Gear that you will want to buy

Players need to be protected and there are a lot of different places out there to find the gear, please beware - the players always want to buy flashy styling and the catchy names.  According to coaches, the beginning set of gear is actually pretty strong and well built for a great price - something parents can appreciate. Although your players will try to talk you into buying the gear the pros wear, we recommend the basic gear for beginners. It tends to be thicker and cover more. As the players show devotion to the sport with long hours of practice and games, they will learn more about their own style of play and the advantages of one type of gear over another to fit that style. Until they have spent the hours, please do not spend the cash for the more expensive gear.

Recommendations for gear in the order that we would recommend purchasing them:

1. Stick -we really like the STX AV8 - it is the cheapest on the market and the best stick we have seen in a long time (about $35)
2. Gloves 12" or 13" - Mostly black in color - Warrior "Adrenaline", STX "Stinger" and Brine "Matrix" are all great entry level gloves (run from $24 - $32)
3. Shoulder Pads - all of the manufacturers make entry level pads and since they are covered by the jersey color, it does not matter - please do not spend more than $28 - $44
4. Arm Guards (not elbow pads) - although elbow pads are legal for defenders, arm guards provide maximum protection from illegal slashes ($18 - $32) 
5. Helmet - must be a white helmet with a black face shield.  For smaller heads we like the Cascade C2 - its adjustable and grows as the player does. For bigger heads, the Cascade or Brine make a few.  (about $109)
6. Mouth Guard - Colored mouth guards are required.  The game referees will not allow athletes to play with clear mouth pieces 
7. Cleats - not required but are encouraged.  Any non metal cleat will do.

A bunch of places carry starter packages for about $200 but give you really crummy elbow pads.  Ask and see if they will let you upgrade to a better forearm protection and they should be fine.

And as always, your local Play it Again Sports would be happy to fit you into your gear and let you know what else you will need (e.g., cup, cleats, and a mouth piece).