Why Equipment Differs
Men's: full-contact collision sport. Women's: limited contact. Different rules = different gear.Stick Differences
| Feature | Men's | Women's |
|---|---|---|
| Short stick | 40-42" | 35.5-43.25" |
| Long stick | 52-72" | N/A (except goalie) |
| Head width | 6-10" | 7-9" |
| Deep allowed | Shallow (ball visible) |
Shallow pocket = more active cradling = rewards skill. See stick guide.
STX Crux 600 Women's Stick — Excellent women's stick
~$100 Check Price on Amazon
Program: Amazon Associates
Cascade LX Women's Goggles — Wide vision, comfortable
Program: Amazon Associates
Protective Gear
Men's required: Helmet, shoulder pads, arm guards, gloves, mouthguard.
Women's required: Goggles, mouthguard. That's it for field players.
💡 Florida mandated soft helmets for girls' HS lacrosse in 2025. More states may follow.
Goggles vs Helmets
Women's goggles meet ASTM F803. Protect eyes/orbital bones but NOT against concussions.Footwear
Same for both — cleats for grass/turf. Women's shaped for women's foot anatomy but functionally identical.Cost Comparison
| Item | Men's | Women's |
|---|---|---|
| Head protection | $180-350 | $50-100 |
| Body protection | $60-200 | $0 |
| Arms | $40-100 | $0 |
| Gloves | $60-150 | $0-80 |
| Stick | $30-200 | $30-175 |
| Cleats | $50-150 | $50-150 |
| TOTAL | $425-1,180 | $135-535 |
Sources & Further Reading
- US Lacrosse Rules, 2026.
- NCAA Equipment Requirements, 2025-2026.
- ASTM F803, 2025.
- ESPN Florida Helmet Mandate, 2025.
- Inside Lacrosse Helmet Debate, 2025.
