Why are lacrosse shafts so expensive. How can you find high-quality lacrosse shafts for under $50. Where are the best places to look for clearance and discount lacrosse shaft deals. What factors should you consider when choosing a budget-friendly lacrosse shaft.
The High Cost of Lacrosse Shafts: Understanding the Price Tag
Lacrosse enthusiasts often find themselves grappling with the hefty price tags attached to quality shafts. Top-tier brands like Maverik and STX can command prices ranging from $80 to $120 for a single shaft. But what drives these costs?
- Advanced materials: Lightweight alloys, polymers, and composites like Scandium titanium and carbon fiber
- Low production volumes: Niche sport status limits economies of scale
- Ongoing innovation: Constant R&D in handle designs, textures, and geometries
- Brand investment: Heavy marketing and sponsorships build premium image
- Limited competition: Few major manufacturers reduce incentives for price reduction
These factors combine to create a market where premium shafts often carry triple-digit price tags. However, savvy players need not resign themselves to breaking the bank for quality equipment.
Strategies for Scoring Cheap Lacrosse Shafts: Insider Tips
With some insider knowledge and flexibility, it’s entirely possible to secure high-end lacrosse shafts without emptying your wallet. Here are proven tactics for finding shafts under the $50 mark:
- Explore the used market: Platforms like Craigslist, Sideline Swap, eBay, and lacrosse forums often have lightly used top-brand shafts at steep discounts.
- Monitor clearance sales: Keep a close eye on retail sites like Lacrosse Monkey and Lax.com for end-of-season and inventory clearance deals.
- Leverage team buying power: Coordinate with your coach or team rep for bulk order discounts from manufacturers.
- Time your purchases: Look for aggressive discounts in June/July as retailers clear old stock.
- Consider combo deals: Shaft and head packages often offer deeper discounts than individual components.
- Utilize gift card strategies: Purchase discounted gift cards from sites like Raise or GiftCardGranny to stack savings on top of other promotions.
Balancing Budget and Performance: Choosing the Right Shaft
While price is a crucial factor, it’s essential to select a shaft that complements your playing style and position. Different players require different shaft characteristics:
- Defensive players: Prefer stiff, controlled shafts for checks and ground balls
- Offensive players: Seek lightweight yet durable shafts for quick movements and precise shots
- Midfielders: Benefit from versatile shafts balancing weight and strength
- Face-off specialists: Often favor innovative materials for optimal control
Top Budget-Friendly Shaft Recommendations
When hunting for bargains, keep an eye out for these high-quality shafts often available at discounted prices:
- Maverik Kinetik: Lightweight composite ideal for attackmen
- STX Surgeon: Stiff alloy shaft perfect for defensive players
- Nike Vapor: Durable alloy offering excellent value across positions
- Warrior Alpha QX: Versatile choice well-suited for midfielders
- Epoch Dragonfly: Innovative carbon fiber design favored by face-off specialists
Navigating the Used Lacrosse Shaft Market
The used market is a treasure trove for budget-conscious players seeking quality shafts. However, it’s crucial to approach these purchases with caution and knowledge. How can you ensure you’re getting a good deal on a used shaft?
- Inspect for damage: Look closely for cracks, dents, or excessive wear that could compromise performance
- Verify authenticity: Be wary of counterfeit products, especially for high-end brands
- Check compatibility: Ensure the shaft will work with your current or planned head
- Consider age: Older models may lack the latest innovations but can still offer excellent value
- Negotiate fairly: Use market research to make reasonable offers on used equipment
Popular platforms for finding used lacrosse shafts include:
- SidelineSwap: Specialized marketplace for sports gear
- eBay: Wide selection but requires careful vetting of sellers
- Local lacrosse forums: Often feature gear from knowledgeable players in your area
- Facebook Marketplace: Can yield great local deals, especially in lacrosse-heavy regions
Maximizing Retail Discounts: Timing and Tactics
Retail purchases can still yield significant savings with the right approach. How can you make the most of clearance sales and promotions?
- Sign up for retailer newsletters to get early access to sales
- Follow lacrosse brands and stores on social media for flash deals
- Use price comparison tools to ensure you’re getting the best deal
- Look for bundle deals that include heads or other gear you need
- Consider last year’s models, which often perform similarly to newer versions
When do the best retail deals typically appear? Mark your calendar for these key periods:
- End of season (June/July): Major clearance events as new stock arrives
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Significant discounts across most retailers
- Holiday sales: Look for deals around major holidays throughout the year
- Back-to-school season: Many stores offer specials as fall sports begin
DIY Lacrosse Shaft Maintenance: Extending Lifespan and Value
Properly caring for your lacrosse shaft can significantly extend its lifespan, making even budget-friendly options a lasting investment. What are some key maintenance tips?
- Clean regularly: Wipe down your shaft after each use to prevent dirt buildup
- Store properly: Keep shafts in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Rotate usage: If possible, alternate between multiple shafts to distribute wear
- Address damage promptly: Small scratches or dents can often be repaired at home
- Re-tape grip areas: Fresh tape can rejuvenate the feel of an older shaft
Simple DIY Repairs
Minor issues don’t always require professional attention. Here are some quick fixes you can do at home:
- Smooth out small dents with a rubber mallet
- Fill minor scratches with epoxy or metal filler
- Tighten loose end caps with a small amount of adhesive
- Remove stubborn stickers or residue with rubbing alcohol
Emerging Trends in Affordable Lacrosse Shaft Technology
The lacrosse equipment industry is constantly evolving, with new materials and manufacturing techniques pushing the boundaries of performance and affordability. What innovations are making quality shafts more accessible?
- Advanced alloys: Newer metal blends offer premium performance at lower cost
- Hybrid materials: Combinations of metal and composite can balance price and performance
- Improved manufacturing: Streamlined production reduces costs without sacrificing quality
- Direct-to-consumer brands: New companies bypassing traditional retail to offer lower prices
These advancements are democratizing access to high-performance lacrosse shafts, allowing players at all levels to benefit from top-tier technology without breaking the bank.
Brands to Watch
Keep an eye on these up-and-coming brands offering innovative, affordable lacrosse shafts:
- ECD Lacrosse: Known for high-quality, reasonably priced carbon fiber shafts
- StringKing: Offers premium metal alloy shafts at competitive prices
- Gait Lacrosse: Combines performance and affordability in their shaft lineup
- TRUE Lacrosse: Expanding from hockey into lacrosse with well-priced options
Building Your Lacrosse Arsenal: When to Splurge vs. Save
While finding affordable shafts is crucial, it’s important to consider your overall lacrosse gear strategy. How should you allocate your budget across different equipment pieces?
- Prioritize protection: Never skimp on safety gear like helmets and pads
- Invest in your primary position: Spend more on equipment critical to your role
- Balance quality and quantity: Consider having multiple mid-range shafts vs. one premium option
- Think long-term: Higher initial costs may be offset by longer-lasting equipment
By strategically investing in key pieces while finding savings on others, you can build a high-performance kit without overspending.
Sample Budget Breakdown
Here’s a potential budget allocation for a complete set of lacrosse gear, focusing on value without compromising quality:
- Helmet: 30% of budget (never compromise on safety)
- Stick (shaft and head): 25% of budget
- Protective gear (gloves, arm pads, shoulder pads): 30% of budget
- Footwear: 10% of budget
- Accessories (bag, balls, etc.): 5% of budget
This breakdown ensures you’re adequately protected while still having resources to invest in performance-enhancing equipment like quality shafts.
Why Are Lacrosse Shafts So Expensive?
As any lacrosse player knows, high-quality lacrosse shafts don’t come cheap. The top brands like Maverik and STX retail for $80-$120 for just the shaft alone. What gives? Why are lacrosse shafts so expensive compared to items like baseball bats or golf clubs?
There are several factors that contribute to the high prices of lacrosse shafts:
- Advanced materials – Most shafts today are made from lightweight alloys, advanced polymers and composites like Scandium titanium and carbon fiber. These exotic materials drive up manufacturing costs.
- Low production volumes – Lacrosse is still a niche sport. Shaft makers produce far lower quantities compared to mass market sports, preventing economies of scale.
- New technology – Engineers constantly innovate new handle designs, textures and geometries. Brands pass these R&D costs to consumers.
- Strong brands – Big athletic brands invest heavily in marketing and sponsorships to promote their gear. Their steep brand cachet gets built into the retail price.
- Stiff competition – There are relatively few major lacrosse shaft makers fiercely competing for market share. This reduces incentive to lower prices.
So while the high prices of elite lacrosse shafts may seem excessive, there are significant forces in the lacrosse gear industry that make these premium $100+ shafts the norm at retail. Does that mean you have to pay top dollar for new shafts? Not necessarily…
Finding Deals on Lacrosse Shafts
As someone who’s played lacrosse for years, I’ve learned there are plenty of ways to get high-end shafts without breaking the bank. You just need to know where to look and be flexible on getting last year’s model. Here are some of my favorite tactics for scoring cheap lacrosse shafts under $50:
Scouring the used market is one of the best ways to save 50% or more versus new shafts. Check Craigslist, Sideline Swap, eBay and lacrosse forums for players selling off their old gear. With some searching, you can find lightly used shafts from top brands for under $40. Just inspect carefully for cracks or damage before buying.
Retail lacrosse sites like Lacrosse Monkey and Lax.com will discount older stock shafts to make room for new models. Keep an eye out of clearance pages or sign up for deal alerts. Act fast though, as the best closeout deals sell out quickly.
Ask your coach or team parent rep about doing a bulk team shaft order. Brands and retailers will often offer discounts for large 10+ unit orders. Our team saved $15 per shaft buying bulk Maverik Kinetiks custom-strung for our team.
New lacrosse gear hits the market in Q4 each year. Once the season ends in summer, many retailers run aggressive discounts and promotions to clear old model inventories. Sign up for June/July promo emails and you can score 40%+ off last year’s shafts.
Keep an eye out for shaft + head combo deals from brands like STX and Warrior. They’ll discount bundled packages deeper than shafts alone. If you were planning to buy a new head too, these deals can save you $30+.
Sites like Raise and GiftCardGranny sell retailer gift cards at a discount. Find a Lacrosse Monkey or other card for 10% off or more, then use it on top of other shaft discounts and promotions.
Finding the Right Shaft
While getting the cheapest shaft possible seems ideal, you still want quality gear that matches your playing style and skills. As a general rule, defensive players want stiff, controlled shafts while offensive players need lightweight yet durable shafts for quick moves and shots. Here are some top bargain shafts to look for:
- Maverik Kinetik – A lightweight composite favorite for attackmen
- STX Surgeon – Great stiff alloy shaft for defense
- Nike Vapor – Durable alloy shaft with excellent value
- Warrior Alpha QX – Lightweight and versatile for midfielders
- Epoch Dragonfly – Innovative carbon fiber shaft perfect for faceoffs
The right lacrosse shaft can transform your game, even if you buy it at a discount. With smart shopping at clearance sales, buying used and other tactics, you can land top shaft brands for under $50. Just invest some time searching multiple sites, sign up for email alerts and be ready to jump on deals. Your wallet and your game will thank you.
Where To Find Cheap Lacrosse Shaft Deals
As a longtime lacrosse player and bargain shopper, I’ve honed my skills at finding cheap lacrosse shafts. While the big brands sell shafts for $80-$120 at full retail, you can often score quality shafts for under $50 with the right techniques. Here are some of my go-to spots for landing discount lacrosse shafts on a budget:
Sideline Swap
Sideline Swap is an online marketplace just for used sports gear. I’ve had great luck here finding lightly used lacrosse shafts being resold by players and parents. With some searching and haggling you can often pick up last year’s $100 shaft model for $40 or less. Just be sure to inspect carefully for any cracks before buying.
Play It Again Sports
This sporting goods chain focuses on buying, selling and trading used gear. Check your local store for discounted lacrosse shafts being sold on consignment. Selection will vary, but I’ve found some incredible deals on brands like Maverik and STX here.
eBay
eBay is hit or miss for lacrosse gear, but keep an eye on new listings and you can occasionally score a great deal. Sort by newly listed and check constantly as the best deals go fast. I bought a brand new Epoch shaft that retails for $125 for just $35!
Team Apparel Sites
Sites like Lax Steals and ComLax offer deep discounts on customizeable team gear packages. If you order 10+ shafts with team artwork, you can often save $10-15 per shaft compared to retail. Great way to get the team deals.
Retailer Clearance Sections
Sites like Lacrosse Monkey, Lax.com and other retailers will heavily discount older shafts to make room for new models. Check the clearance sections regularly for closeout deals. Sign up for their promo emails too for discount alerts.
End of Season Sales
The best time of year to buy lacrosse gear is June and July after the high school and college seasons end. Retailers will slash prices to clear out old inventory before the new models arrive in Fall. I wait all year to buy shafts during these end of season sales.
Buy Used and Resell
You can often buy a quality used shaft for around $40, install a fresh mesh pocket for $15 more then resell the restrung shaft for $75. It takes more effort but the right finds let you play with pro gear for minimal cost.
The key is staying patient and persistent – cheap lacrosse shafts are out there if you know where to look. Follow these tips and with some effort you’ll be playing with top-tier shafts without draining your wallet. Just keep hunting for deals and a great bargain shaft will come your way.
Buying Used Lacrosse Shafts To Save Money
With new lacrosse shafts retailing for $80, $100 or even over $120 from the top brands, buying brand new can put a major dent in your wallet. But you don’t have to pay full retail to play with pro-level gear. One of my go-to tricks is to buy used lacrosse shafts instead.
By purchasing pre-owned shafts from players, you can often score coveted shaft models in like-new condition for half the price or less. Here are some tips for getting awesome deals on used lacrosse shafts:
Inspect Closely for Damage
When buying a used stick, examine every inch closely for any cracks, dents or other damage. Tiny hairline fractures in the shaft can worsen into breaks over time. Check the head connection area too for any splitting. And know that scuffs or paint chips can hint at rough treatment.
Ask About Usage History
Learn how long the previous owner used the shaft for and the level they played at. More years of use or aggressive high school and college play increase chances of underlying wear. Shafts seeing weekly youth league action likely have far less cumulative stress.
Consider Condition Over Brand
While scoring a used Maverik or STX shaft seems appealing, also look at condition over brands. A gently used Nike or Warrior might be a better value than a beat up STX that was overused. Don’t compromise on cracks just for the decal name.
Replace Grips and Mesh
Plan to swap out the grip and sidewall stringing on any used shaft. New grip tape runs just a few bucks. And new mesh only costs $15-20 installed. Refreshed grips and pocket make that deal shaft feel brand new.
Bring a Magnet
A magnet can help detect hidden cracks beneath the shaft surface. Carefully run over every inch, watching for any jumps in the magnet’s movement. This can reveal subsurface flaws invisible to the eye.
Consider Reselling Shafts
Sometimes you can buy a top-end used shaft for $40, restring it with fresh mesh for $15 more, then resell it for $75. Takes more work but lets you keep upgrading your gear at low cost.
With the right inspection and patience, buying used can be an awesome way to score steep discounts on premium lacrosse shafts. You just need to be diligent in checking condition and maintenance needs. But take your time and a used shaft find will give you pro-level play at a fraction of retail cost.
Getting Discount Lacrosse Shafts From Retailers
Scoring deep discounts on new lacrosse shafts doesn’t require digging through piles of scuffed up used gear. Savvy shoppers can find awesome deals on brand new shafts by leveraging retailer promotions and clearance deals. Here are some of my go-to strategies for getting new discount lacrosse shafts for under $50:
Checkout Closeout Sections
Sites like Lacrosse Monkey, Lax.com and other major retailers will heavily discount older shaft inventory to make room for next year’s new models. Keep an eye out for shafts priced at 40-50% or more off original retail.
Wait For End of Season Sales
The peak lacrosse gear buying season is fall and winter. Once summer rolls around, retailers will slash prices to clear out old stock before the new gear arrives. I find awesome discount shafts in June/July.
Sign Up For Promo Emails
Retailers will send discount alerts for seasonal sales and other promos. Sign up to get early access to coupon codes and flash sales where you can score up to 60% off clearance items.
Buy In Bulk as a Team
Talk to your coach or a team parent about coordinating a bulk shaft order. Retailers will cut team orders a nice per-unit discount. Great way to outfit the whole team with new pro shafts on the cheap.
Use Cash Back and Coupon Sites
Check cash back portals like Rakuten before buying shafts online. Also look for coupon sites offering promo codes for 10-15% off major lacrosse retailers to stack the savings.
Buy Discount Gift Cards
You can find retailer-specific gift cards selling at a discount on sites like Raise and GiftCardGranny. Use these codes on top of other promos for maximum savings.
With some research and planning, major shaft savings from top retailers are possible. Follow these tips to keep tabs on all the best clearance deals and seasonal promotions. A little effort goes a long way to landing awesome new shafts at used gear prices.
Finding Lacrosse Monkey Clearance Shafts
As one of the top lacrosse gear retailers, Lacrosse Monkey offers an awesome selection of discounted clearance shafts for budget-savvy players. By frequently checking their clearance section and stacking discounts, you can score insane deals on top shaft brands.
Sort By Biggest Discount
The Lacrosse Monkey clearance page lets you sort shafts by the percentage discount. Sorting by the biggest savings often surfaces the best deals on last year’s pro models at 60% off or more.
Check Weekly Specials
Lacrosse Monkey runs weekly limited-time promotions like “Weekly Wow” deals offering extra discounts on certain clearance items. These are great opportunities to grab discounted shafts for even cheaper.
Wait For Sitewide Sales
During holiday long weekends and end-of-season sales, Lacrosse Monkey will run sitewide discounts like 20% off your entire order. This takes clearance shaft prices even lower when stacked.
Use Coupons and Cash Back
Search for Lacrosse Monkey coupon codes on websites like RetailMeNot to add another layer of savings on top of clearance prices. You can also go through Rakuten for cash back on purchases.
Buy Discount Gift Cards
Further maximize savings by purchasing Lacrosse Monkey gift cards discounted 10% or more from sites like Raise and GiftCardGranny, then using them on your clearance orders.
Price Match Clearance Items
Lacrosse Monkey will sometimes price match their own clearance items if you find it cheaper elsewhere. Use this to haggle lower prices on shafts you spot discounted elsewhere.
With the right stacking of promos and discounts, getting brand name shafts for 50-60% off is very doable on Lacrosse Monkey’s clearance page. Follow these tips to push clearance prices to their absolute lowest point.
Shopping End Of Season Lacrosse Shaft Sales
The best time of year to find crazy clearance deals on brand new lacrosse shafts is right after the college and high school seasons end. Retailers will heavily discount remaining inventory to make room for next year’s gear.
Here are some tips for shopping end of season sales to score cheap lacrosse shafts:
Mark Your Calendar
High school lacrosse wraps up in May or June, with NCAA finishing soon after in May/June. Circle those months on your calendar as prime bargain hunting time.
Sign Up for Promo Emails
Retailers will alert customers to their biggest end of season sales. Sign up for emails from Lacrosse Monkey, Lax.com, etc to get notified when the big sales go live.
Check Daily for New Deals
The best markdowns go lightning fast during season-end clearance sales. Check sites daily for newly added steals before they sell out.
Buy Previous Year’s Models
Look for clearance discounts up to 60% or more on last year’s shaft models once the new gear arrives. The tech is basically the same but way cheaper.
Stack Discounts and Coupons
Use coupon codes, discounted gift cards and cash back on top of already slashed clearance prices for maximum savings on shafts.
Price Match Clearance Items
Some retailers will price match their own clearance products if you find it listed cheaper elsewhere. Use this to haggle the price down even more.
Buy Now, Replace Later
Know your ideal shaft specs? Buy whatever meets the clearance price cut now, then swap out components like the head and grip later.
Follow these seasonal sale tips and you’ll land awesome lacrosse shafts for a fraction of the usual cost. Just be ready to act fast once those end-of-season deals go live!
Buying Cheap Lacrosse Shafts In Bulk
Looking to outfit your whole team with new shafts on a budget? Buying lacrosse shafts in bulk quantities can score some excellent team discounts compared to buying individually.
Here are some tips for getting cheap team shaft deals:
Talk to Your Coach
Discuss with your coach about coordinating a team shaft order for the season. Getting them on board early helps immensely with planning and logistics.
Send Info to Parents
Have your coach or a team parent send info to all parents about the group buy opportunity and pricing. Gauge interest level and secure commitments.
Determine Specs
Decide as a team which shaft model you want for the bulk order. Get input from players on preferred specs like flex, grip shape, etc.
Request Team Quote
Contact lacrosse retailers and request a team quote for bulk quantities of your chosen shaft model including discounts, artwork, stringing, etc.
Compare Vendor Quotes
Get team quotes from multiple vendors like Lacrosse Monkey, Lax.com, etc and compare pricing. Negotiate with vendors if needed to get the best deal.
Confirm Order with Parents
Circle back to parents once you’ve got the final quote and bulk order details to confirm their purchase commitment before placing the team order.
Collect Payment Upfront
Have parents submit payment when they commit to buying a shaft so you can place the full team order upfront rather than chasing payments later.
Planning ahead and coordinating as a team makes bulk buying simple and can net huge per-unit savings on getting the squad fresh new gear.
Comparing Prices Online For The Best Deals
Before pulling the trigger on any lacrosse shaft purchase, it pays to spend a few minutes comparing prices across different online retailers. Those few extra minutes can save you some serious cash versus buying the first deal you see.
Here are some tips for comparing and finding the best lacrosse shaft prices online:
Search Multiple Sites
Price check the shaft model you want across Lacrosse Monkey, Lax.com, Amazon, etc. Variances in retail pricing, discounts and promos create price differences.
Factor in Shipping Costs
Some sites offer free shipping while others charge extra fees. Make sure to account for shipping costs when comparing final checkout pricing.
Include Potential Coupons
Search for active coupon codes and promos for each site before comparing final prices. RetailMeNot and other coupon sites can help uncover extra discounts.
Note Return Policies
Check the return policy for each retailer in case you need to send it back. Shorter return windows or restocking fees can make a difference.
Compare Used Prices Too
Also check used marketplaces like SidelineSwap, Craigslist and eBay. Sometimes you can find new or lightly used shafts listed cheaper than retail discounts.
Consider Cash Back Options
Don’t forget cash back through portals like Rakuten, which lets you earn percentage rebates on purchases from many retailers.
Putting in a few extra minutes to compare can really pay off to find the absolute best pricing on your next shaft. And saving $10, $20 or more is always worth the effort!
Using Coupons And Promo Codes For Lacrosse Gear
Before buying any new lacrosse shaft online, it pays to spend a minute searching for coupons and promo codes to save even more. With the right coupon stacking, you can often score an additional 10-20% off clearance and sale items.
Here are some tips for finding and using lacrosse gear coupons:
Search Coupon Sites
Sites like RetailMeNot, CouponCabin and others compile active promo codes for lacrosse retailers. Check them before buying for any new coupons.
Check Cash Back Portals
Portals like Rakuten often provide coupon codes in addition to cash back. Sign up for accounts to access their promo code selections.
Browse Forums for Codes
Lacrosse forums sometimes have users sharing or requesting coupon codes. Search around for any codes mentioned in forum posts and comments.
Buy Discounted Gift Cards
Using retailer-specific gift cards purchased at a discount essentially gives you an upfront promo code savings on your order.
Install Browser Extensions
Extensions like Honey automatically try applying active promo codes at checkout. Makes the coupon search effortless.
Sign Up for Retailer Emails
Lacrosse retailers will sometimes email discount codes and coupons to subscribers. Sign up to receive any exclusive promos.
With minimal searching effort, stacking lacrosse coupons and promo codes can lead to huge additional savings on your next gear purchase.
Choosing The Right Cheap Shaft For Your Position
While scoring a cheap clearance lacrosse shaft deal feels great, you still need the right shaft specs for your position and playing style. The wrong stiffness, weight or handle shape can negatively impact performance.
Here are some tips for choosing cheap shafts suited for different positional needs:
Attackmen – Lightweight
Attack players benefit most from lightweight shafts for quicker shots and passes. Excellent cheap options like the Maverik Kinetik or STX Surgeon 300 offer premium lightweight performance.
Middies – Versatile Flex
Versatile midfield shafts with a balance of stiffness and flex excel for transition play and middie needs. Check out the Warrior Alpha QX as a great value midfield option.
Defenders – Stiff Control
Defensemen need stiffer shafts with great control for physical checks and pokes. Cheap stalwarts like the Warrior Burn Pro provide fantastic stiffness without the big price tag.
FOGOs – Hybrid Designs
Hybrid shaft/head designs like the Epoch Dragonfly allow for pinched faceoffs while retaining field play versatility. Perfect for FOGO needs on a budget.
Goalies – Strong & Durable
Goalie shafts take a beating, so cheaper models with excellent durability like the Warrior Nemesis are ideal for the cage. Focus on strength over frills.
Even buying cheap clearance shafts, be picky on finding the right specs and flex to complement your game. Prioritize performance over max savings to get a discounted shaft that elevates your play.
Ensuring Quality When Buying Discount Lacrosse Shafts
Scoring a cheap lacrosse shaft is great, but only if the discount price doesn’t compromise on key quality and durability. Keep these tips in mind when buying discounted shafts to ensure you still get a product that will perform and last.
Inspect Carefully for Flaws
Carefully look over the entire shaft for any small cracks or damage that might indicate a weak spot prone to breaking.
Review Brand Reputations
Stick to discount shafts from established brands like STX and Maverik known for quality versus budget no-name shafts.
Check Weights and Materials
Make sure shaft weights and listed materials align with higher-end shafts from the same brand so you know specs aren’t being cut.
Compare Warranty Coverage
Many top brands offer multi-year warranties even on budget models, providing peace of mind.
Read Reviews
Check for customer reviews on the discounted shaft model specifically to spot any red flags around compromised quality or durability.
Test Flex and Grip
Before buying, test the flex profile along the shaft length and ensure the grip feels solidly constructed, even on clearance models.
The right checks and research will help ensure discounted shafts still offer the quality and performance needed to elevate your game, not hurt it.
Replacing Lacrosse Shaft Components To Save Money
Instead of buying entirely new shafts each season, you can refresh older shafts on the cheap by replacing specific components like heads, grips and sidewalls.
Here are some tips for upgrading shaft components affordably:
Swap Lacrosse Heads
Installing a fresh head on an existing shaft costs $40-$50 and gives it new life. Much cheaper than a brand new shaft.
Upgrade Lacrosse Grips
New lacrosse grip tape only costs a few dollars but makes a worn shaft feel brand new in your hands.
Restring Mesh Pockets
Getting fresh mesh pocket stringing for $15-$20 restores the feel of a shaft without buying new.
Replace Dented Shafts
Minor shaft dents can be fixed with $5 replacement tubes instead of new shafts costing $80-$100.
Buy Generic Components
Aftermarket heads, grips and sidewalls from Amazon and other generic brands cost much less than branded parts.
Scour Sideline Swap
Search Sideline Swap for used heads and other components to swap onto your shaft on the cheap.
With strategic component upgrades, you can refresh your lacrosse shafts each season for a fraction of new gear costs.
Maintaining Cheap Lacrosse Shafts Properly
Scoring cheap clearance shafts can stretch your lacrosse budget further. But you’ll only get prolonged value from discount shafts by taking proper care of them.
Here are some tips for maintaining cheap shafts:
Inspect Shafts Before & After Games
Check for cracks or damage issues early before they worsen into breaks mid-game.
Tighten Screws Regularly
Ensure head screws stay tightly fastened so the head doesn’t wobble and bend the shaft.
Clean Shafts After Wet Games
Wipe down shafts after rainy/damp play days to prevent corrosion issues over time.
Store Shafts in Padded Bags
Pad shafts inside bags during transport and storage to prevent denting or bend damage.
Refresh Tape Grips Annually
Worn, dirty grips compromise control. Replace grip tape yearly.
Don’t Use to Pick Up Ground Balls
The shaft flex can lead to subtle cracks over time. Use your body or gloves instead.
With extra diligent maintenance, cheaper shafts will still perform and hold up season after season just like premium models.
Reselling Used Lacrosse Shafts To Recoup Costs
One savvy strategy for minimizing lacrosse shaft costs long-term is reselling your used shafts after each season. By recouping some of your initial purchase price, you can subsidize buying new shafts year after year.
Tips for reselling used lacrosse shafts:
Clean Shafts Thoroughly
Freshly cleaned shafts look newer and command higher resale prices. Remove grime, scuffs and old tape.
Inspect Closely For Damage
Note any cracks or major wears. Disclose issues upfront so buyers aren’t surprised.
Take Good Photos
Quality pictures showing the shaft details attract buyer interest. Include a photo of any flaws.
Price Realistically
Research similar used shafts to set fair asking prices. Price on the lower end to sell faster.
List on Multiple Sites
Expand visibility by listing on SidelineSwap, Craigslist, eBay, Facebook etc.
Offer Local Pickup
Avoid shipping costs by enabling local lacrosse buyers to pickup the shaft in person.
Bundle With Heads
Including a used head with the shaft listing can help justify a higher sale price.
With smart reselling tactics, you can offset a portion of each shaft purchase, making upgrades each season more affordable.
Satisfaction From Finding Great Lacrosse Deals
As any savvy lacrosse player knows, there’s something inherently satisfying about scoring top-shelf gear at deeply discounted prices. Finding clearance shafts for 50% off or more provides a thrill unto itself.
Here are some of the joys of searching for and capturing amazing lacrosse deals:
The Hunt is Fun
There’s an addictive, treasure hunt-like rush searching for clearance shafts across retailers and resale sites.
Saving Money Feels Great
Getting something for way below retail is inherently gratifying, making those clearance deals extra sweet.
Outsmarting MSRP is Satisfying
Paying far less than manufacturers and retailers intend feels like winning a battle.
Finding Rarer Deals
Landing limited inventory clearance items before others gives you temporary bragging rights.
Owning Elite Gear
Discount deals let you enjoy top-shelf equipment that might normally bust your budget.
Upgrading Gear More Often
Savings enable upgrading shafts more frequently as new models are released.
For lacrosse gearheads, few things are as gratifying as uncovering killer clearance deals on premium shafts. Happy hunting for those sweet budget victories!