Beginner & Youth Lacrosse Equipment Guide
Posted by Burghardt Sporting Goods on Jun 26th 2026
A beginner boys' lacrosse player needs a stick, helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, a mouthguard, and cleats. A beginner girls' player needs a stick, protective eyewear, a mouthguard, and cleats, with far less padding because the rules differ. Burghardt Sporting Goods carries full youth lacrosse equipment at its New Berlin, Wisconsin store and online.
Does boys' and girls' lacrosse need different equipment?
Yes, and this is the most important thing for a new family to understand. Boys' (men's) lacrosse allows body and stick checking, so it requires significant protective gear. Girls' (women's) lacrosse does not allow body checking, so the required equipment is much lighter. The sticks are also different and are not interchangeable between the two games.
| Equipment | Boys' lacrosse | Girls' lacrosse |
|---|---|---|
| Stick | Men's stick (deeper pocket) | Women's stick (shallow pocket) |
| Helmet | Required | Not required (headgear optional) |
| Protective eyewear | Built into helmet | Required goggles |
| Shoulder pads | Required | Not used |
| Arm pads | Required | Not used |
| Gloves | Required | Optional |
| Mouthguard | Required | Required |
| Cleats | Required | Required |
What equipment does a beginner boys' lacrosse player need?
For a new boys' player, here is the complete starter checklist in order of priority.
- Complete stick A complete stick comes with the head and shaft already assembled and strung, which is the easiest and most affordable starting point for a beginner. You can upgrade to a separate head and shaft later.
- Helmet A certified lacrosse helmet is required for all boys' play. Make sure it fits snugly and meets current safety certification.
- Gloves, shoulder pads, and arm pads The core protective set for boys' lacrosse. Beginner players should prioritize fit and mobility over the lightest pro-level gear.
- Mouthguard and cleats A mouthguard is mandatory. Lacrosse-specific or general field cleats both work for beginners.
What equipment does a beginner girls' lacrosse player need?
Girls' lacrosse requires much less gear. The essentials are a women's stick, protective goggles, a mouthguard, and cleats. Gloves are optional and some players add a soft headgear, but pads and a helmet are not part of the standard girls' game.
- Women's complete stick Women's sticks have a shallower, rules-specific pocket and are not interchangeable with men's sticks. A complete women's stick is the right starting point.
- Goggles, mouthguard, and cleats Protective eyewear is required in girls' lacrosse, along with a mouthguard and cleats.
What are good beginner lacrosse brands?
For beginners, the most reliable lacrosse brands include Maverik, STX, Warrior, and ECD (East Coast Dyes). Burghardt Sporting Goods carries Maverik sticks and shafts along with gear from other major lacrosse brands. For players ready to customize a pocket, StringKing Type 5 mesh is a popular, consistent option.
Does Burghardt restring lacrosse sticks?
Yes. Burghardt Sporting Goods offers in-house lacrosse stick restringing. A staff member helps determine the string configuration and colors, you choose your mesh, and the stick is typically ready in about a week for pickup at the custom counter. Restringing is priced at $20 plus material for men's sticks and $30 plus material for women's sticks.
Where can I buy youth lacrosse equipment in Wisconsin?
Burghardt Sporting Goods carries youth and beginner lacrosse equipment for boys and girls at its New Berlin, Wisconsin location, serving the greater Milwaukee area and southern Wisconsin. The store is at 15333 W National Avenue, approximately 15 miles west of downtown Milwaukee. Browse the full lacrosse selection online at bsg1881.com or call 262-790-1170 for help building a starter kit.
When you love lacrosse like we do, you can't beat Burghardt.
Get your new player fully outfitted, from complete stick to cleats.