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Aside from the
lacrosse stick, players use a variety of other equipment.
Protective gear is now mandatory, including a variety of helmets,
pads, gloves, and mouthguards. This protective equipment has made
the game much safer than in the past.
Of protective
equipment, the choice of gloves is one of the most important
decisions a player makes. Gloves not only provide protection for a
players hands, but should increase grip on the stick and improve
control of the ball. Gloves should fit snugly but comfortably.
Glvoes come in two types of material: leather and fabric. Leather
gloves are more durable, but take longer to break in than fabric
gloves and are sometimes less comfortable. Similarly, gloves with
thin leather provide a better feel for the stick, but wear out
faster than thicker leather gloves. Some gloves also come with a
natural curve in the fingers for better grip of the stick, though
this is optional for players.
The size of
gloves is also dependent on the position of a player. Attacking
players tend towards thinner gloves, which allow for better control
and faster shots. Defending players often prefer thicker gloves,
which allow for harder checks and defensive strikes. The gloves are
often the first part of the body to come in contact with another
player during body-checks, so larger gloves provide better
protection.
Aside from
gloves players are required to wear shoulder pads, rib pads, and arm
pads, as well as a mandatory helmet. Protective gear is made from
kevlar and high density impact foam, for greatest safety and
durability. Helmets are designed for greatest safety while
maintaining clear vision and communication and are usually around
$100. |
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