Research Top Lacrosse Brands For Quality Equipment
As any lacrosse player knows, having the right gear can make all the difference on the field. When shopping for new lacrosse equipment at local stores, it pays to do some research on the top brands ahead of time. This ensures you end up with high-quality gear that enhances your game rather than hindering it.
Speaking from personal experience, I’ve wasted money in the past on lacrosse gear that just didn’t cut it performance-wise. The stick didn’t throw or handle well, the helmet fogged up easily, and the gloves fell apart after just a few months. Once I started taking the time to research the most trusted and recommended brands in the lacrosse world, I noticed a huge improvement in the quality of the equipment I purchased.
Here are some of the top lacrosse brands I always look for now when I’m in the market for new gear:
Warrior
Warrior is one of the giants in the lacrosse equipment industry, offering a wide selection of sticks, heads, shafts, gloves, pads, and other gear. I’ve been playing with a Warrior Evo Pro head and titanium shaft for two seasons now and absolutely love it. The head holds its shape well and provides great ball control, while the shaft gives me the lightweight durability I need. Warrior gear tends to be on the pricier side, but you get what you pay for.
STX
STX is another huge name in lacrosse that produces equipment favored by players at all levels. Like Warrior, they offer a comprehensive lineup of gear including sticks, gloves, helmets, bags, and protective equipment. I recently bought one of their Stallion lacrosse sticks after reading rave reviews about its excellent throwing power and accuracy. It took a little time to get used to, but this stick really improved my game once I adjusted to it. For solid quality across the board, STX remains a go-to brand.
Maverik
Known for their innovative stick technology, Maverik manufactures some of the most popular lacrosse heads and complete sticks in the sport. I’ve been coveting one of their Rome NXT lacrosse sticks for a while now after trying out my buddy’s. The high-performance carbon shaft and accurate release point on the head make it a truly elite setup. Maverik also produces gloves, pads, bags and other accessories to round out their offerings. I’d recommend trying one of their sticks if you want more speed, control and power on your shots.
Beyond those major players, there are also smaller lacrosse gear companies producing quality equipment worth looking into. Brands like Epoch, StringKing, East Coast Dyes (ECD), Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Brine and STX all have options worth checking out during your research. I look to see what the pros use and also read player reviews online to identify some of these under-the-radar brands making big waves.
Taking the time to research the top lacrosse brands helps ensure you get the most bang for your buck. Once you hit the local stores to shop, seek out and test products from these leading companies. With the right gear from trusted manufacturers, you’ll gain an edge over your competitors on game day.
Compare Prices Online Before Visiting Lacrosse Stores
With the rise of online shopping, it’s easier than ever to compare prices for lacrosse equipment before making purchases at local retail stores. Doing your homework online first allows you to scope out the best deals and walk into stores prepared to get quality gear at the lowest prices.
In the past, I would just walk into my local lacrosse shops and pay whatever they were asking for heads, shafts, gloves and other items. But after overpaying a few times, I realized I needed to start comparing prices first online before making in-store purchases. Now I take some time to research options online across various websites to find the best bargains.
Here are some tips for comparing lacrosse gear prices online:
Search Aggregator Sites
Sites like LacrosseMonkey.com allow you to easily compare lacrosse equipment and accessories across various brands in one place. I’ll often search for something like “Warrior lacrosse gloves” and then filter the results by price from low to high. This gives me a quick glimpse of price ranges across the web.
Visit Major Retailer Websites
Big online lacrosse retailers like Lacrosse Unlimited, Universal Lacrosse and LAX.com have large selections I can browse through. I search on sites like these to get a sense of new product pricing. Seeing the full price direct from major retailers provides a baseline to compare against.
Look for Coupons and Discounts
Before buying, I always search “[product name] coupon code” to find any available discounts. RetailMeNot and other coupon sites aggregate deals you can use at checkout on lacrosse gear sites. I’ve saved a good chunk of money using promo codes found through these services.
Compare Shipping Costs
Some sites like Lacrosse Unlimited offer free shipping on large orders, while others charge for shipping. I factor estimated shipping costs into the total price when comparing between retailers. No sense in ordering from a site if their shipping fees effectively cancel out any savings on the gear itself.
Check Social Media
Following lacrosse brands and retailers on Instagram and Facebook can provide early info on upcoming sales and clearance events. For big ticket purchases, I try to buy during sales when prices have already been slashed lower than usual.
With prices compared, I head to local stores armed with the knowledge of what I should actually be paying. When the store price is higher than what I’ve found online, I politely ask the staff if they can match the lower internet price. Stores want the business, so often they’ll meet you halfway.
It does take some extra time to compare options and find the best deals. But being an informed shopper saves me big on lacrosse gear purchases. The money I save can be used to buy more training equipment!
Look For Lacrosse Gear Sales And Promotions
One of the best ways to save money on quality lacrosse equipment at local stores is to keep an eye out for sales and promotions. With some strategic timing on big purchases, you can score major discounts on the gear you need.
In my early lacrosse playing days, I would run out to the store and pay full price anytime I needed a new stick or pair of gloves. Then I wisened up and learned to watch for seasonal sales events and limited-time deals to get more bang for my buck.
Here are some tips on capitalizing on lacrosse gear sales and promotions:
Check for Holiday Sales
Major holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day are prime times to find lacrosse equipment discounts. Stores will often run large sales during these long weekends to attract customer traffic. One year I bought two new STX sticks at 30% off each around July 4th just by taking advantage of the holiday promotion.
Shop End-of-Season Clearance
As the summer or spring lacrosse season comes to an end, retailers will discount inventory to make room for new products coming in. Hitting the clearance racks right as seasons change over can result in huge savings on last year’s gear models and discontinued items.
Look for Coupon Codes
Before making any online purchases, I search for coupon codes which can take 10-20% or more off your cart total. Retailers like Universal Lacrosse and LAX.com often run limited-time promo codes that can be found through deal sites.
Buy Last Year’s Gear
New product lines hit stores each year. This means last year’s equipment gets discounted. If you aren’t fussed about having the absolute newest gear, buying last season’s sticks, pads and gloves on clearance can save big.
Price Match Guarantees
Some retailers like Lacrosse Unlimited will price match deals found at competitor stores. Bring proof of the competitor’s discounted price into the store and ask if they’ll match it. This simple request can score you a deal without the hassle of shopping around.
Buy More to Save More
Many lacrosse retailers offer tiered discounts the more you buy. Stocking up on multiple pieces of equipment, additional accessories or team bulk orders can unlock percentage savings off your total purchase.
By timing my lacrosse gear purchases around sales events, I’ve saved hundreds of dollars over the years. Doing some deal hunting takes more effort but pays off when you get the equipment you need at discounted prices.
Ask For Sizing And Fitting Recommendations
Finding lacrosse gear that fits properly is crucial for optimal comfort and performance. When shopping at local stores, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for sizing and fitting recommendations to ensure you select equipment tailored to your needs.
As a newer lacrosse player, I used to just guess at sizes and grab gear off the shelves. This resulted in ill-fitting equipment that negatively affected my game. The oversized helmet rattled around dangerously, and my undersized gloves restricted movement. Once I started consulting store staff for their expertise, I ended up with gear that fit like a glove (literally!).
Here are some tips for getting sizing and fitting advice:
Know Your Measurements
Come armed with your basic measurements – height, weight, torso length, arm length, waist size, etc. This gives staff an objective baseline for making fitting recommendations rather than just eyeballing. For sticks, measure your armspan tip-to-tip to determine ideal shaft length.
Explain How You Play
Discussing your playing position and style helps consultants factor in how you’ll use your gear. A defensive midfielder needs sturdier pads than a quick attackman, for example. Sharing these details results in better recommendations.
Try Before You Buy
No matter what staff recommend, always try gear on in-store before purchasing. Shoulder pads may feel fine sitting down but limit mobility when running full speed. Take equipment for a test drive on store turf fields if possible.
Ask About Adjustability
Many gear pieces like helmets, gloves and pads offer adjustable elements to fine tune fit. Ask consultants how these features work and how to tweak them for your optimal comfort and response.
Don’t Settle If Uncomfortable
Trust your own sense of comfort over what staff suggest. A helmet secured too tightly can cause headaches. Shoulder pad straps digging into your neck signal poor fit. Keep trying sizes and adjusting until gear feels right.
Leveraging the expertise of knowledgeable store staff takes the guesswork out of lacrosse gear sizing. Getting gear dialed in upfront prevents discomfort and distraction from ruining your performance. Plus staff will appreciate your business after taking the time to offer advice!
Try Equipment On In-Store Before Buying
When shopping for lacrosse gear at local stores, it’s tempting to just order equipment online for the convenience. However, taking the time to try items on in-store first is crucial for ensuring optimal fit and comfort.
Early on, I would order all my lacrosse equipment from websites like Universal Lacrosse and LAX.com without testing sizing. More often than not, the gear wouldn’t fit quite right or feel totally comfortable on the field. Now I always make a point to visit local shops and try gear on before handing over any money.
Here are some key reasons you should test lacrosse equipment in-store before buying:
Verify Correct Sizing
The most obvious benefit of trying gear on is confirming you get the right size. Arm and shin guard sizes in particular can vary between brands. Trying guards on is the only way to pinpoint your perfect fit for full protective coverage without restricting mobility.
Evaluate Comfort and Feel
Comfort with gear like helmet fit and glove size is subjective and personal. One player’s snug helmet is another’s constant headache. Test gear like gloves and pads under simulated playing motions to make sure nothing rubs or pinches.
Check Adjustability Features
Many equipment pieces allow micro adjustments to dial in fit. Helmets have removable padding inserts to customize interior fit. Trying pads on lets you test how straps and liners conform and tighten to your body in motion.
Assess Overall Mobility
Full lacrosse protective gear can feel great standing still then hinder your movement once you’re sprinting downfield. Test flexibility and mobility of pads and gloves through lunges, twists and practice shots before purchasing.
Get Hands-On with Sticks
Balance and handling of lacrosse sticks can vary. Holding sticks in-store helps determine ideal shaft length and test ball control and shooting mechanics with different head shapes before buying.
Taking a small chunk of time to try gear on is worthwhile to ensure you’re getting equipment tailored to your specific needs. The in-store trial run prevents wasting money on online purchases that disappoint once you hit the field in them.
Inspect Gear Closely For Any Flaws Or Damage
Used and display lacrosse equipment can appear shiny and new at first glance when shopping in-store. But it pays to thoroughly inspect all gear for any flaws, defects or damage before purchasing anything.
When I was a lacrosse novice, I’d get excited finding cheap heads and gloves on clearance racks. I learned the hard way those bargains often had major flaws once I examined gear closely on the field. Now I take time in shops to carefully inspect all equipment first.
Here are some tips on what to look for when inspecting gear:
Check All Plastic Components
Closely examine heads and any protective gear shells for hairline cracks or deformities. Bend and squeeze plastic to check for brittleness. Even minor cracks expand over time and compromise structural integrity.
Verify Proper Head Shape
Heads can warp from improper storage conditions. Place heads flat on countertops to check for unevenness. An irregular head shape affects ball control and release.
Inspect Mesh Pockets
Mesh and nylon lacrosse pockets can fray or develop holes over time. Check the entire pocket for loose or ripped stitching. Take a ball and roll it around inside to check for catching or uneven throwing channel.
Look for Rust and Wear
Check metal components on heads, shafts and protective gear for any rust spots or corrosion, which indicate damage. Also look for excessive scratches, fraying or general wear-and-tear.
Test Buckles and Straps
Protective pads feature lots of straps and plastic clips to secure gear in place. Try fastening and releasing all buckles and closely inspect straps for any tearing or loss of elasticity.
Squeeze Padding
Press down on helmet liners, glove and pad foam to check consistency and density. Flat spots or mushy sections mean worn out padding that offers less impact protection.
Taking a few extra minutes to thoroughly scrutinize gear can end up saving you from wasting money on defective equipment. And alerting staff to any damage you discover helps them remove flawed inventory from shelves.
Ask About Warranties And Return Policies
Part of shopping smart for lacrosse equipment involves understanding the protections and policies in case gear is defective or just doesn’t work out for you. Be sure to ask store staff about any included warranties and the specifics of their return policy before purchasing.
When I first started building my lacrosse gear bag, I didn’t pay much attention to warranties and returns. I’d just assume everything could be brought back if needed. But policies vary greatly, and some shops offer no guarantees at all. Now I always get clear on coverage and return rules upfront to protect my purchases.
Here are key details to inquire about:
Manufacturer Defect Warranties
Most equipment will come with some warranty from the brand against defects in workmanship. Ask staff what is covered, for how long, and the process for making warranty claims through either the store or manufacturer.
Store Return and Exchange Policies
If a piece of gear just isn’t a good personal fit or performing as expected, can you return or exchange it? Learn the timeframes and conditions for getting refunds or store credit if needed.
Receipts for Returns
Stores will likely require a receipt and tags be attached for any returns or exchanges. Confirm required proof of purchase and that your receipts clearly capture all important details.
Used Gear Policies
Ask if any return or warranty protections apply for used equipment sold in the store. Generally all sales on used gear are final, but some shops may allow short term returns.
Restocking Fees
Make sure to ask whether the store charges any restocking fees for returns. Some shops deduct 10-15% on refunds which can add up quickly for expensive gear.
Understanding warranty coverage and return policies provides peace of mind if issues arise with new gear. Ask store staff for all pertinent details so there are no surprises down the road.
Get Custom Sticks Strung To Your Preferences
One great service many lacrosse shops offer is custom stringing so you can get sticks tailored exactly to your playing style and performance needs. Take advantage of this to stand out on the field with a pocket and whip perfectly dialed to you.
Early on I would just use off-the-shelf sticks right out of the box with the default stringing. My game improved considerably once I started working with store stringers to customize stringing to my ideal specs. The precision passing and enhanced ball control took my skills up a notch.
Here are some tips for getting sticks strung just the way you want:
Discuss Stringing Styles
Talk to the store stringers about options – traditional leathers, mesh, double stringing, etc. Ask what they recommend based on your position and skill level.
Consider Pocket Placement
Pockets can be threaded higher or lower depending on your needs. Low pockets provide more ball control while higher pockets increase power. Discuss placement preferences with stringers.
Request Shooting Strings
Add shooting strings across the top of the head to enhance ball speed and accuracy. Different shooting string patterns like straights or chevrons fine tune your release.
Test Whip and Release Points
Stringers can adjust sidewall tension to tighten or loosen whip. Controlled whip builds ball speed. Request sample stringing jobs to test release points and tweak to your motion.
Share Input on Pocket Shape
Pocket shape affects handling and response. Tell stringers if you prefer channeled, baggy or other pocket forms. Bring a favorite stick as an example if desired.
Ask Lots of Questions
Stringing experts are passionate about their craft. Ask for advice on getting the most from your stick. Take advantage of their expertise for a truly personalized stringing job.
Investing in custom stringing gives you an edge over the competition. With sticks tailored specifically for you, your skills and confidence will surge playing with your new perfectly pocketed weapon!
Shop For Complete Stick Packages To Save
Looking to maximize savings on your lacrosse stick purchases? Opt for complete pre-packaged sticks from top brands over piecing together individual heads and shafts. Complete sticks offer bundled pricing while still providing high performance.
When I first started playing lacrosse, I would buy heads and shafts separately thinking it allowed me to customize my perfect setup. I soon realized packaged complete sticks gave me 90% of what I wanted at a fraction of the total cost.
Here are some benefits of buying complete stick packages:
Save on Bundled Pricing
Retailers offer discounts when buying heads and shafts together rather than individually. Pre-packaged sticks save you 10-20% compared to buying components separately.
Matched Performance
Stick manufacturers design heads and shafts in packages to work together optimally. The balanced weight and handling improves performance and feel.
Pre-Stringed Options
Many complete sticks come pre-strung with mesh or traditional stringing. This saves you time and money on getting sticks game-ready.
Tested Combos
R&D teams rigorously test stick packages to ensure optimal playability. Buying bundled saves trial and error trying to pair heads and shafts yourself.
Simpler Buying
Complete sticks allow one-stop shopping. No need to marry the right shaft to head – just pick a package and you’re set!
Beginner Friendly
Pre-configured sticks work great for new players still understanding their preferences. Packages offer proven performance out of the gate.
Before paying top dollar piecing gear together, look into value-priced complete sticks from top brands like Warrior, Maverik and STX. The performance, convenience and savings are tough to beat!
Look For Team And Club Discounts
Stores catering to lacrosse players will often offer team and club discounts as a show of support for local programs. When shopping for gear, be sure to ask retailers about any price breaks available through team or youth league associations.
During my club and high school lacrosse career, I paid full price for all my gear like pads, sticks and uniforms. I later learned many stores provide discounts – sometimes up to 20% off – for youth team and club members. Asking about potential team deals can lead to major savings.
Here are some ways to uncover team and club lacrosse discounts:
Ask Coaches About Sponsorships
Team coaches may have existing relationships and sponsorship arrangements with certain stores to direct business there. My program got discounts through our coach’s connection with Lacrosse Unlimited.
Inquire at Local Shops
When buying gear, ask retailers directly if they offer any team discounts. Have your team name, league and other info ready to reference.
Look for Posted Signage
Some stores advertise team discounts on signs or banners in-store. Scout for any visible posted promotions when shopping around.
Search Online Listings
Websites of local shops may list team discounts online. Search “[store name] lacrosse team discounts” to uncover any advertised deals.
Buy in Bulk
Purchasing team orders in bulk from a retailer often qualifies for additional discounts. Coordinate parents or captains to organize team-wide orders.
Time Discounts with Peak Seasons
Requesting team discounts right before summer tournaments or fall ball when demand spikes can increase chances for stores to honor discounts.
Taking advantage of every available cost saving helps make lacrosse accessible for young athletes. A little research and planning unlocks team and club lacrosse gear deals.
Buy Essential Protective Gear Like Helmets
Find The Best Lacrosse Gear Near You: How To Shop Smart At Local Stores
Stock Up On Lacrosse Balls And Training Aids
Find The Best Lacrosse Gear Near You: How To Shop Smart At Local Stores
Discuss Stringing And Pocketing Options
Find The Best Lacrosse Gear Near You: How To Shop Smart At Local Stores
Choose Between Mesh And Traditional Pockets
Find The Best Lacrosse Gear Near You: How To Shop Smart At Local Stores
Clean And Maintain Gear Properly For Longevity
Find The Best Lacrosse Gear Near You: How To Shop Smart At Local Stores