Men’s lacrosse and women’s lacrosse exhibit notable differences. Despite the similar appearance of their sticks, crucial distinctions exist. This guide aims to elucidate the disparities between Men’s Lacrosse Stick vs Women’s Lacrosse Sticks, exploring their impact on the game and providing insights for selecting the most suitable stick based on your needs.
Understanding Lacrosse Sticks
Before we dive into the specifics, let us break down the fundamental components of a lacrosse stick. Every stick comprises a head, shaft, pocket, and butt-end. The design of these elements significantly influences a player’s ability to catch, pass, and shoot accurately. A well-balanced stick is essential for mastering the intricacies of the game.
The Lacrosse Head: The Game-Changer
- The head’s design and shape significantly impact ball control, accuracy, and overall gameplay.
- Explore various head features to find the one that complements your playing style.
The Lacrosse Shaft: Backbone of Performance
- The shaft connects the head to your hands, influencing handling and maneuverability.
- Consider the material, length, and grip of the shaft for a personalized playing experience.
The Lacrosse Pocket: Cradle and Control
- Nestled within the head, the pocket is where the ball is cradled and controlled.
- Dive into pocket depth, width, and stringing techniques to customize your stick for optimal performance.
Lacrosse Shaft Butt-End: The Often Overlooked Hero
- While often unnoticed, the butt-end is crucial for a comfortable grip and overall control.
- Enhance your playing experience by ensuring a balanced and comfortable grip with the right butt-end.
Men’s Lacrosse Sticks
Men’s Lacrosse Stick Length
Men’s complete lacrosse sticks which include the head and shaft come in three options which are defense lacrosse sticks, offense lacrosse sticks, and goalie lacrosse sticks.
- Men’s offense lacrosse sticks range from 40 to 42 inches.
- Men’s goalie lacrosse sticks range from 40 to 72 inches.
- Men’s defense lacrosse sticks range from 52 to 72 inches.
Men’s Lacrosse Pockets
Compared to women’s lacrosse pockets, men’s lacrosse pockets are much deeper and allow for enhanced ball control. Pockets can be strung with lacrosse mesh or traditionally strung.
Men’s Lacrosse Mesh Pockets
Mesh pockets are the modern standard in men’s lacrosse—valued for their consistency, durability, and ease of maintenance. Unlike traditional pockets, which rely on leather and crosslace, mesh is made from woven synthetic fibers and comes in a wide range of diamond sizes, shapes, and textures.
The size and shape of the mesh diamonds play a major role in pocket performance. Larger diamonds tend to offer more hold and a softer feel, while smaller diamonds provide quicker release and tighter control. Players can choose between semi-soft, semi-hard, and performance mesh types to fine-tune their setup based on position, style, and field conditions.
From youth leagues to the pros, mesh pockets dominate the game for good reason—they’re easy to string, weather-resistant, and highly customizable. Whether you’re dialing in a low pocket for quick feeds or a mid-high setup for powerful shots, mesh gives players the tools to build a pocket that matches their game.
Men’s Lacrosse Mesh
The most popular men’s lacrosse mesh options are:
- 10 Diamond Mesh: The most common mesh size in men’s lacrosse. Offers a balanced blend of hold, control, and release speed. Ideal for players who want a versatile pocket that performs well across all positions and playing styles.
- Armor Mesh: A premium performance mesh known for its ultra-lightweight construction, weather resistance, and quick break-in. Armor Mesh typically features advanced materials and engineered diamond shapes to maximize consistency and durability. Great for elite players who demand precision and reliability.
- 8 Diamond Mesh: Features slightly larger diamonds than standard 10D mesh, giving players increased hold and a softer feel. Often used to create deeper pockets with more ball retention—popular among attackmen and offensive midfielders who prioritize control during dodges and feeds.
- 6 Diamond Mesh: A specialty mesh with large diamonds that offer maximum hold and a smooth, delayed release. Creates a deeper, more defined pocket that excels in ball retention. Best suited for players who want a high level of control and don’t mind sacrificing a bit of release speed.
components of mesh pockets
- Lacrosse Top String: Typically, lacrosse sidewall is used to attach the mesh to the top of the lacrosse head. However, some stringers prefer using a thicker string specifically designed for top strings to increase durability and tension.
- Lacrosse Sidewall String: Men’s lacrosse pockets use sidewall string to attach the mesh to the sidewall holes of the head. This stringing defines the pocket shape and channel.
- Lacrosse Bottom Strings: Mesh pockets must be secured to the throat of the lacrosse head. Most stringers use leftover sidewall string for this—except when stringing StringKing mesh, which requires a shooting string or thicker bottom string to prevent ripping. At Stringers Lacrosse Shop, we use thick 3mm HT string for all bottom strings to ensure durability and consistent tension.
- Lacrosse Shooting Strings: These strings are woven through the mesh diamonds to control the feel of the ball during release and add extra hold for improved ball security.
- Nylon Lacrosse Strings: Typically placed above the shooting strings, nylons help fine-tune a player’s release when shooting or passing. Most players use 1–2 nylon strings to enhance release speed and consistency.
Men’s Traditional lacrosse pockets
While modern mesh pockets have evolved to offer unmatched consistency, weather resistance, and ease of stringing, traditional lacrosse pockets remain a timeless craft rooted in feel, finesse, and personal expression. Once the standard across all levels of play, traditional setups have gradually faded from mainstream use—but they haven’t disappeared entirely.
You’ll still find traditional pockets in the hands of purists, stringing enthusiasts, and elite players who value the unmatched ball control, smooth release, and handcrafted precision they provide. Especially at the collegiate and professional levels, some athletes opt for traditional stringing to complement their playing style or honor the sport’s heritage.
Though less common today, traditional pockets continue to inspire a loyal following—and for those who master them, they offer a uniquely rewarding connection between player and stick.
Components of Men’s Traditional lacrosse pocket
- Lacrosse Leathers: Vertical strips—usually four—that run from the scoop to the throat of the head. They form the structural backbone of a traditional pocket, providing natural feel, deep hold, and smooth ball release. Leathers stretch and break in over time, shaping to a player’s style.
- Lacrosse Sidewall Strings: Used to attach the leathers and pocket to the sidewall holes of the head. Sidewall strings stabilize the pocket and influence its overall tension and placement. In traditional setups, they’re crucial for maintaining symmetry and durability.
- Lacrosse Crosslace: Thin, durable string used to weave the pocket between the leathers. Crosslace creates the diamond pattern that cradles the ball, and its tension directly affects pocket depth, hold, and release. Precision stringing with crosslace is key to a consistent traditional pocket.
- Lacrosse Shooting Strings: Woven horizontally across the top of the pocket, shooting strings influence how the ball releases from the stick. In traditional setups, they add hold and help create a smooth, controlled release point.
- Nylon Lacrosse Strings: Placed above shooting strings, nylons fine-tune the ball’s release speed and feel. They add snap and responsiveness, especially useful for players who want a quicker release or tighter control when passing and shooting.
Men’s Lacrosse Shafts
Men’s lacrosse shafts are designed for strength, control, and position-specific performance. Compared to most women’s shafts, they feature a larger diameter and heavier build—offering a more substantial grip that suits the physical demands of the men’s game.
Men’s Lacrosse Shaft Sizes
Shafts come in three standard lengths, each tailored to a specific role on the field:
- Attack/Midfield Shafts (30”): Lightweight and maneuverable for quick dodges, fast shots, and tight stick handling.
- Defense Shafts (60”): Longer reach for checks, intercepts, and clearing passes—built for physical play and field coverage.
- Goalie Shafts (40”): A hybrid length that balances control and reaction speed, helping goalies make quick saves and accurate outlets.
Men’s lacrosse shaft materials
Men’s lacrosse shaft materials range from alloy and composite to carbon fiber, with varying grip textures, flex profiles, and weight distributions to match individual preferences. Whether you’re an aggressive defender or a finesse-focused midfielder, the right shaft can elevate your game.
| Material | Key Traits | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy (Metal) | Durable, affordable, and widely used. Offers a solid feel with minimal flex. | Beginners to advanced players seeking reliability and value. |
| Composite | Made from blended materials (often carbon + fiberglass). Lightweight with moderate flex. | Players who want a softer feel and shock absorption. |
| Carbon Fiber | Ultra-lightweight, strong, and often engineered with flex zones. | Elite players who prioritize speed, quick release, and customization. |
| Titanium | Extremely strong and stiff, but heavier. | Defensive players who need durability for checks and physical play. |
Men’s Lacrosse shaft Finshes
| Grip Type | Description | Feel & Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth Finish | Classic polished surface with minimal texture. | Clean release; preferred by players who use tape for grip. |
| Sandblasted/Matte | Slightly gritty texture for enhanced control without added weight. | Great for wet conditions or players who want subtle grip. |
| Rubberized/Soft-Touch | Coated surface that feels tacky and grippy. | Ideal for players who prefer bare hands or minimal tape. |
| Concave/Shape Grip | Ergonomic shaft shapes (octagonal, concave, etc.) for natural hand placement. | Helps with stick control and consistent handling. |
Women’s Lacrosse Sticks
- Length: Women’s lacrosse sticks are shorter, ranging from 35.5 to 43.25 inches.
- Quicker Movements: Allows for agility in line with the finesse-driven nature of women’s lacrosse.
- Pockets: Shallower pockets in women’s sticks.
- Facilitates Faster Ball Release: Enables rapid passing on the field.
- Shaft Diameter: Smaller diameter to accommodate smaller hands.
- Comfortable Grip: Offers female players a secure and comfortable hold.
The design of women’s lacrosse sticks underscores the importance of:
- Skill: Precision and agility are key in the women’s game.
- Emphasis on Speed and Finesse: With less physical contact, women rely on these attributes to outmaneuver opponents. The stick design is tailored to complement these dynamics.
Understanding Game Impact
- Men’s Lacrosse:
- Nature: More physical and contact-oriented.
- Gameplay: Robust and strategic, aided by deep pockets for ball retention.
- Women’s Lacrosse:
- Nature: Emphasis on skill, precision, and agility.
- Gameplay: Relies on speed and stick finesse.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Stick
- Playing Style: Align stick choice with your unique playing style.
- Position: Consider whether you’re in an attacking or defensive role.
- Preferences: Optimal choice balances personal preferences, position, and playing style.
Conclusion
When playing lacrosse, having the right lacrosse equipment can make a big difference. You can choose between men’s and women’s lacrosse sticks, but it’s important to understand their differences. Consider your playing style, position, and personal preferences when deciding which one to use. Knowing the nuances of each stick design will help you perform better on the field with confidence.
Additional Resources and Recommendations
If you’re interested in exploring more options for lacrosse sticks, you can refer to our lacrosse stick guides:
- Men’s Lacrosse Stick Guides: Top Picks for Attackers, Midfielders, Goalies, and Defenders.
- Women’s Lacrosse Stick Guides: Top Picks for Attackers, Midfielders, Goalies, Defenders, and Draw Specialists.
- Youth Lacrosse Stick Guides: Top Picks for Boys Lacrosse Players and Girls Lacrosse Players.