Compare Prices Online
The internet makes it easy to quickly compare prices across multiple retailers. Search for the specific sticks you’re considering and see who has the best deal. Third party shopping sites like Amazon often have discounted lacrosse gear.
Buy Used or Pre-Owned
Gently used lacrosse sticks can offer big savings over brand new models. Check sites like SidelineSwap and eBay for pre-owned sticks in good condition. Also ask teammates if they have any old long poles collecting dust that they’d part with.
Consider Less Popular Brands
The major brands like Maverik and STX make great sticks, but they come at a premium cost. Less mainstream brands like Epoch and StringKing offer comparable quality at more budget friendly prices. Don’t overlook them just because they aren’t as well known.
Buy Unstrung Sticks
Unstrung sticks are significantly cheaper than pre-strung models. If you know how to string your own stick, buying an unstrung d-pole and adding your own customized stringing can save you a good chunk of change.
Search for Sales and Coupons
Retailers often discount lacrosse gear at certain times of year. Search for coupons and keep an eye out for holiday sales events. Signing up for email lists can help you grab deals before equipment sells out.
Buy in Bulk
If your whole team needs new sticks, buying long poles in bulk directly from manufacturers or wholesalers can lead to major cost savings. Splitting bulk orders with teammates can also lower the per-stick price.
Don’t Overpay for Branding
Be wary of overpaying just for the branding and graphics on a stick. Oftentimes the construction and performance is comparable across models. Don’t spend more than you need to for looks and logos alone.
With the right shopping strategy, finding an affordable d-pole stick for defense is certainly achievable. Do your research and be a savvy shopper, and you can get great lacrosse gear without draining your bank account.
Check Lacrosse Gear Swap Sites
Websites like SidelineSwap and Play It Again Sports have large selections of pre-owned lacrosse equipment. You can often find last year’s models in excellent condition at steep discounts. The gear is inspected for quality and safety before being posted for sale.
Ask Teammates If They Are Selling
Talk to teammates and see if anyone is looking to sell an old d-pole. Senior players who are graduating often sell off their high school sticks. You may be able to get a nearly new stick just a year or two old for half the price or less.
Check Local Lacrosse Message Boards
Your local lacrosse league or high school team may have an online message board or email list where people post gear for sale. Let people know you’re in the market for a used defensive stick in good condition.
Search eBay and Craigslist Listings
eBay and Craigslist both offer classifieds sections where individuals sell used sports equipment. You can search for long lacrosse sticks in your price range and locality. Inspect items carefully before purchasing.
Ask Your Coach
Coaches will sometimes have extra sticks donated or left behind by former players. Ask your coach if the team has any usable d-poles gathering dust that they’d be willing to part with for a good price.
Buying smartly in the used market takes more effort but can really pay off with major savings on quality lacrosse gear.
Check Age and Size Requirements
Youth sticks are designed for younger, smaller players, so make sure to choose an appropriately sized stick based on your age, height and weight. Many youth models are optimized for players aged 10-13 and under 5′ tall.
Consider Youth Brands
Brands like Brine and Maverik make specialized sticks just for youth players with smaller price tags. The construction is durable yet sized down for kids. A Brine Clutch Rise youth stick could cost $30-$50 less than a standard one.
Shop Clearance and Used
Since youth players outgrow sticks quickly, there is ample supply on the resale market. Check clearance racks and used sporting goods stores for pre-owned youth sticks in good shape. These can be had for huge discounts off retail.
Buy Direct From Brands
Many lacrosse brands like STX and Epoch sell youth sticks directly on their websites for very reasonable prices. For example, an STX Youth Hammer could cost just $40-$50 brand new.
Consider Less Expensive Materials
Youth sticks often use less expensive materials like softer aluminum alloy shafts rather than pricier alloys. This cuts costs while still offering good performance for young players.
With the right youth stick, younger players can get excellent quality without the premium price tag.
Understand Intermediate Stick Features
Intermediate sticks provide a step up from basic entry-level models but don’t have all the high-end features of pro sticks. Expect intermediate shafts made from alloy rather than scandium/titanium and simpler head shapes.
Know Appropriate Age and Skill Level
Intermediate sticks are designed for players approximately 13-15 years old with 1-2 years of experience. The features suit players with fundamental skills but not those playing elite competitive lacrosse.
Compare Brands and Models
Major brands like Warrior and STX make intermediate sticks more affordable than pro sticks, usually $50-$100 cheaper. Compare to find ones with features you need at the best value.
Check Clearance and Resale Sites
Last year’s intermediate models are often discounted on clearance. Gently used intermediate sticks can also be found at substantial savings on resale sites. These offer great value at reduced cost.
Buy Direct From Brands
Purchasing intermediate sticks directly from lacrosse brands cuts out the retailer markup, so you pay only wholesale costs. Check brand websites for sales and specials too.
With some savvy shopping, intermediate lacrosse sticks can give developing players an affordable and performance-focused option.
Buy an Unstrung Shaft and Head Separately
Purchasing an unstrung d-pole shaft and head separately often costs significantly less than a pre-strung complete stick. Brands like Maverik, STX and Warrior sell unstrung shaft and head combos.
Choose Durable Stringing Materials
Invest in high-quality mesh, string, sidewall and shooting strings so your pocket holds up over time. Materials like 20d nylon thread and UVA resistant mesh will provide longevity and weather resistance.
Learn Proper Stringing Techniques
Study lacrosse stringing manuals, videos and patterns to understand techniques for creating a legal and high functioning defensive pocket. Master skills like interlocking, stacking and channel threading for great results.
Consider Custom Dyeing
You can dye an unstrung white lacrosse head and shaft using readily available dye kits. This allows you to create a cool custom look for even more savings over pro colored gear.
Repair Existing Sticks’ Pockets
Knowing how to string lacrosse heads allows you to re-string and repair the pockets on old sticks as needed. You can revive used equipment at little expense.
Stringing your own sticks takes commitment but ultimately enables major savings on customized lacrosse gear.
Research Smaller Lacrosse Companies
Lesser known brands like Epoch, StringKing, and True Lacrosse offer high quality sticks for more affordable prices than giants like Maverik and Warrior.
Focus on Value, Not Just Brand Name
Smaller companies provide robust designs and top-level materials without the markup that comes from an ultra-recognizable logo. Don’t overpay just for brand recognition.
Consider Direct to Consumer Models
Some newer brands operate on a direct to consumer model, allowing them to cut out retailer middlemen and pass the savings to you.
Take Advantage of New Brand Promotions
Newer lacrosse companies will often run aggressive promotions, sales and coupon codes to get the word out and build market share. This can equal major savings for savvy shoppers.
Read Reviews Before Buying
Research online reviews and feedback from other players to make sure any lesser known stick provides the quality and performance you expect before purchasing.
Moving beyond the biggest brands in lacrosse opens up excellent opportunities to grab well-made sticks with all the key features – at a fraction of the normal cost.
Shop Brick and Mortar Stores in August
Local lacrosse shops often discount remaining inventory in late summer as the season ends. You can find clearance deals on last year’s sticks getting phased out for new models.
Monitor Brand Websites Around September
As new stick lines release in September, brands will cut prices on older models still in stock to make room in warehouses. Keep an eye out for sales.
Check Amazon and Online Retailers
Big online lacrosse gear retailers like Amazon and Lacrosse Monkey run large sales as seasons change. Shopping online makes price comparing easy.
Consider Used Gear Sites
When seasons end, many players offload gently used sticks for cheap on SidelineSwap and other resale sites. You can grab great deals on quality pre-owned poles.
Don’t Limit Yourself to Summer
Winter holiday sales can also yield discounts on lacrosse equipment as retailers move older stock. Savvy timing pays off.
Planning your lacrosse gear purchases around end of season sales events can help maximize savings on those big defensive sticks.
Check Local Online Marketplaces
Sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are go-to spots for selling used sports equipment locally. Lacrosse d-poles often get listed there first.
Join Local Lacrosse Gear Swap Groups
Search Facebook and other platforms for swap/sell/trade groups related to lacrosse in your area. Teammates will often list extra sticks for sale.
Look on National Resale Sites
eBay, SidelineSwap and Play It Again Sports feature used sticks at discounted prices. You can search for specific models and filter by price.
Let People Know You’re Looking
Ask your coach or post on team message boards that you’re looking for a bargain long pole. Networking can yield leads on deals.
Inspect Gear Before Buying
Carefully examine any used sticks in person when possible before purchasing. Make sure there are no cracks or damage affecting performance.
With some persistence digging through classifieds, awesome deals can be unearthed on quality used lacrosse defender sticks.
Look for Team Packs
Many brands like STX and Maverik sell sticks in bulk team packs at a discounted per-stick rate. If your whole team needs poles, go in together on a pack.
Buy Complete Stick Sets
Rather than buying a shaft and head separately, bundled complete sticks save money. Sets with a d-pole, shaft, and head offer one-stop value.
Consider Starter Sets
Starter packs aimed at beginners provide everything needed to play in one affordable package. Great for new players and backup sticks.
Shop End of Season Clearance
Retailers will often bundle leftover stock after seasons end for quick sale. Monitor lacrosse sites for clearance kit deals.
Split Packs With Teammates
If a team pack has more sticks than you need, go in with teammates to split bulk savings. Even pairs of sticks bundle cheaper than single purchases.
With the right bundle, players can stock up on lacrosse gear while maximizing savings – a win-win scenario.
Sign Up for Email Lists
Brands and retailers often send discount codes by email. Sign up to receive notifications of sales and coupon offers for sticks.
Check Online Promo Code Sites
Websites like RetailMeNot and CouponCabin compile active promo codes for lacrosse brands that you can use at checkout for instant savings.
Look for Printable Coupons
Printable manufacturer coupons for lacrosse gear periodically appear online and can be combined with other discounts for big savings.
Ask If Discounts Are Available
Contact customer service at lacrosse retailers and ask if they have any current discounts or vouchers available. It never hurts to ask!
Follow Brands and Retailers on Social
Sale announcements and discount codes often get shared first on social media like Facebook and Instagram. Follow to get the deals fast.
With some dedicated deal hunting, you can save substantial money on long lacrosse sticks through promotions and coupons.
Visit Brand Websites
Companies like Maverik, STX, and Warrior sell their gear direct on their own e-commerce sites. Buying there can save by cutting out the retail markup.
Look for Manufacturer Sales
Brands will often run sales, especially around new product releases. Check sites routinely for deals like clearance or holiday sales.
Sign Up for Email Lists
Brands send discount codes and early notice on sales to email subscribers. Sign up through their site for access to deals.
Contact Company Sales Reps
Many brands have sales representatives who can look for applicable promotions or provide discounts for team or bulk orders.
Avoid Shipping Fees
Some brands offer free shipping on direct orders over a certain dollar amount. Factor that in when comparison shopping.
Cutting out the retail middleman and buying direct from manufacturers can translate to big savings on lacrosse gear.
Search Social Media
Platforms like Facebook have tons of niche lacrosse gear trade groups. Join ones for your local area or focused on defender sticks.
Post What You’re Looking For
Make a post in the group detailing the specific type of long pole you want to buy and your budget. People may reach out with offerings.
Look for New Listings
Monitor new items posted in the groups daily. Good deals go fast, so jump on any that meet your needs.
Offer to Buy Bulk
If someone is selling multiple defender sticks, ask if they’ll cut you a deal if you buy more than one. They’ll likely agree.
Be Ready to Act Fast
Popular items get snatched up quickly. Have payment ready so you can buy immediately on seeing a good listing.
Tapping into lacrosse gear swap communities provides access to insider deals – straight from other players.
Talk to Your Teammates
Ask teammates where they’ve found good deals on sticks. They may know of sales or used gear sources.
Check League Classifieds
Many youth and high school lacrosse leagues have online classified sections where people post equipment for sale locally.
Ask Your Coach
Coaches are dialed into the local lacrosse scene and may know used equipment stores, swap meets, or other hidden sources for deals.
Scour League Social Accounts
People will often post discounted gear or classifieds on league Facebook pages, Twitter, or Instagram accounts.
Search Local Listing Sites
Craigslist and OfferUp are go-to spots for lacrosse parents selling off old gear as kids outgrow sticks.
Tapping your network of fellow local players and coaches can clue you into insider opportunities for budget defender sticks.
Talk to Your Program Director
Discuss the option of doing a team wide bulk purchase to outfit everyone with new sticks. The cost per stick drops significantly with volume.
Look for Team Pack Deals
Major brands like STX, Maverik, and Brine sell sticks in discounted team packs of 12, 24, or more. Share a pack across your team.
Buy Extra and Resell
If the team pack has more sticks than your team needs, buy it anyway. Resell the extra sticks locally to recoup costs.
Combine Orders With Other Teams
Partner with a rival team and combine your orders. You’ll have more buying power and can get an even better per unit price.
Negotiate With Retailers
Many lacrosse stores will work with teams on custom quotes and additional bulk order discounts beyond what’s advertised.
Placing a bulk team order can multiply savings across all players when buying new lacrosse sticks.
Compare Construction Quality
Look at materials, shaft strength, head shape, and other functional specs rather than brand name alone when comparing sticks.
Consider Off-Brand Alternatives
Lesser known brands can offer comparable quality and performance at a fraction of the premium brand price.
Buy Previous Year Models
Last year’s sticks often go on clearance once new models drop but are virtually the same product.
Focus on Needs, Not Looks
Flashy graphics don’t improve performance. Opt for more affordable solid color or basic patterned sticks to save.
Don’t Assume Used Means Worse
Many used sticks, though unlabeled, are great sticks. Judge condition rather than lacking branding when buying used.
Lacrosse skill comes from the player, not flashy logos. Shop smartly for value and avoid overpaying for branding and hype alone.