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Box Lacrosse Gear Guide (2026): Helmets, Rib Guards, Sticks and What You Actually Need
Prices updated November 2, 2026.
Box lacrosse, the indoor version of the game played in a hockey-style rink, is growing fast in the US as a fall and winter option, and many field players add a box league to their year. The gear overlaps with field lacrosse but isn't the same. This guide explains what box players wear, what you can reuse from field lacrosse, and every box-specific item in our daily price check with today's prices (checked October 29, 2026). Box leagues set their own equipment rules, so always check yours before buying.
The short answer
A box player typically needs a box helmet (usually a hockey-style helmet with a box lacrosse cage), gloves, arm protection with more coverage on the upper arm, rib or kidney protection, and a short stick. Many players reuse their field gloves, shoulder pads and stick, and add a box helmet, rib guards and bicep pads.
Box helmets we track: the Warrior CF 100 Box at $179.99, the Warrior Fatboy Alpha Pro and Alpha Pro Combo at $199.99, the Cascade CBX at $199.99, and the Fatboy Alpha Pro shell alone at $149.99. Fatboy facemasks run $64.99 to $74.99. Rib protection runs from $49.99 (Warrior Fatboy Next Youth) to $89.99 (Warrior Fatboy box rib guards), and bicep pads from $44.99 to $54.99.
How box differs from field lacrosse
Box is played on a smaller, enclosed surface with boards, usually turf laid over a hockey rink floor. The game is faster and more physical in close quarters, with a shot clock, and there are no long poles in most box leagues; everyone uses a short stick. The goal is smaller and box goalies wear much bulkier protection.
Those differences drive the gear. Checks come from closer range and more often hit the ribs, back and upper arms, which is why box players add rib guards and bicep pads. Players hit the boards, so helmets are built more like hockey helmets. And because everyone uses short sticks, box heads and shafts are designed for quick passing, tight-space stickhandling and durability.
Box helmets and the Fatboy cage
Most box players wear a hockey-style helmet with a box lacrosse facemask, and the Warrior Fatboy cage is the classic look. The Fatboy Alpha Pro combo includes the cage; the shell-only version ($149.99) lets you add a Fatboy facemask ($64.99 to $74.99) or reuse one you already have. The Warrior CF 100 Box and Cascade CBX are box-specific helmets.
Important: a box helmet is generally not legal for high school field lacrosse, which requires NOCSAE-certified field helmets, and a field helmet may or may not be allowed in your box league. Check your league's rules for both. Fit matters as much as with any helmet: snug, no rocking, and the chin cup centered.
Rib guards and kidney pads
Rib protection is the biggest difference between a field and box kit. Box rib guards like the Warrior Fatboy ($89.99) wrap the ribs and often the lower back. Field-style rib pads like the STX Cell X ($59.99) and Stallion 200 ($69.99) are lighter. Youth players have the Warrior Fatboy Next Youth box rib pads ($49.99). Kidney pads like the Gait GC3 ($79.99) and Maverik Max ($84.99) protect the lower back.
Many players wear rib guards under their shoulder pads. Make sure the combination doesn't restrict shooting motion; try them on together.
Arm protection and bicep pads
Box players get checked on the upper arm constantly, so many add bicep pads to their normal arm pads or elbow pads. We track the Maverik Max bicep pad ($44.99), Warrior Fatboy box bicep pads ($49.99) and Gait GC3 bicep pads ($54.99). Longer arm guards from field lacrosse work too; see our shoulder and arm pads guide.
Box sticks: heads and shafts
Any legal short stick works for most beginner box players, but box-specific gear exists. The ECD Mirage 3.0 Box head ($109.99 unstrung, $154.99 strung) is built for box play. Box shafts we track include the ECD Carbon Box ($124.99), Gait Alloy Box Attack ($129.99) and Defense ($139.99), and the Warrior Fatboy Alchemy Alloy Attack ($134.99).
Box pockets are often strung with traditional strings or a shallower mesh pocket for quick releases in tight spaces. If you play both box and field, many players keep a dedicated box stick so they don't have to keep adjusting their field pocket.
Box goalie gear
Box goalies wear far more protection than field goalies: large chest and arm protectors, bigger gloves, and leg pads. That's specialized gear; we track box goalie gloves like the Gait Box ($229.99) and Warrior Fatboy Box ($264.99). If you're new to box goalie, many leagues and clubs loan or rent goalie gear for a first season.
What a first box season costs
If you already play field lacrosse: a box helmet (about $180 to $200), rib guards ($50 to $90) and bicep pads ($45 to $55) add up to roughly $275 to $345, reusing everything else. Starting from scratch adds gloves, shoulder pads, arm pads and a stick, roughly $300 to $500 more depending on the level. Last season's field gear on sale (see our weekly deals page) is the cheapest way to fill out a kit.
Box gear checklist
Before the first box practice, run through this list. Helmet: a box helmet with a cage that meets your league's rules, fitted snugly with the chin strap fastened. Gloves: your field gloves are fine for most players; make sure the cuffs overlap your arm pads. Upper body: shoulder pads or a liner, plus rib guards. Arms: arm pads or elbow pads plus bicep pads. Lower back: kidney pads if your league or coach recommends them. Stick: a legal short stick, ideally with a pocket you can release quickly. Feet: turf shoes or court shoes, depending on the surface, not field cleats. Also bring a mouthguard, an athletic cup, and plenty of water; indoor box games are fast and hot.
If you're a parent buying for a younger player, ask the league whether they provide or loan any gear, and whether they require specific helmets or rib protection for youth divisions. Many youth box programs have their own rules that differ from adult leagues.
Box helmets and facemasks (7)
Check your league's helmet rules.
Rib guards, rib pads and bicep pads (9)
The core box add-ons.
Box heads and shafts (6)
Box-specific stick parts.
Box goalie gloves (2)
Specialized goalie protection.
Related buying guides
Buying tips
- Check your box league's equipment rules before buying a helmet.
- Box helmets are generally not legal for high school field games.
- Rib guards and bicep pads are the most important box add-ons.
- Reuse field gloves, shoulder pads and stick to start.
- Try rib guards on under your shoulder pads before buying.
Click any product for its full price history and a link to the retailer.