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Testing methodology
Every recommendation on LacrosseTested follows the same process, so you can compare pages with confidence.
Position and rules first
Every recommendation starts with your position and the rules you play under: men's, women's, youth, high school or college.
A clear verdict
Each review says who the gear suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to know before you buy. No filler, no hedging.
No paid placements
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Kept current
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product or rule changes.
Where our facts come from
We use the manufacturer's published specs (head width, offset, shaft material, weight), the NOCSAE certification listed for helmets and balls, and the current rules from USA Lacrosse, NFHS and the NCAA.
What we check, by product type
| Heads | Width at the widest point, face shape, offset, sidewall stiffness, legal status for the level, and pocket or mesh supplied. |
|---|---|
| Shafts | Length, material (alloy, composite, scandium), shape, grip texture and weight. |
| Helmets | NOCSAE certification for lacrosse, fit system, sizing range, chin strap and face mask options. |
| Gloves and pads | Position fit, mobility, protection coverage, sizing and ventilation. |
| Goalie gear | Head width, throat protector and chest protector standards, and sizing. |
Hands-on testing versus research
A review carries a "Hands-on tested" badge only when our team has used the product, and it lists the date and what we did. Every other page is built from published specs, governing-body rules, the brand's own documentation and owner feedback, and says so. Comparisons are research-based unless marked otherwise.
Prices and codes
Prices come from each brand's own store and are dated on every review. Reader codes come directly from the brands we partner with. When a brand changes an offer, we update the code everywhere it appears on the site at once.
Corrections
If you spot something out of date, email info@lacrossetested.com and we'll check it and fix it.