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The items recommended in this Guide can be found at Lacrosse Unlimited in Westlake Village and online through a number of lacrosse retailers. The Hotshots StringKing Store only sells StringKing products but they are very good quality and highly recommended, particularly for complete sticks.

 

Whether you plan to go to Lacrosse Unlimited or purchase your son’s gear online, you may want to go to Lacrosse Unlimited first to figure out exactly what it is you want (brand, model, size, etc.) - they have one of the more  significant in-store inventory selections from which to consider your options.  You will also be able to figure out sizing by looking at the size of equipment that your son is wearing at our IGNITE beginner clinics.

 

 

Shopping Strategy For Younger Hotshots (Kinder-6th grade)

Because your son will continue to grow and his first set of gear will not be his last, there is no need to purchase top of the line shoulder pads, arm pads and gloves. Spend the money on his youth helmet and his stick. As he gets older and approaches high school, the level of contact increases (5th-8th grade) and it will become more important to invest in more protective gear.

 

General: Starter sets are available for smaller youth players, but be sure to look at the sets that DO NOT include the stick. Otherwise, look for middle of the road gear that will fit for a few years. 

 

Arm Pads and Gloves: Any brand and model works.  Try to stick to colors that are consistent with our colors: navy blue, red, and or white. It's not a requirement, just a suggestion.

 

Shoulder Pads: Any brand and model works. Colors are not critical, as they are hidden by the player's jersey. Be sure to choose shoulder pads that meet the NOCSAE performance standard ND200 to help address commotio cordis. It is a requirement that all boys players wear updated shoulder pads in 2022.

 

Helmets: We recommend Cascade helmets. They offer youth and larger sizes in various models (S Youth, CS-R, CPV-R) and they are all adjustable. Purchase one that currently fits him now on the smallest setting. All white with a silver face mask is preferred, but all white with a black mask works as well.

 

Sticks: Other than his helmet, this is the most important piece of equipment you will buy. Depending on his age, we recommend the String King Complete 2 Intermediate or the Complete 2 Junior. Both come pre-strung and include the shaft. They are the most consistent, enabling young players to throw with much better accuracy and confidence. Having sticks “custom strung” as a new and developing player makes no sense and 100% of the players who do this are getting more than they need and more than they can handle.

 

 

Shopping Strategy For Older Hotshots (7th-8th grade)

As your son approaches high school, you should consider purchasing gear that he can use for a few years - slightly bigger than it needs to be and offering a higher level of protection. He will be able to wear it into his first year or two of high school.

 

Arm Pads and Gloves: Any brand and model works, but you should consider middle to higher levels of protection. You may want to stick to colors that are consistent with the high school he will be attending. 

 

Shoulder Pads: Any brand and model works. Colors are not critical, as they are hidden by the player's jersey. You should consider middle to higher levels of protection. Be sure to choose shoulder pads that meet the NOCSAE performance standard ND200 to help address commotio cordis. It is a requirement in 2022.

 

Helmets: We recommend Cascade helmets. They are adjustable. All white with a white face mask is preferred. These are the same helmets the kids wear in high school. Players in these grades will fit into Cascade models CPX-R, S, and XRS (newest).

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Cascade XRS Custom Color Scheme: White Shell, White Jaw, Navy Chin and Washer, White Facemask, and White Chinstrap.  

 

Sticks: Other than his helmet, this is the most critical piece of equipment you will buy. We recommend the String King Complete 2 Senior. They come pre-strung and include the shaft. They are the most consistent, enabling developing players to throw with much better accuracy and confidence. Having sticks “custom strung” as a new and developing player makes no sense and 100% of the players who do this are getting more than they need and more than they can handle.