So, you’ve decided to start playing lacrosse, and you’re in need of a stick. However, there is more to picking your crosse than whether it looks good or not. There are all types of them out there, and they are designed for specific positions as well.
If you’re unsure of what I mean, allow me to elaborate.
If you take baseball, for example, each player has their own specific bat. Some are heavier while some may be lighter. Others could be made of different material than the other bats. The batters choose the bat that best suits their style of play. So, you’ll need to choose the stick that best supports your position that you’ll be playing.
In this guide, you’ll find sticks for offense and sticks for defense. You’ll find for beginners and those who have more experience. The point is that I’ve got a crosse for just about everybody in this guide.
I’ve put together this comprehensive guide that will take different positions in lacrosse and list some that work best with that position. For this guide, I’ll be only looking at complete sticks. I’ll describe the pros and some cons of each, and why it would be a good buy for you. So, let’s get started with the best lacrosse sticks out there!
Best Lacrosse Sticks For Defenders
As with all sports, defenders are the backbone of any team. If you have a solid defense, you’ll have a solid team. However, to be a solid defense in lacrosse, you’ll need a solid defensive stick. Let’s cover some things to look for in a defensive stick before you buy one, and then I’ll provide you some recommendations.- Durability
- Lightweight
- Excellent grip
Brine Alias X Complete Defensive Lacrosse Stick
Immediately, I’ll say that this is an excellent choice for younger players, but it can also be a great option for intermediate players as well. It provides a good balance in that aspect, but be wary that it may not last as long in higher level play such as NCAA. The first thing to look at is the durability. The Brine Alias X is made up of aluminum. Brine has a very good reputation for putting out durable sticks that can withstand wear and tear for a while. As a defender, you’ll be tasked with checking the opponents all game long. This can put a strain, so you need a stick that withstands that strain. The Brine Alias X can hold up against those checks for a while. Multiple reviews suggest it can last a few seasons before finally breaking down. The next thing to examine is the weight. It is very lightweight which is great for the laxer who is using it. You don’t want a heavy stick as this makes it harder to pass, shoot, and carry the ball as the game goes on. The lighter it is, the better you can be as a player. It shines in that aspect for being set at a good weight. Some other points to mention about it is that it is a 60″ stick making for excellent reach in play. This extra boost in the reach allows for more efficient passing along with being able to pick up ground balls at a more efficient rate as well. Such great length will help boost your play out on the field. Speaking of value, what is it going to cost you? I looked around and found that you are looking at a price tag of $39 approximately. This is an excellent price for a good stick. If it can last you three years, as some claim it can, then you are looking at an even greater value of only $15 a year. All in all, the Brine Alias X is a great option for beginner and intermediate players who need a solid stick for defensive plays. The durability of this stick makes it appealing along with the long reach and light weight. One thing to mention, however, is that t can take a beating if put into high levels of play. Consider that before making your purchase. I would recommend this stick to younger players who are not playing at an elite level yet. This stick will serve them well as they grow.Best Lacrosse Sticks For Attackers
As an attacker, you’ll need to find yourself something that can get the job done right. Here’s a quick list of what I think attackers should look for in a shaft or stick.- Durable
- Good flex
- Long reach
Brine Recruit X Complete Attack Stick
Personally, I enjoy the Brine series, and I enjoy the Brine Recruit X. It has proven to be an all-around good stick for attackers. Brine has pulled it off again with the Recruit X, and I’m going to explain why it is such a good choice for those who like to play aggressively. As an attacker, you know that your responsibility is to attack obviously. This comes in the form of scoring points for your team and putting the pressure on your opponent. You need a stick that can help you do just that which the Brine Recruit X does. Allow me to explain. The Recruit X stick is made of Brine aluminum which is very durable. As I stated before, I love Brine and the products that they regularly put out. One of the reasons is that their products always have good durability. The same can be said for this stick as it can stand up to checks all game long. As you know, attackers must stay on their toes all game long due to defenders coming in to check you. If you have a stick that isn’t durable, they’ll check you and break your stick in the process which hurts your wallet and your pride. However, it can stand up to those checks all game long, and even all year long. As far as reach goes, it is not the longest one out there. Overall, it stands at a 40″ mark that puts it somewhere in the middle of long and short. That’s not to say this is a bad stick. It simply means that there are longer sticks. However, I have found that what it lacks in reach, it makes up for in efficiency. It is still a solid stick despite a shorter reach than others. Another thing to mention is the level of play that it can withstand. It can hold its own to intermediate level of play and youth level as well. However, it can be damaged in higher levels of play. I recommend it be used in lower levels of lacrosse as it can truly shine in that area. With that in mind, I also must mention that it can withstand higher levels of play. As I said, it can just be damaged at those levels. Consider your options when buying it. Overall, the Brine Recruit X is an excellent stick for attackers considering how durable and lightweight it is. This stick is also designed to have better control of the ball and even boosts your efficiency in shooting or passing. Outside of the shorter reach, this is a great stick for attackers. However, the shorter reach should not be the reason you don’t purchase it. It can still get the job done even if it’s smaller than others.Best Lacrosse Sticks For Middies
When it comes to middies, they are some of the most important laxers out there on the field. You must constantly be on your toes, and ready to play both offense and defense. That’s why I looked all over for a stick that would do you justice as you play.Nike Elite Lacrosse Attack Stick
The name says attack stick, but this stick is not purely for attackers. In fact, it’s for both attackers and middies. This unique stick allows you to play aggressively, but it also gives you the versatility of being able to play defensive as well. Starting out with durability, it has got plenty of that. It’s built from a 7075 aluminum alloy that can stand against routine checks in a game. Not only is it tough, but it also has a fair amount of flex that allows for more efficient shooting, passing, and face-offs. This same alloy is used by other big-name brands such as Warrior and Brine, so you know it’s tough. When it comes to weight, it is very light in your hands. This makes it great for beginners or even elite-level players. Plus, the grip on it is excellent. You can’t risk having your stick knocked out of your hand as you play. You’ll need something with an excellent grip that allows you to hang on tightly with no worries. These attributes plus its high-sitting pocket allows for quick ball release while playing. Nike has outdone themselves with it, and I love it. For middies, this is an excellent choice that can cater to both aggressive playstyles and even defensive ones. You won’t be disappointed with it, and it will last you a long time. That’s a win in my book.Best Lacrosse Sticks For Beginners and Youth
Perhaps you’ve decided to start your lacrosse venture, but you have no idea where to start when it comes to buying your first stick. I am here to guide you on your way in this journey. I’ve got just the stick for you. First off, what should you look for on a stick if you are just starting off?- Cost-efficient
- Durable
- Designed for you
STX Stinger Jr. Lacrosse Complete Stick:
When starting out, it’s best to consider looking for a stick that is designed for you. What do I mean by this? I mean that you should look for complete sticks that are just for beginners and those who are just getting started with the sport. There’s no need to go buy anything fancy when you’re not sure how to play the game just yet. Pace yourself with an easier stick to handle. One, it is very cost-efficient for those starting out. Listed as only $36 on sites such as Amazon makes it an excellent purchase without having to sell a kidney to cover it. You don’t want to go out and buy a $100 stick if it’s your first one. Start out small and then slowly work your way up to the nicer models. Is it durable? Absolutely! Various reviews have said that it holds up to tough lacrosse action without much wear or tear. Remember, this is a beginner stick and should not be used for high-level play such as college or high school lacrosse. That level of play could damage it so keep that in mind. Lastly, it is designed for beginners such as yourself! It’s lightweight and has a good grip as well to help you as you learn the basics of lacrosse. True, it’s not the king of the lacrosse world, but neither are you just yet. I highly recommend it for those of you who are just starting out!Best Lacrosse Sticks For Girls/Women
Lacrosse isn’t just for the boys. In fact, it is rapidly becoming popular among girls as they want to get in on the action. However, girls and boys need different equipment and sticks while they play. That’s why I’ve picked out a solid stick that will do the girls justice as they clash against each other.STX 300 Complete Stick:
I searched for a reasonably priced stick that still could perform well. If you decide you want a more advanced stick, you may find those as well. However, this stick serves best for beginners and intermediate players. Let’s look at what it can do. The biggest upside of this model is the short sidewalls which, in turn, gives the player a deeper pocket. While playing, this gives you a boost in catching and carrying the ball. It can provide a boost in throwing as well, but not so much as other models. All in all, this is a solid stick for girls and women who are just getting started, or they are in mid-level lacrosse play. However, I would not recommend it for advanced female laxers. Another good trait it has is its affordability. Your high-end sticks for women run up to $200, but the STX 300 sits comfortably at $110. While it isn’t the cheapest model out there, it serves a good balance between price and value.STX Fortress 500 Complete Stick:
However, I decided to include one more stick for the girls in this guide to help you out. Introducing the STX Fortress 500 as a complete stick that will cost you a bit more, but it can also do a lot more than the 300.
This woman’s stick is a great choice for those who are looking for excellent flexibility. This stick can scoop up balls at a great rate as well making it very desirable for many laxers. With that in mind, I would recommend this to girls who are looking to play in the midfield or defensively.
It’s also a very durable stick that can withstand checks throughout the length of a game. Along with the durability, the pocket is designed to carry the ball even more efficiently making it easier to carry with this model.
This model would serve best for intermediate players who are looking for a solid stick. As far as cost goes, it runs about $149, so it is not the cheapest stick out there. However, it is a solid stick that can serve you well. There are more advanced and expensive sticks out there if you are interested in searching them out.
Conclusion
Whether you are just starting out or you are an experienced laxer, there is a perfect stick out there for you. The biggest thing to remember when choosing your stick is to pick one that works with how you play.
I covered sticks for attackers and defenders. You also saw sticks for beginners and kids along with sticks for the more advanced laxers. If you play aggressively, then you’ll need a tenacious stick that matches that aggressiveness. However, if you play defensively, then you’ll need a stick that’s as tough as your defense is.
Lacrosse can be an exhilarating sport for anyone to participate in, and I want you to get the most out of your lacrosse experience. That’s why I put together this guide to help you discover a stick that fits you best. I hope this guide has been helpful to you in picking the best lacrosse stick. If so, be sure to let me know!