Just like any other sport, to be good at Lacrosse you need to practice a lot and for years.
And there’s no doubt that only practicing with the team isn’t enough. Coaches always urge their players to practice more at home. But how can you do that?
You get yourself a lacrosse goal.
This guide here is going to help you find the best portable Lacrosse Goals that fit your preferences and that will help you improve your skills massively.
Here below are my top favorite lacrosse goals that I recommend to anyone.
Buying Guide: Important Questions Before Buying A Lacrosse Goal
Before we get to the actual goals that I’m recommending, we first go through a few questions that are essential to help you make the right decision and prevent any regrets.
Why You Should Buy A Lacrosse Goal of Your Own?
A lacrosse goal is important if you do not want to limit your practice only to the team’s training time. Becoming a great lacrosse player needs countless hours of shooting, passing and throwing. Mastering the basics of this game will usually require you to have a lacrosse goal at home to practice regularly.
Difference Between Official and Practice Lacrosse Goal?
The only difference between an official and a practical lacrosse goal lies in the quality and material used. Otherwise, they are both of the same size. Look at how the two lacrosse goals differ below:
Weight and build
Official goals are made of long-lasting materials. The materials are heavy hence making them difficult to transport. The practical goals are easy to transport because they are made of light material. They are also made from less durable materials unlike official goals whose materials are quite long- lasting.
Steel pipes
The official lacrosse goals use thicker steel pipes of about 1.75 to 2 inches in diameter. The practical goals use steel pipes of 1.5 inches. Goals made of thicker pipes lasts longer.
Colour
All official lacrosse goals are bright orange in colour. The practical goals on the other hand, can have any colour. However, with newer brands, you may find some practical goals with orange lining.
Corners
The square welding of the official lacrosse makes them easily recognizable. Practical goals have rounded corners which are less prominent.
What About The Lacrosse Nets?
The net is the most delicate part of the lacrosse goal. It is usually the most worn out part after long-term use.
Most lacrosse nets used in the lacrosse goals range from 2.5 mm to 3.4.5.6 mm in thickness. Thicker nets last longer. The 2.5 mm nets never last long and are therefore not an excellent choice whatsoever. The less thick nets may be sold a lot cheaper than the rest.
Any net above 3 mm is suitable for a backyard lacrosse goal. This is because it will withstand any harsh weather condition and the hard shoots.
Portable Lacrosse Goals VS Static Lacrosse Goals
Portable lacrosse goals are the way to go here. It’s a necessity if you happen to love practicing in different fields. A collapsible (folding) goal can be effortlessly stored in the car for transportation. Even though, remember that most folding goals may not last as much as static ones.
How Big Should A Lacrosse Goal Be?
The size of the lacrosse goal remains the same irrespective of the brand or type you go for. They are regulated to 6’x6′.This is the same size used in lacrosse matches across schools and tournaments.
There are other smaller lacrosse goals measuring 4′ x 4′ but are mainly used for indoor lacrosse. In all other instances, the dimensions of the goals remain the same.
It is vital that you purchase the correct goal size. Practicing with a smaller or larger goal will totally frustrate you when playing the actual game.
Is Getting A Cheap Lacrosse Goal A Good Idea?
In the past, one could spend a fortune to acquire a lacrosse goal. However, nowadays, having your own lacrosse goal in the backyard is now more affordable.
Buying a cheap lacrosse goal can be sometimes the way to go especially if the goal is destined to youth players who just want to have fun. But, if you’re serious about your lacrosse training, then buying a decent lacrosse goal should be a priority.
And don’t worry buddy, most of the goals you’ll find reviewed in this guide are pretty much affordable. Besides, I always make sure to include best equipment for all budgets so you can choose whatever you’re happy with.
More Things To Look At
Netting quality
Some nets wear and tear quickly. Some are made for younger players simply because the net will not hold powerful shots released by adults. Also, remember that some elements of the net will break easily while others will hold up even after thinning out.
Quality and design of the frame
The frame should be light enough to be transported from place to place. It must also be easy to store in a safe place. The goals design should also be easy to setup and dismantle.
Best Lacrosse Goals To Buy In 2018: Detailed Reviews
The Rukket Rip It lacrosse goal comes in two options:
- 4X4- Mainly used indoors and comes with a free transporting case
- 6X6- Standard size, it does not include a free carry case
Whatever the size, this Rukket goal is incredibly lightweight. It is made of the sturdy fiberglass poles and rotating corners that allow it to easily collapse and fold. The goal folds into a flat triangle that easily fits into its carrying case.
The lacrosse corners have pockets for extra weights in case the ground is not steady enough. The corner pockets can also be used to store water bottles during the game. This goal can be used by coaches and players thanks to the versatility it offers.
Bottom line, this is by far the best value-for-money portable and folding lacrosse goal you can get in today’s market. It’s easy to set-up, lightweight and durable goal. What more can you ask for?
Pros
- Highly portable
- Easy to assemble
- Great Price
- Easy to store and transport
Cons
- The 6×6 option is more portable than the mini 4X4
The EZ lacrosse goal is designed for players of all levels. The goal is made of strong steel which allows it to remain sturdy throughout its use.
Its 11ft X 8 feet backstop allows you to shoot hard without the worry of chasing the ball. This way you are able to improve your shooting accuracy and consistency in no time. Amazingly, the EZ lacrosse goal helps you train more, shoot more and chase less than other more expensive lacrosse goals in the market today.
The lacrosse goal folds an up easily for storage. It is only 4 inches at its highest; you will be able to carry your goal everywhere. All in all, this is an excellent lacrosse goal that costs less than most other similar goals in the market. It’s not very cheap to be honest. But, given the value this goal provides, its price is a steal.
Pros
- No tools required for set-up
- Replaceable parts in case of damage
- Heavy gauge 1.5 inch steel frame
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Weak net – needs frequent replacement.
BSN practice lacrosse goal is for you if you can live minus the additional portability features. It is full official size practical goal that will take you the shortest time possible to assemble.
For extra stability the goal is made of lancing rods on the uprights, rear ground supports and inside fronts. At a glance the goal looks impressive, its corners are squared and not rounded, unlike most practical goals. It weighs about 70 lbs and may be too bulky to transport.
This BSN goal is suitable for use at the backyards, club or school grounds. The powder coating onto the compact 13 mm steel tubing gives the goal an extraordinary finish.
The net’s knot-less design and thickness of 3 mm enable it to withstand the high speed throws of regular training and harsh weather conditions.
Pros
- Compact design, build to last
- Easy to assemble
- Looks and feel smooth
Cons
- Not foldable
- Stringing the net can be time- consuming
- Somehow difficult to transport
The gladiator official lacrosse is made of 100% steel frame. It is a great option if you are looking for a goal to serve you for the long-term.
The net is made of 3mm braided polyester with a reinforced lacing cord. Both the lacing cord and the braided polyester make assembling easy. The gladiator goal also has an angled base bar construction with a reinforced segment of seams that prevent tearing.
The orange coating gives the goal a smooth and even finish. The coating also provides a rust-proof layer. You will find a detailed set-up manual in the box to make the assembling process easy and fast.
The gladiator goal lacks a pole that runs from the middle of the crossbar to the point where the two bars meet. This is the main reason why this lacrosse goal happens to be so light. For harder hits, we recommend that you get stakes to hold it firmly in the ground.
This is an excellent goal for anyone looking forward to perfecting their shot accuracy. It will fit well into the backyard part of your home
Pros
- Folds easily for transportation
- Rust-proof coating
- Includes a shooting back up net
- 2-inch steel with welded corners
Cons
- Cannot stand strong hits
Bownet official lacrosse goal is lightweight, weighing almost 25 pounds. The goal comes with a free carrying bag in which you shall find the poles that fit into the sheaths. The regulation size crease is also included in the bag for timely assembling.
The goals steel frame is covered with rubber feet to prevent any damage to the floors or grass. The net has a knot-less design to enable it to withstand the impact from shots.
The installation process is simple; it only needs special tools that are included. The take-off is similarly easy. The whole process has simple steps that are easy to master in no time.
The goal is easily portable and fits into the trunk of your car. In addition to this, the carrying bag has rollers to ease mobility.
Pros
- Recommended for both indoors and outdoors playing
- Easy set up and dismantling process
- Made of high-quality materials
- Carrying bag has rollers for easy transportation
Cons
- Does not include a top bar
- Lightweight and therefore unfit for official play
This is an awesome goal for kids and beginners who would love to train often in order to master the game. The goal is available in two sizes;
- 6′ X6′- recommended for backyard training and recreational lacrosse
- 4 ‘X 4’– standard size, recommended for coaches and players who would love to take their game to another level.
The goal’s poles are made of a strong fiberglass of 1.25mm diameter to ensure that it provides the steadiness you are looking for. The goal also includes an all-weather net of 2.5 mm with a reinforced edging and a rugged tarpaulin net back pocket for better play. The ropes ties are also included in the package.
As most of the goals in this guide, the Franklin Sports goal can be easily folded into a carrying case for easy transportation to whenever you like. This as well is a somewhat cheap lacrosse goal that I do recommend for people with tight budgets.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Compact design
- Priced on the lower side
Cons
- Attaching the net to the lacrosse goal can be difficult and time-consuming.
The champion sports pop up is a perfect fit if you are looking for a simple lacrosse goal. The goal measures 6 x6 feet and is made up of a flat steel that is steadily attached to the mesh netting and the nylon binding.
The goal poles effortlessly snap together without any tools. It is also made of corner targets, four mesh pockets and two steel supports making it a perfect lacrosse goal for those who want to improve their shooting accuracy.
It is highly recommended for schools and recreational lacrosse.
Pros
- Lightweight goal
- Easy to assemble
- Comes with a transportation bag
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
Cons
- The net and nylon binding can easily tear off with usage.
The post Best Portable Lacrosse Goals & Nets In 2018: Detailed Reviews appeared first on Lacrosse Pal.
