Best Lacrosse Sticks For New Players in 2023 How to Pick the Right Starter StickBest Lacrosse Sticks For New Players in 2023 How to Pick the Right Starter Stick
Look for a Lightweight Stick with a Plastic Head as a Beginner
As a new lacrosse player just starting out, one of the most important things to look for when shopping for your first stick is finding one with a lightweight yet durable design. Sticks made with plastic heads rather than traditional wooden heads are ideal for beginners for several key reasons.
For one, plastic heads are much lighter in weight than wooden heads. When you’re first learning the basics of cradling, scooping, throwing, and catching, having a stick with less mass makes it easier to develop proper technique. The lighter weight helps improve control as you practice stick handling skills. It also reduces arm fatigue, allowing you to play for longer periods during training sessions as you build up strength and endurance.
In addition, plastic heads are more forgiving of misses and mishandling. We’ve all been there – dropping passes or whiffing on shots as a new player. With a plastic head, you don’t have to worry as much about damaging the head on errant throws and checks. The plastic is designed to flex and bounce back rather than chip, crack or break like wood. This durability gives beginners more confidence to keep pushing their limits as stick handlers without fear of destroying their stick.
Finally, plastic heads often have rounded edges and smoother surfaces that make catching and retaining the ball in the pocket easier for novice players. Wooden heads can have sharper angles that take more skill and precision to control. With plastic heads designed to be more user-friendly for starters, it helps build fundamentals like quick accurate passing, confident catches, and protecting ball possession.
While more advanced and experienced players may prefer the traditional feel and increased stiffness of wooden heads, when you’re first starting out and working on stick skills, going with a lightweight plastic head is the smart way to go. The right beginner stick will help make the learning process more enjoyable and rewarding.
Consider Men’s Sticks with Wider Heads for Easier Catching and Throwing
When looking for the ideal men’s lacrosse stick as a beginner, pay close attention to the width of the head. For male players just starting out, using a stick with a wider head can make a big difference in improving basic throwing and catching skills during the early stages.
Wider lacrosse stick heads give male beginners more surface area to receive and control passes. Developing the hand-eye coordination for clean catches takes time. With a larger head, you’ll have an easier time trapping and retaining possession of errant and off-target throws. The additional width also provides more room for catching passes one-handed, which is an important technique to master.
Throwing the ball accurately is one of the biggest challenges for new players. A wider head allows for more margin of error on sloppy passes and poor mechanics. While precision and consistency will come with time and practice, the extra head width helps keep more inaccurate throws “on net.” You’ll be able to get more reps catching passable balls and feel satisfaction quicker from connecting on passes.
In addition to catching and throwing, stick handling moves like quick sticks, face dodging, and wrapping around on shots benefit from the increased control a wider head offers. More surface area cradling the ball gives better command over ball retention and makes for tighter handling overall. Whether doing drills or in game situations, you’ll gain confidence more quickly in your abilities.
While advanced players shift to narrower heads for quicker release motions and tighter shot accuracy, the wider heads do come with a trade-off of decreased ball speed on passes and shots. But as a beginner, that loss in velocity is outweighed by the advantages of improved catching, throwing, and handling. Once the fundamentals become second-nature after more practice, you can then upgrade to a narrower head design.
The key is matching your stick specs to your skill level. That’s why for most male lacrosse newcomers, starting out with a stick featuring a wider plastic head can help fast track development of core techniques. With patience and dedication, you’ll be ready for an intermediate stick in no time.
Pick a Women’s Stick with a Narrower Head for Quicker Handling
When shopping for that first women’s lacrosse stick, newer players should look for a head with a narrower width. For girls and women just learning the sport, a stick with a narrower head design can help develop tighter stick skills and quicker handling ability during the beginning stages of play.
The narrower head gives female beginners an easier time controlling the stick with one hand. Since women’s lacrosse rules require players to keep one hand off the stick at all times, rapidly developing strong one-handed cradling and maneuvering skills is crucial. With a narrower head, you can work on protecting the ball better from checks, scooping ground balls cleanly, and maintaining possession on the run.
In addition to ball control, a narrower women’s stick head allows for faster passing, catching, and shooting motions. The compact width forces you to be more precise with your throws, catches, and shot accuracy. While the learning curve may be steeper, it translates to improved coordination and stick skills over time. And the quicker release possible with a narrower head gives your throws and shots more velocity once technique is sharpened.
The trade-off with a narrower head is less margin for error while developing fundamentals. Inaccurate passes and wild shots are harder to control and corral. As a beginner, you’ll have to be focused and dedicated to perfecting your form and motions right from the start. But conquering the challenge of a narrower head’s unforgiving nature instills skills that pay dividends down the road.
While some newcomers are drawn to wider heads that seem more novice-friendly, committing to a narrower head from the get-go imparts better stick habits. As skills improve with practice, players can graduate to even narrower heads for elite-level ball control and shooting precision. Start building those quick hands and fluid mechanics now with a women’s stick featuring a narrower head width.
With patience and determination, a narrower head stick will fast track your development into an all-around skilled lacrosse player. Take the more difficult path early on for bigger rewards later as you master tighter ball handling, quicker moves, and pinpoint passing. The narrower head makes sure solid fundamentals become second nature.
Choose an Offset or Curved Head Shape for More Ball Control
Improved Control and Technique Development
Why are lightweight sticks beneficial for beginners? A lighter stick allows new players to focus on developing proper technique without being encumbered by excess weight. This improved control translates to better cradling, scooping, throwing, and catching skills.
Reduced Fatigue and Extended Practice Time
How does a lightweight stick impact practice sessions? By reducing arm fatigue, players can engage in longer training sessions, allowing for more repetitions and faster skill development. This extended practice time is crucial for building strength and endurance in the early stages of learning.
Durability and Confidence Building
What makes plastic heads ideal for new players? Plastic heads are more forgiving of mishandling and errant throws. Their flexibility and bounce-back properties provide durability that wooden heads lack. This resilience allows beginners to practice with confidence, knowing that minor mistakes won’t damage their equipment.
User-Friendly Design
How do plastic heads enhance ball control? Many plastic heads feature rounded edges and smooth surfaces, making it easier for novices to catch and retain the ball in the pocket. This user-friendly design helps build fundamental skills like quick, accurate passing and confident ball possession.
Selecting the Right Head Width for Men’s Lacrosse Sticks
When choosing a men’s lacrosse stick, the width of the head plays a crucial role in a beginner’s development:
Benefits of Wider Heads for Male Beginners
Why should male beginners opt for wider stick heads? A wider head provides more surface area for catching and controlling passes, making it easier for new players to develop hand-eye coordination and confidence in their abilities.
Improved Catching and Throwing Accuracy
How does a wider head impact passing skills? The additional width offers more margin for error, allowing beginners to successfully complete passes even with imperfect technique. This increased success rate helps build confidence and encourages continued practice.
Enhanced Ball Control and Stick Handling
What stick handling benefits do wider heads offer? The increased surface area provides better control during cradling, face dodging, and shooting. This improved command over the ball allows beginners to develop more advanced techniques with greater ease.
Choosing the Ideal Head Width for Women’s Lacrosse Sticks
For women’s lacrosse, the ideal starter stick features a narrower head design:
Advantages of Narrower Heads for Female Players
Why are narrower heads preferred in women’s lacrosse? The narrower design aligns with the rules of women’s lacrosse, which require players to keep one hand off the stick at all times. This configuration promotes better one-handed control and quicker handling.
Developing Precise Ball Control
How does a narrower head improve ball control? The smaller surface area encourages players to develop more precise stick skills, leading to better ball retention and more accurate passing and shooting.
Faster Stick Movement and Agility
What impact does head width have on playing style? Narrower heads allow for quicker stick movements, enabling female players to develop the fast-paced, agile style of play characteristic of women’s lacrosse.
The Importance of Proper Grip and Shaft Selection
While the head of the lacrosse stick is crucial, the grip and shaft also play vital roles in a beginner’s development:
Comfortable Grip for Extended Practice
Why is grip comfort important for new players? A comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue and prevents blisters, allowing beginners to practice for longer periods without discomfort. This extended practice time is essential for skill development.
Appropriate Shaft Length and Material
How does shaft length affect play? The right shaft length, typically based on the player’s height and position, ensures proper form and technique. For beginners, lightweight materials like aluminum or composite offer a good balance of durability and ease of use.
Balancing Cost and Quality in Beginner Lacrosse Sticks
When selecting a starter lacrosse stick, it’s important to find the right balance between cost and quality:
Investing in Durability
Why should beginners consider spending a bit more on their first stick? While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest option, investing in a slightly higher-quality stick can pay off in the long run. More durable sticks withstand the rigors of learning and last longer, potentially saving money over time.
Affordable Options for New Players
Are there quality options for budget-conscious beginners? Many reputable brands offer entry-level sticks that provide a good balance of performance and affordability. These sticks often incorporate features designed specifically for new players without breaking the bank.
Top Beginner Lacrosse Stick Recommendations for 2023
Based on the criteria discussed, here are some top recommendations for beginner lacrosse sticks in 2023:
Men’s Beginner Sticks
- STX Lacrosse Stallion 50 Youth Complete Stick
- Warrior Evo Warp Next Complete Stick
- StringKing Complete 2 Junior Lacrosse Stick
Women’s Beginner Sticks
- STX Lacrosse Exult 200 Complete Stick
- Brine Dynasty Elite Women’s Lacrosse Stick
- Under Armour Strategy Complete Stick
These sticks offer a combination of durability, appropriate head design, and beginner-friendly features that make them excellent choices for new players in 2023.
Maintaining and Caring for Your First Lacrosse Stick
Proper maintenance of your lacrosse stick is essential for its longevity and performance:
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
How often should you clean your lacrosse stick? It’s recommended to clean your stick after each use, removing dirt and debris from the head and shaft. Regular inspections can help identify any wear or damage early on.
Proper Storage Techniques
What’s the best way to store a lacrosse stick? Store your stick in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid leaving it in extreme temperatures, such as in a hot car, which can warp the plastic head.
String Maintenance
How do you care for the strings on your lacrosse stick? Regularly check the strings for fraying or loosening. Wax the strings periodically to protect them from moisture and extend their lifespan.
By following these maintenance tips, beginners can ensure their first lacrosse stick remains in top condition, allowing for consistent performance and skill development.
Choosing the right lacrosse stick as a beginner is a crucial step in your journey to mastering this exciting sport. By considering factors such as head design, weight, grip comfort, and overall quality, you can select a stick that will support your skill development and enhance your enjoyment of the game. Remember, the best stick for you is one that feels comfortable and allows you to focus on learning the fundamental techniques of lacrosse. With the right equipment and dedicated practice, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled lacrosse player.
Look for a Lightweight Stick with a Plastic Head as a Beginner
As a new lacrosse player just starting out, one of the most important things to look for when shopping for your first stick is finding one with a lightweight yet durable design. Sticks made with plastic heads rather than traditional wooden heads are ideal for beginners for several key reasons.
For one, plastic heads are much lighter in weight than wooden heads. When you’re first learning the basics of cradling, scooping, throwing, and catching, having a stick with less mass makes it easier to develop proper technique. The lighter weight helps improve control as you practice stick handling skills. It also reduces arm fatigue, allowing you to play for longer periods during training sessions as you build up strength and endurance.
In addition, plastic heads are more forgiving of misses and mishandling. We’ve all been there – dropping passes or whiffing on shots as a new player. With a plastic head, you don’t have to worry as much about damaging the head on errant throws and checks. The plastic is designed to flex and bounce back rather than chip, crack or break like wood. This durability gives beginners more confidence to keep pushing their limits as stick handlers without fear of destroying their stick.
Finally, plastic heads often have rounded edges and smoother surfaces that make catching and retaining the ball in the pocket easier for novice players. Wooden heads can have sharper angles that take more skill and precision to control. With plastic heads designed to be more user-friendly for starters, it helps build fundamentals like quick accurate passing, confident catches, and protecting ball possession.
While more advanced and experienced players may prefer the traditional feel and increased stiffness of wooden heads, when you’re first starting out and working on stick skills, going with a lightweight plastic head is the smart way to go. The right beginner stick will help make the learning process more enjoyable and rewarding.
Consider Men’s Sticks with Wider Heads for Easier Catching and Throwing
When looking for the ideal men’s lacrosse stick as a beginner, pay close attention to the width of the head. For male players just starting out, using a stick with a wider head can make a big difference in improving basic throwing and catching skills during the early stages.
Wider lacrosse stick heads give male beginners more surface area to receive and control passes. Developing the hand-eye coordination for clean catches takes time. With a larger head, you’ll have an easier time trapping and retaining possession of errant and off-target throws. The additional width also provides more room for catching passes one-handed, which is an important technique to master.
Throwing the ball accurately is one of the biggest challenges for new players. A wider head allows for more margin of error on sloppy passes and poor mechanics. While precision and consistency will come with time and practice, the extra head width helps keep more inaccurate throws “on net.” You’ll be able to get more reps catching passable balls and feel satisfaction quicker from connecting on passes.
In addition to catching and throwing, stick handling moves like quick sticks, face dodging, and wrapping around on shots benefit from the increased control a wider head offers. More surface area cradling the ball gives better command over ball retention and makes for tighter handling overall. Whether doing drills or in game situations, you’ll gain confidence more quickly in your abilities.
While advanced players shift to narrower heads for quicker release motions and tighter shot accuracy, the wider heads do come with a trade-off of decreased ball speed on passes and shots. But as a beginner, that loss in velocity is outweighed by the advantages of improved catching, throwing, and handling. Once the fundamentals become second-nature after more practice, you can then upgrade to a narrower head design.
The key is matching your stick specs to your skill level. That’s why for most male lacrosse newcomers, starting out with a stick featuring a wider plastic head can help fast track development of core techniques. With patience and dedication, you’ll be ready for an intermediate stick in no time.
Pick a Women’s Stick with a Narrower Head for Quicker Handling
When shopping for that first women’s lacrosse stick, newer players should look for a head with a narrower width. For girls and women just learning the sport, a stick with a narrower head design can help develop tighter stick skills and quicker handling ability during the beginning stages of play.
The narrower head gives female beginners an easier time controlling the stick with one hand. Since women’s lacrosse rules require players to keep one hand off the stick at all times, rapidly developing strong one-handed cradling and maneuvering skills is crucial. With a narrower head, you can work on protecting the ball better from checks, scooping ground balls cleanly, and maintaining possession on the run.
In addition to ball control, a narrower women’s stick head allows for faster passing, catching, and shooting motions. The compact width forces you to be more precise with your throws, catches, and shot accuracy. While the learning curve may be steeper, it translates to improved coordination and stick skills over time. And the quicker release possible with a narrower head gives your throws and shots more velocity once technique is sharpened.
The trade-off with a narrower head is less margin for error while developing fundamentals. Inaccurate passes and wild shots are harder to control and corral. As a beginner, you’ll have to be focused and dedicated to perfecting your form and motions right from the start. But conquering the challenge of a narrower head’s unforgiving nature instills skills that pay dividends down the road.
While some newcomers are drawn to wider heads that seem more novice-friendly, committing to a narrower head from the get-go imparts better stick habits. As skills improve with practice, players can graduate to even narrower heads for elite-level ball control and shooting precision. Start building those quick hands and fluid mechanics now with a women’s stick featuring a narrower head width.
With patience and determination, a narrower head stick will fast track your development into an all-around skilled lacrosse player. Take the more difficult path early on for bigger rewards later as you master tighter ball handling, quicker moves, and pinpoint passing. The narrower head makes sure solid fundamentals become second nature.
Choose an Offset or Curved Head Shape for More Ball Control
When selecting your beginner lacrosse stick, pay close attention to the overall head shape and design. For new players looking to develop stick skills, choosing an offset or curved head shape can provide some key advantages for tighter ball control.
Offset heads have the lower sidewalls pushed out slightly, angling the scoop and channel away from the handle. This angled offset gives the head more of an oval shape and increases the effective pocket area. The expanded sweet spot helps capture off-target passes more easily. It also provides more ball contact for improved cradle and handling.
Curved heads have pronounced arcs molded into the sidewalls that wrap around deeper pockets. These curved rails help keep the ball stable in the mesh, preventing rattling and poor retention. The contoured shape also encourages cleaner rolls off shots and passes, resulting in more accurate throws once mechanics are refined.
In addition to easier catching, offset and curved heads give beginners an advantage securing balls for one-handed carries. The angled and pocketed designs make strong cradling more instinctive, even for newcomers. With extra ball control, you can focus more on navigating the field, maneuvering past defenders, and setting up scoring drives.
Traditional flat heads with straight sidewalls require more precision to handle balls cleanly. While they perform better for elite players with refined techniques, the lack of forgiveness can be frustrating early on. Learning proper fundamentals takes time and commitment, so be patient with yourself as you develop by starting with a head shape promoting control.
Don’t be afraid to lean on the help offset or curved heads provide when first grasping the game. Their ball-friendly shapes will build confidence while also developing stick skills that translate broadly. With an assistive head giving you a grip on lacrosse from day one, you’ll be competing fiercely in no time.
Select a Stick with a Mesh Pocket for Improved Ball Retention
One of the most vital yet often overlooked components of a beginner’s lacrosse stick is the pocket type. When shopping for your first stick, be sure to select one strung with a mesh pocket rather than traditional leather and nylon lacing.
Mesh pockets are constructed from interwoven synthetic polymer fibers that create breathable netting. This soft, flexible pocket material molds around the ball better and moves with it more smoothly compared to stiff lacing. The sensation and control are more natural for developing stick handlers.
In addition to feel, mesh pockets excel at ball retention and release. The supple weaved fibers conform to the ball’s shape, gripping it with customized tension. This “memory” helps secure possession during carries, cuts, and checks. The pockets also hold the ball in the ideal position for quick accurate passes and shots.
On shots, mesh gives the ball a consistent controlled release for precision shooting. The pocket flexes with the head’s motion, propelling the ball straight and minimizing flutter. For passing, the pockets gently cradle the ball on dislodge for gentle touch feeds to teammates.
While traditionally strung sticks provide elite players more finessed handling, beginners benefit from mesh’s ball-friendly benefits. By removing extra variables from the equation, newcomers can dedicate focus to proper throwing, catching, and cradling fundamentals.
Lacing pockets certainly have a nostalgic charm and unique feel when mastered. But for most modern lacrosse initiates, skipping the learning curve of a laced stick by starting with user-friendly mesh is wise. With mesh assisting with ball control from day one, you can put all your energy into skill progression.
Get a Stick with an Alloy or Composite Handle for Maximum Durability
When selecting a lacrosse stick as a beginner, pay close attention to the handle material. Opting for an alloy or composite handle construction provides new players with improved durability and longevity.
Alloy handles like aluminum and titanium are extremely rigid and resistant to cracks and breaks. Their lightweight strength makes them perfect for withstanding checks, slashes, and falls. Alloys bend rather than snap when impacted, retaining their shape and performance.
Composite handles offer similar resilience using ultra-strong synthetic fibers like carbon fiber bonded in resin or epoxy. The result is pro-grade toughness in a tightly wound handle that can weather hard knocks. Advanced composites are exceptionally rigid while still being light and balanced.
This upgrade in handle technology from traditional wood brings several advantages for beginners. First, the exceptional durability ensures your stick can endure the inevitable misuse and abuse from a new player. Even intense game action and drills won’t jeopardize your stick’s integrity.
Second, advanced handles maintain their precise flex profiles and handling characteristics over time. They don’t lose responsiveness or “soften up” like wooden handles. This consistency allows beginners to develop skills and stick preferences without performance fluctuations.
Lastly, the lightweight strength reduces fatigue over long practices, games, and seasons. New players can focus energy on progressing, not fighting a heavy stick. Proper fundamentals become instinctual much faster with a stick built to perform.
While wood handles provide an old-school traditional feel, their fragility poses problems for new players. The technology of modern alloy and composite handles eliminates durability concerns and let beginners just play and improve.
Look for a Stick Length Based on Your Age and Height as a Starter
When selecting your first lacrosse stick, one of the most important factors to consider is the overall length. Finding the right stick length tailored to your age and height as a beginner will make developing fundamentals much easier.
For young players just starting out, stick length corresponds closely to age guidelines. Elementary and middle school kids do best with sticks in the 40 to 42 inch range. With sticks sized proportionally to their bodies, they can focus on proper handling technique versus wrestling an oversized stick.
High school lacrosse newcomers should look for sticks measuring from 42 to 60 inches depending on playing style and position. Attack and midfield players lean toward 50 to 56 inch sticks for better ball control. Defensive long sticks are often 58 to 60 inches to help with poke checks.
Adult first-time players should use their height as the primary factor in finding the ideal stick length. For women 5’3” to 5’8”, a stick from 46 to 50 inches allows comfortable two-hand cradling and maneuvering. Taller women over 5’8” can utilize longer sticks up to 52 inches.
Average height adult men from 5’8” to 6’ can handle sticks from 52 to 56 inches effectively. Tall men over 6’ should look for sticks ranging from 56 up to the maximum legal length of 60 inches for their leverage benefits.
No matter your age, the right beginner stick length feels natural, not cumbersome. It lets you scoop, cradle, and pass without overextending. Don’t choose length based just on what the pros use. Find your personal stick “sweet spot” through trial and error as you get started.
With the properly sized stick, you can then focus fully on developing proper throwing, catching, and footwork skills from day one. A length tailored to you removes limitations so you can just enjoy the game and improvement process.
Pick a Stick that Matches Your Position’s Specific Needs on the Field
As a beginner learning lacrosse position basics, choose a stick tailored to the requirements of the role you want to play. While versatility is useful, sticking to position-specific sticks from the start develops skills faster.
For attack players, focus on control and quick passing with short sticks from 30 to 40 inches. Heads with medium width and offset shapes help master tight quarters play around the crease. Handle flexibility aids in quick sticks and wraparounds.
Midfielders benefit from sticks ranging from 40 to 42 inches for transitional play. Slightly wider heads maintain possession and accuracy on longer passes. Handles with balanced flex help grab tough scoops and deliver big checks.
Defenders should wield long sticks from 52 to 72 inches. The extra length allows superior poking and prodding of opponents’ sticks. Defense-minded wider heads scoop ground balls reliably and outlet passes consistently.
Goalies are equipped with massive heads up to 15 inches wide for blocking shots. Reach extends to 40+ inches to cover more net. Stiff handles provide precision outlet passing to start fast breaks.
While it’s wise to try various positions as a newcomer, ask coaches early on where you’re likely to play based on height, speed, and other traits. Then tailor your stick choice to excel in that role as you learn. Proper sticks make honing critical position skills much smoother.
Sticks designed for specific lacrosse positions give beginners an advantage out of the gate. Focusing your stick choice to align with the role you want to grow into results in faster mastery, confidence, and enjoyment of the game.
Stick to Mid-Range Priced Sticks from Reputable Brands as a Beginner
With lacrosse stick technology constantly evolving, it’s easy for newcomers to get overwhelmed exploring the many models and price points. As a beginner on a budget, your best bet is sticking with mid-range priced sticks from established brands.
Major athletic companies like STX, Maverik, and Warrior offer excellent stick options in the $50-$150 range tailored to all positions and experience levels. These sticks give you pro-quality construction and features without the markup of top-tier lines.
Reputable lacrosse-centric brands utilize strong yet lightweight alloys and composites for their handles in this price range. They often include special technologies like textured grips and precision flex zones. The heads feature durable alloy or composite frames along with advanced sidewall and scoop geometries.
In addition, these trusted brands typically outfit their mid-range sticks with mesh pockets ideal for new players. The woven and synthetic materials offer great ball feel, control, and hold. They also stand up to heavy use and don’t require much restringing.
While cheaper sticks under $50 seem tempting, their subpar materials, lackluster construction, and mediocre handling can hamper early development. And elite sticks over $200 offer only minimal performance gains over mid-range models.
By selecting a stick from leading brands priced reasonably, beginners can focus on proper technique versus gear. Don’t waste money and energy battling poor equipment. With the right stick, you can enjoy the journey of mastering lacrosse.
Ask Teammates or Coaches for Stick Recommendations for Your Skill Level
When looking to purchase your first lacrosse stick, don’t hesitate to ask for input from more experienced players and coaches. Their expertise and familiarity with gear options makes their advice invaluable for matching a beginner stick to your current skill level.
Teammates who have recently gone through the new player stick selection process can provide great wisdom. They can likely relate to your abilities and limitations regarding cradling, throwing, catching, scooping, and shooting. Take notes as they describe what features helped their progression.
Seasoned veteran players have logged countless hours with all types of sticks, often developing strong preferences. They know exactly what handle flexes and head shapes deliver results for different playing styles and positions. Lean on their nuanced takes as you narrow choices.
Coaches have the unique perspective of observing your strengths and weaknesses directly during drills and competition. They can translate those insights into tailored recommendations on ideal stick sizing, pocket type, flex points, and other specifics to prioritize in your search.
While doing your own research online is important, few resources can match the REAL lacrosse experience of people you know. The more candidates and feedback you gather pre-purchase, the better chance you have of ending up with the perfect beginner stick.
Finding that ideal first lacrosse stick is a journey. But by enlisting guidance from teammates and coaches along the way, you can stick the landing and accelerate your development in the sport you love.
Read Online Lacrosse Stick Reviews to Help Narrow Down Your Options
The internet offers a wealth of lacrosse stick reviews that can provide key insights as you shop for the best beginner stick. Reading reviews helps you identify models matching your needs and narrow the selection process.
Look to lacrosse gear sites like Lax.com and LacrosseMonkey that catalogue numerous stick options and include detailed reviews. Experienced players break down pros and cons from their hands-on usage. This real feedback covers critical factors like durability, handling, passing, shooting, scooping, and more.
YouTube is another great source of video reviews showing sticks in action. Watching sticks being cradled, thrown with, and handled up close gives a better sense of fit and feel that static pictures can’t provide. Seeing flex and response in video form often highlights potential stick issues.
Don’t limit yourself to glowingly positive reviews either. Reading constructive critical feedback helps identify shortcomings like sticks feeling underpowered for beginners or needing frequent restringing. Being aware of potential downsides or drawbacks is valuable prep before purchasing.
Checking multiple reviews also gives better perspective by highlighting key patterns and trends for specific sticks. If certain weaknesses or flaws get repeatedly mentioned, take note before choosing that model.
While trying sticks yourself is ideal, reading and watching reviews is the next best thing. Let the experience of fellow players help guide you to the perfect starter stick without wasting time and money on disappointing options. Do your homework!
Compare Sticks’s Weight, Flexibility, Grip, and Other Key Features
When evaluating different lacrosse sticks as a beginner, be sure to closely compare several key performance factors between models such as weight, flexibility, grip, and shape.
Weight is crucial for quick maneuvering and avoiding fatigue. Lighter sticks around 10-15 ounces are ideal, as long as durability isn’t sacrificed. Anything over 15 ounces will feel heavy during extended play for newcomers.
Flexibility comes largely from the handle material and construction. New players benefit from more forgiving composite or alloy handles with some bend and spring. Sticks that are too rigid hamper developing good fundamentals.
Grip texture and dimensions where you place your hands determine comfort and control. Softer grips that fit your hands’ size without too much wiggle room promote proper technique and stamina.
Head shape factors like offset, scoop curvature, sidewall design, and edging affect handling. Test sticks with friendlier shapes that boost cradle control, clean catches, and accurate throws.
Besides specs, also evaluate overall feel and response. Move the stick through different motions to assess smoothness. Does it perform well off-axis and maintain ball control? Develop preferences here.
Don’t automatically assume higher priced sticks are “better.” By fully scrutinizing and comparing key performance metrics yourself, you can find the ideal value stick to start with.
Put in the time to test and evaluate multiple stick options on all these fronts. Finding the right balance of features tailored to your skills as beginner is key to progression.
Consider Buying a Complete Stick-and-Head Package for Simplicity
As a lacrosse newcomer, don’t overlook the convenience of purchasing a pre-assembled complete stick-and-head package. The all-in-one bundles simplify getting started versus buying separate pieces.
Complete sticks take the guesswork out of pairing compatible handles and heads. Manufacturers engineer the components to work flawlessly together out of the box. You can spend more time playing and less time tinkering with gear.
The bundled packages also allow beginners to get top-to-bottom brand consistency in construction and performance. When the handle and head come from the same company, you can expect a more seamless feel and response.
In addition, buying together streamlines dialing in proper stringing and pocket optimization. Pre-assembled sticks come factory strung by experts to stringent specifications for ideal throwing, catching, and shooting.
While advanced players love customizing piece-by-piece, beginners benefit greatly from out-of-the-box reliability. Don’t underestimate the value of an aligned handle and head designed to deliver responsive control.
Complete lacrosse sticks represent an awesome plug-and-play starting point for newcomers of all ages. Spend more time building skills instead of building a stick by going for the all-in-one convenience.
Don’t Buy the Cheapest Stick as Quality Greatly Impacts Performance
When selecting that first lacrosse stick, it can be tempting to go for the cheapest model to save money. But bargain bin sticks often deliver disappointing performance that hinders skill development for beginners.
Bottom barrel sticks under $50 typically cut corners on materials, using cheap brittle plastic heads prone to cracking and wooden handles that dent and splinter easily. Their poor durability won’t hold up to regular training and game wear and tear.
Ultra budget sticks also sacrifice overbuild quality with things like inconsistent head shapes, subpar stringing, and improper flex points. Their sloppy construction makes clean fundamental techniques like cradling, scooping, passing, and shooting more difficult.
In addition, rock bottom sticks lack the refined ergonomics of better designed handles and grips. Their generic shaping leads to fatigue and discomfort over extended playing time as you build endurance.
While it’s smart to look for value, don’t go too cheap. Low-end sticks often demand upgrades sooner and won’t yield maximum progression. Invest properly in a stick from a reputable brand priced reasonably for beginners.
Pay a little more upfront for a thoughtfully engineered stick packing the right blend of quality materials, construction precision, playing characteristics, and durability. You want reliable equipment, not gear that fights you. Go for value, not bottom dollar.
