Monday, June 21, 2010

Lacrosse equipment buying guides

Lacrosse is a field game, originated in native America in early 12th century and is played in many parts of the globe today. It is a physically exerting game and requires the players to be fit. Each team comprises of 10 members. The game is played with a Lacrosse stick called crosse that looks more like a racket with loose netting to hold the ball. The game is similar to hockey and hence the name Lacrosse, which is derived from the French term for field hockey le jeu de la crosse.
Coming to the checklist on the equipment required to play lacrosse are lacrosse sticks, gloves, helmets, arm pads, mouthpiece, ball, goal, cleats, shoulder pads, arm pads, and other protective gears considered necessary. Keep three factors in mind while looking for lacrosse equipment: quality, durability, and cost. Again, like any other game, there is equipment specially designed for beginners, intermediates, and experts.
In lacrosse, equipment used by men is slightly different from women's. Though helmets, stick, ball, and protective equipment are the same when it comes to the name, it may vary in the content. For instance, women use sticks with shallower pockets and a shorter in length. On the other hand, men use longer sticks with deeper pockets, hence choosing the right kind of stick is vital for the game. A lacrosse stick consists of handle, pocket, and shooting strings. Keeping in mind the durability factor, men use aluminum, graphite, or titanium handle with traditional or meshpockets, which are made of nylon webbing wound around the side of the pocket. They are loose and are easier to control the ball. Women use aluminum or wood handle with traditional pocket with nylon laces on four adjustable strips of leather. The leather strip can be changed once worn out.
Gloves are a must while playing lacrosse as it helps to protect the hands. With technology getting better, excellent-quality gloves are available that offers not only protection but also flexibility. Gloves you buy should cover the back of the hand, fingers, and the wrist. Gloves with foam padding avoid shocks during the game.
While buying a helmet, make sure that it fits you well as it is meant to prevent head injury while on the field. As lacrosse is an aggressive game, it is advised to use protective gears to avoid unforeseen injuries.
Depending on the field you play, shoes need to be selected. Whether it is on grass or on turf, it is advised you pick a ¾ inch shoe for greater grip.
Buying expensive lacrosse equipment from sports stores does not guarantee long life, it is vital that you maintain them well.

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