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Lacrosse Sticks Buying Guide

If you're looking for a better stick  or buying one for the first time, there are some basic things to consider to ensure you get enough bang for your buck.  You want a stick that is properly sized for you, as well as one with a design that matches your skill  and comfort level. To help you choose from among the many different models and styles, we've put together this simple buying guide.

Tailored to You

Your stick is going to be your best buddy on the field.  It'll keep you protected from incoming players and out of control balls,  and hopefully it'll help you to make or block a few goals.  Consider these basic points when purchasing a new lacrosse  stick:

  • Match your stick with your skills. If you're a beginner, try a stick with a wider throat that makes it easier to catch the ball. If you choose a stick with a performance head and narrower throat, you should be an experienced player who wants to focus on accuracy while throwing rather than catching.
  • Stick length differs for men and women. Men's sticks  are generally longer than women's,  and the length of attack versus defence sticks differs (attack sticks are considerably shorter). Both attack and defence sticks for women come in one standard size, although they can be cut shorter if necessary.
  • Mesh strength affects shots. If your head mesh is soft and flexible, it will be easier to catch the ball. If your mesh is on the stiffer side, you will get a lot more power out of your shots, but less forgiveness when it comes to catching.
  • Side rails impact control. The lower the side rails on the head, the deeper the pocket. This allows you to control the ball while moving down the field and being checked.
  • Stick weights differ for each position. Sticks that have heavy, thick shafts are stronger, and thus are preferred by defensive players. Lighter heads and shafts are easier to manoeuvre, making them easier to run with downfield and allowing for speedier shots to the goal or other players. Thus, these weight sticks are often preferred by attackers.

Materials

Traditional lacrosse sticks have handles made of wood or aluminum, while more modern models have tried adding extra strength with lightweight titanium or graphite.  For children who are just starting out learning the sport, plastic sticks work just fine.  Plastic models are much easier to break in, and they often come with pointed heads that make picking up the ball much easier.

Major Manufacturers

Sometimes getting a good quality stick means shopping for a name brand.  The following are some of the leading manufacturers of lacrosse equipment.

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