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Best Lacrosse Shoulder Pads and Arm Pads (2026): Buying Guide by Position
Prices updated November 2, 2026.
Lacrosse pads are where families most often overspend or buy the wrong thing. An attackman, a midfielder and a defenseman need very different protection, and the product names (shoulder pad, liner, speed pad, arm guard, arm pad, elbow pad) are confusing. This guide sorts it out, then lists every shoulder and arm pad in our daily price check by type and price, with links to the retailer and to compare on Amazon. Prices in the text were checked on October 28, 2026.
The short answer
Attack players usually wear a lighter shoulder pad or liner and full arm guards, because they take the most checks on the arms. Midfielders usually wear a standard shoulder pad and mid-length arm pads. Defensemen often wear the lightest upper-body gear, such as a liner and elbow pads, because they're the ones checking.
Two deals stand out today: the Warrior Evo shoulder pad at $99.99, down from $149.99, and the Maverik MX EKG Grey shoulder pad at $74.99, down from $99.99. On a tight budget, the STX Stallion 75 shoulder pads ($59.99 to $64.99) and arm pads ($44.99 to $49.99) cover a beginner for under $115 total.
Shoulder pads vs liners vs speed pads
A full shoulder pad has caps over the shoulders, a chest and sternum plate, and a back panel. Models we track in this group include the STX Cell VII ($159.99), STX Cell VI ($149.99), Maverik M6 and M7 ($149.99), Nike Vapor Select ($139.99), STX Shadow Pro 2.0 Hybrid ($139.99), Warrior Evo V ($119.99) and STX Stallion 1K ($179.99).
A liner is a lower-profile vest with less bulk over the shoulders, popular with defensemen and players who want freedom to move. Examples are the STX Cell VII liner ($139.99), Warrior Evo V liner ($139.99), STX Cell VI liner ($129.99), Maverik M6 Speed liner ($129.99) and ECD Echo liner ($184.99). Speed pads like the Maverik M7 Speed Pad ($129.99) and Max Speed Chest Pad ($139.99) sit in between.
Whatever the style, check the chest protector rule for your level. Current US high school and college rules require chest protectors that meet a NOCSAE standard for commotio cordis protection, and many youth leagues follow suit. Look for the "NOCSAE ND200" marking on the product and in its description, and check your league's current rules before buying.
Arm guards vs arm pads vs elbow pads
Arm guards are the longest, covering from the wrist area up past the elbow toward the biceps. Attack players wear these because defenders check their arms all game. We track the STX Stallion 1K ($139.99), Maverik Max ($134.99), Maverik Shift ($124.99), STX Cell VII and Cell VI ($114.99), and Warrior Evo and STX Cell X ($89.99).
Arm pads are mid-length, protecting the forearm and elbow. They're the usual midfield choice. Options run from the STX Stallion 75 ($44.99 to $49.99) and Maverik MX ($59.99) up through the STX Cell VII and Cell VI ($89.99), Maverik Max ($109.99 to $119.99) and ECD Echo ($119.99 to $124.99).
Elbow pads are the smallest and lightest, covering just the elbow. Defensemen often choose them. We track the STX Stallion 1K ($59.99), Maverik Max ($64.99), ECD Echo ($64.99), STX Cell VI and Warrior Evo V ($69.99), and Warrior Burn Pro ($69.99).
Sizing and fit
Shoulder pads are sized by chest measurement and sometimes by height and weight; each brand's chart differs. The pad should cover the sternum and the top of the shoulders and stay put when the player raises both arms overhead as if shooting. If the chest plate rides up into the throat, it's too big.
Arm pads should cover the elbow when the arm is bent and overlap with the glove cuff, leaving no bare gap at the wrist. Try them on with the gloves the player will use. Pads that slide down during play are too loose.
Box lacrosse and extra protection
Box players often add rib guards and bicep pads, such as the Warrior Fatboy box rib guards ($89.99) and bicep pads ($49.99). Field players sometimes add rib or kidney pads like the STX Cell X rib pads ($59.99), Gait GC3 kidney pads ($79.99) or Maverik Max kidney pad ($84.99). These are optional add-ons, not substitutes for a certified chest protector.
How to save on pads
Pads change less from year to year than heads or gloves, so last season's model is usually almost as good as the new one. Watch for markdowns like the current Warrior Evo and Maverik MX EKG prices, buy LE colorways after the season, and compare prices at more than one retailer. Each card below links to Lacrosse Unlimited and an Amazon search. Do check that any shoulder pad you buy still meets the current chest protector standard for your level, since older models may not.
Pads on sale now (2)
Shoulder and arm pads currently below list price.
Shoulder pads, liners and speed pads (19)
Upper-body protection; check your league's chest protector rule.
Arm guards (attack) (8)
Longest coverage for players who take the most checks.
Arm pads (midfield) (18)
Mid-length forearm and elbow protection.
Elbow pads (defense) (8)
The lightest arm protection.
Related buying guides
Buying tips
- Attack: arm guards. Midfield: arm pads. Defense: elbow pads and a liner.
- Check that chest protection meets the current NOCSAE ND200 standard your league requires.
- Arm pads should overlap the glove cuff with no gap.
- Last season's pads are nearly identical and often discounted.
Click any product for its full price history and a link to the retailer.