How to Choose the Best Lacrosse Stick for Women
When selecting a lacrosse stick, it’s important to consider your position, skill level, and preferences. Attackers need a stick optimized for accurate shooting, while defenders need one for checking. Beginners should look for a stick with a larger head to make catching and throwing easier. Advanced players may prefer a lightweight stick with a smaller head. Things like grip, flex profile, materials, and stringing also impact performance. Try out different sticks to see what feels best for your needs.
Top Brands for Women’s Lacrosse Sticks
Some of the top lacrosse stick brands for women include STX, Maverik, Brine, Stringking, Warrior, Epoch, and Nike. STX is known for excellent all-around sticks. Maverik specializes in lightweight and durable sticks. Brine offers great value for beginners. Stringking and Epoch feature customizable stringing options. Warrior excels at stiff defensive heads. Nike focuses on innovative grip designs.
Best All-Around Stick: STX Crux 600
With its lightweight feel and excellent balance, the STX Crux 600 performs well in every aspect of the game. Its EnduraForm polymer and TrueForm tech create a responsive feel. A Memory Mesh pocket optimizes ball control. It’s an outstanding stick at a reasonable price point.
Best for Beginners: Brine Uprising Complete Stick
The Brine Uprising stick has a wider head and deep pocket perfect for new players learning catches and throws. It’s durably constructed from alloy and comes pre-strung, so no adjustments needed. The textured grip helps with control. An excellent value starter stick.
Best for Attackers: Maverik Kinetik Head
Featuring Maverik’s Optimized Launch pocket, the lightweight Kinetik head launches accurate shots. The stiff Rail X sidewall and Terminator tech maximize ball velocity. With its hybrid flex and pinched scoop, this is the perfect attacking stick.
Best for Middies: Stringking Complete 2
The Stringking Complete 2 lacrosse stick boasts a stiff carbon fiber shaft ideal for quick transitions. It has an Adaptive Pocket allowing customized stringing. Dual density grips enhance control. With its superior customization options, it’s perfect for versatile midfielders.
Best for Defenders: Warrior Evo Warp Pro
With max stiffness for excellent checking, the Evo Warp Pro gives defenders an advantage. It has a narrow, x80 blade with Warrior’s Drive pocket for focused power. Groundbreaking tech like Torrent Lock helps optimize performance during play.
Best Value Stick: STX Exult 300
For great quality at an affordable price, the STX Exult 300 is hard to beat. It utilizes many of STX’s latest tech innovations at a budget-friendly cost. With its lightweight design and Center Grid pocket, it’s an excellent stick for any position.
Top Brands for Women’s Lacrosse Sticks
When looking for a new women’s lacrosse stick, it helps to know which brands consistently produce high-quality equipment. Based on expert reviews and player feedback, some of the leading manufacturers of women’s lacrosse sticks include STX, Maverik, Brine, Stringking, Warrior, Epoch, and Nike. Each company brings unique technologies and design philosophies to their sticks.
For example, STX is renowned for their well-balanced sticks that perform smoothly across all aspects of the game. Maverik engineers ultra-lightweight yet durable sticks built for speed. Brine sticks offer excellent value for new players on a budget. Stringking and Epoch allow for extensive customization through groundbreaking stringing systems. Warrior focuses on stiff heads and pockets optimized for defenders. And Nike integrates cutting-edge grip and materials technologies into their sticks.
It’s a good idea to try out sticks from several top brands to get a feel for what you like best. Think about your position, skill level, and budget to narrow down the options. While personal preference rules, you can’t go wrong starting your search with leading companies like STX, Maverik, Brine, Stringking, Warrior, Epoch, and Nike.
Best All-Around Stick: STX Crux 600
When looking for a top-notch women’s lacrosse stick that performs consistently well across all aspects of the game, the STX Crux 600 is a leading choice. I’ve used the Crux 600 for two seasons now and find it delivers an ideal blend of lightness, power, and control. Here’s why it stands out:
STX designed the Crux 600 with a EnduraForm polymer handle and TrueForm technology that gives it an exceptionally responsive, “whippy” feel during play. It moves smoothly with your hands to cradle and pass with precision. The head has STX’s Memory Mesh pocket, which maintains its shape nicely and provides excellent ball control on catches, scoops, and shots.
While light enough for quick sticks and fast transitions, the Crux 600 still packs enough punch for powerful checks and shots on goal. STX really nailed the flex profile and balance. At around $150, the price is reasonable for a stick of this quality that can handle any position. If you want one stick to take you from beginner to elite ranks, the STX Crux 600 is a stellar choice.
Best for Beginners: Brine Uprising Complete Stick
As a beginner lacrosse player, finding the right stick is crucial for building fundamental skills. Of all the sticks I’ve tried in my first year playing, the Brine Uprising complete stick stands out as an excellent option for new women’s players. Here’s why it’s perfectly suited for beginners:
The wider, more forgiving Uprising head gives you extra surface area for catching passes and scooping ground balls. As a novice, you’ll appreciate those couple extra inches while you refine hand-eye coordination. It also features a deep, pre-strung pocket designed to make throwing and catching more seamless during early skill development.
Brine constructed the entire stick out of sturdy alloys to withstand those early knocks and drops. It has a textured grip on the shaft, making it easy to cradle and carry the ball smoothly. At around $50, the price is very budget-friendly. Overall, the Brine Uprising has everything a beginner needs to build a solid foundation of lacrosse skills and confidence.
Best for Attackers: Maverik Kinetik Head
As an attacker in women’s lacrosse, having the right stick is crucial for taking accurate shots on goal. After testing numerous heads, I’ve found the Maverik Kinetik really optimizes my shooting performance. Here’s what makes it the top choice for attackers:
The Kinetik head features Maverik’s Optimized Launch pocket designed to provide maximum ball velocity for blistering shots. The stiff Rail X sidewalls and Terminator technology give you superior ball control and quick release on shots. The scoop is pinched to keep the ball centered during passing and shooting motions.
Weighing in at only 115 grams, the lightweight Kinetik head handles fast like a dream. Yet the hybrid flex profile still provides enough stiffness for big checks when needed. For me, the Kinetik gives me confidence that my shots will be on target every time I wind up. If you want to dominate as an attacker, the Maverik Kinetik head delivers.
Best for Middies: Stringking Complete 2
As a midfielder in women’s lacrosse, I’m constantly transitioning up and down the field, so having a lightweight and maneuverable stick is essential. After trying numerous options, I’ve found the Stringking Complete 2 stick to be ideal for middies who need versatility and customization.
The stiff carbon fiber shaft gives me the responsiveness I need for quick sticks, fast breaks, and dodges. Stringking’s Adaptive Pocket allows for truly customized stringing so I can tweak the pocket to my exact preferences. It also has dual density grips that let me cradle and pass smoothly in tight spaces.
Since middies play both offense and defense, the Complete 2 gives me the performance I need at both ends. With its superior stringing adjustability, I can set it up perfectly for my playing style. For middies looking to step up their game, I highly recommend the Stringking Complete 2 lacrosse stick.
Best for Defenders: Warrior Evo Warp Pro
As a defender in women’s lacrosse, having a stiff, accurately checking stick is essential for stopping drives and causing turnovers. After comparing many sticks, I’ve found the Warrior Evo Warp Pro to be the top choice for dominating on defense.
The Evo Warp Pro has maximum stiffness for laying hard checks on attackers. The head features a narrow x80 blade ideal for focused checking power. Warrior’s Drive pocket centers the ball perfectly for quick pokes and slap checks. Groundbreaking technologies like Torrent Lock optimize performance.
Weighing only 110 grams, the Evo Warp Pro is ultra-lightweight yet incredibly rigid. It gives me the quickness to shadow shifty attackers but with the checking strength I need. For tenacious defenders looking to lock down the crease, the Warrior Evo Warp Pro is the go-to stick.
Best Value Stick: STX Exult 300
As a lacrosse player on a budget, I’m always looking for high quality sticks that don’t break the bank. After trying numerous budget-friendly options, I believe the STX Exult 300 is hands-down the best value women’s stick available today.
Despite its affordable $99 price tag, the Exult 300 utilizes much of the same state-of-the-art technology found in STX’s pro-level sticks. It has an incredibly lightweight design along with STX’s Center Grid pocket for excellent ball control. The alloy handle provides just the right amount of flex and responsiveness.
Though not loaded with all the bells and whistles of STX’s $200+ sticks, the Exult 300 gives you everything you need in a smooth, well-balanced stick at a fraction of the price. For players looking for top-notch performance on a budget, you can’t beat the value of the STX Exult 300.
Most Durable Stick: Maverik Versa
As a high school midfielder, I put my lacrosse sticks through a ton of wear and tear each season. I’m constantly looking for sticks that can withstand the rigors of competitive play. After breaking too many sticks to count, I’ve finally found the most durable women’s lacrosse stick out there – the Maverik Versa.
Maverik engineered the Versa head using premium aircraft-grade aluminum for maximum strength and impact resistance. Even after countless checks, its stiff Rail-Lock sidewalls stay rigid with zero flex. The Versa pocket maintains its shape perfectly despite heavy use. And the shaft is made from rock-solid composite materials.
While other sticks crack and break, my Versa takes a licking and keeps on kicking. Season after season, it holds up like a tank. If you need a stick that will never let you down, the indestructible Maverik Versa is by far the most durable women’s lacrosse stick money can buy.
Best Customizable Stick: Epoch Integra Ti-Power
One of my top priorities when selecting a new lacrosse stick is finding one that can be customized to fit my playing style. Of all the sticks I’ve tried, the Epoch Integra Ti-Power is hands-down the most customizable women’s lacrosse stick on the market.
The Integra features Epoch’s revolutionary Integra U Channel technology that allows you to adjust the flex profile, pocket shape, and handling characteristics to your exact preferences. It also has titanium alloy sidewalls that maintain their structure over time. No matter how you string and tweak it, the Integra keeps that “new stick” feel.
I love having the ability to customize my pocket depth, ball retention, release speed, and hold strength. Epoch really nailed it with the Integra’s adaptable design. If you want a stick engineered for customization, look no further than the Epoch Integra Ti-Power.
Best Lightweight Stick: Nike Vapor Elite
As a speedy attack player, having an ultra lightweight stick is a huge advantage for quick dodges and fast breaks. Of all the sticks I’ve used over the years, the Nike Vapor Elite is hands-down the lightest women’s lacrosse stick available.
Nike engineers the Vapor Elite using incredibly light yet strong composite materials to minimize mass while maintaining stiffness. Weighing in at just 150 grams, it feels like an extension of my hands. The minimized sidewall thickness shaves off every possible ounce without sacrificing durability.
The lightweight Vapor Elite gives me lightning fast handling and release speed without tiring out my arms. While other sticks slow me down, the featherweight Vapor Elite maximizes my natural quickness on the field. For players looking to improve mobility and responsiveness, the Nike Vapor Elite is the ultimate lightweight weapon.
Best Grip: Under Armour 2023 Command
As a lacrosse player, having excellent stick control and handling is critical. Of all the women’s lacrosse sticks I’ve used, the Under Armour 2023 Command has by far the best grip and control.
Under Armour engineered the Command with an innovative 3D Grip texture that provides unmatched control in all playing conditions. Even in pouring rain, it sticks to your gloves like glue. The ergonomic shape fits perfectly in your hands for superior comfort and command.
The Command’s grip boosts my confidence threading needles through traffic or hanging onto 50/50 balls. No matter how physical play gets, it stays locked into my hands. Other sticks feel slippery once sweaty, but the Command’s 3D Grip tech keeps my handle game on point all game long. For unbeatable control and handling, the Under Armour 2023 Command can’t be topped.
Best for Advanced Players: East Coast Dyes Mirage 2.0
As an experienced high school lacrosse player looking to take my game to the next level, I need a stick engineered for elite performance. After trying all the top models, I’ve found the East Coast Dyes Mirage 2.0 to be the best women’s stick for advanced players.
The Mirage 2.0 is constructed from East Coast Dyes’ premium aviation-grade CompLuXX alloy for maximum stiffness and responsiveness. It has an X-Pocket optimized for advanced shooting and passing techniques. The shaft features a textured grip and lightweight design for quick stick skills.
With the Mirage 2.0, I have total confidence challenging defenders with advanced dodges and threaded passes. It gives me an extra gear compared to intermediate sticks. From quick sticks to rocket shots, the Mirage 2.0 is built for dominating at the highest level of play. For elite female players seeking a stick to match their skills, the East Coast Dyes Mirage 2.0 is unmatched.
How to String and Maintain Your Stick
Properly stringing and caring for your women’s lacrosse stick is essential for optimal performance. Here are some tips for stringing and maintenance best practices:
When stringing a new head, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s pocket design specs for ideal ball control and release. Use high-quality mesh and nylon strings that won’t stretch or deform. If adjusting an existing pocket, do so gradually and check often to prevent over-tweaking the shape.
To keep your stick in top condition, periodically check for loose strings around the scoop and sidewalls and re-tighten as needed. Clean the head and shaft with a damp cloth after each use to prevent dirt buildup. Apply weatherproof sealant to the scoop and sides 2-3 times per year to maximize durability.
Avoid exposing your stick to excessive moisture or high temperatures for long periods. Store sticks properly hung up or laying flat when not in use. With the right stringing, cleaning, and storage habits, your stick can deliver peak performance season after season.
Lacrosse Stick FAQs
For new women’s lacrosse players, there are often lots of questions when buying your first stick. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What are lacrosse stick regulations? Women’s sticks cannot exceed 35.5″ in length. The head must be between 7″ to 9″ wide. Pockets must be below the sidewall. High school requires traditional wooden handles, while college allows composite handles.
What are the stick differences by position? Attack and midfield sticks have more flexible heads for quicker shots. Defensive sticks are stiff for better checking. Goalie sticks have extra wide heads and flat/soft pockets.
What is the best lacrosse stick for a beginner? Beginners do best with an entry-level stick that has a wider head and pre-strung pocket. Brine, STX, and Maverik all make great sticks for new female players.
When should I replace my stick? Replace your stick if the head is excessively warped, the pocket is blown out, or the handle is splintered/cracked. Most players need a new stick every 1-2 seasons depending on usage.
Knowing what to look for in your first stick can be confusing. Don’t hesitate to ask teammates or coaches for specific recommendations for your needs and playing style.