Best Lacrosse Helmets – Buyer’s Guides

Lacrosse Runner is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

A wide range of lacrosse helmets are made available each year.

These include helmets of various sizes and qualities, so it can somewhat hard to find a helmet that specifically meets your needs.

To make this task easier, we have brought together a list of 7 best lacrosse helmets along with brief reviews.

More...

Best Lacrosse Helmets 2023: Our 7 Choices

$$$ - Cascade XRS Lacrosse Helmet - Maximum safety standards due to advanced protection and overall quality. Preventing various injuries and keeping you safe and sound on the field.

$$ - STX Rival Junior Youth Lacrosse Helmet - Best value and quality for its overall design and protection standards. The head will have ultimate protection and comfort in all tough conditions.

$$ - Cascade CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet - The most comfortable lacrosse helmet, ideal for all youth players. The lacrosse helmet will support different operations and increase visibility.

$$ - CASCADE CS-R Helmet [Youth] - Best reinforced construction with brand-new, advanced technology for optimal wearing and use. The lacrosse helmet prevents all external and frontal forces.

$$ - BURN JR HELMET 19 - Best for adjustable straps and ease of use. Ideal for all lacrosse players younger than twelve.

$$ - Cascade LX Women's Lacrosse Headgear - Best for female players with extra protection and composite materials. The lacrosse helmet also features additional safety standards for tough playing conditions.

$$$ - Fat Boy AlphaPro Combo Helmet - The most durable and reliable, thanks to its advanced and sturdier design. You will be better protected and safer in the game.

Cascade XRS Lacrosse Helmet - Best advanced protection
  • Brand: ‎Lacrosse Unlimited
  • Material: ABS
  • Size: one size
  • Best for: safety standards

What’s so specific about the Cascade XRS lacrosse helmet? The lacrosse helmet combines three-liner technology systems to reduce various force impacts. Thus, the lacrosse helmet will protect you from various pressure forces, impacts, and external conditions while operating on the field.

In addition, it will prevent your head from severe injuries and prevent concussions and similar severe injuries. So, you will be well-protected on the field.

Every part of the Tri-Liner technology uses the same support and protection, creating 360 degrees of fit and protection for optimal use and advanced safety standards.

In addition, the lacrosse helmet will offer an increased inner and outer system to prevent the hard effects of balls, checks, and similar actions that might cause different head injuries. So, you will be stable and optimal even during tough contact while in the play.

Thanks to the advanced XFlo ventilation system, the lacrosse helmet offers two times more durability and sturdiness than regular helmets.

In addition, the same system offers advanced comfort due to maximum ventilation, increased air circulation, and airflow. The main spot is directly on the center of your head, with the center of gravity there. So, the lacrosse helmet protects your head better than the basic helmets.

The lacrosse helmet is also valuable for its 20% increased visibility, so you can follow the happenings on the field and act to support your team better. The chin strap is also included in the helmet.

Pros
  • durable
  • reliable
  • sturdy
  • adjustable
Cons
  • expensive

STX Rival Junior Youth Lacrosse Helmet - Best quality
  • Brand: ‎STX
  • Material: plastic and foam
  • Size: one size
  • Best for: value

The STX lacrosse helmet will wow you due to its improved quality and safety design. The helmet uses improved construction and is perfect for all players under ten. Thus, it’s ideal for the youngest players, and the one size design is for most head sizes up to 22 inches of head circumference.

The STX lacrosse helmet is also an excellent part of lacrosse equipment, thanks to its advanced materials and overall improved construction.

The lacrosse helmet offers the advanced high-density foam that absorbs external forces, pressure, and impacts to keep the head optimal and safe from injuries. The plastic shell will also contribute to head protection, keeping the inner part of the helmet intact and your head safe.

The lacrosse helmet will also be more comfortable with increased ventilation system technology, breathable materials, and soft touch to your skin and head. Thus, the lacrosse piece of equipment will not add extra pain, pressure, weight, or discomfort while wearing it on your head for an extended period.

In addition, even if you fall to the ground, your head will be optimal and safe, as the helmet prevents any contact with the ground.

The STX lacrosse helmet meets and exceeds all new NOCSAE safety standards, so it’s ideal for tougher playing conditions and different safety standards. It will increase your visibility, and you can efficiently operate on the field. There won’t be any restrictions on your visibility and performance.

Pros
  • ventilation
  • comfort
  • durable
  • stable
  • safe
Cons
  • not visible

Cascade CPV-R Boys Lacrosse Helmet - Best for Comfort
  • Brand: ‎STX
  • Material: plastic and foam
  • Size: one size
  • Best for: value

Cascade CPV-R helmet is an affordable choice for boy lacrosse players from 6th grade to late middle school, which is mostly used in college lacrosse for some good reasons.

Cascade CPV-R is the only series that offers users with 4 different sizes from XXS to M/L to fit boy players with the head size from 21” to 23.5”. The different sizes can provide boy lacrosse players with a great fit as well as more comfort and protection during the game.

In terms of user experience, the CPV-R can satisfy all users as it has some thoughtful features. Apart from an EEP liner system to enhance protection and comfort, the R-series shell with free-flowing venting makes the four games as comfortable as the warm-up round.

Moreover, the CPV-R features a Chevron mask that can offer a better downward vision. With a slight V-shape in the center, it can fit a wide range of head sizes and provides the ease to take off.

Besides, the SPRFIT system allows you to adjust the ratchet with only one hand. Also, the minimal design with no unnecessary details and the simple fit can eradicate all the distractions during your gameplay.

Pros
  • 4 sizes for the variation fit of 21” to 23.5”
  • EPP liner system for extra comfort and protection
  • Free-flowing venting system to keep you cool
  • The Chevron Mask with a V-shape offers more downward vision
Cons
  • Only for boys youth lacrosse players

CASCADE CS-R Helmet [Youth] - Best reinforced construction
  • Brand: ‎Cascade
  • Material: Polycarbonate
  • Size: one size
  • Best for: advanced technology

You will like the Cascade CS-R lacrosse helmet due to its reinforced and advanced construction, ideal for tougher playing conditions for all U12 lacrosse players.

In addition, the lacrosse helmet provides maximum durability and sturdiness thanks to reliable materials, offering composite stability. On the other hand, the lacrosse helmet will perform on linear impacts and protect your head in side-impact protection as well.

Thanks to the pliable material, the U12 lacrosse helmet will also be perfect for comfort. The content will provide maximum air flow and circulation, so the users will be cool, calm, relaxed, and comfortable wearing the helmet. So they can operate better on the lacrosse field, and there won’t be any pressure or additional weight that the helmet might create.

Due to the energy-absorbing foam, the lacrosse helmet will equally distribute the energy into all helmet parts, making the overall construction reliable and safe for extended use.

Also, even if you fall onto the ground, the lacrosse helmet will protect you from external forces, keeping you safe and sound on the field.

As the Cascade CS-R features a brand new Cascade DNA technology in all its components, the wholesome lacrosse helmet will be ideal for best use and various playing conditions. You can easily use the technology that improves your visibility and create a more rigid system to better manage all frontal forces and impacts.

Finally, the lacrosse helmet is designed for all smaller faces, fitting their youth standards and needs.

Pros
  • stable
  • durable
  • secure
  • safe
Cons
  • limited to youth players only

WARRIOR BURN JR HELMET 19 - The Best Lacrosse Helmet for Under 12s
  • Brand: ‎Warrior
  • Material: ‎Polypropylene
  • Size: one size
  • Best for: adjustable design

Next on our list today is a specific helmet for the young player under the age of 12, WARRIOR BURN JR Helmet 19. From a renowned brand in hockey and lacrosse equipment, this product boasts a wide range of features that satisfy many users.

When considering a helmet, the first and foremost thing you are concerned about is protection. With high-quality Vinyl Nitrate foam liner, WARRIOR BURN JR 19 can protect you from impacts and shock. The thick and well-crafted inside material also makes it comfortable for users during the game.

Moreover, BURN JR 19 features Viconic protection that absorbs and disperses across a wide surface area. It also comes with an extra layer of protection to prevent jaw injury.

Although it only has one size, you can customize the fit of this helmet with only one hand. The AdaptFit 270 by BOA is a velcro pull-tab adjustment system that allows you to adjust the fit in a matter of seconds.

Moreover, WARRIOR BURN JR 19 is made in the USA and is certified by SEI to meet all NOCSAE standards.

Pros
  • Vinyl Nitrate foam liner for better shock absorption
  • AdaptFit 270 by BOA to fit well with various head sizes
  • Extra layers of jaw protection
  • Made in the USA
Cons
  • Fits only players under the age of 12
  • One size only

Cascade LX Women's Lacrosse Headgear
  • Brand: ‎Cascade
  • Material: ‎steel, foam, polystyrene
  • Size: one size
  • Best for: comfort benefits

This is a superb women's lacrosse helmet with a flexible outer covering which provides full protection for the back, front, and sides of the head.

The front covering has a face mask designed from a high-quality steel material which withstands high impact forces during collisions. In addition to being long-lasting, and an excellent head protector, it gives the player optimized sight lines with zero potential blind spots.

The Cascade LX Women's Lacrosse Headgear features a Poron XRD technology, this helps to disperse linear force from the point of impact uniformly. And to ensure it does not slip during play. It is fitted with an adjustable strap and three interchangeable cheek pad sets to hold the helmet in place.

As this is a women's lacrosse headgear, you will find dual rear slots to accommodate various hairstyles and lengths for comfortable wear and great fit.

The helmet also comes with strategic vents, whose sole function is to keep your head pleasantly cool and comfortable during play. With your head adequately protected, you can concentrate on winning the game.

Most conventional women's lacrosse headgear exerts facial pressure on the player when worn, but with the Cascade LX Women's Lacrosse Headgear, you need not worry. It has an integrated goggle system – a one-piece design which eliminates all forms of facial pressure.

Pros
  • Poron XRD for maximum comfort which dissipates impacts
  • Accommodate various hairstyles and lengths
  • Strategic vents to keep your head cool
  • An integrated goggle system to prevent facial pressure
  • Face mask is designed from high-quality steel material
Cons
  • Meant for only women

Fat Boy AlphaPro Combo Helmet - The most durable & sturdy
  • Brand: ‎Warrior
  • Material: ‎Polycarbonate (PC)
  • Size: Small
  • Best for: reliable design

Last but not least, the Warrior lacrosse helmet will blow your mind due to its brand-new and improved design. The lacrosse helmet uses a high-density plastic shell, providing an energy-absorbing system, creating a superior stiff design.

The helmet also offers a strong and durable construction with a lightweight barrier for more advanced safety features and increased protection. So you can use it for an extended time.

Thanks to the Omni-Shock protection technology, the lacrosse helmet will be ideal for its side-impact zones on the frontal lobe. The helmet is also reinforced in occipital and temple zones, enriched with Impact-absorbing pads.

The wholesome structure and safe system will diffuse energy and create an ideal protective system when you’re wearing the lacrosse helmet for an extended period.

As the Warrior lacrosse helmet comes with an improved design of the frame, it will not restrict your visibility with the frontal barrier. You will easily see the happenings around you on one lacrosse field.

The bars in the front part of the helmet will only prevent hard and fast balls from hurting your face and head, and the chin strap will be adjustable to add extra protection and stability to the helmet while wearing it. Thus, you won’t feel any pressure, weight, or discomfort during the play.

In addition, the lacrosse helmet uses reliable and durable outer materials, keeping you protected from different severe injuries and preventing concussions and similar critical conditions. You can fully operate on the field - no external forces, impacts, or pressure can hurt you.

Pros
  • comfortable
  • durable
  • sturdy
Cons
  • pricey

How to choose the best lacrosse helmets?

1. Shell material

The shell material of the helmet is an important factor to consider when purchasing a lacrosse helmet. Different lacrosse helmets featuring different shell materials are available in the market. 

Typically, you want a helmet that is both light-weight and strong. So the shell material in a good helmet should be durable so that it can withstand the impact of collisions during the game.

It should also be light-weight enough so that you can wear it easily without getting fatigued.

Typically, good lacrosse helmets come with ABS shells which offer both of the aforementioned features.

2. Mask

The mask is that area of a lacrosse helmet which is directly in front of your face.

A facemask protects your face from any direct hits during the game. Most lacrosse helmets come with facemasks featuring bars.

These bars ensure that the lacrosse ball does not reach your face and at the same time, the bars have sufficient interspaces to allow you a clear vision of the field.

You can go with few or more bars in the mask depending upon your choice.

If you go with more bars, such a mask will offer better protection but it will be heavier and obstruct your line of vision more.

On the other hand, a mask with fewer bars will be light-weight and offer a better view of the field.

3. Chin

The lacrosse helmet is meant to protect your head as well as your face, including the chin.

Most helmets come with chin straps which help you attach the helmet securely to your head. Many helmets also feature an additional chin piece to guard your chin from any injuries.

If you are looking for good protection on the field, choose a lacrosse helmet with the chin piece.

Also, be sure to position your chin piece well when you wear the helmet. If you wear the helmet incorrectly, the chin piece may obstruct your line of vision and affect your performance in the game.

4. Liner

best lacrosse helmets

The liner is the material used inside the shell of the lacrosse helmet. It is essentially the material that sits between the shell of the helmet and you.

So it is up to the liner to absorb the shock of the collision impacts during the game.

A good liner is a great shock absorber and ensures that the player gets little to no impact of the collision.

Good lacrosse helmets typically pack liner material which is able to compress upon impact and absorb the shock, and then decompress instantly to protect the player again.

It is highly advisable that when wearing a lacrosse helmet for protection, you should go with liner material which offers the best shock-absorbing capabilities.

5. Weight

The weight of the lacrosse helmet is an important factor. The basic purpose of a lacrosse helmet is simply to protect your head and face.

As a result, the helmet is required to be durable and strong enough to withstand the collision impacts on the field.

A good helmet is essentially a good balance between durable material and a lightweight body.

It is important that the helmet is not too heavy or your neck will start feeling the fatigue in no time and you won’t be able to wear the helmet through the entire game.

So make sure to buy a helmet which is durable but at the same time, is lightweight enough to be worn easily for the duration of the game.

6. Fit

Finding a helmet that is of the right size is important. This is because if you are going to use a lacrosse helmet for protection, it must fit your head perfectly.

Many companies offer helmets with interior lining that automatically adjust to the contours of the player’s head.

If you go for one of these helmets, make sure to try it on before purchasing it. The size and fitting of the helmet is important because a loose helmet will get in your way and fail to offer adequate protection on the field.

So if you really want to use a helmet for protection during a lacrosse game, make sure you get one that fits you perfectly.

7. Vision

When you wear a helmet, your line of vision is naturally limited than when you are not wearing one. So this is a compromise you have to make in return for the protection offered by a helmet.

When using a lacrosse helmet, try to strike a balance between a good line of vision and adequate protection.

There are many helmets available in the market offering a wider field of vision. Go for one of these if you want to be able to play well enough while wearing the helmet.

Having a helmet with good vision will ensure that while being well-protected, you are able to make clear and accurate passes, intercept the opponents successfully and if playing on the goalie position, are able to intercept the attacks in time.

8. Comfortable

The degree of comfortableness of a lacrosse helmet is also an important factor for you as a player. This is because you will be wearing your helmet for the whole duration of the game.

So it has to be comfortable enough not to bother you during the game.

Typically, a lacrosse helmet is comfortable is its interior is lined well with padding.

Other factors that contribute the comfort of a lacrosse helmet include the right fitting, a lightweight body and heat-resistant shell material.

9. Safety and protection

One of the primary reasons why you use a helmet in the game of lacrosse is simply to protect your head. So a helmet which doesn’t offer a solid degree of protection is no good.

Make sure that when you purchase a lacrosse helmet, it is sturdy enough to withstand the expected abuse it will face on the field. 

Most lacrosse helmets come with specific certifications which prove that they can protect the wearer well. One of these, for instance, is the NOCSAE certification.

If a helmet has this certification, this means that it has undergone a number of tests and offers a good amount of protection.

FAQs

How long do lacrosse helmets last?

Helmets require annual recertification. If a helmet isn't re-certified three years after it is released, it is no longer safe for use. However, helmets that are regularly re-certified can be used for even ten years.

Why do lacrosse players wear helmets?

Since lacrosse is a contact-sport, lacrosse players are at a high risk of injuries and even concussions. For this reason, exactly, they wear protective headgear to shield their skulls and minimize the chances for a concussion.

What is the safest lacrosse helmet?

The safest lacrosse helmet is the Cascade XRS Lacrosse Helmet due to the ultimate safety standards and protection system it provides to its users.

What is the newest lacrosse helmet?

The newest model is the Cascade XRS Lacrosse Helmet, as it offers the most advanced design and overall performance combined with advanced technology.

How should a lacrosse helmet fit?

A lacrosse helmet should fit snugly with no space between your head and the pads.

The skin on your forehead should move if you shift the helmet in any direction, and there shouldn't be more than one finger of width between your eyebrows and the helmet.

To make sure the helmet fits correctly, always try it on in the store before you buy it, and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

What size lacrosse helmet for a 13-year-old?

To know the size of the lacrosse helmet for a thirteen-year-old, you need to use a soft string around the head of the player. Place the string across the brow above their eyes.

First, you should cut the string to snug fit around the head. Next, you should remove the string and measure with tape in inches.

Below you can refer to the size chart and find the fitting sizes of the helmets required for the heads of thirteen-year-old players.

Size

Circumference

Hat Size

Extra Small/Small

21-22.5 inches

6 - 7

Medium/Large

22-24 inches

7 - 8

How much does a lacrosse helmet weigh?

A lacrosse helmet typically weighs between two and three pounds. However, some brands, such as Cascade, have created helmets that weigh less than two pounds. It is important to select a comfortable helmet that fits properly, as this will help ensure the player's safety.

Who makes lacrosse helmets?

There are various manufacturers who make lacrosse helmets as the primary pieces of equipment. These manufacturers include: Cascade, Warrior, STX, and other brands.

Each of these brands offers unique advantages and specifications, so ensure you find the desired qualities before making the final decision.

Conclusions

The best lacrosse helmet is the Cascade XRS Lacrosse Helmet, thanks to the brand-new construction, safety standards and protection, and overall performance. The lacrosse helmet is also durable and reliable for multi uses. Unfortunately, it is too expensive but worth its value.

Helmets are a mandatory part of lacrosse equipment, especially in tougher lacrosse games. Ensure you find all the advantages and maximum safety standards to choose the best lacrosse helmet for your needs.

Cascade XRS (White Shell/Silver Mask) Lacrosse Helmet*
  • Three different liner technologies unite to optimally address variable force impacts.
  • Each piece of the Tri-Liner system integrates perfectly with each other to create a 360° Fit for the ultimate protection-first package.
  • Best-In-Class XFlo ventilation ports offer 2X breathability. Balanced and aligned, the XRS is designed with the center of gravity directly at the crown of the head.
  • With our new VIXION system, we have increased peripheral vision by 20+% creating a maximum field of view so you can see it all. The Visionbar’s PowerPress technology decreases wire diameter on the top bar to improve sight lines and increase face mask rigidity.
  • Our safest, most comfortable, highest performing helmet — we’re all in.

Freddy Woods

Freddy is the heart and soul of Lacrosse Runner. As a former athlete, Freddy is very passionate about Lacrosse. He keeps up with the sport's changes and innovations and often tests the new equipment released by the leading manufacturers. Read more here