Choosing the right lacrosse stick is crucial for any women’s lacrosse player looking to improve their game in 2023. With so many sticks to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to find the one that will best match your playing style and skill level.
Choosing the right lacrosse stick for your position
The type of lacrosse stick you’ll want to use depends largely on the position you play. Attack players will want a stick optimized for accuracy and ball control, allowing them to swiftly pass the ball and have pinpoint shot placement. Midfielders need an all-around performance stick since they play on both offense and defense. Meanwhile, defenders need a durable stick that can absorb checks without breaking. Before buying a new women’s lacrosse stick, determine what you need it to excel at for your position.
Attack sticks – Accuracy and handling
For attack players, a stick with a tight channel and thin, flexible head promotes excellent ball control and accuracy. Attack sticks allow you to cradle the ball securely, catch difficult passes, and hit corners of the goal. Brands like Stringking and Brine make sticks ideal for attackers. Look for a lightweight stick with a narrow, pinched head shape and a soft mesh pocket. The control and responsiveness will become an extension of your hands on the field.
Midfield sticks – All around performance
Since midfielders play on both sides of the field, their sticks need to balance offensive finesse with defensive durability. Look for sturdy yet lightweight sticks with a medium scoop and a decent width to the head. Many midfielders like a nylon string pocket rather than mesh. This facilitates accurate passing and shooting while withstanding midfield physicality. Brands like STX and Maverik offer excellent midfield sticks. Test sticks with different head shapes to find your ideal stiffness and balance.
Defense sticks – Strength and durability
With defenders constantly clashing sticks, durability and strength are paramount. Defensive lacrosse sticks have wide, flat heads and exaggerated scoops for grabbing ground balls and causing turnovers. While still lightweight, defensive sticks have more rigid construction and tighter stringing along the throat. This allows them to absorb checks. Brands known for excellent women’s defensive lacrosse sticks include STX, Maverik, and Brine. Look for a stick with a stiff head and a traditional, leather-like pocket.
Beginner sticks – Easy to control
The best women’s lacrosse sticks for beginners prioritize ease of use and control. Look for sticks with a wider head, which makes catching and throwing easier for novice players. Many also come strung with basic mesh pockets to get started. While advanced players can customize pockets precisely, new players benefit from sticks optimized for fundamentals. Brands like STX and Brine offer lacrosse stick and ball sets designed for newcomers.
Intermediate sticks – Developing skills
After mastering basics, intermediate players should upgrade to sticks that allow them to develop more advanced skills. Look for sticks with a medium scoop and a comfortable grip. Many intermediate sticks combine value and performance, giving good bang for your buck. Brands like Maverik and STX offer intermediate sticks perfect for taking your skills up a notch this season.
Beyond position and skill level, personal preference dictates what makes the best women’s lacrosse stick. Testing different sticks is invaluable, as the subtleties of weight, balance, and feel make a big difference. Don’t be afraid to mix and match heads and handles to find your ideal setup. With the right stick, your confidence and performance on the field will soar.
When looking to upgrade your lacrosse stick game as an attack player, precision and ball control should be your top priorities. After all, your role as an attacker revolves around swiftly maneuvering the ball downfield and firing off accurate shots on net. But with so many stick options out there, how do you know which one will give you the quickness and accuracy needed to dominate? Here are some key tips for choosing the best women’s lacrosse sticks for attack.
Attack sticks – Accuracy and handling
First and foremost, you’ll want to look for a stick with a tight channel and a flexible yet lightweight head. The tight channel helps cradle and control the ball, while the pinched flexible head gives you greater accuracy on your passes and shots. As an attacker, you’ll rely on your stick to almost feel like an extension of your arm, allowing you to swiftly carry, pass and shoot the ball with precision.
When it comes to brands, Stringking and Brine are two of the top choices for women’s attack sticks. Stringking is known for sticks with a narrow diamond shaped head, which provides superior control for stick handling and shooting. Meanwhile, Brine sticks feature a slightly wider, flattened head shape that offers excellent ball retention when dodging defenders. Ultimately, it comes down to finding the right head shape and balance that complements your playing style.
Don’t forget the importance of the pocket and stringing. A soft nylon mesh pocket is ideal, allowing the ball to sit snugly in the pocket while still releasing smoothly on passes and shots. Some players also opt to customize their stringing patterns to fine tune the pocket and channel. Consider adding some rather colorful nylon shooting strings too – because style points matter when you’re the one putting the ball in the back of the net!
The bottom line is that when choosing an attack stick, prioritize control and accuracy above all else. Maneuvering downfield and scoring goals is your purpose as an attacker, so give yourself every advantage by arming yourself with a stick engineered for precision passing, catching and shooting. With the right attack stick in hand, you’ll have defenders spinning every time you make a play!
Of course there are many other factors that come into play when selecting the perfect stick, like weight, balance, and simplicity for newcomers. But for experienced attackers looking to up their game, optimizing their stick for control, speed and accuracy is the key to becoming a dominant offensive threat. So don’t hold back – grab a supercharged attack stick and start taking your skills to the next level!
As a midfielder in women’s lacrosse, you need a stick that can handle it all. The midfield is where the action happens on both offense and defense, so your stick needs to be versatile enough to excel in any situation. When choosing the best women’s lacrosse sticks for midfield, keep these key factors in mind.
Midfield Sticks – All Around Performance
First and foremost, look for a stick with a medium scoop and a decent width to the head. This gives you the ball control necessary for offense, along with the strength to absorb checks on defense. Many midfielders prefer a nylon pocket rather than mesh, since it provides great feel on cradling, passing, and shooting in all field positions.
In terms of brands, STX and Maverik are go-to choices for solid midfield sticks. STX is known for durable sticks with excellent balance, while Maverik sticks offer quick releases and a smooth feel. Test out heads with different stiffness levels to find the right flex for you. The key is finding a stick that you can trust in the midfield scrambles and fast breaks.
Don’t neglect the importance of stick materials either. Many midfield sticks feature a composite blend rather than pure titanium. This reduces overall weight without compromising durability – critical for a position with constant back and forth running. Some players also like offsetting stick weight by using a shaft with a grip, which reduces fatigue over the course of a game.
While many advanced players obsess over custom stringing and pocket placement, a basic middle or mid-high pocket is a safe bet for midfield beginners. As you improve, you can experiment with pocket placement to optimize control. Just keep things simple while you perfect the fundamentals first.
At the end of the day, the best midfield stick comes down to personal preference and finding the right balance of handling, passing, shooting, and checking abilities. Don’t be afraid to tweak heads, handles, and stringing until you find your ideal setup. With a midfield stick you can trust anywhere on the field, you’ll be ready to make an impact on both offense and defense!
Midfield is the engine that powers a lacrosse team up and down the field. Having a rock solid all-around stick is crucial so you can focus on your athleticism and field vision. While attack and defense sticks are more specialized, a pure midfield stick lets you own the entire middle of the field. So choose wisely and give yourself the tool you need to dominate in the midfield!
As a defender in women’s lacrosse, your stick needs to be able to withstand constant physical contact. With players crashing into you on every possession, strength and durability should be your top considerations when choosing a new defensive lacrosse stick.
Defense Sticks – Strength and Durability
When looking at defense sticks, pay close attention to the width and scoop of the head. A wider head with an exaggerated scoop makes it easier to collect ground balls and intercept passes. While you still want your stick to be lightweight, the head and shaft construction should be rigid enough to absorb checks.
Brands like STX, Maverik, and Brine are known for exceptional women’s defensive lacrosse sticks. Their sticks are designed to be stiff yet lightweight, with tighter stringing along the throat area for added control. You’ll also want leather-like traditional stringing rather than mesh, which helps maintain ball possession after checks.
Don’t neglect the importance of the shaft either. Look for a smooth grip and durable alloy construction to withstand physical play. Offsetting the balance by using a shaft with a grip can also help counteract checks by making it easier to hang on to your stick.
While attacking players aim for finesse and handling, defenders need raw strength and durability. Keep an eye out for sticks made with heavier grade alloys rather than titanium alone. The added stiffness helps absorb impact while still keeping weight manageable.
At the end of the day, the specifics like pocket type, stringing, and flex come down to personal preference. But by keeping durability as the priority, you can be confident your stick will hold up to the physicality demanded of your defensive position. With the right sturdy yet responsive stick in hand, you’ll have the tools needed to lock down on defense all season long.
The life of a defender is all about physical and mental toughness. Your defensive stick is your most important piece of armor out on the field. While it won’t completely protect you from bruising collisions, the right durable stick gives you a crucial edge. So choose your weapon wisely and get ready to fearlessly take on all challengers!
Starting out in lacrosse can be intimidating, especially when you take your first look at the wide variety of sticks available. But having the right beginner stick can make all the difference in building confidence and skills as a new player. When choosing your first women’s lacrosse stick, keep these key factors in mind.
Beginner Sticks – Easy to Control
The most important quality in a beginner stick is ease of use. As you’re learning the fundamentals, you’ll want a stick that makes catching, throwing, and cradling more intuitive. Look for sticks with a wider head and basic mesh pocket to get started.
Brands like STX and Brine offer great full stick sets for women just starting out. The heads are specifically designed to make initial handling easier, allowing you to focus on developing skills. Many also come pre-strung with a simple mesh pocket to get playing right away.
While more advanced players obsess over pocket placement and custom stringing, stick with a basic pocket as a beginner. You can always tweak the pocket type, depth, and shooting strings as your skills progress. But keeping things simple early on will provide consistent control as you master fundamentals.
Don’t overlook the importance of stick weight either. Heavier sticks can feel cumbersome and tiring initially. Look for lightweight yet durable sticks to avoid early fatigue. This allows you to hone skills with less strain as you build up lacrosse stamina.
By starting out with a stick engineered for optimal control and ease of use, you can set yourself up for success as a lacrosse newcomer. Once skills are engrained, you can then look at upgrading to a stick matching your preferred position and playing style. But in those critical early stages, simplified handling helps build the confidence and muscle memory needed to excel.
The beginning of any new endeavor brings challenges, but the right tools can make the difference. Don’t be afraid to rely on sticks designed for beginners – getting the fundamentals solid early on will pay huge dividends as your game develops! With a user-friendly stick helping smooth out the learning curve, you’ll be taking your lacrosse game to new heights in no time.
Once you’ve mastered the basics as a beginner, it’s time to upgrade your gear and take your lacrosse game to the next level. Intermediate women’s lacrosse sticks are designed to aid skill development for players looking to step up their performance.
Intermediate Sticks – Developing Skills
As an intermediate player, you want a stick that gives you more nuanced control as you work on stick handling, shooting, and cradling technique. Look for a stick with a medium scoop and comfortable grip that feels like an extension of your hands.
Many intermediate sticks also provide excellent value, giving you great performance without the premium price tag. Brands like Maverik and STX offer sticks with high quality construction perfect for intermediate players.
Consider adjusting your pocket and shooting strings to provide more tailored control. A mid to mid-low pocket placement can help sharpen your passing, catching, and shooting accuracy at this level. Don’t be afraid to tweak until you find the ideal pocket for your playing style.
Look closely at the materials used in intermediate sticks too. Many feature a composite blend that reduces weight without losing durability – key for making quick cuts and developing agility. An alloy shaft with textured grip also helps with ball control.
While beginners do best with basic sticks focused on fundamentals, intermediate players need an added degree of finesse as skills progress. With the right features tailored to become second nature in your hands, intermediate sticks will have you making plays like the pros in no time.
Stepping your game up to the next level requires the right tools for the job. Intermediate lacrosse sticks give you improved performance without breaking the bank. Don’t settle for a basic beginner stick when your skills are ready for more. Grab an intermediate stick today and unleash your full potential on the field!
With so many lacrosse stick brands on the market, it can be tough deciding which ones live up to the hype. Brands like Stringking, Brine, and Infinity have earned strong reputations for quality and performance in women’s lacrosse sticks. Here’s an overview of what sets these top brands apart.
Brands like Stringking, Brine, Infinity – Reputation Matters
Stringking is renowned for engineering lacrosse sticks optimized for control and accuracy. Their sticks feature a signature narrow diamond head shape for excellent ball retention and quick releases. The proprietary mesh pockets also provide a super smooth feel and consistent pocket depth. For elite playmakers, Stringking sticks offer superior command of the ball.
Brine has gained respect by consistently producing high performance yet affordable lacrosse sticks for decades. Their sticks feature wider head shapes and sturdy construction perfect for holding up season after season. From their innovative pocket technologies to alloy shaft durability, Brine sticks deliver proven quality across positions.
The newcomer Infinity Lacrosse has made waves with innovative women’s lacrosse sticks providing quick break-in and effortless control. Their unique pocket and scoop design allows for pinpoint passing and shooting precision straight out of the box. For players seeking an instant performance boost, Infinity sticks have proven they belong among the elite.
Savvy players know reputation matters when choosing a lacrosse stick brand. While flashy marketing and endorsements may draw you in, proven track records of engineering excellence separate the premier brands. Stringking, Brine, and Infinity sticks are played by top NCAA programs and club teams for a reason – their sticks provide tangible performance advantages backed by decades of innovative design.
Before investing in your next women’s lacrosse stick, do your homework and go with a brand that’s earned respect. Quality construction and materials make a huge difference in control, feel, and durability. With companies like Stringking, Brine and Infinity, you can be confident you’re getting a stick engineered for elite-level performance.
The stick brands you choose says a lot about your lacrosse IQ. Do yourself a favor and go with a reputable company known for pioneering technologies and premium craftsmanship. Leave the gimmicks behind and arm yourself with a stick honed for excellence by brands committed to advancing the game.
One of the best things about lacrosse is customizing your stick to match your playing style. From mesh to pocket and head, there are many ways to tailor your stick for optimal performance.
Mesh, Pocket, Head – Customize It
Mesh is a key way to tweak stick feel and ball control. Premium nylon mesh provides excellent pocket stability and quick release speeds. Traditional leather mesh offers superior durability and weather resistance. Or try unique meshes like Stringking’s metallic threaded mesh for added grip and responsiveness.
Pocket placement also makes a huge difference. Attack players may prefer a lower pocket for excellent ball retention while defenders opt for a higher pocket to facilitate quick stick checks and passes. Shooters can add a custom wide nylon shooting string for added power and consistency.
The head is where you can really define the overall feel and handling of your stick. Attack heads tend to be more narrow and flexible while defensive heads are wider and stiffer. Playing style preferences will dictate ideal scoop angle and sidewall design too.
Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all stick. Customizing mesh, pocket, and head components gives you the opportunity to create your dream lacrosse stick. Mix and match until you find the perfect combination for unleashing your full potential on the field.
While beginners should start with a basic pre-strung stick to develop fundamentals, customization is key for experienced players. Take time to experiment with different setups to determine what works best for your game. A tailored pocket depth, shooting strings, and flex level can make a world of difference in finesse and control.
Your lacrosse stick is an extension of you on the field, so make it your own! The right mesh, pocket, and head combo designed for your playing style will give you the confidence to take command of every possession. The difference between a generic stick and a customized beast is undeniable – so embrace the process of crafting your ideal setup and take your game to new heights.
The materials used to construct a lacrosse stick have a major impact on its performance and feel. Aluminum, composite, titanium – each material offers its own advantages for optimal play.
Stick Materials – Aluminum, Composite, Titanium
Aluminum is a lightweight yet durable material commonly used for shafts. It provides a nice responsive feel at an affordable price point. Ideal for beginner and intermediate sticks.
Composite blends like Scandium merge multiple metals like titanium and aluminum. This allows for lightweight durability perfect for midfield sticks subjected to constant physical play.
Titanium is a premium metal known for an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, though pricier than aluminum. Titanium shafts amplify ball feel and quickness ideal for attacking sticks.
Manufacturers also use proprietary alloys to optimize flex and stiffness. For example, Maverik’s “MetaFlex” and STX’s “Ultra” shafts use metallic composites to fine tune flex for certain positions and playing styles.
Don’t overlook materials used for heads either. Brands like Stringking use ultra-lightweight magnesium and rust-proof alloys to reduce weight while maintaining stiffness and durability.
While budget friendly aluminum is great for newer players, upgrading to composite or titanium shafts can provide a noticeable performance boost. Determining the right stiffnesses and flex levels takes experimenting to find your perfect setup for excelling on the field.
Today’s lacrosse stick engineers continue to innovate with cutting edge materials for maximizing durability, control, and feel. As you progress in your game, pay close attention to tech specs on shafts and heads. The right materials designed for your position and playing style will give you an undeniable edge out on the field.
When selecting a new lacrosse stick, one of the key factors to consider is weight. Determining the right balance of lighter versus heavier sticks depends a lot on your playing style and position.
Stick Weight – Lighter vs Heavier
Lighter sticks in the 10-11 oz range are ideal for attackers and midfielders focused on speed and quick stick handling. The ultra-light feel allows them to swiftly maneuver the stick for passing and shooting.
Heavier sticks around 12-13 oz suit defensive players who need the mass to absorb and deliver checks. Added weight also lends more power when ripping off clearing passes downfield.
Many midfielders opt for sticks in the 11-12 oz range to balance offensive agility with the ability to withstand physical defensive play. Goalies also tend to prefer sticks at the heavier end for making saves with power.
Newer players may want to start with lighter sticks around 10 oz as they build up lacrosse-specific strength and endurance over time. As your skills progress, you can experiment with heavier sticks providing more control.
Don’t neglect weight distribution – an evenly balanced stick avoids fatigue over the course of a game. Consider using a grip or adding lead tape to offset shaft heaviness.
While ultra lightweight sticks sacrifice some durability, technology advances allow for tenacious yet featherlight sticks. In the end, choosing the right stick weight depends on your position and personal preference.
Optimizing lacrosse stick weight can provide a key performance edge. Test sticks across the lighter to heavier spectrum until you find your ideal fit. The right weight designed for your game can help take your play to the next level!
Lacrosse stick length is another key factor affecting performance. The right length depends on your playing position, height, and personal preference for control.
Stick Length – Shorter vs Longer
Shorter sticks in the 30-32 inch range allow for tighter stick handling and greater control. Ideal for attack players who need to swiftly maneuver in tight spaces.
Longer sticks from 34-36+ inches provide wider ball protection on defense and greater reach on checks. Added length also amplifies throwing power.
Midfield players generally opt for stick lengths from 32-34 inches to balance defensive physicality with offensive ball control.
Taller players often benefit from longer sticks that match their bigger frames and wingspans. Shorter players find quicker handling with shorter sticks suited to their compact physiques.
Don’t forget you can swap crosse handles to tweak length – many players prefer shorter handles for tight handling paired with longer heads.
While extremely long “pole” sticks maximize defensive disruptiveness, they sacrifice control. Try out different lengths to find your optimum balance of stick skills.
Like any piece of athletic equipment, lacrosse stick length affects performance. Test a range of lengths until you find your personal sweet spot for excelling on the field.
When selecting a new women’s lacrosse stick, paying attention to the flex and stiffness is key. Optimizing stick flex allows you to maximize both control and power.
Stick Flex – Stiffness for Power
Stiffer, less flexible sticks provide more rigidity and allow for harder, more powerful checks and passes. Defenders benefit from stiffness to deliver stronger pokes and disruption.
More flexible sticks offer enhanced control and quicker releases, ideal for maneuvering the ball on offense. Attackers and midfielders lean toward flex for finesse.
Newer players may prefer sticks with more flex as they develop proper mechanics. As skills progress, increased stiffness aids in elevating power and performance.
Women’s lacrosse stick technology continues to advance flex design. Brands like Stringking use ultra-light magnesium to boost stiffness without adding weight. Others like Maverik use proprietary alloys to fine tune flex.
While advanced players obsess over flex nuances, beginners should focus more on fundamentals before tweaking stiffness. Goalies also need sticks with ample stiffness to protect the net.
In the end, optimizing lacrosse stick flex comes down to balancing power versus control. The right level of stiffness boosts performance for your position and playing style.
Don’t settle for sticks with generic flex levels. Test out sticks with various stiffness until you find your high performance sweet spot. Strategically designed flex gives you the competitive edge to dominate the field and take your game to the next level!
Finding the ideal balance and weight distribution in your lacrosse stick is a key factor affecting control and feel. The right stick balance allows you to operate it as an extension of your hands and arms.
Stick Balance – Evenly Weighted
An evenly weighted stick avoids fatigue by preventing one side or end from feeling heavier. Balance makes cradling, passing, and shooting feel effortless during play.
Shafts with an excessive bend or angled head throw off balance, forcing you to compensate with each motion. Seek sticks with minimal torque and bend.
If your stick feels head-heavy, add tape lower on the shaft to counterbalance. Offsetting an unbalanced stick prevents strength overcompensation and injury risk.
New tech like Stringking’s Ultra-Light magnesium heads allow for optimizing balance by reducing mass higher up top. Brands also fine tune balance with precision engineering.
While beginners benefit from simplicity, veterans obsess over ounce-level balance tweaks for maximum feel and control. Minimizing top-heaviness helps goalies react and move efficiently in the crease as well.
In the end, balance comes down to sticks feeling like natural extensions of your body build and motions. Test sticks until you find your unique sweet spot of equilibrium and control.
Take the time to find a lacrosse stick with impeccable balance and weight distribution. Fluidly cradling, spinning, and shooting requires top-notch equilibrium. With the right balanced setup designed for your body, unleash your full athletic potential out on the field!
With women’s lacrosse sticks ranging anywhere from $20 to $300, setting a budget is key before starting your search. Cost depends largely on materials, brand, and positioning at beginner vs elite levels.
Budget – Costs Range Widely
Beginner sticks usually cost between $20-60. Brands like STX and Brine offer excellent sticks for new players at lower price points. Focus is on playability and durability over high-end materials.
Intermediate sticks from trusted brands generally span $60-150. This provides better quality materials like alloy metals and improved construction while remaining reasonably affordable.
Elite sticks from top companies like Maverik and Stringking range from $150-300. You pay for ultra premium materials, pro-preferred shapes, and cutting edge technologies.
While pricier sticks don’t automatically make you a better player, high-end materials and precision engineering can optimize control once skills are more developed.
Consider shaft and head separately – you can mix and match more affordable handles with elite heads to find your ideal setup within budget.
At the end of the day, any stick within budget that feels great in your hands can help elevate your game. Focus on finding the right fit for your style and experience level first and foremost.
While lacrosse stick costs vary widely, you can find excellent performance at any budget. Test a range of brands and materials until you discover the perfect stick providing control and confidence that money can’t buy!
With so many lacrosse stick options out there, reviews and ratings from other players can provide invaluable insight during your selection process. But you need to dig beyond the star ratings to get the full picture.
Ratings – Read Reviews Carefully
Sort reviews by most recent first – designs change over time so newer reviews will be most relevant to current models.
Read both 5 and 1 star reviews to identify consistent pros and cons versus personal gripes.
Pay attention to reviews focused on feel and performance versus superficial details like color.
Look for reviews from verified buyers who took the time to provide thoughtful details and context.
Seek out reviews from players with similar positions, experience levels, and preferences as you.
Check for reviews on multiple sites like lacrosse retailers, Amazon, forums – don’t rely on one source alone.
Balance ratings with your own in-person testing and assessment – some 5 star sticks may not be the best personal fit.
By carefully evaluating lacrosse stick reviews, you can zero in on options likely to match your needs. But don’t outsource the decision – get sticks in your hands and make the call for yourself. The right stick for you might not be the internet’s favorite.
While ratings provide helpful guidance, finding your ideal lacrosse stick requires tuning out the noise. Focus on your playing style, skills, and feel preferences to determine which option is best, 5 stars or not. Your game, your choice!