A game like Lacrosse isn't for the faint of heart. Every step of the way requires determination, skill, and passion. It doesn't matter if you are a brand new player or an elite athlete; knowing how to choose the right equipment can help you improve. The shaft you use for lacrosse is both an extension of yourself and a link to the game.
Using this guide, you will get a better idea of what lacrosse shaft you should buy for your money, depending on your preferences. There are variations of lacrosse shafts for different types of players and positions on the field. With a list of your specifications in hand, you can choose the shaft that's perfect for you and affordable, too.
What are the things to consider when choosing a Lacrosse Shaft?
1. Choose your Position – You must choose the size of the lacrosse shaft according to your position
2. Choose your Material, Grip, and Shape – Choose the type of lax shaft you prefer.
3. Choose your Lacrosse Shaft – Depending on your age and position, you can choose the best lax shaft for you.
What Position Are You Playing?
Just as you should choose a different lacrosse head for each position, your lacrosse shaft should differ depending on whether you play defence, attack, middie, LSM, FOGO, or goalie. Depending on your position, the most important comparison between lacrosse shafts is the shaft's length. Middies and attackers can use almost the same lax shafts, depending on grip, feel, and shape. For defensemen or long-pole middies, you will need just that; a long pole. The shafts of the attacker and middie are the same length, at 30". Generally, 40" shafts are used for lacrosse goalies between middies and attackers. Long poles measure 60" in length.
Attack and Middie Lacrosse Shafts
If you play youth lacrosse, high school, or NCAA lacrosse, your attack and middie shaft length will differ. Those playing youth lacrosse should have an 18 inch to 36-inch long lacrosse stick. High school and NCAA lacrosse require the lacrosse shaft to be 30 inches to 32 inches long. You'll be penalised if your lacrosse stick is too long or too short!
Defensive Lacrosse Shafts
The lacrosse defence shaft is the longest of all lacrosse shafts. Lacrosse shafts for defence should have a length between 42 and 62 inches if allowed by your youth league. Defenders are almost always equipped with shafts that are 60 inches long. Regardless of whether a player is playing high school or college lacrosse, the exact requirements exist.
Goalie Lacrosse Shafts
A lacrosse goalkeeper's shaft is in the middle of the lengths of the attack and defence shafts. Lacrosse goalies are supposed to have lacrosse shafts between 40 inches to 52 inches long, but every single goalie uses a 40-inch lacrosse goalie shaft!
What Shape, Grip & Style Do You Prefer?
After determining the lacrosse shaft size for your position, it's time to decide which material, shape, and grip will work best for you. The lacrosse shafts can be made from a wide range of materials, including scandium, titanium, carbon fibre, etc., to provide a better feel in gloves and different shapes that offer better handling.
When you test out a few of your teammates' sticks, you'll notice each one has a different grip or feel. With the right one, you can definitely succeed! Most attackers prefer shafts that offer grip and flex so that they can feel the ball in their sticks while also getting an extra whip when they shoot. Middles prefer shafts that can handle checks, ground balls and provide a feel in any type of weather.
As you'll see below, there are terms such as "grit," "slick," and "traditional". Different grips give different sensations. A grit or sandpaper coating will ensure that gloves do not slip, especially in rainy weather. Rubberised grips like slick grip aren't gritty, but in gloves, they feel stickier, bringing a sense of touch but without being too much. Traditional coatings have a smooth finish that can become quite slippery when wet.
Lacrosse Shaft Materials
Lacrosse shafts can be made from a variety of lacrosse materials. Lacrosse shafts made of wood are no longer commonly used. Recently, brands such as Brine shafts, Warrior, STX, and Epoch began producing lacrosse shafts from carbon fibre and composite alloys such as titanium and scandium. We highly recommend that you buy a carbon fibre or titanium lacrosse shaft, as they are lightweight, stronger, and have better grips!
Lacrosse Shaft Grips
Lacrosse shafts have three distinct grip types. You would traditionally use lacrosse tape or grip spray on a smooth lacrosse shaft to create your desired grip. The grip material on lacrosse shafts these days is often pre-designed. You should also keep in mind the shaft comes with a drill hole and a butt/end cap.
- Sandpaper
This grip feels like sandpaper, ensuring your lacrosse shaft won't slip at all.
- Rubberised
With this grip, you won't have to worry about slipping.
- Smooth
There is no grip added to the shaft.
Shapes of Lacrosse Shaft Shapes
The circumference of the lacrosse shaft is essential to many lacrosse players. The shape of the shaft impacts how the lacrosse stick feels in your hands and how it feels cradled. The traditional lacrosse shafts are round or oval. However, lacrosse shafts usually have an octagon shape. The more extreme versions are even available in new lacrosse shafts. A lacrosse shaft's shape doesn't matter as much as the grip and material it's made from. You may, however, find one shape more appealing than another as you get more experience.
Best Lacrosse Shaft FAQs
Q: Which lacrosse shaft is best for attacking?
A: Attacking lacrosse shafts need to be lightweight, flexible, and precise. Typically, they measure 40 to 42 inches.
Q: Which lacrosse shafts are best for defence?
A: Lacrosse shafts for defence are much longer than shafts for any other position. When you buy defence shafts, look for ones with a length between 42 and 62 inches. Whether it is a high school game or a college game, these requirements apply no matter what you play in.
Q: Which lacrosse shaft is best for middies?
A: Middies should have lacrosse shafts of 37 to 42 inches. Lacrosse shafts should measure between 30 and 32 inches, regardless of whether you play at the college or high school level.