Top 10 Best Lacrosse Sticks In 2022 (Reviews And Advanced Buyer’s Guide)

Lacrosse is a very involved activity that requires much concentration and skill. The right equipment like Best Lacrosse Stick is also necessary for a good game.

Some of the greatest players in the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) have missed game-winning shots due to faulty tools.

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Many players fail to realize that lacrosse sticks are the primary form of defense on the field. You can block passes and engage in other forms of defense when you have the right stick in your hand.

Understanding the nature of lacrosse positions and using this guide is the best way to find the best lacrosse stick that you need to be good at the game.

Quick Overview: The Best Lacrosse Sticks

Considerations for Finding the Best Lacrosse Stick

Narrowing down your options for the best lacrosse stick may feel overwhelming, but breaking it into individual parts is the best way to get a great selection that’s targeted towards a player’s specific needs. Our guide has helped you narrow it by position, and now you need to evaluate what skill level you’re at – both ability-wise and in terms of playing style. By following our links on heads and shafts below, you can get more refined information tailored to exactly what skills and abilities you have (or lack).

Skill Level

After position is determined, the skill level becomes the starting point for assessing a lacrosse stick. The skill level of a player refers to his or her ability as well as his or her game play, usually youth, high school, or NCAA levels. There are various rules associated with the parts of a lacrosse stick at different levels of play. Because a beginner’s stick will have distinct features than an elite player’s, look towards any differences in ability.

If you’re just starting out, get a flexible mesh pocket for easier ball handling. Look for something lightweight and possibly thinner for the shaft.Also, choose a wide scoop—it’ll make things simpler. If you’re more intermediate, go with semi soft to semi hard mesh for increased power but better control thanks to the narrower head. Customizable options are important at this level too so that you can keep developing your skills without having to replace your whole stick as often.

Playing style

The playing style is the factor of lacrosse that most closely resembles your personal strengths and weaknesses. As an example, some midfielders prefer to play with a longer stick, called LSM or Long Stick Middie. These players are often more defensive-minded, choosing the longer shaft in order to deliver stronger checks and blocks.

The longer shaft, on the other hand, isn’t ideal for a forward who likes to shoot up close and fast. Another frequent variant is a midfielder that takes faceoffs. Faceoffs necessitate sturdy yet flexible shafts with heads that improve ball control and ease of ground ball recovery. These heads are generally narrower in form and have larger pocket areas, which improves ball handling.

Top Best Lacrosse Sticks

#1. STX Lacrosse Stallion 50 Lacrosse Stick – Best Youth Lacrosse Stick

The STX Lacrosse Stallion was inspired by the Elite Stallion U 500. The head of this stick has soft material that contributes to its flexibility.

This tool also has shorter and thinner handles for better control during games. Avid lacrosse players may appreciate the soft mesh stringing of the STX stick.

It is important to note, though, that this stick does not meet high school and college standards, which is why it is perfect for beginners.

#2. String King Complete Attack Lacrosse Stick – Best Attack Lacrosse Stick

The makers of the String King Complete Attack Lacrosse Stick believe that the pocket is the most important part of the device. Engage in competition right after buying this stick with its narrow design that was made specifically for attact.

This stick is perfect for players who are in the beginning stages of lacrosse. Youngsters can learn how to properly grip the shaft before moving on to standard sizes with the tool.

The StrikingKing has a wider head than some of its competition, which makes it easier for beginners to catch balls. This stick is properly balanced so that parents do not have to cut it down to accommodate their young athletes.

#3. STX Lacrosse Stallion 200 U – Best Men’s Lacrosse Stick

This lacrosse stick is one that gets its inspiration from the Elite Stallion U 500. The tool’s design allows for easy catching and passing, which are the fundamentals of lacrosse.

The STX Lacrosse Stallion 200 is ideal for beginners as it offers the same quality that elite players get from the brand’s more advanced sticks.

#4. STX Crux 500 Complete Stick – Best Women’s Lacrosse Sticks For Attack

You may hit the sweet spot every time with this lacrosse stick designed just for women. The STX Crux 500 claims to have 10-degree technology that helps drive the ball into scoring range. This stick also has a fast release and material that bonds with the ball for better-staying power.

This stick also has a unique Launch Pocket that gives players excellent ball control. The chevrons of the system flex out so to get a close grip on the ball so that you do not have to worry about the object falling out of the holder when you run.

The STX Crux has a pointed scoop for increased accuracy when shooting and passing the ball. This stick also comes equipped with an excellent scoop angle that allows for better flexibility. A 10-degree handle comes standard with the STX Crux 500.

#5. STX EXULT 300 Complete Stick – Best Girls Lacrosse Stick

Maintain full control with this lacrosse stick for women. The scooping angle of this equipment leads to better accuracy and more whipping power. Flexible scooping action makes picking up the ball off the ground easier for a game that is action-packed from beginning to end. This women’s lacrosse stick has stiff sidewalls for added stability and control.

STX Exult 300 lacrosse head is very similar to the original result 10 that except. It’s straight and there are a couple other improvements. The Exult 300 uses STX runway pocket which I’ve overlapping center strings that allow the runners to flex out and hug the ball. Has a flexible scoop for easy ground balls as well as a scoop angle that adds whip and improves accuracy. Stiff sidewalls help of control and stability and multiple stream bowls allow you to customize your pocket.

#6. STX FiddleSTX Two Pack Mini Super Power –  Best Lacrosse Mini Sticks

The FiddleSTX is one of the more popular lacrosse mini sticks for a few reasons. The tool has rugged plastic heads and shafts for a lightweight feel.

Although easy to carry, the FiddleSTX is anything by flimsy. In fact, the durability of the plastic allows for a little head-to-head action with similar lightweight sticks.

This lacrosse set comes with two mini sticks and a ball for immediate playing right out of the box.

#7. Warrior Evo WARP Next Lacrosse Stick – Best Lacrosse Stick For Beginners

Drop the bat really, really clean looking. Between the head and the shaft combo the black and gold graphics the heads really clean, shafts really clean. The shaft is a 6000 series alloy shaft. It’s got a standard octagonal shape. It is a gloss finish the graphite and the ground graphite, the graphics are really cleanly put on there. You can tell that they’ve upgraded.

The actual mesh pattern from kind of smaller diamonds to the larger diamond in the middle which actually I mean kind of almost resembles like a six diamond mesh there looking and giving you a lot of holds.

This stick is designed for players under 14 or so. Really looking and hammering in the skills and muscle memory necessary to make the plays that you’re going to be making out on the field. This is a stick that’s going to really get used to throwing catching, shooting, passing, all the necessary basic movements of the sport.

And then after you’ve been playing for a while and got those down then you can start to really pick up an elite-level stick this one. It is definitely designed for that beginning player about 14 or under. But it’s going to give them a lot of confidence in their stick, they don’t have to worry about a bad string job, they don’t have to worry about things needing to be adjusted. This is ready to go right out of the box, game-ready right there.

So you know that you’re going to have confidence, where it’s going to go when you make your pass movement, you make your shot movement. All those you’re going to be able to really rely on the accuracy and have a lot of confidence in your equipment. Not to mention it’s a weather-resistant pocket. So you don’t have to worry about bagging out like it’s really hot or the rain affecting it in any way shape or form.

But in all this is pure reliability that’s going to get that beginning player out of a frustrating stick where they’re not knowing exactly what to expect every time they pick the stick up to grabbing. Something that they know exactly what they’re getting every time they pull it out of the bag it’s ready to rock and roll out on the field and give them a ton of confidence and a lot of reliability in their equipment. That’s the breakdown real quick of the Evo Warp Next Complete Attack Lacrosse Stick from Warrior.

#8. STX Lacrosse Eclipse 2 Complete Goalie Stick – Best Lacrosse Goalie Sticks

The tool is meant for competition and can contribute to hours of fun. In this equipment updated sidewall geometry that provides increased stiffness without adding weight.

The STX Lacrosse Eclipse 2 Complete Goalie Stick has a new scoop design for enhanced ground ball performance with a 34-inch outlet Platinum handle.

#9. Major League Lacrosse Mini Sticks Set – Best Lacrosse Sticks For Kids

The Major League Lacrosse Mini Stick is great for beginners with features that contribute to comfort and improved skill.

This set comes with two mini lax sticks that are 30-inches long, and one rubber ball meant to accompany the tools during practice.

The Major League Mini Stick has a soft mesh pocket for easier catches and a plastic handle that enhances durability.

The large head design of this tool also contributes to easy catching and passing. Why wouldn’t it be the ideal tool to use when teaching kids how to play the game?

#10. STX FiddleSTX Three Player Game Set – Best Lacrosse Stiks For Game Set

Play lacrosse at your leisure with this game set.

The FiddleSTX mini stick set comes with two telescoping field player sticks and one goalie stick.

The heads and shafts on these tools are made of rugged plastic that is meant to be lightweight and durable.

Best Lacrosse Sticks – Buyer’s Guide

Some of the lesser experienced players in regional organizations have suffered losses because they had the wrong type of instruments. The following equipment is necessary for a good game of lacrosse:

• Lacrosse Stick – The lacrosse stick is your main tool on the field. The device usually comes in two pieces: the shaft and head. Many professionals choose to purchase the main components of a lacrosse stick separately to have a custom-built tool. Beginners usually prefer buying sticks that are already put together so that they can play the game right after taking the device out of the box. It is important that the shaft of the stick has a good gripping mechanism. Heads should have steep enough pockets to catch and hold the ball during the game.
• Pads – Pads serve as protection from hard shots, checks, pokes, and other forms of contact on the field. The equipment is usually lightweight and built for speed and maneuverability. The average set of pads protect the arms, elbows, and shoulders. Goalies wear heavier pads because of their position as blockers. They also wear chest protectors and rib guards for added safety.
• Gloves – Lacrosse gloves are not your ordinary gauntlets. These accessories are designed to guard your fingers, hands, and wrists against checks and shaft hits. They are usually made of durable material that is also lightweight.
• Shoes/Cleats – Wearing the wrong footwear could sabotage your game even with the right shaft and pads. You, therefore, want to purchase cleats that give good traction on various surfaces. Lacrosse cleats come in numerous styles and build for every foot size.

Positions Matter

Buying equipment for a lacrosse game is different from purchasing products for other popular games. The tools that you buy for lacrosse depend on the position that you play.

Attackers, also known as middies, prefer shorter and lighter shafts that allow for more aggressive moves. Predators can move down the field rather quickly as they strategize to steal the ball from their opponents. Attackers also prefer lightweight heads that have maximum scooping power and better retention probability.

Contrary to attackers, defensive players prefer longer and more durable shafts that allow for better reaching and an increased possibility of blocking shots. The heaviness of the shaft gives more power to players when throwing balls to teammates. Flat scoops with spacious pockets are best for defensive players since stealing balls off the ground is what these athletes do best.

Lastly, the goalie has equipment that is in line with his position. He uses longer shafts than attackers but does not settle for the sticks that defensive players have when operating on the field. Goalies need equipment that allows for blocking, which means that flexibility is necessary. Such is the reason why shafts for goalies are usually lightweight like that of attackers. The heads of goalie shafts are noticeably different in size and shape when compared to the attacker and defensive player’s tool.

What is the Difference Between Men and Women’s Lacrosse?

Men’s lacrosse is all about getting the most out of the sport. Such is the reason why sticks are built to last. Lacrosse games for women, on the other hand, are not as involved. In fact, some of the rules about women’s lacrosse are meant to reduce physical contact.

Variations in the two types of games are why female lacrosse players do not require as much gear on the field. The average woman playing the sport will wear a mouthguard along with a pair of goggles. She may not see the need to wear pads. Men playing lacrosse, however, typically wear mouth guards, goggles, and protective pads to prevent physical contacts that could cause injury.

Just as the amount of protective wear if different in men and women’s lacrosse, so are the sticks used to play the game. Heads on shafts used in women’s lacrosse are usually shorter and smaller in diameter. The heads also tend to have shallower pockets.

Finding the Right Head for Lacrosse Sticks

Professionals who prefer creating customized sticks from scratch understand the need for a good head. The depth of the accessory’s pocket could either lead to your team’s success or failure on the field.

Unfortunately, lacrosse heads come in various sizes and shapes, which makes the search for the perfect addition more difficult. Nevertheless, understanding the different components of lacrosse heads is the first step to finding the right holder.

The elements of a lacrosse head are as follows:

• Sidewalls – These are the part of the head that affect its strength and stiffness. Sidewalls can range from very stiff to extremely flexible, and the type of design chosen largely depends on the position of the player on the field. An attacker may not appreciate an adjustable head as much as a defensive player since he does not engage in as much groundwork as the defensive athlete. The attacker may, however, fall in love with a head that is stiff because it lets him freely use his stick for combat against the opposing team. You need to be aware of both the stiffness and height of sidewalls for maximum playing capabilities on the field.
• Scoop – The scoop is the top portion of the head that players use to pull balls off the ground. This component is of particular importance to defensive players as its efficiency directly affects their ability to steal balls and make passes. The scoop is measured in width and drop, which is the distance from the edges of the head to the center of the scoop.
• Pocket – The pocket is located at the base of the head and is the place where the ball resides. This component is sold either unstrung or strung. New players typically enjoy strung pockets, while more experienced players may want to purchase unstrung holders for individual customization.
• Offset – The offset of a lacrosse header refers to the gradual decrease of the sidewalls. The offset places the head’s scoop behind the handle’s line, which improves cradling and ball retention capabilities.

Remember that the key to finding the right head is understanding your skills and purchasing a device that will compliment your position on the field. Style and budget are also important aspects of building your lacrosse stick.

Finding the Right Shaft

Whereas the head is meant to store the ball during the game, lacrosse shafts are designed to control where the ball goes when taking shots and checking the competition during a lacrosse game. Stronger shafts that are reasonably priced usually come with the disadvantage of being heavier than their lightweight counterparts costing the same amounts.

Players wanting to get both the lightweight and flexibility appeal from shafts are usually willing to spend more money on equipment. More expensive shafts typically hold up against harsher conditions on the field as well.

Lacrosse shafts are made from either of the following materials:

• Aluminum Alloy
• Composite
• Titanium
• Scandium

Aluminum alloy is the weakest of the four but has versatility on its side. Composite is the more affordable option for players who want a strong shaft that is also lightweight. Titanium is by far stronger and lighter than aluminum, which is why attackers flock to the metal form. Scandium is top-of-the-line material that the majority of advanced and professional users look for when searching for the right shaft.

Regardless of whether the material is expensive or economical, you should find a rod that feels good in your hands and lets you have complete control of the stick at all times.

Conclusion

The lacrosse stick has significantly evolved since its beginnings as a wood stick with a U-shaped head that caught and held the ball. Now, there are a variety of sizes and shapes to serve as ball holders on shafts derived from different metal sources.

Even in modern times, with the equipment and manner in which one plays lacrosse always changing, finding the best lacrosse stick is still essential to playing your best game. This guide is your source for understanding the basics of lacrosse positions and buying the right equipment so that you can shine at your next meet.

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