How much does Lacrosse cost?
Real gear costs, sorted by tier. The essentials first, then the nice-to-haves once you're hooked.
Budget starter
$298
Essentials only, cheapest picks
Mid-range
$599
Essentials, recommended picks
Full setup
$690
Essentials + optional gear, premium
Cost questions
How much does Lacrosse cost to start?
A budget Lacrosse starter kit runs around $298 for the essentials. A mid-range setup is closer to $599, and a fully kitted setup runs $690+.
Is Lacrosse an expensive hobby?
Lacrosse has a moderate startup cost around $298 for the essentials. Once you have the basics, ongoing costs are usually low.
What do I actually need to buy to start Lacrosse?
The essentials are: Lacrosse Cleats, Lacrosse Pads (Shoulder + Arm + Elbow), Lacrosse Gloves, Lacrosse Helmet, Complete Lacrosse Stick. The optional gear is nice once you're hooked, but not required to get started.
Can I start Lacrosse on a budget?
Yes. The budget tier shown above gets you everything essential for around $298. Avoid buying the premium tier until you've stuck with it for a few months.
Understanding Lacrosse costs
The real cost to start Lacrosse sits between $298 (bare essentials, budget picks) and $599 (solid mid-range kit) for the items you genuinely need on day one. A fully equipped setup with optional gear runs around $690. Those figures assume you're buying new: used gear can cut the entry cost significantly, especially for Lacrosse, where secondhand equipment is common.
What's essential vs. optional
The 5 essential items in this breakdown: Lacrosse Cleats, Lacrosse Pads (Shoulder + Arm + Elbow), Lacrosse Gloves, Lacrosse Helmet, Complete Lacrosse Stick, are what you actually need to get started. Skip any of these and you'll hit a wall early.
Which tier should you start with?
For most beginners, the mid-range tier (~$599) is the right starting point. Budget picks often create friction that makes it harder to tell if you're struggling with the hobby or just fighting bad equipment. Mid-range gear removes that ambiguity without overcommitting before you know the hobby sticks. The premium tier ($690+) makes sense once you've been doing Lacrosse for six months or more and know exactly where your current gear is holding you back.
What each item is for
- Lacrosse Cleats(~$85 mid-range)Lacrosse-specific or football cleats. New Balance dominates the lacrosse-specific market.
- Lacrosse Pads (Shoulder + Arm + Elbow)(~$130 mid-range)Shoulder pads + arm pads + elbow guards. Position-specific cuts: attackers prefer minimal/dexterous, defenders prefer max protection.
- Lacrosse Gloves(~$150 mid-range)Lacrosse gloves protect from checks. Match position: attackers/middies want lighter dexterous gloves; defenders want more padding.
- Lacrosse Helmet(~$185 mid-range)Cascade and Warrior dominate the lacrosse helmet market. Match certification to league requirements (NOCSAE for boys; ASTM for girls).
- Complete Lacrosse Stick(~$50 mid-range)Pre-strung complete sticks are the consensus right beginner pick. Maverik and STX dominate the youth/beginner market.