Alexandra Ramirez
1. Maverik
Best Overall Lacrosse Shaft
5/5 Product Rating
This is an elite shaft by Maverick, and it gives you the ideal blend of strength and weight, and with its new adjustable butt end, you’re going find that this shaft is more versatile than ever. When you’re ready to seriously up your game then it’s a smart choice to go with this shaft from one of the leading names in lacrosse equipment.
Maverick is constantly testing their products for their superior performance on the field, and this shaft reflects the latest in lacrosse shaft technology. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced player you’re going to see that this shaft is going to suit your needs.
– Jonathan Maxwell
2. STX Viper 2
Best Overall Lacrosse Shaft – Runner Up
4.8/5 Product Rating
The bold graphics of this shaft and sturdy design make it not only good looking but also high performance at the same time. This shaft also makes a wonderful gift for anyone in your family that is new to lacrosse, and it’s versatile enough to be used by those who aren’t beginners as well.
STX is one of the most famous brands in the lacrosse market, and this shaft is a wonderful example of why they’re so superior. You can be sure that when you choose this shaft you’re getting a product that is going to stand the test of time and give you quality games on the field for years to come.
– Jonathan Maxwell
3. Brine
Best Budget Lacrosse Shaft
4.7/5 Product Rating
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly shaft that your child will love, then buying from Brine is a great start. They have a number of different styles to choose from, so your child can find what they like best. They also have many different colors, so both boys and girls can find something that suits their tastes.
All in all, Brine is known for their lacrosse equipment because it is affordable, dependable, and high performance. This shaft makes a great gift for players new to the sport, as well as those who have been at it for a while.
– Jonathan Maxwell
Lacrosse Shaft Buying Guide
What is a Lacrosse Shaft?
Lacrosse is a pretty demanding sport, and that’s why it’s important to have a number of pieces of equipment. Not only do you need protective gear, but you also need basic playing equipment such as sticks and balls. In this buyer’s guide, we’re going to explore everything that you need to know before purchasing a lacrosse shaft, as well as the other pieces that you need to round out your arsenal.
Lacrosse is a completely full contact sport, and it’s fast paced and action-packed. If you want to play at your best then you need to protect yourself while also having a comprehensive set of gear that allows you to play at the peak of your abilities. Here is what you need:
Lacrosse Stick
This is sometimes called a crosse, and it is your most important weapon on the field. The stick comes in two pieces: the shaft which is placed in your hands, and the head which cradles and catches the ball. You can also use the lacrosse stick to block shots, defend against checks, and check opponents.
Pads
Pads are a fundamental part of playing lacrosse, and they help protect you from checks, pokes, hard shots, and any kind of contact on the field. These are lightweight, built for speed, and low-profile. The basic lax pads are going to cover your arms, shoulders, and elbows. Lacrosse goalies, however, are going to wear different pads which include a chest protector and rib guards.
Gloves
You need to wear lacrosse gloves to protect your fingers, wrists, hands, and cheeks from impact by sticks.
Helmet and Goggles
Helmets or goggles are a must in lacrosse. These are designed to protect you from head and face impacts that could injure you.
Shoes and Cleats
It’s essential that you wear lacrosse shoes or cleats to give you the traction that you need when you’re running up and down the field. These are designed for various types of field surfaces, and you can choose from a number of styles, builds, and levels of traction.
Different Equipment for Men and Women
There’s a difference between women and men’s lacrosse equipment. They’re basically playing the same game, but they operate under different rules which leads to differences between how the players look. Take for example; in women’s lacrosse the rules are designed to reduce physical contact between players. This means that female lacrosse players don’t need the same kind of padding, helmets, and gloves that male lacrosse players need.
Women will generally only wear a mouth guard and a pair of goggles out on the field. Their sticks are also a bit different from men’s. Women’s lacrosse heads will have shallower pockets, and their shafts will be shorter, as well as smaller in diameter.
Finding the Right Lacrosse Shaft for You
Although lacrosse shafts are not as complicated as heads, they’re just as diverse, and there are a lot of options out there to choose from. These shafts are used to control the ball and place accuracy and power behind your shots. A good quality shaft is also going to help you to check the competition. It’s important to look for a lighter shaft that is going to help you to be more fast and agile on the field. Stronger shafts will hold up better against regular abuse and they’re going to assist you in dealing out some nice checks. What you want to find is the balance between these two elements, which is known as strength-to-weight ratio. The more expensive the shaft is, the stronger and lighter it is going to be, thus having an ideal ratio.
There are some popular companies in the lacrosse world, such as STX, Gait, Warrior, Brine, and Harrow, and these use advanced metal alloys as well as carbon materials for superior, almost space-age performance due to their lightweight construction and strong shafts. With these high quality shafts you can experience unprecedented performance out on the field, but they do come at a price. Most shafts that you find today are going to be made from:
Aluminum-Based Alloy
This material is both strong and lightweight, and it makes for an affordable and accessible lacrosse shaft that works for any player in any position. Even though this is a superior lightweight material, it is not as strong as some other advanced materials. That being said, it’s an incredibly versatile material that is easy to use. This material does not have a natural grip and therefore most companies will need to add a grip pattern later to give the player more control. This is the perfect material for young and developing players who are just getting used to playing lacrosse.
Composite
Composed of high-grade carbon fibers, composite shafts are wonderfully strong and also lightweight at the same time. With the carbon composite material you get a naturally fine finish that has a solid grip. The material feels warm in cold hands, and cool in hot temperatures, making it perfect for players who enjoy lacrosse year-round. This is the right material for intermediate to advanced players, and great specifically for attackers. Although this is more expensive than some others, it’s well worth it if you play lacrosse a lot and are more advanced in your skills.
Titanium
This material is stronger and lighter than aluminum, and it’s designed to dish out some seriously tough hits. Titanium is lightweight enough to never slow you down on the field, but it still has plenty of strength when it comes to checking and defending. This is the ideal material for advanced players, and you’ll find that many professional lacrosse players have a titanium shaft.
Scandium
With the highest possible strength-to-weight ratio that you’ll find, scandium sticks have become favorites among top tier players. This material is superior due to its extreme durability that gives you strength and long-lasting performance. Scandium is also lightweight enough to allow for fast movements and expert agility. This is the material that is preferred by elite and pro-level athletes.
Grip
Although some shaft materials require the manufacturers to put a separate grip on, there are some shafts that feel naturally good in the hands and give you control of the stick without needing to add a grip. Some will use a textured pad for the grip, or a tack area on the surface that will help to use the shaft more accurately.
Is it possible to buy a complete lacrosse stick?
Most advanced and professional lacrosse players will get a lacrosse head and shaft separately. This gives them the most customized stick possible. There are many companies though like STX, Warrior, and Brine that will sell complete lacrosse sticks with advanced heads and basic shafts. Buying a complete stick is cost effective and perfect for young people, and those who are new to the sport.
Price Considerations
When it comes to price, you need to ask yourself how much you’re willing to spend and what your skill level is. If you’re new to the sport of lacrosse, then there’s no reason to spend a fortune on a shaft. You can find an affordable model that allows you to get the hang of things before you invest in higher quality materials. The price of your shaft really is going to come down to the materials that are used. When you spend more, you get a shaft that is lighter in weight and stronger. The less you spend, the more you’re going to compromise these aspects.
Conclusion
Buying the right lacrosse shaft comes down to a lot of factors. You need to consider your level of skill, how much you play the game, and what position you play on the field. There are so many lacrosse shafts out there on the market, so be sure to do your homework before you purchase so that you can find something that is just right for you.
The above buyer’s guide is intended to help you to better understand the kinds of shafts that are out there, so that you can make an informed decision. To take out the guess-work, we highlighted the top rated lacrosse shafts that are popular among players. You can be sure that when you purchase one of these shafts that you’re getting a solid piece of equipment that comes at a reasonable price.
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