Look Good, Play Good

Embrace the Gear Obsession: Why Looking Good Is Part of Playing Good

Let’s be real for a minute—gear matters. I know some old-school purists are always ranting about how we should “focus on the fundamentals” and how custom helmets and flashy gloves are distractions. But the truth is, gear isn’t just about looking good. It’s about confidence, personal expression, and even performance. If players feel good in their gear, they play with a swagger that can make a real difference on the field. So let’s stop pretending that the “gear obsession” is a bad thing and embrace what it brings to the game.

Why Shouldn’t Players Want to Look Good?

Sports are about more than just skill—they’re about identity. Lacrosse is no different. Part of what makes lacrosse so special is the culture surrounding the game, and gear is a huge part of that. A player’s gear isn’t just equipment; it’s an extension of who they are. It’s self-expression. The colors, the designs, the custom gloves—these aren’t just superficial; they’re ways for players to feel like they own their game.

Wearing the same bland, standard equipment might get the job done, but where’s the fun in that? Lacrosse is a fast-paced, exciting sport, and it deserves players who look the part. When a player steps onto the field with a decked-out helmet, custom gloves, and slick cleats, they feel like they belong. Confidence goes a long way in sports, and if having the freshest gear helps you feel more confident, then why not lean into it?

Performance and Comfort Matter

This isn’t just about looks either. The best gear on the market isn’t just flashy—it’s high-performance. Modern lacrosse equipment is designed to be lighter, more breathable, and more comfortable than ever. Custom gloves? They’re built to fit like a second skin, giving players better control and feel. Those high-end cleats? They offer better traction, which means better cutting, dodging, and acceleration. A custom helmet isn’t just for show—it offers better fit and protection.

Let’s face it, the days of one-size-fits-all gear are long gone. Players today are faster, stronger, and more athletic than ever, and they need gear that can keep up. Cutting-edge equipment is engineered to give players an edge—whether that’s in speed, dexterity, or even just comfort during a long game. Don’t underestimate the role gear can play in elevating a player’s performance.

Building a Team Identity

Gear obsession isn’t just a solo thing—it’s a team thing. When a team rolls onto the field wearing coordinated custom helmets, gloves, and uniforms, it sends a message. It’s intimidating. It tells the other team that this squad is serious, unified, and ready to dominate. You can’t deny the power of a great first impression, and gear is the easiest way to create that.

Teams across all sports know this. That’s why professional leagues, from the PLL to the NFL, invest so heavily in their uniforms and equipment. It’s not just branding—it’s creating an aura around your team that shows you mean business. High school and youth teams can tap into this same mentality. Custom gear isn’t just about looking cool; it’s about fostering pride, unity, and a team identity that players can rally around.

Why Do We Bash Lacrosse, But Not Other Sports?

It’s funny to me that lacrosse seems to get singled out when it comes to gear obsession. In other sports, this is celebrated. Basketball players have custom shoes designed for them. Soccer players obsess over their cleats. Football players talk endlessly about the gear that gives them an edge. But in lacrosse, as soon as a kid wants a custom dyed stick head or a fresh pair of gloves, everyone loses their mind about how we’re “losing focus on the fundamentals.”

Why is lacrosse held to this double standard? Every other sport understands that gear and performance are tied together. Gear doesn’t distract from the fundamentals—it enhances them. If you’re more comfortable, confident, and excited to hit the field because of your gear, you’re going to play better. It’s that simple.

It’s About More Than the Game

For a lot of kids, the gear is part of what got them interested in lacrosse in the first place. Let’s not act like every kid picks up a stick because they’re obsessed with cradling drills. Lacrosse has style—it's always had style. From the old-school wooden sticks to today’s brightly colored mesh and customized pads, the culture of lacrosse has always been about blending skill with swagger. That’s part of what makes the game so appealing.

If a player’s love for the game starts with loving their gear, is that really such a bad thing? Gear is often the gateway to greater involvement in the sport. Once a kid falls in love with their setup, they’ll naturally fall in love with playing the game more and wanting to get better.

Let the Players Express Themselves

At the end of the day, the “gear obsession” is really just about players expressing themselves. Lacrosse is a sport that thrives on individuality and creativity, so why would we try to stifle that? We should be encouraging players to own their gear choices and embrace what makes them feel confident and unique on the field.

Coaches and parents shouldn’t be discouraging kids from wanting the best gear or expressing themselves through it. Instead, they should be helping them find a balance between looking good and playing well. Gear isn’t the enemy of fundamentals—gear is what helps players feel like they belong, like they can take on anyone.

So go ahead—rock the custom helmet, the flashy gloves, and the neon socks. Just make sure you’re backing it up with the work on the field. If you can do both, you’re not just playing lacrosse—you’re owning it.

P-Mac