Protective equipment buyer's guide
by Staff Report/
adidas
adiStrike shoulder pad — Comes equipped with adidas ClimaCool technology that wicks moisture away and gives 360 degrees of ventilation to the body’s core heat zones. Ultra-lightweight EVA plates are anatomically positioned to offer maximum protection to sternum and spine. Double-layered high-density foam provides protection to high-impact areas. High-density polymer vented shoulder caps allow maximum airflow with superior protection. MSRP: $140.00
adiStrike EP.109 elbow pad — Features adidas ClimaCool technology that wicks moisture away and gives 360 degrees of ventilation, ensuring the player stays cool and dry at peak performance levels. Reinforce memory foam and internal polymer cap protects the elbow while keeping it locked in place. Includes one-piece, one-strap design for players looking to minimize arm coverage. Fully adjustable strap and compression sleeve with anti-slip rubberized micro-injections ensure a comfortable, secure fit. MSRP: $70.00
adidas Excel rib pad — The adidas ClimaLite liner wicks moisture away, keeping the player cool and dry. Its 360-degree design gives restriction-free torso protection. High-density foam absorbs impact from every direction. Fully adjustable front straps provide a completely customizable fit. Perforated mesh back provides maximum comfort and better fit. Dynamic flex points offer mobility and comfort. MSRP: $48.00
Brine
King SP — For protection: dual-molded shoulder armor cap system, reinforced sternum and spine protection, dual-density foam, flex fitting shoulder cap construction. For comfort: ventilator moisture-management performance liner, adjustable and removable upper arm guards, performance mesh material reduces overall weight and increases durability, shoulder caps sit closely on the shoulder allowing unrestricted flexibility. MSRP: $130
LoPro SP — For protection: carbon composite shoulder caps, compression molded padding offers protection without compromising mobility. For comfort: ventilator moisture-management performance liner, light weight, low-profile design naturally hugs the body. MSRP: $60
King AP — For protection: Pressure form technology offers increased protection in a low-profile design, carbon composite elbow protection, dual-density foam, internal plate system in high-impact areas. For comfort: ventilator moisture-management performance liner, breathable mesh sleeve provides comfort fit and wicks away sweat, internal no-slip grip to prevent arm pad from sliding. MSRP: $60
deBeer/Gait
Identity arm guard — Custom color combinations available right at your dealer. Ultra-thin hard plastic provides for ultimate protection with less weight. Gait’s floating elbow moves with the arm for unparalleled flexibility. New triceps fit system moves the traditional biceps strap up to the triceps to better prevent the pad from slipping. Full inner arm protection provides the most coverage without the bulk. MSRP: $89.99
Icon shoulder pad — Floating shoulder design increases flexibility without sacrificing protection. Additional protection in the Y-zone provides for ultimate protection in the sternum area. Fully adjustable chest straps ensure the right fit every time. Moisture-wicking liner material moves moisture away from the skin. MSRP: $39.99
Mutant arm pad — Super low profile allows for less bulk. Hard plastic elbow cap protects the vital area on the elbow. Adjustable biceps strap allows the pad to fit most sizes. Moisture-wicking liner material moves moisture away from the skin. MSRP: $44.99
Mutant elbow caps — A scaled-down version of the arm pad, the elbow cap allows for the most flexibility while still protecting the elbow. Super low profile for minimum bulk. Hard plastic elbow cap for maximum protection. Triple-strap design prevents slipping. Moisture-wicking liner material moves moisture away from the skin. MSRP: $32.99
Mutant shoulder pad — The Gait original floating shoulder design increases flexibility without sacrificing protection. Ultra-thin hard plastic Y-zone in the chest area provides for ultimate protection with less weight. Fully adjustable chest straps ensure the right fit every time. Additional clavicle pad located between the neck opening and shoulder cap offers unparalleled protection while maintaining flexibility. Moisture-wicking liner material moves moisture away from the skin. MSRP: $89.99
Reebok
9K shoulder pads — It starts with a four-piece split-shoulder system, which keeps the pads in place and tight to the body during any and all shoulder movements. FitLite technology is all over this pad, giving the athlete extreme protection, ventilation and mobility. FAV (flex armor ventilation) also adds protection and ventilation in key hot spots. FIT through the shoulders, Neoprene sleeves instead of Velcro and Griptonite in the rib area all provide comfort and fit. MSRP: $140
9K elbow guards — This three-piece construction offers the vast coverage, extreme comfort and the ultimate in protection. FitLite on the elbow, upper and lower arms provides solid protection while keeping the pad lightweight. FIT throughout the entire elbow cap allows the athlete’s elbow to sink into a comfortable custom fit while providing extra protection. Griptonite and the innovative three-strap system help to keep the pad in place and eliminate any sliding down the arm. MSRP: $90
9K arm pads — For the middie or defenseman who wants it all, these pads provide extreme protection without sacrificing weight or mobility. FAV (flex armor ventilation) lines the outside of the pad, providing extra protection and ventilation, while multiple flex zones provide maximum mobility. Griptonite throughout the inside helps to lock-in the perfect fit. MSRP: $65
STX
Cell shoulder pads — STX’s isoBLOX technology delivers protection and complete range of motion along chest, back and shoulders. Vented chassis for excellent breathability. Shoulder fins for dispersion of high-impact hacks. STX AirZone designed for added chest protection. Adjustable/removable biceps pads. Quick-release buckle and strap system keeps pad in place. Microbe shield protects against odors. MSRP: $99 (also available as shoulder pad liner, $80)
Cell arm guards — STX’s isoBLOX technology delivers protection and complete range of motion. Vented chassis for excellent breathability. Full-length sleeve prevents slippage. Low profile elbow cap allows checks to slide off. Fully wrapped and articulated elbow guard for all-around coverage. Microbe shield protects against odors. MSRP: $75
Cell arm pads — STX’s isoBLOX technology delivers protection and complete range of motion. Vented chassis for excellent breathability. Full internal sleeve prevents slippage. Adjustable upper arm strap for customized fit. Microbe shield protects against odors. MSRP: $65 (also available in defense arm pad, $45)
Warrior
MPG Hitman shoulder pad 8.0 — New for the 2009 season, the best-selling lacrosse shoulder pad of all time has been updated and enhanced with the lightest most durable materials on the market. The new SLX ballistic nylon outer shell reduces overall weight by 10 percent. The Hitman 8.0 features Warrior’s patented Armadillo shoulder cap system that moves and flexes with the arms for unrestricted movement and protection. MSRP: $89.99
MPG elbow guard 8.0 — Warrior’s signature “barrel style” MPG elbow guard has been updated and restyled for the 2009 season. Warrior’s new SLX ballistic nylon exterior shell reduces the overall weight of this elbow guard by 10 percent. The new moisture management paisley VaporTek interior liner adds some style to a sweaty job. Finally, these pads use a new ultra-light dual-density EVA foam that forms and contours to the shape of the arm for comfort. MSRP: $64.99
MPG rib pad 8.0 — This suspender-style rib pad has maximum adjustment capabilities that will keep the ribs and hip bone covered from even the most brutal checks. MSRP: $39.99
The New England Lacrosse Journal buyer’s guide is a section for our advertisers to provide information about their latest products. Contact us at feedback@laxjournal.com.



