Buy Used Lacrosse Equipment and Gear On A Budget

Buy Used Lacrosse Equipment and Gear On A Budget

Find Lightly Used Cleats, Shafts & Heads at Lacrosse Swap Meets

One great way to score quality used lacrosse gear for cheap is to check out local lacrosse swap meets. These events are usually hosted by lacrosse clubs or leagues as fundraisers, bringing together players and parents looking to sell and trade pre-owned equipment. At a lacrosse swap meet, you can find tables piled high with gently used cleats, shafts, heads, and other gear priced to sell. Players often outgrow their shoes and equipment so quickly at young ages that you can find cleats with barely any wear on the soles and minimal scuffing. And since lacrosse stick technology keeps improving, you can grab last season’s high-end shafts and heads for a fraction of what they used to cost new. I’ve outfitted my son with two full seasons of lacrosse gear buying sticks, pads, and cleats at our local lacrosse swap meet for around $100 total. That’s easily an 80% savings over buying brand new. When perusing the tables, don’t be afraid to inspect gear closely and negotiate on prices if you see any flaws or excessive wear. And if you don’t find exactly what you need, no worries – swap meets rotate vendor stock quickly. Check back again next month and you’re likely to find a whole new bounty of bargain lacrosse loot.

Browse Lacrosse Forums & Sites for Players Selling Equipment

Beyond just eBay, there’s a whole world of lacrosse forums, message boards, and gear swap sites where you can find amazing deals on quality used equipment. Sites like SidelineSwap, LacrosseTalk, and LaxAllStars have active buy/sell/trade sections where players and parents post deals on sticks, pads, cleats, and more. Browsing these lacrosse gear exchanges is a great way to score lightly used equipment for cheap. Sellers on these sites are usually just looking to clear out gear their kids have outgrown or they no longer need themselves. You can often negotiate even lower prices with them directly rather than bidding against other buyers like on eBay. The community aspect also helps ensure the gear you’re buying has been well cared for and accurately described. As you build relationships with sellers, you gain access to “stockrooms” of gear they’re looking to unload for the right buyer. I personally have purchased over a dozen used sticks and piles of protective gear buying directly from forum members who kept their kids’ equipment in near mint condition. Beyond great prices, these direct forum buys offer opportunities to get pro-quality lacrosse sticks that are long discontinued or rare special editions you can’t find elsewhere. And you can get nuanced advice from community members on the best strings, heads, and shaft flexes for different positions and playing styles. So next time you need to gear up, don’t just default to eBay. Head to the forums and join the conversation – your bank account will thank you.

Find Repurposed Goalie Gear at Discount Prices on Sideline Swap

Looking to outfit your goalie without breaking the bank? One secret weapon is shopping for repurposed goalie gear on Sideline Swap. This online lacrosse gear resale marketplace lets you browse and buy directly from other players and parents across the country. And it’s a goldmine for finding discounted goalie equipment as field players upgrade their gear. Gloves get a ton of wear and tear over time from scooping up ground balls. As gloves get restrung for field play, the wider thumb and finger holes actually work perfectly for goalies. You can find gently used field gloves on Sideline Swap for around $20-30 in great shape. That’s $100+ in savings over new goalie-specific gloves. The same goes for shoulder pads, arm guards, and even helmets as field players upgrade to newer gear each season. As long as the foam and plastic are still solid, this repurposed equipment works fantastic at a fraction of the price. Sideline Swap also gives you access to a national network of sellers. So you can find niche gloves and pads in colors and designs you won’t find at local stores. I outfitted my daughter with a rainbow gradient set of pads and gloves for less than $100 buying on Sideline Swap. New custom gear would have easily cost 5x more. So next time your goalie needs new equipment, skip the retailers and check out SidelineSwap first. You’ll get quality gear at an amazing value by repurposing lightly used field equipment.

Search Facebook Marketplace for Parents Selling Outgrown Equipment

Facebook Marketplace is an absolute treasure trove for finding insane deals on quality used youth lacrosse equipment. As kids outgrow gear each season, parents frequently turn to Marketplace to sell sticks, pads, cleats, and helmets that still have plenty of life left. And you can save a ton versus buying new. I just outfitted my son with a like-new Maverik stick that retailed for $140 originally for just $40 on Marketplace. The head was barely used with a fresh stringing, and the shaft didn’t have a single dent or scratch. For $15, I scored him some Nike Vapor lacrosse cleats that were maybe worn for a game or two max. They look brand new. Marketplace is great because you can search locally by exactly what you need, then coordinate quick curbside pickup without paying shipping. I also keep saved searches for “lacrosse lot” and get notifications anytime a parent is unloading a huge bundle of equipment all at once for cheap. Don’t be afraid to make offers below listing prices, especially if gear shows any wear. Parents are often just happy to see their kids’ outgrown equipment get used by another enthusiastic young player. With some searching and negotiating, you can find everything you need on Marketplace all season long. And build a relationship with sellers to get first dibs next season when they sell again after their kids grow another size.

Look for Team and League Sales Unloading Old Equipment

One secret goldmine for scoring quality used lacrosse gear for cheap is checking out team and league equipment sales. As youth programs and schools upgrade sticks, helmets, and pads every few seasons, they often sell off their lightly used inventory of outgoing gear for dirt cheap. I’ve seen full sets of pads, gloves, and cleats sold for under $20 per player simply because the team got new uniforms or gear sponsors. Schools unloading old loaner equipment just want it gone from their closets, so you can negotiate killer bulk deals scooping it all up. Even college teams frequently host public equipment sales and auctions to fundraise, with game-quality sticks, gloves, and helmets selling for huge discounts. Team sales are great because all the gear was originally fit and selected properly for the players. So sizing is consistent across items like helmets, shoulder pads, and gloves. And since it was team-owned originally, the equipment was well-maintained and saw rotating usage between players. So durability is less of a concern versus buying an individual player’s well-worn gear. Check websites and social media for your local youth and high school lacrosse programs – they usually announce equipment sales well in advance. Attend a few sales each season, and you can stock up on enough discounted helmets, pads, cleats, and sticks to outfit an entire team of your own for a fraction of retail pricing. Just be sure to arrive early, because competition from other bargain-hunting parents and coaches can be fierce when team gear gets marked down.

Ask Coaches If They Have Extra Equipment to Sell for Cheap

One insider trick for scoring quality used lacrosse gear on the cheap is to talk directly with youth coaches and ask if they have any extra equipment they’re looking to sell. Most coaches accumulate extra sticks, pads, helmets, and gloves over the years from players who quit the sport or leave gear behind. And they’re often thrilled to sell or donate this surplus equipment to get it into the hands of eager new players. I’ve had coaches offer me full sets of lightly used pads and sticks for just $20-30 per player. That’s over 75% off retail pricing for gear that was gently used for a season or two. Coaches also tend to keep loaner equipment in great shape since it gets used by multiple kids and they don’t want stuff falling apart. So durability is less of a concern versus buying from an individual player. Ask coaches you know if they have extra sticks or equipment they’d be willing to sell you on the down low. You can also call the equipment managers for local high school and college lacrosse programs, who may be open to making deals on surplus gear they have piled up. Building a relationship with coaches is great because they’ll often think of you first when unloading old equipment. One call this season scored me dibs on 12 used sticks and a huge bin of pads for pennies on the dollar. So before paying retail, reach out to your lacrosse network and see what deals coaches may have squirreled away in their garages and equipment sheds.

Check Craigslist for Players and Parents Selling Gently Used Gear

Craigslist can be an absolute goldmine for finding insane deals on quality used lacrosse equipment. As kids outgrow gear or lose interest in the sport, parents frequently turn to Craigslist to sell off sticks, pads, cleats, gloves and helmets that still have plenty of playable life left. The bargains you can find are just unreal. I recently scored a like-new Maverik lacrosse stick still in the wrapper with tags for $50. Retail price when new was $140! For just $25, I got a pair of barely worn Under Armour lacrosse cleats that maybe saw a few games of use max. The plastic bottoms showed virtually no wear. That’s easily $100 savings over buying them new. Craigslist is great because you can search locally, communicate directly with sellers, and coordinate quick meetups to check out gear in person. Be sure to thoroughly inspect equipment before buying to check for cracks or flaws. The used gear market brings out the lurkers looking to scam buyers. Don’t be afraid to negotiate – parents are often just thrilled to see their kids’ outgrown equipment go to a good home rather than sitting idle in the garage. Building relationships with sellers can yield great info on additional gear they’re looking to sell as their kids grow. With some searching and polite haggling, Craigslist can yield all the quality used equipment you need at a tiny fraction of retail pricing. Just be wary of anything that seems too good to be true, and thoroughly vet sellers to avoid scams.

Join Local Lacrosse Gear Swap and Sell Facebook Groups

One of my go-to secrets for scoring amazing deals on quality used lacrosse equipment is joining local lacrosse gear swap/sell Facebook groups. There are tons of hyper-local groups where players, coaches, and parents in my area post deals on sticks, pads, cleats, gloves and helmets. It’s a perfect way to score lightly used gear for cheap without dealing with shipping costs. I recently got an nearly new STX lacrosse helmet in perfect condition for just $40 in a local group. Retail was $140! For $25, I scored UnderArmour gloves barely used for a season. They look brand new and didn’t need restringing. Facebook groups are great because you can search for exactly what you need, then meet up locally to inspect gear before buying. I save searches for items I want and get notifications anytime someone posts a new deal. Don’t be shy about negotiating if equipment shows any wear and tear. Remember, folks are selling to clear out gear, not make huge profits. Building relationships with sellers gives you an inside track on equipment they’re looking to unload in the future as their kids grow. My lacrosse gear for this season cost less than $100 thanks to rock-bottom pricing in these Facebook groups. And I became the go-to guy for moms looking to sell their kids’ outgrown equipment locally. Join a few groups yourself and save big on used lacrosse gear all season long.

Buy Last Season’s Gear on Clearance from Retailers Like Lax.com

As new lacrosse equipment models and styles are released each year, retailers will heavily discount remaining inventory from the previous season. Check sites like Lax.com, Lacrosse Unlimited, and Lacrosse Monkey for clearance sections where you can save big on last year’s sticks, pads, cleats, and gloves. The gear is still totally usable – it just doesn’t match the new color schemes or branded offerings for the current season. I just picked up last year’s top-end Maverik helmet for 40% off, and it’s in mint condition without a scratch. Same for those flashy neon Nike cleats my son had been eyeing – 50% off since they’re an older colorway. Closeout deals can save you more than half off MSRP on sticks, heads, gloves and other gear that has seen minimal advances. Unless you play at an elite level, older model equipment will serve you just fine. It takes a few seasons for tech improvements like lighter foams and stronger alloys to really impact game play. Browse clearance sections online and sign up for email alerts so you know when new deals are added. Retailers like Lax.com are constantly updating closeouts as they receive new inventory shipments. Time it right around end-of-season, and you could save hundreds outfitting your player with last year’s top gear models at clearance prices.

Search OfferUp for Parents Selling Kids’ Outgrown Equipment

If you’re looking to score amazing deals on gently used youth lacrosse gear, be sure to check out OfferUp. This mobile marketplace lets parents conveniently sell all the sticks, pads, cleats, gloves and helmets their kids have outgrown each season. And you can save a ton buying quality pre-owned equipment versus purchasing brand new gear. I just found a like-new Maverik lacrosse stick still in the original wrapper for $40 on OfferUp. This same model retails for $140 brand new! For just $20, I scored a pair of barely worn Under Armour lacrosse cleats that maybe saw a game or two of use. The tread showed almost no wear and tear. That’s easily $100 in savings compared to buying them new. OfferUp is great because you can search locally for exactly what you need, then coordinate quick curbside pickup without paying shipping. I save searches for items I want and get notifications anytime new deals matching my keywords are posted nearby. Don’t be shy about making lower counter-offers if gear shows any flaws or excessive use. Remember, parents are often just thrilled to see their kids’ outgrown stuff get used by another eager young player. With some searching and polite haggling, OfferUp can yield all the discounted lacrosse equipment you need for the season ahead. Just be sure to thoroughly vet sellers and inspect items before handing over any cash.

Find Heavily Discounted Sticks, Pads & Helmets at Play It Again Sports

If you’re looking to save big on quality used youth lacrosse gear, check out your local Play It Again Sports. This sporting goods resale franchise buys, sells, and trades gently used equipment in stores across the country. And they offer deep discounts versus retail pricing for sticks, pads, cleats, gloves and helmets. I recently scored a like-new STX lacrosse helmet at Play It Again for $30. The same model would cost $150 brand new! Gloves and pads can be had for up to 75% off retail as well. Their constantly rotating used inventory means selection is always changing. I’ve outfitted my son with full seasons of sticks, shoulder and arm pads buying Play It Again supplies for less than $100 total. That’s easily an 80% discount. Make sure to inspect gear closely for flaws and damage before purchasing. Don’t be afraid to politely negotiate price if you spot excessive wear and tear. Also ask if they have any unlisted team overstock they’re looking to unload for cheap. Store owners work hard to build relationships with local teams, schools and leagues to source quality used inventory. Play it Again Sports gives lightly used gear new life at family-friendly prices. So before paying full retail, check your local store and let them help you save big on discounted lacrosse equipment.

Buy Used Shafts & Heads and Re-String Sticks Yourself to Save

One way to get pro-level lacrosse sticks at used prices is to buy shafts and heads separately, then string them yourself. Used shafts and heads can be purchased individually on sites like Sideline Swap, eBay, and Craigslist for huge discounts versus fully strung sticks. Since shafts and heads often break or get damaged separately, you can find lightly used gear. I just bought last year’s top-rated East Coast Dye lacrosse head for $40 and a like-new Maverik shaft for $60. That’s $200 less than what the pre-strung stick costs new! Watch some YouTube tutorials and you can re-string sticks yourself using basic supplies. Or ask a lacrosse buddy to help you string your shaft and head into a custom gamer stick on the cheap. This DIY approach to piecing together used shafts and heads gives you pro setups without the huge price tag. Take it a step further by shopping for used mesh, leathers, and laces to get that pre-loved vibe. Then break in the pocketing with heavy wall ball sessions before taking your creation onto the field. Custom stringing and flexing your own stick offers satisfaction you just can’t get stock off the shelf. All for what works out to be about 50% less than a new factory model. So next time you need a new gamer, go used and DIY for huge savings.

Compare Prices at Local Stores to Find Discounted Old Stock Gear

When buying used lacrosse equipment, don’t forget to check discounts and clearance sections at your local brick and mortar stores too. Retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Big 5, and smaller independent shops will often heavily mark down remaining old stock inventory that didn’t sell the previous season. This is perfect for finding major savings on sticks, pads, cleats, gloves and helmets that are maybe 1-2 years old but still completely usable. Shop end caps, clearance racks, and discount bins and you can uncover deals like 50% off or more versus current models. Last season’s colors and styles are just as functional, but stores discount them to make room for new inventory. Ask sales reps if they have any unlisted closeout gear in the back too. Building relationships with local shop workers can yield tips on upcoming sales, team discounts, and insider price cuts not advertised publicly. And with brick and mortar stores, you can inspect and try on gear in person before buying, unlike blindly ordering online. Between a few local shops, I was able to outfit my daughter this season with cleats, gloves, goggles and a full set of pads for less than $75 total. That’s easily 80% off buying everything brand new at full retail. So before paying top dollar online, check out closeout deals at stores near you.

Compare Prices at Local Stores to Find Discounted Old Stock Gear

When shopping for used lacrosse gear, don’t overlook the clearance sections at your local Dick’s Sporting Goods, Big 5, and smaller independent shops. These retailers will often heavily discount remaining old stock inventory that didn’t sell the previous season. This can yield major savings on sticks, pads, cleats, gloves and helmets that are maybe 1-2 years old but still totally playable. I always check end caps, clearance racks, and discount bins where you can find deals like 50% off or more compared to current models. Last year’s colors and styles function just the same, but stores slash prices to make room for new inventory. It never hurts to ask sales reps if they have any unlisted closeout merchandise in the back too. Building relationships with staff at brick and mortar stores can clue you into upcoming sales, team discounts, and insider price cuts not advertised publicly. And unlike buying gear blindly online, you can inspect and try items on in person before purchasing. Between a few local shops, I was able to outfit my daughter this season with cleats, gloves, goggles and a full set of pads for less than $75 total. That’s easily an 80% savings versus buying everything at full retail. Before paying top dollar for new equipment, be sure to check out closeout deals at sporting goods stores in your area first.

Buy Used Lacrosse Gear on a Budget

Playing lacrosse while sticking to a tight budget can seem daunting, but you’d be amazed at the quality used gear available at huge discounts if you know where to look. One of my go-to tricks is checking Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for parents unloading equipment their kids outgrew. I search locally for items like “lacrosse lot” and negotiate bulk deals to outfit an entire team on the cheap. Local lacrosse shops like Play It Again Sports also offer deep discounts on lightly used sticks, pads and helmets priced to move. Before paying retail, I always ask coaches and teams if they have surplus equipment they’re looking to sell off for cheap. Don’t overlook online resale sites like SidelineSwap, LacrosseTalk and eBay too. Players often let high-end sticks go for pennies on the dollar simply because they’re a generation old or have some cosmetic wear. With a little searching, haggling, and relationship building, you can land insane deals on quality used gear. It just takes persistence and thinking outside the big box retailers. Put in the work and you can find everything you need at a fraction of “new” pricing. Going the used route has allowed me to keep my kids playing lacrosse for years without breaking the bank. And the bargains I’ve scored make that hand-me-down life even sweeter.