Lacrosse Sticks

What Makes a Good Lacrosse Stick?

The last thing you want to do when you are new to lacrosse is worry about your lacrosse stick. Players should be focusing on their skills, which is why we’ve outlined everything you need to know below.

Durable Head

The lacrosse head is a crucial component of the lacrosse stick, second only to the pocket. It forms the foundation of the stick and is essential for playing effectively on the field. The design of lacrosse heads varies depending on your position in the game. To help you quickly narrow down your options, Stringers Society Lacrosse Head Guides are the go to source.

Consistent Pocket

Having a good lacrosse pocket is essential for players of all ages, as it determines the stick’s performance. Women’s lacrosse sticks usually come with various pockets that can be considered an upgrade. Men’s complete lacrosse sticks generally do not differ in pockets, although specific sticks are designed for particular positions. However, in the future, we expect complete men’s lacrosse sticks to vary by position and style. Check out our guide on Lacrosse Stringing if you want to learn how to string your own lacrosse head.

Strong Lacrosse Shaft

In men’s lacrosse, the stick’s shaft breaks more frequently than the head. Hence, a sturdy lacrosse shaft or a good warranty is necessary. However, women’s lacrosse does not allow contact, so sticks never break. The focus is more on stringing than on the material used for the stick. The most common materials used for shafts are alloy, carbon fiber, and titanium. Among these, alloy is the weakest, carbon fiber is in the middle, and titanium is the strongest. Therefore, a carbon fiber or titanium shaft is recommended to improve durability and lifespan.

Lacrosse Stick Buying Guide

The world of lacrosse sticks is diverse, and there are several good tips that you should influence your decision. Below, we summarize the key considerations when selecting your ideal lacrosse stick.

Price

Contrary to earlier expectations as seen in our Warrior and StringKing Lacrosse Price Article, lacrosse sticks are no longer experiencing significant price reductions. Contemporary manufacturers offer complete lacrosse sticks spanning diverse tiers of quality, encompassing price points that range from budget-friendly options to premium, high-end selections. Brand reputation, materials employed, and design intricacies all play a role in determining the cost.

Material

Complete lacrosse sticks consist of a lacrosse shaft, head, assembled pocket, and a buttend. These sticks come game-ready and are typically legal for play. Regarding common materials, lacrosse shafts generally are made of aluminum and alloy blends on the low end of the market. While on the high end of the lacrosse shaft market, manufacturers use composite materials, carbon fiber, titanium, and titanium blends. 

All lacrosse heads are made of plastic, and when buying a complete lacrosse stick, lacrosse heads already have an assembled pocket. Lacrosse Pockets vary in quality of materials, type of pocket, labor employed, and materials used in construction. Lacrosse’s heads primarily differ in shape and offset. Originally, manufacturers and recently, like the element onset head, pursued designs that featured an onset, which was a forward tilt to the head. Since the inception of plastic heads, the ideal tilt has changed from onset to offset, which is a slight tilt in the opposite direction

When we began our journey in online writing, the lacrosse market was quite different. At that time, performance mesh had yet to dominate the scene, and traditional mesh and wax mesh were still in production. However, over time, the landscape has evolved. Today, when players select mesh for their game sticks, they typically opt for either soft performance mesh or hard performance mesh, with the former being the preferred choice. ECD Lacrosse and StringKing are the two top lacrosse mesh brands dedicated to perfecting both soft and hard performance mesh.

Other lacrosse-stringing companies, such as LaxRoom, The Mesh Dynasty, JimaLax, StringersShack, and Rocket Mesh, are actively exploring new materials and innovative designs. While these companies are often favored by lacrosse stringers, who appreciate their offerings, it’s important to note that their popularity tends to be higher within the stringing community than among the players themselves. One notable advantage they bring to the table is their ability to provide high-quality options at some of the most affordable prices. On the other hand, brands like StringKing and ECD, while well-respected, have a more mass-market appeal, catering to the broader population of lacrosse players.

Types

The types of complete lacrosse sticks can often be categorized based on the marketing approach of the brand, which we won’t delve into in this discussion. Instead, our focus is on simplifying the buying experience by grouping lacrosse sticks by gender and position. For those who are new to the sport, opting for a complete stick designed specifically for beginners is the most advisable course of action. You’ll find these beginner-friendly sticks in our youth lacrosse stick guide. These sticks are intentionally forgiving, and tailored to assist novice players in mastering the fundamental skills. When shopping, be on the lookout for terms such as “beginner” or “entry-level.”

It’s worth noting that while goalie lacrosse sticks aren’t gender-specific, we have created separate pages for men’s lacrosse goalie sticks and women’s lacrosse goalie sticks. This distinction anticipates potential market developments and aims to provide a more tailored shopping experience for goalkeepers.

Weight

The weight of your lacrosse stick is a crucial factor that hinges on both your playing position and personal preferences. In general, attackers tend to favor lighter sticks, as they provide greater agility for quick ball handling. In contrast, defenders often opt for heavier sticks, which can offer more power and stability. On average, most unstrung lacrosse heads weigh between 5.5 to 6.5 ounces.

When it comes to lacrosse shafts, it’s important to note that preferences vary significantly among players. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, a general guideline suggests that lighter lacrosse shafts are more prone to breakage. However, it’s essential to understand that premium lacrosse shafts, such as the STX Sci-Ti, defy this convention. The STX Sci-Ti, crafted from a scandium titanium blend, offers exceptional durability and performance, despite its lightweight composition. It’s worth mentioning that the price of the STX Sci-Ti is reflective of the availability and quality of these materials.

Width

The width of the lacrosse head varies for men’s and women’s lacrosse. Men’s heads should be between 6.5 and 10 inches wide, while women’s heads should fall between 7 to 9 inches. Check specific league or association regulations for any variations as time progresses.

Sizing

Understanding the appropriate stick length will depend on your gender and position.

Men’s Lacrosse Stick Lengths:

• Attack/Midfield: 40-42 inches
• Attack/Midfield Shafts: Standard 30 inches (removable up to 2 inches)
• Long Pole Defenders: 52-72 inches
• Goalies: 40-72 inches

Women’s Lacrosse Stick Lengths:

• Attack/Midfield/Defense Complete Sticks: 35 ½ – 53 ¼ inches
• Goalie Sticks: Up to 52 inches
• Goalie Shafts: 35 ½ – 48 ½ inches

Pocket

Ensuring your lacrosse pocket complies with the guidelines is crucial. For men’s lacrosse, the top of the ball should not be below the bottom of the sidewall when held horizontally. In women’s lacrosse, the ball must be visible above the sidewall when viewed from the side. Discover the Types of Lacrosse Pockets → 

Brands

Discover leading lacrosse stick brands such as STX, Nike, Warrior, StringKing, Signature, and Maverik, among others. Explore their innovative technologies and latest product offerings for an informed choice in our lacrosse stick brand guide → 

Safety

Safety is a crucial consideration during the actual use of your lacrosse stick post-purchase. Prioritizing safety is paramount. Understand the rules and refrain from intentional hits with the stick, as they are fouls that may lead to penalties or ejections. Proper stick checks are legal but must be executed correctly to avoid penalties.

Rules

Staying informed about the latest developments in lacrosse stringing rules, including pocket-depth specifications and head design regulations, is crucial. These rules aim to promote fairness, consistency, and player safety in the game of lacrosse. 

You can find the latest rules for lacrosse pockets and stringing here →

Conclusion

In today’s world, where costs are rising, choosing the right lacrosse stick can save you money in the long run. Some of the sticks I own have been with me for over a decade and are still used in game-like scenarios. While taking care of your stick is vital for its longevity, selecting one that feels right and encourages more practice is even more important. Remember that lacrosse is meant to be enjoyable, so embrace the process. Make an informed choice by considering your position, playing style, and budget. You only need to worry about rules if you’re not assembling your own pocket, so armed with the right knowledge, choose a stick you love and, more importantly, use it every day. Not every other day. If you have to, take it to the grocery store with you. Just get into the habit of practicing, and remember that lacrosse is all about having fun, so embrace the journey.