From the latest lacrosse sticks to track spikes designed for maximum traction, many athletes rely on advanced gear to boost their performance. As technology in sports equipment continues to evolve, people often wonder: does better gear make athletes that much better?

For sports like lacrosse, equipment has transformed dramatically in recent years. Head coach Edward Hattler said technological advancements have reshaped the way the game is played.

“Newer sticks change the game,” Hattler said. “They allow people to shoot a lot harder, and that technology has continued to evolve.”

Hattler also said improvements in stick design are only one part of the transformation. Protective gear has also evolved.

“It’s definitely changed the game to make it faster, and the quality of the helmets, gloves and all the protective equipment has also really improved.”

Because of this, he said the sport has become more dynamic and safer.

And while these improvements may make some skills easier, they don’t replace the fundamentals, he said.
“Skill triumphs,” Hattler said. “Learning to dodge, your hands free and moving without the ball – all those skill things are way more important than the equipment.”

Junior track athlete Satchel Bills has noticed similar trends in his sport. Bills, who owns multiple pairs of spikes, said each one is designed to improve a specific aspect of performance.

“The different types of spikes have different spike locations,” he said. “That affects the way you push off the ground.”

Bills said spikes can make a noticeable performance difference under some conditions such in wet environments where runners need more traction. However, even with the right gear, Bills said technique and training are more important than the shoes.

“Spikes don’t make a big enough difference to outperform actual work,” Bills said. “If two runners train the same but have different spikes, it might make a difference of just fractions of a second.”

While better spikes may not make a huge difference, Bills said the confidence that comes with wearing them plays a role in his performance.

“Certain spikes definitely make me feel more confident before a race,” Bills said. “It’s very important to use shoes that make you feel comfortable or at least support your feet in a better way.”

Beyond performance, Hattler said the lacrosse team recently upgraded to higher-quality helmets for better protection against concussions.

“The helmets are more protective,” Hattler said. “All the protective equipment has gotten better in terms of durability and functionality.”

Even with better gear available, not every athlete has access to top-tier equipment. Hattler said more experienced athletes often invest in their own high-quality equipment as they take the sport more seriously.

“The more experienced players are trying to play at the next level,” he said. “They’re more committed to the game, and they have better, higher-level equipment.”

That difference in access can also come down to expenses. High-end lacrosse sticks can cost hundreds of dollars, and even a single pair of track spikes can be over $100. For younger athletes or those just starting out, the price of new technology can be a barrier.

At Paly, Hattler said the program provides basic protective gear and helmets to players who need them, especially newer athletes who haven’t bought their own. But as athletes advance, many choose to purchase personal sticks, gloves and pads that fit their playing style.

Despite the higher costs of advanced gear, athletes across different sports still find ways to use equipment to their advantage, whether through school-provided items or personal purchases.

Sophomore volleyball player Zoe Mummah-Su said she’s also seen how equipment, from shoes to knee pads, affect her performance and confidence on the court.

“Gear really affects how you play, especially shoes and traction,” Mummah-su said. “Knee pads help reduce injury, and some would say arm sleeves do the same.”

She said recent technology in volleyball gear, especially footwear, has made a difference in how players jump and move.

“New technology with shoes has definitely helped with performance,” Mummah-Su said. “At the professional level, it matters more. Especially with insoles that have carbon fiber, which people say can really affect your vertical.”

While high-tech shoes can help players, Mummah-Su said that price doesn’t always determine performance.

“The higher the level you get, you do see better-performing gear,” Mummah-Su said. “But if you’re really dedicated and good enough, I don’t think the cost of gear affects how you play that much. It might help a little, like giving you one or two inches on your vertical, but not enough to replace skill.”

Like Bills, she did say gear can help athletes feel more confident, even if the actual performance difference is small.

“Having good gear definitely makes you feel good,” Mummah-Su said. “New shoes are always better than bad ones. Especially if they’re more comfortable or help you jump more. Even knowing you have carbon insoles might make you think you can jump better, and maybe you can.”

Still Hattler said athletes’ motivation will always be as important as the equipment.

“Paly has excellent facilities for training,” he said. “The weight room is really good, and guys need to work on their explosiveness, but it’s a matter of players putting in the time to improve their game.”

As sports technology continues to improve, athletes will likely keep looking for the next edge: lighter sticks, faster spikes, or better protective gear. But for now, coaches and athletes alike agree no piece of equipment can replace commitment, discipline and skill.

“The gear is important,” Hattler said. “But skills are way more important than the advances in the new equipment.”