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Best Lacrosse Shafts Reviews 2023: Specs, Video & Buyer’s Guide
Lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. Though it wasn’t that long ago that only a few colleges had lacrosse teams, many high schools now have teams that compete at the regional and state levels. Players can even get scholarships to major schools for their skills on the field. With the best lacrosse shafts for 2023, you can get the freedom of movement that you need on the field. The shaft works with your natural skills to make you a demon at the game.
When looking for the ideal lacrosse shaft on the market, it is important that you consider features such as size and length because all models are not the same. The shafts on our comparison chart below are suitable for those who play goalie and those on the offense and defense sides.
Top Rated Lacrosse Shafts Comparison Chart 2023
Our comparison chart features simple headlines and useful information about the top lacrosse shafts. You can see how the shaft looks like and some of its top features. We also ranked them from top to bottom based on their quality and effectiveness.
You might scour the internet to find as much information as you can about wooden and carbon lacrosse shafts and still cannot find the right piece that is perfect for your game. While we did include a buyer’s guide below, we also included comprehensive details of five top rated shafts for the money. You can check out all the models below. Using the links we provided, you can also see just how much each lacrosse shaft will cost you.
Available in three sizes for goalies, attackers and defenders
Black and white shaft options available
Uses advanced carbon technology in the manufacturing process
Good ratio of length to weight
One-piece design
Our highest rated lacrosse shaft is the one from East Coast Dyes, which is a company having a good reputation among both amateur and professional players. The lacrosse shaft comes in a 30-inch size for attackers and a 40-inch size for goalies. While, the defenders can also buy the 60-inch size and get the optimal security they need on the field.
Once you pick the size you need, you can now choose between a shaft with either a black or white design. All versions of this shaft use carbon technology that most players need to keep the stick in good shape on the field and stop it from breaking.
Even better, this shaft only weighs just one pound and is easy to handle around. Of all our favorite features, it comes with both a butt end and a self-tapping screw that works with most heads.
Pros
Specific designs/lengths available for defenders, goalies and attackers
Can stand up to regular playing and usage
Comes with a self-tapping screw for attaching a head to the shaft
Lightweight when compared to other lacrosse shafts on the market
Platinum Grade construction; @x stronger than standard aluminum alloy
Quick Features:
30-inch length designed for attackers
Features a platinum construction
Enables players to get a good grip on the shaft
Weighs just over seven ounces
Suitable for players at least six years of age
During lacrosse games, the attackers are responsible for making the big moves that help their teams score points and win games. The more your shaft weighs, the more issues you’ll have to face when moving across the field and scoring points or setting others up to score.
The Warrior lacrosse shaft is one of the preferred choices for attackers because it weighs a little more than seven ounces and is easy to both carry and move. With its platinum construction the shaft lasts much longer than those made from aluminum.
Not only this, it offers a smooth surface that enables you to slide your hands as you run to get into the right position for your shot.
Pros
Has a nice and smooth finish that allows for easier maneuverability
Uses a platinum material that is stronger than standard aluminum
Provides better grip without the use of extra tape
Is lightweight to help you move faster on the field
Designed specifically for use in attack positions
Cons
Not compatible with all heads
May not be strong enough for larger or bulkier players
If you want to support the economy and purchase locally made goods, the RipWood shaft is a great choice because it’s the only ones we found that is made in the United States.
What’s really likeable about this lacrosse shaft is use of real ash Ashwood to ensure that it has the balance which attackers need the most. After initial manufacturing process, the company applies color and put it through a heat-treating process that secures the glossy finish on the surface.
No matter how often you play or how you hold the shaft, you won’t ruin that finish. It also gives you good ball control and has more stability than others do.
Pros
Has a good balance when used on the field
Features a snug fit that holds the head in place
Does not shake as much as others do, even when you apply extra pressure
Provides better stability and ball control
Costs less than other sticks
Cons
Some colors may sell out before you buy
Can feel flimsy when compared to carbon and metal shafts
With four colors available, this is one of the best lacrosse shafts on the market for those who want to try something a little different. You can pick from classic shades such as metallic gray and black or select neon yellow and get a lacrosse shaft that lets you stand out on the field.
Furthermore, East Coast Dyes also gives you three sizes to choose from, including a 30-inch attack, 40-inch goalie and 60-inch defender. Not all colors/finishes are available in all sizes though. The grip on this one has just enough texture that you can keep your hands in place without using tape.
On top of all that, it also features a carbon fiber core that you can cut to the size you need. With a miter saw, you can make this a youth lacrosse shaft or a shaft suitable for a shorter player.
Pros
Does not require the use of grip or any other tape
Dried before molding to remove the moisture that causes warping
Hex-cut design for compatibility
Includes a head mounting screw for head attachments
Weighs only one pound
Purists often look for wooden lacrosse sticks, and the best wood lacrosse shaft for those on a budget comes from Burd Wood Works. The company uses real hickory wood and sends it through a kiln to remove as much moisture as possible.
After this, they dry the wood for several weeks to make sure that it’s as straight and dry as it can be. You may find that it has a slight bend in the center or the ends look uneven, which can occur during the shipping process.
With excellent versatility, this lacrosse shaft is suitable for use in multiple positions and requires little maintenance, though you may want to use varnish or another product to color the shaft and then seal it. There aren’t any deal breakers when buying this lacrosse shaft. To sweeten the deal, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty and a head mounting screw for attaching to a head.
Pros
Can paint or stain the lacrosse shaft to change its finish
Requires little to no regular maintenance
One of the most affordable lacrosse shafts available
Now that you had a chance to look at the best lacrosse shafts for 2023, it's time to get into the process of buying one. There are many things that you should consider, including the weight of the shaft and the position that you play. Before you start shopping for a new lacrosse shaft, you need to have some idea of what you need.
Multiple Shaft Features for Various Positions
One thing that many shoppers do not think about is that one lacrosse shaft generally won't work for all positions. A lacrosse team consists of a goalie and players in defense and attack positions. Each of these positions will require a different type of shaft.
1. Goalie
The goalie for a lacrosse team performs the same duties as the goalie for a hockey team does except lacrosse players usually don't wear as much protective gear. They are the ones responsible for making sure that the ball does not come into the lacrosse net and that the other team doesn't score. Goalies need a long shaft that measures between 30 and 40 inches. That longer design lets them knock out balls when a player attempts to score from anywhere inside the goal.
2. Defense
In football and other sports, defensive players are the one who protect the end zone or scoring area. The same holds true for lacrosse players. They typically stay directly in front of the goal and can move towards the center of the field to keep an eye on the ball. The lacrosse shafts designed for them can be as long as 60 inches. This allows them to scoop the ball away from other players and send it flying back down the field in a few seconds or less.
3. Attack
While every member of the team can feel the pride and glory after a win, those wins are often the result of the work of attackers. They are the ones who play against the defenders and attempt to get the ball into the other team's net to score points. The shafts they use are among the smallest and can be just 20 to 30 inches long. They need lightweight and flexible lacrosse shafts that help them get into scoring positions. Those shafts also let them move effortlessly between and around other players.
Upgrading or Replacing Your Lacrosse Shaft
If you're like most lacrosse players, you might think that your shaft is lucky and refuse to play with another. Despite how you might feel, there are some times when it's best to replace or upgrade that shaft. A good example is when the shaft shows significant signs of damage, including splitting along the middle or a center that appears bent. That damage can change the way you play and keep your shaft from performing the way you need it to during a game.
You might want to replace a lacrosse shaft when the grip wears down too. There are only so many layers of tape that you can add to the stick before you can't add any more. A few pieces of tape can help a shaft last for a few more games, but you'll eventually need to replace it.
As for upgrading, the best time to upgrade to a new lacrosse shaft is when you grow or change. You can get by with a shaft that you bought second hand until you gain more experience and pick a position. Once you have a new position that you play regularly, you should upgrade to a shaft designed for that position. It's also helpful to upgrade when you move from a younger league to an adult league. The best lacrosse sticks will fit your height, which will change as you age.
Factors to Look into When Shopping for the Best Lacrosse Shaft
Whether you have your heart set on the highest quality lacrosse shaft that fits your budget or a lightweight model that lets you move with ease, there are different factors that you should consider as you shop. We'll go over some of those top factors and explain why each one is so important.
- Grip
Lacrosse shafts usually feature one of the three grip types. The grip is the portion of the shaft that you'll hold in one or both hands as you play. A smooth grip is shiny and smooth, which allows you to slide your hand(s) into new positions as needed. If you want to get more grip, you can use a few pieces of grip tape. That tape also lets you change the shaft to play different positions.
Some shafts feature a sandblasted grip, also known as a diamond grip. The manufacturers use sandblasting to add some texture to the exact spot where you'll place your hands. Offense and attackers like this type of grip because it keeps the shaft from slipping out of their hands. The downside to a sandblasted grip is that it can feel quite rough and wear down your lacrosse gloves.
If you like taking shots from any position on the field, you might prefer a tactile grip. These models have a grip that sits lower down on the shaft and has some type of rubberized material over the surface. This helps you set up your shots in a fraction of a second and take shots without worrying about the shaft shifting out of your hands.
- Playing Position
As you compare short shafts and other sticks, make sure that you look at those designed for your specific position. We talked about the size of lacrosse shafts and how certain sizes are suitable for different types of players in the above section. You'll find some shafts that combine features of two or more designs and are suitable for those who spend most of the game in the center of the field.
- Size
Lacrosse shafts come in sizes that range from 20-inches to 60-inches or more. While you might think that shorter models are better because they weigh less or longer shafts are better because they give you more room, the size really relates to your position and what you do on the field. The right size can also depend on your height. While you can use a shorter stick in middle school, you'll usually need a longer one in high school and college.
Attackers need a size of between 40 and 42 inches, which is also the right size for middle fielders. Defensive players require a lacrosse shaft with a length of between 52 and 75 inches. A length of between 40 and 72 is legal for players in the goalie position. Females playing this position usually need a length of 35 to 52 inches. Sizes often vary for women and youth players.
Youth lacrosse players need a shaft that is the same height as the distance from the ground to their belly buttons, which is usually no more than 42 inches. The exception comes for youth players in a goalie position because they can use a shaft of up to 72 inches. Most female lacrosse players stick to lengths of 35 to 43 inches.
- Weight
The best lacrosse shaft on a budget might be one that weighs less than others. One thing to consider when choosing a lacrosse shaft is its weight in proportion to your position. Attackers do best with shafts that weigh no more than seven ounces. Heavier shafts make it harder for them to put their full power behind a shot. Defensive players can handle a heavier shaft that weighs over one pound and up to 17 ounces. Goalies often do best with shafts that are somewhere in the middle.
If you aren't sure what weight to go for, you should try out a few models. When you buy online, you can often return your purchase if you aren't happy. You can use your own backyard and get into the same position you would use on the field. The lacrosse shaft should feel comfortable in your hands and not interfere with your center of gravity. If you feel off-balance, you need one that weighs more or less.
- Material
The two most common materials used in lacrosse shafts are carbon and wood. However, there are also other materials that you can choose from as well. A professional grade lacrosse shaft will typically use carbon fiber because it can withstand games played in both the sun and the rain without breaking. Aluminum shafts are often more affordable and are strong enough for beginners and younger players. More experienced players dislike aluminum because it can bend and develop dents. Wood is generally a good choice for players looking for budget shafts. With wood though, you may need to condition the wood.
A step up from an aluminum shaft is an alloy one. Alloy shafts are common among players in middle and high schools because they are lightweight and easy to carry. College and older players may prefer scandium because it is one of the most lightweight materials. Even if you choose a longer shaft, it will still be lightweight enough to carry all over the field. There are also shafts made from composite materials, but these models are the most expensive.
Wrap Up
A lacrosse shaft is one of the most important pieces of equipment that a lacrosse player needs. While you might hear people use the terms lacrosse sticks and shafts to describe the same thing, a stick refers to the whole piece and includes the head on top. A lacrosse shaft consists of just the center part, which usually has a screw-on top and a butt end on the opposite side. As you shop for equipment online for yourself or a loved one, you can use our list of the best lacrosse shafts and our buyer's guide to find the lightest shaft and the best one for any type of player.
Paul is a compulsive tinkerer and inventor who loves writing about latest machines technology. He is especially inclined towards home improvement, exercise and outdoor equipment that every sports enthusiast and house dweller would love to get their hands on.
