How to select the perfect women’s lacrosse stick based on your position. What factors to consider when choosing a stick for your skill level. How to set a realistic budget for your lacrosse equipment. Which features to look for in attack, midfield, defense, and goalie sticks. Why customization options matter in women’s lacrosse sticks.
Understanding the Importance of Position-Specific Lacrosse Sticks
When it comes to selecting the ideal women’s lacrosse stick, your position on the field plays a crucial role. Each position demands specific stick features that complement the player’s role and style of play. Let’s explore the unique requirements for different positions:
Attack Sticks: Precision and Speed
Attacking players require sticks optimized for excellent ball control and rapid passing or shooting. These sticks typically feature:
- Narrower heads for quick ball release
- Flexible shafts for increased shooting power
- Shallow pockets for faster passes
Midfield Sticks: Versatility is Key
Midfielders need all-around versatility as they transition between offense and defense. Their sticks often have:
- Medium-width heads for balance between control and speed
- Moderate pocket depth for versatile play
- Lightweight shafts for quick transitions
Defense Sticks: Strength and Disruption
Defenders choose sturdy sticks for assertive checking and ball disruption. Key features include:
- Wider heads for easier interceptions
- Stiffer shafts for powerful checks
- Deeper pockets for secure ball control
Goalie Sticks: Maximum Coverage
Goalies use extra-large heads to help block shots effectively. Their sticks are characterized by:
- The widest and longest heads allowed by regulations
- Flat scoop for easier ground ball pickups
- Deeper pockets for ball retention
How can you determine the best stick for your position? Consult with your coach about where they envision you playing now and in the future. Be realistic about your talents and playing style. If you’re unsure of your ideal position, a balanced midfield stick can be a safe bet initially.
Matching Your Lacrosse Stick to Your Skill Level
After identifying your position, the next crucial factor in choosing a great women’s lacrosse stick is honestly assessing your skill level. The stick features that work best vary significantly based on where you’re at in your lacrosse journey.
Beginner Sticks: Building Fundamentals
For lacrosse newcomers, sticks designed to help develop the basics are essential. These sticks typically feature:
- Lightweight shafts for easy maneuvering
- Wider heads for improved catching
- Mesh pockets with more hold to secure caught balls
Why are these features important for beginners? They make catching and throwing easier, allowing new players to focus on developing proper technique without frustration. However, it’s important to note that these features can hinder advanced stick tricks, so be prepared to upgrade as your skills improve.
Intermediate Sticks: Enhancing Performance
As players progress to an intermediate level, they need sticks that can help take their game to the next level. These sticks often have:
- More whip to increase passing and shooting power
- Narrower pocket styles like traditional leather for greater ball control
- Slightly stiffer shafts for more accurate passes and shots
How do intermediate sticks differ from beginner sticks? They offer a balance between ease of use and performance, allowing players to develop more advanced techniques while still providing some forgiveness.
Advanced Sticks: Elite Performance
For advanced players at top club and college levels, elite sticks engineered for the fastest and most precise play are preferred. These sticks boast:
- Strong yet incredibly lightweight shaft materials like scandium-titanium alloys
- Customized stringing and pocket styles like nylon mesh for quickest ball release
- Optimized balance and flexibility for powerful checks and shots
Is it wise for less experienced players to use advanced sticks? While it’s tempting to buy the most advanced gear, sticks beyond your current ability can negatively impact skill development. It’s crucial to find the sweet spot by matching stick features to your personal skill goals.
Setting a Realistic Budget for Your 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 widely in price, typically from about $50 for entry-level models to $150 or more for pro-grade gear.
Entry-Level Stick Options
For beginners, there are affordable yet durable sticks available. Some popular options include:
- STX Exult 100 ($54.99)
- Brine Edge ($49.99)
These sticks allow new players to learn the basics without a significant financial investment. What makes these sticks suitable for beginners? They offer a good balance of durability, ease of use, and affordability, making them ideal for players still exploring the sport.
Mid-Range Stick Options
Intermediate players looking to elevate their game might consider mid-range sticks in the $70-$100 range. Brands like Maverik and Epoch offer excellent performance at this price point. These sticks typically provide:
- Better materials for increased durability
- More advanced pocket designs for improved ball control
- Lighter weight for quicker movements
How do mid-range sticks compare to entry-level options? They offer enhanced performance features that can help players develop more advanced skills, justifying the higher price point for committed players.
Professional-Grade Stick Options
At the professional elite levels, high-performance sticks can cost over $130. These sticks feature:
- Cutting-edge lightweight materials
- Custom stringing options
- Advanced engineering for optimal performance
Are professional-grade sticks worth the investment for all players? While these sticks offer top-tier performance, they’re generally only necessary for advanced players who can fully utilize their features. For most players, mid-range options provide the best value.
The Role of Shaft Material in Lacrosse Stick Performance
The material of your lacrosse stick’s shaft significantly impacts its performance, durability, and weight. Understanding the properties of different shaft materials can help you make an informed decision when selecting your stick.
Aluminum Shafts: Affordable Durability
Aluminum shafts are popular among beginners and intermediate players due to their:
- Affordability
- Durability
- Moderate weight
How do aluminum shafts perform in different weather conditions? They can become cold in winter, potentially affecting grip, but perform consistently in most conditions. Are aluminum shafts suitable for advanced players? While they’re durable, their weight and lack of flex make them less ideal for high-level play.
Composite Shafts: Balanced Performance
Composite shafts, made from materials like carbon fiber or fiberglass, offer:
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Good flex for improved shot power
- Vibration dampening properties
Why might a player choose a composite shaft over aluminum? Composite shafts provide a good balance of performance features, making them suitable for a wide range of skill levels. They’re also less affected by temperature changes compared to metal shafts.
Titanium and Scandium Alloy Shafts: Elite Performance
For advanced players, titanium and scandium alloy shafts offer:
- Extremely light weight
- High strength
- Optimal flex for maximum shot speed
What makes these alloy shafts superior for high-level play? Their combination of strength, lightweight, and flex allows for faster stick movements and more powerful shots. However, their high cost makes them less practical for newer players.
Understanding Pocket Types and Their Impact on Play
The pocket of your lacrosse stick is crucial for ball control, passing, and shooting. Different pocket types offer varying levels of hold, release, and consistency.
Mesh Pockets: Consistency and Low Maintenance
Mesh pockets are popular due to their:
- Consistency in various weather conditions
- Low maintenance requirements
- Easy adjustment
How does the type of mesh affect play? Soft mesh offers more hold and is easier to break in, while hard mesh provides a quicker release but requires more break-in time. What are the advantages of mesh for beginners? Its consistency and ease of use make it ideal for players still developing their skills.
Traditional Pockets: Customization and Feel
Traditional pockets, made with leather and nylon strings, offer:
- Greater customization options
- Excellent feel for the ball
- Potential for more hold and whip
Why might experienced players prefer traditional pockets? The ability to fine-tune the pocket’s performance and the superior feel of the ball make traditional pockets popular among advanced players. However, they require more maintenance and can be affected by weather conditions.
Hybrid Pockets: Combining the Best of Both Worlds
Hybrid pockets aim to combine the benefits of both mesh and traditional pockets:
- More consistent than fully traditional pockets
- Better feel than pure mesh
- Moderate maintenance requirements
How do hybrid pockets perform in different playing conditions? They tend to offer good performance across various weather conditions while providing some of the customization benefits of traditional pockets.
The Importance of Head Shape and Design
The shape and design of your lacrosse stick’s head can significantly impact your playing style and effectiveness on the field.
Wide Heads: Control and Interception
Wide heads are often preferred by defenders and beginners due to their:
- Larger catching area
- Improved ball retention
- Better interception capabilities
How does a wide head benefit defensive play? The increased surface area makes it easier to intercept passes and maintain possession after checks. Are wide heads suitable for offensive players? While they can be beneficial for beginners learning to catch, they may slow down ball release for more advanced offensive play.
Narrow Heads: Speed and Accuracy
Narrow heads are favored by attackers and advanced players for their:
- Quicker ball release
- Improved accuracy in shooting and passing
- Reduced wind resistance for faster stick movement
Why do narrow heads improve shooting accuracy? The smaller channel helps guide the ball more precisely, leading to more consistent release points. What are the drawbacks of narrow heads? They can make catching more challenging, especially for less experienced players.
Flex and Stiffness: Finding the Right Balance
The flex of a lacrosse head can affect both offensive and defensive play:
- Flexible heads can improve shot power and feel
- Stiffer heads provide more consistent passing and improved checking ability
How does head flex impact different positions? Attackers often prefer more flexible heads for improved shooting, while defenders typically opt for stiffer heads for more effective checking. Midfielders might choose a balance based on their primary role.
Customization Options for Advanced Players
As players advance in skill and experience, they often seek ways to customize their lacrosse sticks for optimal performance. Understanding these customization options can help you fine-tune your stick to your specific playing style.
Stringing Techniques: Tailoring Your Pocket
Advanced players often experiment with different stringing techniques to achieve their desired pocket shape and performance:
- High pockets for quicker release
- Mid pockets for versatile play
- Low pockets for maximum hold
How does pocket placement affect ball control? Higher pockets generally offer quicker release but less hold, while lower pockets provide more hold but can slow down release. What stringing patterns are popular among elite players? U-string and SI (Stack-I) patterns are common for their combination of hold and quick release.
Tape and Grip Modifications
Customizing the grip of your stick can improve control and comfort:
- Hockey tape for improved grip in wet conditions
- Rubber grips for comfort and reduced vibration
- Customized taping patterns for optimal hand placement
Why do some players prefer minimal grip modifications? Some players feel that a bare shaft provides better feedback and allows for quicker hand adjustments. How can grip customization benefit your game? Experimenting with different grip styles can help you find the perfect balance of control and stick movement for your playing style.
Weight Distribution Adjustments
Advanced players often fine-tune the weight distribution of their sticks:
- Adding weight to the bottom for more powerful checks
- Keeping the stick head-heavy for quicker release
- Balancing weight for all-around performance
How does weight distribution affect stick handling? A more bottom-heavy stick can provide more power in shots and checks but may reduce quick stick skills. A head-heavy stick can improve ball control and quick release but may feel less stable during defensive play. What’s the best way to determine your ideal weight distribution? Experiment with different setups during practice to find what feels most natural and effective for your style of play.
By understanding these advanced customization options, players can truly tailor their lacrosse sticks to complement their strengths and playing style. Remember, what works for one player may not work for another, so it’s important to experiment and find the setup that feels best for you.
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?