How Often Should You Restring Your Lacrosse Stick and Replace Protective Gear? | BSG

Lacrosse is a fast-paced, high-intensity sport, and keeping your equipment in top condition is essential to performing your best on the field. Whether you’re an attacker, midfielder, defender, or goalie, maintaining your gear is just as important as sharpening your skills. Two key pieces of equipment often overlooked are your lacrosse stick and protective gear. Knowing when to restring your stick and replace your protective gear can make a huge difference in your game, keeping you safe and performing at your peak.

When to Restring Your Lacrosse Stick

The stringing on your lacrosse stick is vital for your ball control, shot accuracy, and overall play. Over time, the mesh and strings in your lacrosse head can stretch, fray, or become loose. This affects the release, hold, and consistency of your throws and shots, leading to inconsistent gameplay. If you're noticing these issues, it might be time to restring your lacrosse stick.

Factors That Determine Restringing Frequency:

• Frequency of Use: If you're playing lacrosse year-round, practicing multiple times a week, your mesh will wear out faster. Players in leagues or school teams may need to restring their stick every season or every 3-6 months depending on their level of play.
• Weather Conditions: Lacrosse is played in all kinds of weather—rain, snow, or scorching heat. Weather exposure can stretch and warp the mesh. Humidity and moisture often break down fibers more quickly, so if you play in wet or humid conditions, expect to restring more often.
• Play Style: Aggressive players or those who take a lot of shots may wear out their mesh and strings faster than others. Frequent hard passes or shots stretch the mesh, reducing its longevity.

HeroMesh 4.0: A Game-Changing Lacrosse Mesh

One of the most exciting advancements in lacrosse stringing is the release of HeroMesh 4.0. Known for its durability, and superior control, HeroMesh has been a go-to for lacrosse players looking for high-quality mesh. The HeroMesh 4.0 takes this to the next level with enhanced water resistance, increased flexibility, and a more responsive feel, allowing players to have more accurate shots and better ball retention.

With its Hydrophobic Fiber technology, HeroMesh 4.0 repels water, making it perfect for players who face all weather conditions. This innovation ensures that the mesh maintains its shape and consistency even in wet conditions, meaning fewer restringings and more time on the field. Players who upgrade to the HeroMesh 4.0 will notice that their lacrosse stick performs more consistently, providing them with more control and confidence in their game.

How Often Should You Replace Your Lacrosse Protective Gear?

Lacrosse is a contact sport, which makes protective gear critical for staying safe on the field. Pads, helmets, gloves, and shoulder protection all degrade over time, losing their effectiveness in protecting you from injuries. But how often should you replace your gear?

Helmet:

Your lacrosse helmet is one of the most important pieces of equipment. It protects your head from impacts, falls, and collisions, and its integrity should never be compromised. Most manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every 2-3 years, depending on usage. If you’ve had any significant impacts or see visible cracks, it’s crucial to replace your helmet immediately. Additionally, lacrosse helmets are subject to certification regulations, so always ensure your helmet meets the latest safety standards.

Gloves:

Lacrosse gloves provide protection for your hands while allowing for grip and mobility. Over time, the padding in gloves compresses, reducing their ability to absorb impact. Additionally, the palms of gloves often wear out, making it harder to control your stick. If your gloves are feeling less protective or the palms are ripped, it’s a sign you need a new pair. For most players, replacing gloves every season is a good rule of thumb.

Shoulder Pads:

Shoulder pads protect your chest and shoulders from checks and contact. Like helmets, the padding in your shoulder pads will compress over time, making them less effective. You should replace your shoulder pads every 1-2 years depending on the level of wear. For players who engage in heavy contact, checking them regularly for tears or thinning padding is important.

Arm Pads:

Elbow and arm pads protect the arms from slashes, impacts, and falls. These pads often face significant wear from frequent contact with opponents and the ground. If the padding starts to thin or you notice cracks in the hard-shell protection, it’s time to replace them. Most players replace their arm pads every season or sooner, depending on how often they play.

Keep Your Lacrosse Equipment in Top Shape

Knowing when to restring your lacrosse stick and when to replace your protective gear is key to staying safe and performing your best on the field. Properly maintaining your equipment not only enhances your game but also ensures your safety during high-intensity plays.

At Burghardt Sporting Goods, restringing services are available to keep your lacrosse stick in optimal condition. Whether you’re ready to upgrade to HeroMesh 4.0 or need a routine restringing, our experts can help you maintain your stick for top performance. Visit Burghardt Sporting Goods for all your lacrosse equipment needs and ensure you’re always game-ready.