Choosing the Best Womens Lacrosse Stick in 2023

Choosing the Best Womens Lacrosse Stick in 2023

Determine Your Lacrosse Position For the Best Women’s Stick

When selecting a new women’s lacrosse stick, the very first factor to consider is your position on the field – attack, midfield, defense or goalie. Each position requires specialized stick features to match the player’s role and style of play. For instance, attacking players need quick sticks optimized for excellent ball control and rapid passing or shooting. Midfielders look for all-around versatility since they transition between offense and defense. Defenders choose sturdy sticks for assertive checking and ball disruption. Goalies use extra-large heads to help block shots.

Before even browsing stick options, have an honest conversation with your coach about where they envision you playing now and in the future. Be realistic about your talents – are you quick and crafty for attack or steady and imposing for defense? If you’re unsure of your ideal position, a balanced midfield stick can be a safe bet. Consult with experienced teammates to learn what lacrosse stick attributes worked best for them in each position over the years. For total beginners, simply noting your dominant hand and height can help narrow the possibilities.

While versatile sticks exist, ideally you’ll want to invest in a stick tailored for your primary role. Don’t just copy what the top club and college players use either – sticks ideal for advanced play may hinder developing skills. Finding the sweet spot between performance and comfort will keep you progressing as a player without developing bad habits. Take time to demo a variety of retailed sticks to find your ideal fit. With the right women’s lacrosse stick, you’ll gain confidence in your abilities no matter what position you play.

Consider Your Skill Level When Selecting a Women’s Lacrosse Stick

After identifying your position, the next key factor in choosing a great women’s lacrosse stick is honestly assessing your skill level – are you a total beginner, intermediate player, or advanced athlete? The stick features that work best vary significantly based on where you’re at in your lacrosse journey.

For example, true lacrosse newcomers need sticks designed to help develop the fundamentals. This means lightweight shafts for easy maneuvering, wider heads for improved catching, and mesh pockets with more hold to help secure caught balls. While these features make catching and throwing easier, they can hinder advanced stick tricks, so be sure to upgrade as skills improve. Intermediate players looking to take their game to the next level need sticks with more whip to increase passing and shooting power. They can also handle more narrow pocket styles like traditional leather for greater ball control.

Advanced players at the top club and college levels pursue elite sticks engineered for the fastest and most precise play possible. This means strong yet incredibly lightweight shaft materials like scandium-titanium alloys. It also means customized stringing and pocket styles like nylon mesh for quickest ball release. Premium sticks also boast optimized balance and the most flexibility for powerful checks and shots.

While it’s tempting to buy the most advanced gear, sticks beyond your current ability can negatively impact development. Find your sweet spot not by what the best players use, but by matching stick features to your personal skill goals. Seek guidance from coaches and experienced teammates to determine what lacrosse sticks will help take your game to the next level.

Set a Realistic Budget for Your Women’s Lacrosse Stick

After considering your position and skill level, the next important factor in selecting a great women’s lacrosse stick is setting a realistic budget. Quality sticks can range wildly in price from about $50 for entry-level models to $150 or more for pro-grade gear. It’s important to set spending expectations upfront before getting overwhelmed by all the options.

For beginners, there are very affordable yet durable sticks like the STX Exult 100 ($54.99) or the Brine Edge ($49.99) that will allow you to learn the basics without breaking the bank. Mid-range sticks in the $70-$100 range from brands like Maverik and Epoch offer excellent performance for intermediate players looking to take their game up a notch. At the professional elite levels, engineers use cutting-edge lightweight materials and custom stringing to create high-performance sticks costing over $130.

While it may be tempting to buy the most expensive stick you can afford, you want to avoid overspending for features that your current skill level can’t utilize. A top-end stick won’t automatically make an average player great. Get the most value by first identifying target skill improvements, then finding sticks with specific features to support those goals at a price you can live with. Don’t stretch the budget in hopes that an expensive stick alone will improve your game.

Consider checking for any used stick bargains through coaches, teammates, and consignment shops to maximize value. With a realistic budget in mind, you’ll avoid sticker shock and find the women’s lacrosse stick with ideal performance, durability, and price for your needs.

Compare Lacrosse Stick Shaft Materials

When shopping for a new women’s lacrosse stick, one of the most important factors to compare is the material used to construct the shaft. The three main options are aluminum, composite, and titanium, each with their own strengths and weaknesses that impact performance.

Aluminum shafts are the most affordable and provide a nice balance of strength and flexibility for developing players. Popular aluminum alloys used include 6061 which offers good durability and 7000 series for increased lightweight properties. The main downside is that aluminum can dent and won’t flex as dramatically as composite or titanium.

Composite shafts constructed from fibers like carbon fiber and fiberglass are much lighter while still remaining rigid. This maximizes shaft flex for adding whip on passes and shots. Composites do cost more than aluminum though and can crack under heavy impact. Brands like Maverik and STX use high-grade composites for their premium sticks.

Titanium alloys like Scandium-Titanum offer the highest strength-to-weight ratios for extremely lightweight yet durable shafts. Titanium does add premium cost and the ultra-light properties take some adjustment. Maverik and Epoch leverage titanium alloys in their elite-level sticks for maximum velocity.

Consider how much you’re able to spend and what level of durability, flex and weight you need in your playing style. Try out sticks with different shaft constructions to feel the differences firsthand. While ultra-light titanium sounds appealing for everyone, intermediate players may still benefit from the affordability and balanced properties of aluminum or composite. Don’t overlook an old reliable material like aluminum as newer composites and alloys hit the market.

Compare Pocket Styles For Women’s Lacrosse Sticks

The pocket style of a women’s lacrosse stick can dramatically impact performance and playability. The three main types of pockets each have their own pros and cons to consider when selecting a stick.

Traditional leather pockets offer excellent ball control for elite players thanks to the natural material properties. The supple leather forms a “U” shape ideal for cradling and containing errant passes. However, traditional leather pockets require the most skill to string and break-in properly. They also lack adjustability compared to synthetic mesh pockets.

Pre-strung mesh pockets offer consistent synthetic performance and easier adjustability through re-stringing. Nylon mesh pockets promote smooth and quick ball release while retaining some hold through customizable stringing patterns. Mesh does tend to bag out over time though requiring re-stringing to restore a crisp pocket shape.

Universal mesh pockets with adjustable bungee cords provide the most customization as players develop their game. By adjusting the bungees, a single pocket can alternate between more hold for beginning players to quick release when skills improve. Universal mesh does take more tuning though to dial in just right.

Consider how much pocket adjustability you need versus out-of-the-box performance when comparing pocket options. Watching the pocket styles of experienced teammates and trying out sticks firsthand can help identify your ideal balance of ball control, hold and quick release for your position and skill level.

Compare Head Shapes When Selecting a Women’s Lacrosse Stick

The actual shape and design of the lacrosse stick head is another key consideration when selecting a women’s lacrosse stick. Heads come in different widths and angles to support different playing styles and positions.

Narrower head shapes like the STX Crux 600 provide elite offensive players great ball control for quicker passing and shooting. The decreased width focuses ball handling to a smaller sweet spot. However, narrow heads offer less surface area for catching difficult passes, so beginners should avoid these.

Medium width heads like the Maverik Ascent or STX Exult 700 balance ball control and catching ease for versatile midfield play. Their moderate width suits developing all-around skills. However, experienced players may sacrifice some ball handling precision in their position.

Wider head shapes seen on sticks like the Brine Dynasty Rise help maximize the catching area for new players. This allows for catching passes further outside a player’s center body line. The tradeoff is decreased accuracy during passing and shooting as the ball moves around the head.

Consider how much ball control precision you need versus ease of catching when comparing head shapes and widths. While wider heads seem beneficial for everyone, experienced players will likely feel restricted. Try sticks with different head dimensions to find your ideal fit.

Review Stick Weight When Selecting a Women’s Lacrosse Stick

The overall weight of a women’s lacrosse stick is another variable to consider during selection. Lighter sticks allow for quicker moves and shots, but durability and checking ability suffer compared to heavier options.

Super lightweight sticks utilizing advanced materials like scandium-titanium alloy shafts and nylon mesh heads can weigh under 190 grams. This minimal weight makes it easier for players to achieve quick stick moves including split dodges and roll checks. It also promotes fast shot release and greater ball velocity. However, lightweight materials dent and break easier under checks.

Heavier stick weights in the 250-400 gram range provide extra durability for aggressive defenders thanks to thicker shafts and stronger head materials. The added mass also increases ball control for tricky handlers. But heavier sticks require more strength to wield quickly for dodges, passes and shots compared to lightweight options.

Assess your playing style and strengths first when deciding ideal stick weight. If you rely on speed and finesse, maintain under 200 grams. For power checks and physicality, look for 300+ grams. Those seeking balance can find robust yet quick sticks in the low 200 gram range. Test different stick weights through demos and team trials to gauge impacts on your performance.

Consider Brand Reputations When Buying a Women’s Lacrosse Stick

With so many equipment manufacturers in the sport, the reputation of the lacrosse stick brand should weigh into your buying decision. Maverik, STX, Brine, Epoch and Nike dominate the women’s stick market, but each brand has strengths to consider.

Maverik focuses on advanced engineering for elite-level sticks like the Ascent, Epoch Integra and Erupt lines. Their use of premium materials provides pro-grade performance but with higher cost. STX offers a wider range of price points while still emphasizing leading tech in their Exult and Crux sticks.

Brine sticks like the Dynasty Rise and Dynasty Warp Next excel at combining quality components with value pricing. Their sticks make it easier for developing players to access durable performance sticks. Epoch sticks utilize strong yet incredibly lightweight carbon fiber and titanium shafts for maximum speed.

Nike leverages athletic insights for ergonomic women’s sticks like the Lunar Elite line. Under Armour also applies athletic design for innovative yet affordable sticks perfect for new players. Consider both your budget and skill level, then research which brands offer the right technologies to match your needs.

Check for Proper Stick Balance

Finding a women’s lacrosse stick with excellent balance is crucial for optimal performance. Properly balanced sticks feel neutral in your hands, whereas imbalanced sticks feel weighted to one side.

To check balance, hold the stick horizontally at its midpoint and see if either end drops down. A perfectly balanced stick should remain level. If the head drops, the head is too heavy for the shaft. If the butt end drops, the shaft is too heavy. Playing with an imbalanced stick leads to fatigue as you compensate through cradling and throwing motions. It also slows reaction time switching between passing, catching and shooting.

Factors like shaft material, head shape, and stringing all impact overall balance. Advanced graphite or titanium shafts paired with wide heads often feel head-heavy. Lightweight shafts with narrow heads tend to be butt-heavy instead. Pocket stringing that adds excess weight to one area of the head can also throw off innate balance.

Test stick balance both in specialty lacrosse stores and when borrowing teammates’ sticks at practice. Be wary of buying sticks only for their high-tech materials or cool cosmetics – balance is far more important for improving skills. With a balanced women’s stick centered perfectly in your hands, your performance can reach new heights.

Examine Shaft Flexibility in Women’s Lacrosse Sticks

The inherent flexibility or “whip” engineered into the shaft of women’s lacrosse sticks directly impacts passing, shooting and checking ability. More whip provides more velocity but makes stick handling trickier.

Sticks like the STX Crux 600 with composite shafts maximize whip through lightweight design paired with strategic rigidity placement. When loading energy on drives or checks, the shaft bends deeply for dramatic snapback. This extra flex adds significant pace to shots. It also helps initiate quick stick rolls during defensive checks. However, more flex makes it harder to keep the stick head in position for cradling.

Sticks with firm aluminum or titanium alloy shafts like the Maverik Ascent have minimal whip. While this provides superior stiffness for cradling and stick handling, shots have less speed due to decreased shaft loading. Little flex also reduces the potential power on poke checks and slap checks compared to high-whip sticks.

Assess your current stick skills to decide if you need the assistance of more whip or the control of minimal flex. While high velocity from extreme whip sounds ideal, inexperienced players may be overwhelmed. Test stick flex by looking for deep pocketing versus stiff rigidity when pressing shaft to thigh and twisting.

Consider Shaft Diameter When Selecting a Women’s Lacrosse Stick

The diameter of the lacrosse stick shaft impacts both feel in your hands and durability. Thinner shafts provide a lighter feel, while thicker shafts offer more strength.

Standard women’s lacrosse stick shafts range from about 0.5 inches to 0.75 inches in diameter. Shafts on the thinner end like 0.5 to 0.6 inches have an ultra-light feel some players love, especially smaller athletes. The minimal diameter helps maximize quick stick maneuvers. However, thinner shafts dent and bend easier from checks compared to thicker options.

At the wider end, shafts 0.7 to 0.75 inches in diameter provide a more substantial feel. The added thickness increases durability and stiffness for solid cradling. But some players with smaller hands won’t like the feel, and the added weight reduces top-end ball velocity on shots.

Consider your hand size, strength and style of play when deciding ideal shaft thickness. While thinner sounds better for everyone, added thickness suits contact-hungry defenders better. If trying both ends still leaves you unsure, choose a middle ground around 0.625 to 0.65 inches to balance feel, speed and checking ability.

Check If the Pocket is Pre-Strung When Buying a Women’s Lacrosse Stick

Women’s lacrosse sticks either come with pre-strung pockets or unstrung heads requiring stringing. Pre-strung pockets provide instant playability, while unstrung options allow for fully customized stringing.

Sticks like the STX Exult and Brine Edge come with high-quality pre-strung mesh or nylon pockets ready for immediate action. Players can focus on developing skills rather than learning to string pockets from scratch. Pre-strung pockets also deliver consistent performance. However, some players may prefer tweaking pocket style, shape and placement to match personal preference.

Unstrung head lacrosse sticks must be strung before playing. This allows players to customize pocket location, depth, style and shooting strings exactly to their specs. But stringing a stick properly requires practice plus trial and error. If you don’t know stick stringing fundamentals, an unstrung head can quickly become frustrating.

Consider your current ability to either string sticks yourself or have them professionally restrung throughout a season. Advanced high school, college and pro players often prefer an unstrung head to maximize customization as skills progress. For most youth and developing players, a quality pre-strung pocket provides the best experience out of the box.

Consider Lacrosse Stick Cosmetics and Style

The colors, graphics and design details that make up a stick’s cosmetics might not impact performance, but they speak volumes about your personal style. Most lacrosse sticks now offer various custom color options.

Beyond basic colors like black, white and grey, brands offer eye-catching shades like Maverik’s Pink Camo and Metallic Dust finishes. Pastel shades in both soft and neon hues provide even more self-expression. Shift designs through the season by swapping colored tape on the shaft and customizable balls strung in the pocket.

Sticks wrapped in colorful full-dye designs like Epoch’s Otter Mesh prints make a bold stylistic statement. Metallic chrome or gold shafts also attract attention. Spotlight your skills during games with vibrant color combinations that perfectly match other personalized gear like custom cleats.

While pros may stick with tried-and-true black sticks, developing players shouldn’t overlook the fun of expressing themselves through color. Finding a lacrosse stick that speaks your style both on and off the field will make you look forward to hitting the practice field and dominating games. Turn heads with your flashy stick before asserting your skills.

Read Lacrosse Stick Reviews Before Buying

With so many new women’s lacrosse sticks released each year, reading online reviews helps cut through marketing hype to learn how sticks truly perform. Expert and buyer reviews offer objective insights.

Look for in-depth evaluations from respected lacrosse gear authorities like LaxAllStars.com and InsideLacrosse.com. Experts analyze the latest sticks through on-field testing and drills to assess capabilities. They’ll note how factors like materials, construction and balance translate into tangible handling, passing, catching and shooting prowess.

Also seek out buyer reviews on sites like Amazon, Lacrosse Unlimited and Dick’s Sporting Goods to gather impressions from real players. Multiple reviews help identify common feedback like sticks feeling too whippy, grip issues or heads warping prematurely. Pay special attention to any 1-star reviews citing major quality concerns.

Balance expert opinions with everyday user experiences before deciding on a new women’s stick. While an ultra high-tech stick looks incredible online, actual player reviews may reveal performance doesn’t match the marketing. For the best results, read lacrosse stick reviews before buying.

Demo Lacrosse Sticks In Stores Before Buying

While reading reviews provides helpful insights, nothing compares to personally trying out new women’s lacrosse sticks before buying. Visit brick-and-mortar lacrosse specialty shops whenever possible to get sticks in your hands.

Swing sticks around and simulate passing, catching and shooting motions. Does the shaft and head weight, balance and flex feel comfortable? Move the stick quickly in all directions to assess if the materials match your playing speed and power. For defenders, execute mock poke checks to gauge checking potential.

Ask to try pockets with different stringing like traditional leathers versus pre-strung mesh. Determine if the pocket provides the release speed and ball control ideal for your level and position. Does it take extra effort to keep balls contained during cradling compared to other sticks?