Choosing the right stick or shaft isn't as difficult as selecting the right lacrosse head, but there are still some determining factors that you should keep in mind when you're making your choice. Your position plays a big part, as do the materials that are used as certain players are going to want specific attributes in their equipment, be it length or resilience.
Shape and grip are also important considerations, but these inevitably come down to personal preference. One player's ideal grip could be another player's personal hell, which is why it's important for you to feel out a few shafts first. Comfort is another key component and if you're just not feeling it, continue on with the quest for your ideal stick.
Most major lacrosse companies offer plain shafts or complete sticks that include a head as part of a total lacrosse stick package. For additional information, be sure to check out our lacrosse head buyer’s guide.
Types of Lacrosse Sticks
Attacker/Midfield
Attackers and middies want a stick that's fast, accurate, and lightweight, so they'll prefer sticks that are shorter in length. However, there are regulations that must be complied with: 40 inches (including the attached head) is the minimum length required by league rules. The average for most sticks is 40-42 inches but again, this will be an issue of personal preference. This means the shortest shaft you can buy or modify must be at least 30 inches in length to remain legal for most types of league play.
Defenseman/Goalie
As the bane of the opposing attack's existence, players in the defensive and goalie positions have a wider array of length options when selecting a shaft. Some like to keep the standard 40-42 inch length, others prefer a longer stick, which can run between 52-72 inches long.
The reason for the extended range is because it gives defenders (and even midfielders) greater effectiveness with poke checks and longer reach to knock the ball out of the opponent's pocket. The drawback is that the longer the stick, the less power and accuracy you’ll have on ball release. However, it sure makes intercepting those passes a heck of a lot easier.
Goalies have more radius to protect the crease with a longer stick as well, though not all goalies prefer it. Some players will opt for more agility and speed instead and therefore go with a shorter length more akin to one suited for attacking.
Complete Sticks
Designed for use by players just beginning to learn the basics of the game, the big lacrosse companies offer complete sticks which include the shaft, head, and mesh. These are affordably priced options for getting newbies adjusted to the game. Eventually, players can graduate to more advanced gear when they're ready.
For the most part, these sticks are made from aluminum rather than alloys like scandium or titanium. However, there are some complete sticks made from stronger stuff to be found if you do your research.
Women's Sticks
Nothing is much different here than if you were selecting a men's stick, although female players will still want to handle a few different sticks first to see which is most comfortable. Women's sticks primarily run 35-43 inches long and are often thinner to allow for a better grip.
Much like with the men, position plays a role in picking a stick, with attackers going short and defense going long, but with the regulations for the women's game, some of the length requirements are a bit different.
Lacrosse Stick Components
Materials
Most sticks today are made of four particular materials, each one with distinct advantages:
- Aluminum
Aluminum alloy is the most common stick material you’ll find. Well suited for beginners, aluminum is lightweight but sacrifices durability and strength.
- Scandium
Scandium boasts the best material strength-to-weight ratio used in sticks today, combining lightweight properties with exceptional durability. It's the most popular stick material used by advanced players and professionals.
- Titanium
Titanium is similar to scandium in terms of weight and strength. This alloy is capable of withstanding plenty of abuse on the field.
- Composite
Composite sticks are usually made with high-grade carbon fiber. They’re ideal for intermediate players on attack because of their combination of agility and strength as well as the material's natural grip.
Grip
The days of taping up your shaft are long gone as most sticks offer some kind of grip texture embedded into the shaft material or added on post-manufacturing. You can find rubberized grips, sandpaper grips, or no grip at all if that's your preference. Most players are going to want to feel things out for themselves; too much grip can hinder hand movement on the stick, but some individuals prefer having that extra amount of tactile enhancement.
Shape
Shape refers to the circumference of the stick, whether it's in an octagonal shape, concave, or a variety of other configurations. Since this is also a tactile issue like grip, personal preference is going to be key versus a "one-size-fits-all" solution.
Some players like a perfectly round shaft while others prefer extra ridges for stronger control over the stick during the game. Grip and shape go hand in hand, so you’ll want to get your hands on a few models first and see what feels right to you.