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Think about how much your game would improve if you had the perfect lacrosse stick for your needs and playing style. The best lacrosse sticks can dramatically enhance your performance on the field. While you might think that your skills are good enough to master any stick, think again.
As the old saying goes: it’s all mind over matter. Poorly designed equipment made out of cheap materials can be a big source of distraction. Even if you don’t realize it, those fine comfort details and the overall “feel” of your lacrosse stick is what you’re going to be thinking about. This ultimately causes you to adopt poor playing techniques.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could focus on the game rather than the quality of your gear?
With the right lax stick, you can. In this guide, we’re going to help you find a stick that can help you reach your full potential.
Any seasoned lacrosse player will tell you that spending some time choosing the right stick is paramount. This gear is a big investment that can make or break your game, so it’s best to consider every aspect when looking for the right one.
What you should keep in mind before selecting the best lacrosse stick?
Length
Lax sticks come in a range of lengths. The right one for you will largely depend on personal preference. However, there are some strict regulations to follow as well.
You must choose an appropriate length for your position on the field. We’ll get into the specifics of that soon. For now, it’s important to know that the sticks for attackers and middies are much shorter than those used by defensive players.
Another thing to consider is the league you’re playing for. For example, women’s sticks are typically a few inches shorter than men’s lacrosse sticks. The same goes for youth lacrosse.
Just the Stick
When you’re shopping for lacrosse sticks, you can choose to get the stick alone or as an assembled piece with the head attached. A standalone stick, also referred to as a shaft, gives you the opportunity to customize your gear even further.
Regardless of the option you choose, it’s always a good idea to think about what type of material you prefer. Lacrosse shafts come in a range of materials. Though, the most common are composite, aluminium, scandium, and titanium.
Composite shafts are great for attackers. They’re lightweight and can be manufactured to provide different levels of flexibility. Aluminum is lightweight, too. It’s typically used by youth players who need something light and cost-effective.
Next up, there’s scandium. This is a unique material that’s typically used by the aerospace industry. In the world of lacrosse, it’s a good all-around material that can serve many different positions. It’s strong and has a great weight ratio.
Finally, there’s titanium. These are a popular option for defense players because of the strength and weight they provide. They are being phased out by many manufacturers though. This is due, in large part, to the high production costs compared to alternatives that are just as effective.
Handle & Feel
It’s impossible to tell you how a lacrosse stick should feel. For the most part, this is just something you learn the longer you play the sport! Everyone’s preferences are different.
With that said, there are some key aspects affect the overall feel of the stick in your hands.
The first is the shape of the shaft and handle. No, we’re not talking about the length. Take a look at any modern lax stick and you’ll see that most take on an octagonal shape.
The shape helps to improve grip. The angles of each flat side make it easy to do controlled rotations on the field. Cylindrical options are available. Usually, they’re accompanied by grips.
Grips provide the same benefits of taping, which is something many lax players do to improve traction on their hands. The main difference is that grips are custom designed and molded onto the shaft.
Consider both of those factors when you’re trying to determine how a lax stick will fell on the field.
Heads and Pockets
Like stick length, lacrosse governing boards have some strict rules regarding head and pocket configuration. For high school players, you’ll have to make sure that your sticks meet guidelines set by the NFHS. Meanwhile, college lacrosse sticks are regulated by the NCAA.
The head refers to the plastic frame that holds the net. It’s what the ball will be interacting with most. While they all look the same, any experienced player will tell you that even the finest detail can affect your game!
You need to consider throat sizes, scoop angle, and more.
When you hear the term “pocket,” it’s referring to the shape of the strings. Strings are fully customizable, allowing you to create the pocket shape that you want. However, most players will choose between a low, mid, or high pocket.
As always, make sure that you’re creating a pocket that follows regulations. Also, you need to ensure that your new stick’s lacrosse head is capable of creating the pocket that you want.
Best Lacrosse Stick 2023 Reviews – Recommended Picks
The STX Stallion 200 boys complete stick is specifically designed to encourage the development of fundamental skills while drawing on the features of some of our advanced...
Quick Features:
Beginner-level stick
Alloy metal shaft
Classic scoop
Soft mesh
The Stallion 200 lacrosse stick is a great option for beginners. It’s made out of a lightweight alloy metal and features a novice-friendly head. The stick is specifically designed to help new players hone their skills.
Despite being made for beginners, the stick looks anything but. It’s covered in a sleek black finish and even has some cool graphics that stand out.
Pros
Meets NFHS and NCAA regulation
Low pocket
Octagonal shaft
Lightweight
Cons
Dents easily
Conclusion
All in all, this stick doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re watching your young player take their first steps on the field, this lacrosse stick is an excellent choice.
Nike is no stranger to making some great sports gear. This lacrosse stick is no different. It’s a beautifully designed and solidly built stick that has a lot to offer players.
The stick is made with versatility in mind. Thus, it has slick handling and the power to accommodate players of any position.
Pros
Good for beginners and intermediate players
Lightweight
Brightly colored
Cons
Not good for seasoned players
Conclusion
Novice and intermediate players have a lot to gain from this stick. It offers great performance and plenty of flexibility.
From Warrior is Evo Warp stick. The most notable feature of this stick is the Kryptolyte shaft. This is a unique composite material that’s very lightweight. It’s not as tough as some other materials. But if that’s not a deal-breaker for you, the lightness of the shaft can help improve speed and overall agility on the field.
Pros
Weather-resistant build
Lightweight
Can improve handling
Cons
Tight net prone to breaking
Conclusion
This is a great stick worth checking out. Made for players under 14 years old, it’ll help young lacrosse fans learn the ropes and master the game.
Level 3 Bottom Rail for the perfect blend of power & accuracy
Quick Features:
Narrow throat
Wide scoop
Aluminum shaft
42 inches long
Maverick has knocked it out of the park with the Charger lacrosse stick. The shaft is made out of lightweight aluminum. While you could use some tape to improve grip, Maverick has included multiple grip zones. Printed lines offer a tactile response to give you more control on the field.
Pros
Complies with NFSA and NCAA rules
Multiple grip zones
Good for beginners
Cons
Susceptible to dents
Conclusion
There’s a lot to like about this stick. Beyond the grip zones, the head is designed to maximize power and accuracy. It’s a win-win all around.
The String King lacrosse stick is a versatile piece of gear that can serve beginners and intermediate players well. The unit is already prestrung, saving you time. As if that weren’t enough, the stick is very easy to break in. You can start playing the moment you get it with no problems.
Pros
Good for beginners
Semi-hard mesh
Easy to break in
Cons
Mid pocket may not be for everyone
Conclusion
Don’t let the simple looks of this stick fool you. It’s well made and is versatile enough for any position.
Two pack of FiddleSTX for fun mini lacrosse play any time
Quick Features:
Comes in a set of 2
30 inches long
Plastic heads
This is a unique product that can help start kids off with lacrosse early. It’s not made for regulation play. However, it can provide hours of fun in the backyard. The sticks both take on a traditional lacrosse stick design. Plus, they have the performance capabilities to match.
Pros
Great for young players
Prestrung
Head and pocket are beginner-friendly
Cons
Not regulation size for adults
Conclusion
While they can’t be used for regulation games, these sticks offer tons of fun for young kids. It’s a great way to introduce the game early while teaching youngsters some fun skills.
Another great option from STX is this goalie stick. It has all the bells and whistles you need to start playing right out of the box. The shaft has an octagonal shape for better grip. Furthermore, the head is prestrung with hard mesh.
Pros
Ready to use
Large head
Grippy handle
Cons
Net is on the looser side
Conclusion
All in all, the STX goalie stick does a decent job. It’s not going to offer the best experience for elite players, but it gets the task done.
Shorter length and thinner handle for easier handling
Quick Features:
Youth stick
Soft mesh
Flexible head
Approximately 38 inches long
This stick is purpose-built for youngsters that are new to the sport. It’s not going to meet any league regulations. If you can overlook that, the stick is perfectly capable of helping your kid learn the ropes. The shaft is thinner and easier to handle, making it great for little hands.
Pros
Shaft is thin
Wide head for handling
Octagonal shaft
Cons
Doesn’t meet regulation length
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a lacrosse stick that your kids can use in the backyard, this is a great choice. It’s built like a regulation stick and can be used to teach children the basics.
Here’s another youth stick worth your attention. Like the previous one, this model is designed for small hands. The shaft is thinner and very lightweight. Beyond that, the stick has some great features to improve handling. This includes a versatile middle pocket and a moderate pinch on the head.
Pros
Head is molded out of flexible material
Offers good control
Prestrung with soft mesh
Thinner shaft
Cons
Not the most durable option
Conclusion
Your kids will fall in love with lacrosse with this stick. It makes the game more manageable, which could keep your kids motivated.
Check out this fun lacrosse stick set. It comes with two sticks and a ball. This isn’t a product that your child would use out on the field. Rather, it’s made for backyard fun! Despite this, the stick set is surprisingly true to life. It offers a realistic playing experience at a much more affordable price.
Pros
Lightweight
Modeled after real lax sticks
EZ scoop design
Cons
Not made for regulation games
Conclusion
With this stick set, you can have some fun with your kids while getting them started with the sport. Thanks to the realistic design, your kids can get a head start before they start playing for real.
The Complete Lacrosse Stick Buying Guide
Whether you’re new to the game or you’ve been playing for years, finding the best lacrosse stick is never easy. There are many things to consider and tons of options on the market.
Luckily for you, we’ve created this guide with all the information you need to make a sound decision.
What are other important buying considerations?
In addition to the considerations we covered earlier in this guide, you need to think about the following factors when buying a new lax stick.
Key Playing Positions
As we mentioned earlier, stick guidelines vary based on the position you play. When you’re trying to find the best lax sticks, start by narrowing down your options based on your position.
Attackers
Attackers are the offensive players. They’re responsible for scoring goals. Typically, they stay on the offensive side of the field. So, a lightweight lacrosse stick for running is not a top priority.
What you should focus on is having a flexible stick that provides you with enough shooting power. For this reason, composite sticks are usually the go-to.
When it comes to length, attackers need a stick that measures 40 to 42 inches long. The shaft itself should be about 30 inches long. This applies to men’s lacrosse sticks.
Women’s lacrosse sticks are a bit different because there aren’t any strict guidelines regarding size differences among positions. Aside from the goalie, all women players can choose a stick between 35.5 and 43.25 inches long.
Midfield Players
Also referred to as middies, these players arguably have one of the toughest jobs on the team. They support both the defense and offense. As a result, middies are often running up and down the field and following the ball.
To increase your endurance as a midfielder, lighter sticks are usually recommended. They won’t weigh you down as you run, which is a huge plus.
Lengthwise, midfielders have a big range to choose from! They can stick with the same length as an attacker or they can go with something that’s closer to what defensive players use. Generally, the basic rule is to choose a stick that matches your playing style. The best lacrosse sticks for middies are between 40 and 72 inches long with the head attached.
Defense
Defensive players are the backbone of the team. Their job is to prevent other players from scoring a goal. These players will stay between their goal and the attackers.
Being part of the defense line is tough! It involves a lot of checking (if it’s allowed), passing, and communication.
As a defensive player, you need a much longer stick than the attackers. More length makes it easy to check opposing attackers. Plus, it provides more reach when you want to block passes.
For most leagues, the defense line needs sticks that are between 52 and 72 inches. That’s with the head attached. Standalone shafts usually measure around 60 inches long.
Skill Level
Lacrosse, as a whole, has gotten very popular in the last decade. Over 800,000 people considered themselves players in 2018. That’s a big jump from the 684,000 or so that did in 2011!
Like any other sport, the equipment that will work best for you will depend entirely on your skill level. Beginners don’t need elite-level gear! As you progress with the sport and get better, you can upgrade your stick to match your new playing style and techniques.
Beginner
As a novice player, you’re still learning the ropes and getting comfortable with the sport. Chances are, you haven’t committed to a specific position to hone your skills just yet either.
A good rule of thumb for beginners is to get a versatile lax stick that can be used in multiple positions. Most new players will try many different techniques and playing styles before they settle on just one. A versatile stick will help you do that without hurting your wallet!
Youth players can choose a product that’s based on their team position. However, it’s always good to get something that’s specifically designed for them.
The best lacrosse sticks for kids are often lighter and have smaller shafts. Not only that, but the lengths are different due to sizing regulations. Most leagues allow the sticks to be several inches shorter. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding youth lacrosse sticks as short as 26 inches for any position.
Intermediate
Once you’ve been playing for a few years and have a pretty good idea of the position you want to play, it’s time to make an upgrade. The intermediate level is where you can start making those important decisions about length and feel.
Generally, intermediate players can see success from using a narrower head. It provides greater control than wide heads for beginners. You can also get harder mesh to get more throwing power.
Expect to spend a bit more to get a solidly built stick, too. Choose something that matches your playing style and feels good in the hand. Moving forward, you will be fine-tuning your skills even further. So, getting a lax stick that’s comfortable and easy to handle is paramount.
Elite
As an elite player, your needs are going to be vastly different than a novice or intermediate player. Every little detail can affect your game, so you need to consider all of your options.
Professional and college lacrosse sticks are built to higher standards. Thus, expect to pay a pretty penny for a well-built stick!
With that said, these sticks are going to last for quite some time. They’re built to handle the toughest checks and give you the best performance possible. If you’re serious about the game, it’s a worthy investment.
Style of Playing
The next thing you should think about is how you play. This goes beyond standard field positions and skill level. It’s about your personal preferences and playing quirks that make you unique.
Say, for example, that you’re a middie that leans more on defensive playing than offensive playing. In that case, you may fair better with a long and durable shaft that’s built for checking.
Another example would be your preferred way to shoot as an attacker. If you have spent years learning how to make accurate long shots, choose a lacrosse stick that complements those techniques. Instead of choosing a short stick that’s firm, you might want to go with a bit more length and tons of flexibility. A stick like that would give you the power you need to make those distant shots.
Think about how you play and choose a stick with the features you need most. While there are some guidelines based on position, you don’t have to stick with the standards. As long as you’re following the rules, you can choose features that work best for your playing style.
Value
Finally, let’s talk about value. Ultimately, value is all subjective. How important is lacrosse to you and how much money are you comfortable spending? Lacrosse stick prices vary quite a bit. So, does quality.
Don’t let the sticker price sway your decision too much. Remember, a well-built stick is going to outlast a cheaper one. Consider your purchase as an investment into the sport and set a budget accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand of lacrosse stick?
There are tons of great brands out there! They all produce some high-quality gear that can cater to all types of players. We recommend checking out brands like STX, Nike, Maverick, and Warrior.
What’s the best lacrosse stick for beginners?
Those just getting started with lacrosse may have difficulties managing and controlling the stick. To help them improve their techniques, we recommend going with features that improve handling and shooting. This means a wider head, a wider scoop, and a lightweight shaft.
How long is a youth lacrosse stick?
Youth lacrosse sticks can be between 36 and 42 inches for attackers and middies. For defensive players, regulation sticks are between 37 and 72 inches long.
Where do you tape a lacrosse stick?
You can tape the entire length of the shaft if you want to! Start from the bottom and work your way all the way up to the head. Just make sure that no tape is touching the head at all! This would violate both NCAA and NFHS rules.
Conclusion
Finding the best lacrosse stick can make all the difference. Instead of fussing with a piece of gear that’s uncomfortable to use, you can reach your full potential. The right stick will complement your abilities, not hinder them. Check out one of our recommended picks and see what a difference a good lax stick makes!
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.
