrosse gloves available in the market. In this analysis, we will compare and contrast these gloves in terms of comfort, protection, and feel/control of the lacrosse stick, and why they are worth the price.

Epoch Integra Elites

The Epoch Integra Elites offer a comfortable and flexible fit with a three-piece index and thumb design, lightweight construction, and moisture-wicking liner. The dual-density foam provides maximum protection without compromising comfort and flexibility. The unique one-piece palm design provides maximum stick feel and control.

STX Cell V

The STX Cell V gloves have a new and improved fit system that blends both traditional and anatomical elements, providing a comfortable and snug fit. The advanced exoskeleton provides unmatched protection, and the redesigned cuff enhances wrist mobility, which is essential for stick control.





Maverik M5

The Maverik M5 gloves have an Ax Suede palm that provides a comfortable and secure grip on the stick, while the backhand is made from a 37.5 technology material that keeps hands cool and dry. The SharkGel technology disperses impact across the hand and thumb, providing maximum protection while maintaining stick feel and control.





Warrior Evo Elites

The Warrior Evo Elites have a new hybrid fit with a tapered design that provides a comfortable and snug fit. The new D30 Aero foam provides enhanced protection in high-impact areas, and the TruVent technology keeps hands cool and comfortable while maintaining stick control.

Comparison

Comfort

Comfort is a crucial factor for any lacrosse player, as they wear gloves for the entirety of the game. The Epoch Integra Elites have a three-piece index and thumb design that provides a comfortable and flexible feel while maintaining protection. The gloves are also lightweight, breathable, and have a moisture-wicking liner that keeps hands dry and comfortable. The STX Cell V gloves feature a new and improved fit system with a hybrid design that blends both traditional and anatomical elements. The Maverik M5 gloves have an Ax Suede palm that provides a comfortable and secure grip, and the backhand is made from a 37.5 technology material that keeps hands cool and dry. The Warrior Evo Elites also have a new hybrid fit with a tapered design that provides a comfortable and snug fit.

Protection

Protection is essential in any lacrosse gloves, and these high-end gloves provide adequate protection for players' hands and fingers. The Epoch Integra Elites have a dual-density foam that provides maximum protection without compromising comfort and flexibility. The STX Cell V gloves have an improved exoskeleton that provides advanced protection and a lightweight feel. The Maverik M5 gloves have a SharkGel technology that disperses impact across the hand and thumb. The Warrior Evo Elites have a new D30 Aero foam that provides enhanced protection in high-impact areas.

Feel/Control

The feel and control of the lacrosse stick are critical in a player's performance. The Epoch Integra Elites have a unique one-piece palm design that provides maximum stick feel and control. The STX Cell V gloves have a redesigned cuff that enhances wrist mobility, which is essential for stick control. The Maverik M5 gloves have a unique Ax Suede palm that provides a comfortable and secure grip on the stick. The Warrior Evo Elites have a new TruVent technology that provides increased airflow and breathability, which keeps hands cool and comfortable while maintaining control of the stick.

Overall, each of these high-end gloves provides a unique combination of comfort, protection, and feel/control, which is essential for any lacrosse player. The Epoch Integra Elites offer a combination of comfort, protection, and stick feel/control, making them ideal for high-level gameplay. The STX Cell V gloves provide unmatched protection with an advanced exoskeleton and enhanced wrist mobility for stick control. The Maverik M5 gloves disperse impact with SharkGel technology while providing maximum stick feel and control. The Warrior Evo Elites provide enhanced protection with D30 Aero foam and maintain stick control with TruVent technology. These high-end gloves are worth the investment for serious players who want to perform at their best while staying safe on the field.

The Absolute Top Lacrosse Shafts for 2023

On the surface, you would think a lacrosse shaft was a simple piece of equipment. Heck, they used to just be wooden sticks, didn’t they. But today’s advanced game has technology giving players an edge at every corner. Shafts now come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, all designed to meet different player needs. Lacrosse players, especially attack and midfielders, need shafts that are lightweight, durable, and provide excellent grip. This review will focus on four of the best lacrosse shafts for attack and midfielders: the Maverik Hyperdrive, Warrior Burn Pro, Epoch Integra, and the ECD Carbon LTX. We will compare their features, advantages, and disadvantages to help you choose the best shaft for your game.

Maverik Hyperdrive Review

The Maverik Hyperdrive is one of the most popular lacrosse shafts on the market today. It is made from a high-quality carbon fiber material that provides strength and durability while still being lightweight. The Hyperdrive has a unique shape that provides excellent grip, making it perfect for attack and midfield players who want to maintain control of the ball while cradling, dodging, or shooting.

One of the notable features of the Maverik Hyperdrive is its "Speed Shape." This shape features a slightly flattened bottom and top sides, which makes it more aerodynamic and allows for quicker, smoother movements. The Hyperdrive's grip pattern is also designed to enhance control and reduce slippage. This grip pattern is a raised 3D texture that covers the entire surface of the shaft, giving players maximum contact with their hands.

The Hyperdrive comes in a matte finish, which adds to its sleek appearance. It is available in a range of colors, making it easy to match your team's colors or your personal preferences. The Hyperdrive is also compatible with all lacrosse heads, so you can use it with any stick.

One disadvantage of the Hyperdrive is its price. It is one of the more expensive shafts on the market, which may not be affordable for all players.

Warrior Burn Pro Review

The Warrior Burn Pro is another popular lacrosse shaft for attack and midfield players. It is made from a high-strength carbon composite material that provides durability and strength while being lightweight. The Burn Pro has a classic shape with a slightly concave design that provides a comfortable grip and better control.

One of the notable features of the Warrior Burn Pro is its "Krypto Pro" material. This material provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making it one of the lightest and strongest shafts on the market. The Burn Pro's grip is also designed to enhance control and reduce slippage. The grip pattern is a raised 3D texture that covers the entire surface of the shaft, giving players maximum contact with their hands.

The Burn Pro comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your team's colors or your personal preferences. It is also compatible with all lacrosse heads, so you can use it with any stick.

One disadvantage of the Burn Pro is that it may not be as durable as some of the other shafts on the market. While the Krypto Pro material is strong, it may not hold up as well over time as some other materials.

Epoch Integra Review

The Epoch Integra is a popular lacrosse shaft that is known for its durability and strength. It is made from a high-quality carbon fiber material that provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio while still being lightweight. The Integra has a classic shape with a concave design that provides a comfortable grip and better control.

One of the notable features of the Epoch Integra is its "Torque Box" technology. This technology adds additional layers of carbon fiber to the corners of the shaft, making it stronger and more durable. The Integra's grip is also designed to enhance control and reduce slippage. The grip pattern is a raised 3D texture that covers the entire surface of the shaft, giving players maximum contact with their hands. The Integra also has a unique shape that provides a comfortable grip and allows for better ball control.

The Epoch Integra comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your team's colors or your personal preferences. It is also compatible with all lacrosse heads, so you can use it with any stick.

One disadvantage of the Epoch Integra is that it may be a bit heavier than some of the other shafts on the market. While its durability and strength make it a great choice for players who want a shaft that can withstand rough play, it may not be the best choice for players who prioritize speed and agility.

ECD Carbon LTX Review

The ECD Carbon LTX is a popular lacrosse shaft for attack and midfield players. It is made from a high-quality carbon fiber material that provides excellent strength and durability while still being lightweight. The Carbon LTX has a unique shape that provides excellent grip, making it perfect for players who want to maintain control of the ball while cradling, dodging, or shooting.

One of the notable features of the ECD Carbon LTX is its "Flex Control Layering." This technology adds additional layers of carbon fiber to the corners of the shaft, making it stronger and more durable. The Carbon LTX's grip is also designed to enhance control and reduce slippage. The grip pattern is a raised 3D texture that covers the entire surface of the shaft, giving players maximum contact with their hands.

The Carbon LTX comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your team's colors or your personal preferences. It is also compatible with all lacrosse heads, so you can use it with any stick.

One disadvantage of the ECD Carbon LTX is its price. It is one of the more expensive shafts on the market, which may not be affordable for all players.

Comparison - How do they stack up?

All four of these shafts have unique features that make them great choices for attack and midfield players. They all have a raised 3D grip pattern that enhances control and reduces slippage. They are all made from high-quality materials that provide strength, durability, and lightweight. They all come in a range of colors, making it easy to match your team's colors or your personal preferences. They are all compatible with all lacrosse heads, so you can use them with any stick.

The Maverik Hyperdrive and the ECD Carbon LTX are both known for their unique shapes that provide excellent grip and ball control. The Hyperdrive's "Speed Shape" and the Carbon LTX's shape make them great choices for players who want to maintain control of the ball while cradling, dodging, or shooting.

The Warrior Burn Pro and the Epoch Integra are both known for their durability and strength. The Burn Pro's "Krypto Pro" material and the Integra's "Torque Box" technology make them great choices for players who want a shaft that can withstand rough play.

— Quick Cost Comparison —

Lacrosse Shaft Name Ideal Position Price
Maverik Hyperdrive Attack
Warrior Burn Pro Midfield/Attack
Epoch Dragonfly Integra Attack
ECD Carbon LTX Midfield

One of the differences between these shafts is their weight. The Maverik Hyperdrive and the ECD Carbon LTX are both lightweight, making them great choices for players who prioritize speed and agility. The Warrior Burn Pro and the Epoch Integra are a bit heavier, making them great choices for players who want a shaft that can withstand rough play.

Another difference is their price. The Maverik Hyperdrive and the ECD Carbon LTX are both more expensive than the Warrior Burn Pro and the Epoch Integra. This may not be affordable for all players.

Final Word

Choosing the right lacrosse shaft is an important decision for any player, especially attack and midfield players. The Maverik Hyperdrive, Warrior Burn Pro, Epoch Integra, and ECD Carbon LTX are all great options for players looking for a high-quality shaft. Each has unique features that make them stand out, so it's important to consider what's most important to you when choosing a shaft.

If you prioritize speed and agility, the Maverik Hyperdrive and the ECD Carbon LTX are both great options. If you want a shaft that can withstand rough play, the Warrior Burn Pro and the Epoch Integra are both durable and strong. If you value grip and ball control, the Hyperdrive, Carbon LTX, and Integra all have unique shapes that enhance grip.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and playing style. All four of these shafts are great options for attack and midfield players, and each has its unique advantages. By considering the features and benefits of each shaft, you can make an informed decision and choose the best one for your needs.

2023's Best Lacrosse Helmets

Lacrosse is a high-intensity contact sport, where safety is of utmost importance. To ensure the safety and comfort of players, the equipment they use must be carefully chosen. Among the most important pieces of equipment for a lacrosse player is the helmet. In this article, we will compare four of the most popular lacrosse helmets in the market: the Cascade XRS, the Cascade CPV-R, the Warrior Burn, and the STX Rival. We will take a closer look at each of these helmets, examining their features, pros, and cons, to help players and prospective buyers choose the best helmet for their needs.

Cascade XRS Review

Cascade is one of the most recognized names in the world of lacrosse helmets, and the XRS is one of their newest models. This helmet is designed with an adjustable fit system, which allows players to adjust the helmet's fit according to their head shape and size. The helmet's shell is made of polycarbonate material, which makes it durable and able to withstand high-impact collisions. The helmet's liner is made of memory foam, which molds to the player's head for a comfortable fit. The XRS also has a visor that can be adjusted to different angles to provide maximum visibility.

Pros:

  • The adjustable fit system ensures a comfortable fit for players with different head sizes and shapes.

  • The helmet's polycarbonate shell provides excellent durability and protection against high-impact collisions.

  • The memory foam liner molds to the player's head for added comfort.

  • The visor can be adjusted to different angles to provide maximum visibility.

Cons:

  • The XRS is a relatively expensive helmet compared to other models.

  • Some players may find the helmet to be heavy and bulky.

Cascade CPV-R Review

The Cascade CPV-R is a popular choice among players of all levels. The helmet's shell is made of ABS plastic, which provides excellent protection against high-impact collisions. The helmet's liner is made of foam material, which is comfortable and molds to the player's head for a customized fit. The CPV-R also has a visor that can be adjusted to different angles to provide maximum visibility. The helmet is available in a wide range of colors, allowing players to choose a color that matches their team's uniform.

Pros:

  • The CPV-R is an affordable helmet compared to other models, making it a good choice for players on a budget.

  • The helmet's ABS plastic shell provides excellent protection against high-impact collisions.

  • The foam liner molds to the player's head for a comfortable fit.

  • The visor can be adjusted to different angles to provide maximum visibility.

  • The helmet is available in a wide range of colors, allowing players to choose a color that matches their team's uniform.

Cons:

  • Some players may find the CPV-R to be heavy and bulky.

  • The helmet's foam liner may compress over time, reducing its effectiveness.

Warrior Burn Review

The Warrior Burn is a lightweight and durable helmet designed for high-performance play. The helmet's shell is made of ABS plastic, which provides excellent protection against high-impact collisions. The helmet's liner is made of foam material, which is comfortable and molds to the player's head for a customized fit. The Burn also has a visor that can be adjusted to different angles to provide maximum visibility. The helmet is available in a wide range of colors, allowing players to choose a color that matches their team's uniform.

Pros:

  • The Burn is a lightweight helmet, making it a good choice for players who value mobility and agility.

  • The helmet's ABS plastic shell provides excellent protection against high-impact collisions.

  • The foam liner molds to the player's head for a comfortable fit.

  • The visor can be adjusted to different angles to provide maximum visibility.

Cons:

  • Some players may find the Burn to be too tight, especially if they have a larger head.

  • The helmet may not be suitable for players who prefer a more traditional look.

STX Rival Review

The STX Rival is a popular choice among lacrosse players, known for its comfort and durability. The helmet's shell is made of polycarbonate material, which makes it durable and able to withstand high-impact collisions. The helmet's liner is made of foam material, which molds to the player's head for a comfortable fit. The Rival also has a visor that can be adjusted to different angles to provide maximum visibility. The helmet is available in a wide range of colors, allowing players to choose a color that matches their team's uniform.

Pros:

  • The Rival is a comfortable helmet, thanks to its foam liner that molds to the player's head for a customized fit.

  • The helmet's polycarbonate shell provides excellent durability and protection against high-impact collisions.

  • The visor can be adjusted to different angles to provide maximum visibility.

  • The helmet is available in a wide range of colors, allowing players to choose a color that matches their team's uniform.

Cons:

  • Some players may find the Rival to be heavy and bulky.

  • The helmet's foam liner may compress over time, reducing its effectiveness.

Summary

When it comes to choosing a lacrosse helmet, safety and comfort are of utmost importance. The four helmets we have compared in this article all have their pros and cons, and it's up to players and prospective buyers to weigh those factors against their own needs and preferences. The Cascade XRS is a great choice for players who want an adjustable fit and a high level of protection. The Cascade CPV-R is an affordable option that provides excellent protection against high-impact collisions. The Warrior Burn is a lightweight helmet that offers good protection and mobility. The STX Rival is a comfortable helmet that offers excellent durability and protection. Ultimately, the best helmet for a player will depend on their personal preferences, budget, and playing style.

Best Lacrosse Heads 2018 - A Buyer's Guide

Looking for a lacrosse head but not sure what you should look for? When I started playing lacrosse in the late 90s, the Brine Edge was almost literally the only option. It was a heavy, solid piece of plastic built with a one-size-fits-all mentality. Today, there’s not just dozens of heads, but multiple brands innovating every year and putting serious engineering into the design of the latest lacrosse heads.

To help you out, we’ve reviewed 10 of the most popular mid-to-high end heads from a variety of companies made for every position. Whether you’re an attacker, middie, defenseman, or goalie, we’ve got some great insight on your options.

Best Lacrosse Head Reviews 2018

Two main points to keep in mind before diving in:

First, with many of these companies, you pay for quality. It’s easy to head to the local sporting goods store and pick up whatever’s cheap, but you’ll pay for it in the long run. Do some research, consider the following criteria, and know it’s better to spend a few dollars more for a better quality stick.

Second, you’ll need to pair this head with a shaft suitable for the position you’ll be playing, so check out our review of the best lacrosse shafts of 2017 here.

Quick Guide

Lacrosse Head Name Ideal Position Weight & Durability* Price
Easton Steal Core All-around 3
Epoch Hawk Attack 2
Brine Dynasty Elite II (Best Women's Head) All-around (women's lacrosse) 3
STX Super Power Plus Midfield 3
Warrior Nemesis 2 (Best Goalie Head) Goalie 5
Brine Clutch Attack 1
Warrior Evo 4 (Best All-around Head) All-around 2
Maverik Centric Attack/Midfield 2
Maverik Tank (Best Defensive Head) Defense 5
STX Stallion Midfield 2

*1 is lightest but generally most fragile. 5 is heavier and more durable

Easton Stealth Core Review

The Easton Stealth Core has a pointier tip than most other heads, improving accuracy on shots for more experienced players. This pointiness results in difficulty when going for ground balls though, so whether or not the point is a pro or con really depends on what kind of player you are and what position you play.

Cradle retention is great in the head and the head is easy to string, even for beginners.

While the pointed top is best used for making shots, it’s still nice and stiff for defensive plays. Overall it’s a spectacular stick for the price.

Epoch Hawk Review

This head is obviously for attackers and midfield players. It feels bendy enough that you won’t be doing much checking with it, ruling out defense.

It’s a spectacular head if you’re purely an offensive player though. The shape allows for quicker releases than most, and the grooved end makes it ideal for scooping grounders. It’s made for a high pocket and the design makes it easy to maintain control through even the craziest dodges.

The Epoch Hawk is best for at least slightly experienced players, with a design meant for stick tricks and plenty of holes available for stringing.

Brine Dynasty Elite II Review (Best Women’s Head 2017)

This head is a bit lighter than most other heads made for female play. It boasts an innovative sidewall design that results in a thinner side, and while the design allows the ball to sit very comfortably when cradling, it results in the head being much less sturdy. It cracks quite easily, so you won’t want to be making any defensive pokes. The design also makes for a thinner top rail, allowing for a little more confidence when scooping ground balls.

Despite occasional reports of it cracking, the head is still very stiff. Overall it feels a lot like a man’s stick, even though it stays within female regulations.

While it plays well for offensive players with a light design that allows for improved handling, it sacrifices a bit too much durability for a pure defensive player.

STX Super Power Plus Review

The STX Power Plus slightly improves on the original. It’s a versatile stick that’s mainly aimed at midfielders, but is pretty solid all around and any position player could get by with it. Great shooting accuracy with solid snap allows for quick, powerful rips with minimal drag.

This light head has a nice thin scoop that provides a wider angle for fielding ground balls when you need to. If there’s any true downside, it’s that the sidewall curve doesn’t lend itself well to faceoffs.

The low weight might account for the increased warping that occurs after intense games, but that’s true for plenty of sticks at this price point.

Warrior Nemesis 2 Review (Best Goalie Head 2017)

Goalies are gonna love this head. It’s made for more experienced players, being a little heavier that’s better suited to stop balls that catch the edge of the head. The head’s also got a slightly smaller surface area when compared to similar goalie sticks. It might take some getting used to for goalies who are used to having more net for catching.

It’s very durable and very stiff, perfectly made for blocking high-velocity shots.

The Warrior Nemesis is popular among NCAA goalies, and it’s not hard to see why. This is a great head for goalies that are up against hard shots.

Brine Clutch Review

The Brine Clutch IV is a head that’s made purely for offense. It’s highly popular among attackmen, and for good reason. Despite its thinness, it’s quite durable in all weather. The sidewalls are pretty thin to keep the overall weight low, but as long as you don’t put too much pressure on them with heavy checking, you should be fine. As I said, this is an offensive stick that wasn’t built with defense in mind.

It’s got a mid stiffness and lots of stringing options to really customize your pocket.

This is a great head for offensive players, but make sure you’ll be using it only for attacking and maybe a bit of midfield play; it won’t hold up on the defensive end.

Warrior Evo 4 Review (Best All-Around Head 2017)

This mid-weight head is nice and stiff, among the very stiffest offensive heads I’ve ever played with. It’s versatile, being a great choice for midfielders and attackers but able to hold it’s own when on defense. The forward cant (aka angle) on the head is well-suited to ripping fast shots and strong passes alike.

Warrior claims the new ‘Symrail’ design makes the head much less prone to warping, and I can attest to that. Personally, I’ve never seen any warping on it, but users online claim even when it does warp it’s easily molded back in place.

Overall this is a great choice for any player, especially at its price point.

Maverik Centric Review

The Maverik Centric is a mid-to-high pocket offensive head that’s got a narrower throat than most others. Its width, along with its flexibility, makes for accurate and very powerful shots. Not to mention the fact that it can make some decent defensive checks as well. You’ll get some solid feel whenever the ball is in your pocket.

The wide end allows for easy grounder scoops. It’s nice and light, and the only knock against this stick is it’s a little lacking on the durability side because of it.

For those who don’t like the mid-low pocket of the Optik, Maverik has crafted a great head for players who prefer a higher pocket.

Maverik Tank Review (Best Defenseman’s Head 2017)

This defense-focused stick had a wide head and is insanely stiff. The width of the head helps with scooping, though passing accuracy suffers due to the with, and ball control takes more focus and you won’t be performing any cheeky stick tricks easily.

Extremely durable, this head will hold up to solid poke checks without cracking. It’ll take a lot to ruin the Maverik Tank.

Made for physical defensemen, the Maverik Tank head will be great for you if you’re the kind of defenseman that likes aggressively applying pressure to attackers in your end. It’s a real powerhouse, yet is able to remain lightweight.

STX Stallion Review

The STX Stallion is purely for midfielders, very ill-suited to defense. It’s got lots of whip for making strong shots and quick, accurate passes. Made by STX with help from Kyle Harrison, one of the best midfielders in the game, this is designed for middies.

There aren’t many stringing options, but what’s there works for high pocket players. This head is great for cradling and control and has no issues with shooting. It’s one of the very best all-around midfield heads.

If there’s any negative, it has the potential to warp easily, and probably shouldn’t be used for extensive faceoffs, as it can easily lose its shape.

Lacrosse Head Buying Guide

As mentioned throughout the reviews, there are a couple of key factors to be considered at the start of any search for your ideal head.

Primary considerations for your new lacrosse head include:

  • Primary position
  • Weight of the head
  • Flexibility vs Durability

Why position matters: Your role on the lacrosse field has an impact on the type of head you end up with; you’ll want one best suited for your position. As an attackman, you should be focused on lightweight sticks with a forward cant that will allow you to release the ball quickly for fast and accurate shots or feeds. On the flipside, a denfenseman can get away with a heavier head that is more rigid so that it can stand up to repeated checking and digging for ground balls.

Weight makes a difference: Weight not only makes a difference across positions, but evaluating weight across heads for specific positions is also important. The lightest of heads end up being more flexible, and are more prone to breakage or warping, especially in cold conditions.

Flexibility vs Durability: Though this concept applies to all positions, it is most important for midfielders. As the utility man of the lacrosse team, you need a head that’s going to do it all. With so many teams running offensive and defensive midfield lines, you may be able to lean one way or the other, but as a middie, you’ll inevitably end up on both sides of the ball, so balance the flexibility for fast shots and feeds against the defensive toughness you’ll need for checks and battles for ground balls.