Compare Shaft Materials Like Aluminum, Scandium, Titanium, and Carbon Fiber to Find Your Ideal Balance of Weight, Strength, and Flexibility
When selecting a new women’s lacrosse shaft, one of the most important considerations is the shaft material. The main options are aluminum, scandium, titanium, and carbon fiber composites. Each offers its own blend of lightweight feel, durability, flexibility, and price point.
Aluminum shafts have been popular in lacrosse for their combination of affordability, strength, and reasonable weight. The alloy can be tuned to offer a nice responsive feel without too much flex. Brands like STX and Maverik use aircraft-grade aluminum for an ideal strength-to-weight ratio. The main downside is aluminum can dent over time.
Scandium alloy shafts provide a leap forward in minimizing weight while retaining a stiff, rugged construction. By mixing scandium with aluminum, shafts can be up to 15% lighter while maintaining stiffness and durability. Scandium does come at a higher price point, so these shafts appeal to players looking for the lightest shaft possible.
For elite level lightweight strength, high-end titanium shafts have emerged in recent years. Top brands like Epoch leverage aerospace-grade titanium alloys to construct professional quality shafts weighing well under 100 grams. You’ll pay handsomely for the exotic materials, but titanium offers unmatched durability at featherweight ratios.
Lastly, carbon fiber composite shafts provide excellent dampening and a fine-tuned flex profile, at a moderate weight penalty versus scandium or titanium. Weaved carbon fiber sleeves fit over an internal foam or alloy core, providing long-lasting flex without risk of permanent bending. Carbon is another premium option, best suited for control-oriented players.
Evaluating the fine nuances between shaft materials requires closely inspecting the weight, balance point, flexibility, and construction quality. Grip and swing some demo shafts to gauge your ideal blend of lightness, stiffness, and ruggedness. While expensive, today’s ultra-high-end shafts do push the envelope in responsiveness and durable performance for elite players.
Consider the Ideal Shaft Length Based on Your Height, Position, and Preferred Handling
When looking for a new women’s lacrosse shaft, one of the key fitting factors along with flex and weight is selecting the appropriate shaft length. Women’s field lacrosse rules allow for shafts between 35.5″ to 43.25″ long. Within this range, you’ll want to pick the right length based on your height, position, and personal preference for stick handling.
For offensive players like attackers and midfielders who need excellent stick control in tight spaces, shorter shaft lengths are often ideal. Shafts in the 35.5″ to 37″ range provide quick response and tight cradling, at the expense of some reach on checks. Taller players can also opt for slightly longer lengths up to 40″ for a bit more power while maintaining precision.
Defensive players who play a more physical game with poke checks and knockdowns usually prefer longer shafts from 37″ up to 43″. Those extra couple inches make a big difference for effectively checking and disrupting offensive players. Longer shafts do come at the cost of some handling quickness, so keep that in mind.
When considering your height, a good general rule of thumb is to use a shaft length that extends to around your chin or mouth area. This allows you to comfortably cradle across your head and shoulders. Especially for younger high school players still growing, avoid buying too long a shaft that could hamper handling.
It’s also wise to think about which positions you play or may want to transition to in the future. Attackers switching to midfield or defenders later moving to midfield will want some room to size up or down. Buying a shaft on the shorter end of your ideal range leaves room to go longer if needed.
Finally, factor in your own hands and handling preferences. Do you want the closer control of a shorter shaft or the extended reach of a longer length? Testing out multiple lengths first is ideal to find your optimum fit. Lacrosse specialty stores often stock a range of lengths to experiment before buying.
Dialing in your perfect lacrosse shaft length does take some trial and error. But taking the time to find the right fit for your body and position will pay off with better performance on the field.
Examine Head Compatibility to Find the Best Shaft and Head Pairing
When putting together a new women’s lacrosse stick, one of the most important considerations is ensuring compatibility between the shaft and head. With many shafts and heads to choose from, you’ll want to match up the best pairing that complements your playing style.
For starters, you’ll need to find a shaft and head designed for the same stick type. Field lacrosse shafts and heads differ from box versions, so be sure you are shopping for field components. Within field sticks, offensive and defensive heads require corresponding shaft mounting types. Offensive sticks typically use the universal spec, while defensive heads utilize the old school spec.
Beyond basic mounting compatibility, you’ll want to think about weight distribution and balance. Pairing an ultra light shaft with a heavy head could lead to a bottom-heavy imbalance. Going the other way, an overly lightweight head on a heavier shaft may feel too top-loaded.
Try to align the balance point of the shaft length with the overall weight profile of the head. For example, a lightweight carbon fiber shaft paired with a scandium-alloy defensive head leads to excellent balance. Mix and match different price point heads and shafts to find your ideal setup.
It’s also helpful to match flex profiles between shaft and head. A rigid shaft paired with a highly flexible head won’t yield great ball handling and passing. Instead, pair softer flexing shafts with stiff heads, or vice versa, for optimal energy transfer.
When shopping for components, think about brands known for designing complementary shafts and heads. Maverik and STX offer a great range of shafts and heads engineered in tandem for ideal weight, balance, and flex pairing. This takes some guesswork out of the equation.
While most shaft and head combinations will technically work, taking time to find your ideal matched set enhances overall feel and performance. Don’t be afraid to mix and match brands either until you discover your perfect combo. With the right pairing, your stick will feel like an extension of your arm as you cradle, pass, and shoot.
Review Grip and Handle Features for Optimal Control and Responsiveness
An often overlooked aspect of choosing the best women’s lacrosse shaft is evaluating the grip and handle construction. The grip area matters for overall comfort and control, while the handle affects responsiveness and ball feel.
For the grip, look for shafts with comfortable yet durable grip materials. Many shafts use molded rubber grips with cushioning and tactile grip patterns. Others go with synthetic leather wraps or perforated grips for both softness and tackiness. Having some texture along the grip aids handling in all weather conditions.
The ideal grip will also extend far enough down the shaft to accommodate different hand positions for cradling, shooting, and checking. Extended grips in the 8 to 10 inch range provide versatility regardless of where you place your hands.
It’s also helpful if the grip material connects seamlessly with the handle area. Some shafts implement grips as more of an afterthought, leading to edges that can slightly interfere with slide checks or quick release passes.
Speaking of the handle, this is where shaft construction matters most. Scandium, titanium, and carbon fiber shafts really shine with incredibly responsive yet dampened handles for outstanding ball control.
Quality handles should offer a smooth finish to limit friction and facilitate easy cradling. At the same time, precision molding and tapering allows for targeted stiffening and flex zones for just the right amount of “give” on shots.
Minimal vibration is crucial as well, something advanced alloys and composites excel at. You want immediate stick feedback without excess sting or rattling that could lead to fatigue or mishandling over a game.
Test various grip styles and handle constructions to determine your preferences. Fitting the grip to your hand structure maximizes comfort. And the right handle feel develops natural stick awareness through responsiveness, damping, and feedback. Get those elements right and lacrosse becomes second nature.
Prioritize Durability from Rugged Yet Lightweight Shaft Constructions
When playing an intense, physical sport like lacrosse, durability is a prime consideration in a new shaft. You need a stick built to withstand checks, slashes, and falls game after game.
The main durable shaft materials today are aircraft-grade aluminum, lightweight scandium or titanium alloys, and carbon fiber composites. Each offers ruggedness in their own way.
Aluminum has proven itself over decades as an affordable alloy that resists denting and bending. Impacts that might ruin weaker metals cause minimal damage with aluminum. Recent aluminum lacrosse shafts utilize advanced 7000-series alloys for the optimum strength-to-weight ratio.
Scandium ratchets up durability at an ultra-lightweight level by minimally adding the rare earth metal to aluminum. This creates a structurally sound matrix that maintains stiffness and damage resistance under heavy loads. Expect less wear over time with scandium versus standard aluminum.
When only the best will do, aerospace-grade titanium alloys like those in Epoch shafts offer unmatched ruggedness barely over 100 grams. Titanium shrugs off seemingly any amount of abuse, though generally at a premium price.
Carbon fiber weaves also last and last thanks to ripped polymer strands encased in epoxy. Impacts dissipate throughout the entire shaft instead of causing isolated damage. While carbon fiber can permanently deform if crushed, it’s incredibly resilient through routine checks and contact.
No matter the material, look for advanced construction techniques that enhance durability. Brands like Maverik implement double-wall molding for added structure. STX uses high-pressure injection molding to better fuse alloy materials. And East Coast Dyes rotates the carbon fiber weave for improved strength.
Considering how much action a lacrosse shaft endures, opt for the most durable construction in your budget. With today’s engineering, you really can have both lightweight feel and rock-solid ruggedness over many seasons of play.
Compare Price Ranges to Find the Best Value at Your Budget Level
With so many shaft options for women’s lacrosse today, you can find excellent performance at budget-friendly price points as well as pro-grade premium offerings.
For new players or those on a tight budget, basic aluminum shafts start around $50 or less. These get the job done with durable alloy construction, if not much frills. Ideal for athletes growing into the sport who will need size up in a year or two.
In the $60 to $100 range, expect enhanced aluminum alloys like STX’s 6000-series or features like an extended grip. Mid-level carbon fiber also hits this range, though with a bit more flex than top composites. Great value that steps up playability and longevity.
From $100 to $150 truly positions you in the advanced game improvement category. Here you’ll see ultra premium aluminum shafts using aircraft grade alloys, and intro level Scandium starting around $130. Serious high school and college players will appreciate the performance.
Finally, $150 and up enters the elite and professional realm. Scandium, advanced carbons, and aerospace titanium occupy this premium tier. While costly, these shafts deliver unparalleled lightweight strength and handling for the top echelon of lacrosse athletes.
Setting a budget and demarcating good, better, and best helps refine your buying decision. While always tempting to go for the most expensive gear, make sure to tailor to your skill level, position, and how often you play. Plenty of choices balance price with quality construction and useful technologies.
Overall, lacrosse shafts offer outstanding bang for the buck even at lower price ranges. But legitimate value exists all the way up to the professional ranks. Weigh cost against performance demands to pick your ideal shaft at any budget.
Check Brand Reputations and Warranties for Confidence in Quality
When selecting a new women’s lacrosse shaft, you’ll of course want a stick engineered and constructed to last. Checking out brand reputations and warranties provides confidence in longevity.
In the lacrosse world, certain brands have staked their reputations on consistently producing high-performing and durable gear. Trusted names include STX, Maverik, Epoch, East Coast Dyes, Warrior, Brine, and StringKing among others.
These companies invest heavily in research, design, materials, and manufacturing techniques to optimize shafts year to year. Elite players rely on their sticks, so these brands are highly motivated to deliver.
Beyond reputations, take the time to understand warranty terms. Most lacrosse gear today comes with at least a limited 12-month warranty. This protects against defects in early use. But some brands extend coverage further.
For example, Maverik stands behind their shafts for up to two years after purchase. And carbon fiber shafts often carry lifetime warranties given their long-lasting materials. Consider those extra coverage years a bonus.
You’ll also want to check what exactly the warranty covers. Some may replace broken shafts no questions asked, while lower tier brands might require proof of defective materials or construction. Know the terms upfront.
Buying from an authorized lacrosse dealer also adds an extra level of support, as they assist in facilitating warranty replacements. So be sure to keep your receipt.
Researching company reputations and warranty protection helps steer you toward shafts engineered to perform. Lacrosse gear sees a lot of wear and tear, so choose a shaft brand known for quality construction backed up by solid coverage terms.
Read Genuine Player Reviews for Real-World Performance Insights
When researching different shafts for women’s lacrosse, reviews from actual players provide helpful insights you won’t find in marketing copy. Take advantage of shared first-hand experiences before deciding on a new stick.
Today most major lacrosse retailers let customers post reviews of gear they’ve purchased. Look for sticks with overall high average ratings, but also read the specific details.
Players will note how the shaft performed for their position, which heads paired well, and comfort and durability observations from game use. You might find out about flex or handling aspects not apparent from specs alone.
Equally as important are 1 and 2-star reviews. Here you may learn about sizing inconsistencies, grip issues, or durability problems if any exist. Isolating any potential downsides is key.
Consider the experience levels of reviewers too. Beginners appreciate different qualities versus college or elite players. Seek perspectives from your skill range when possible.
Browsing lacrosse forums and communities provides another avenue to gather candid shaft impressions. Those active in the sport love analyzing gear and weighing in.
YouTube reviews are also helpful for seeing shafts in action, getting a feel for flex profiles and overall handling. Watch several from different reviewers for a balanced take.
While trying shafts for yourself is ideal, leveraging insights from fellow players arms you with useful real-world information. You might uncover the perfect shaft for your needs based on someone else’s thoughtful advice and feedback.
Find Deals on Last Year’s Top Rated Women’s Lacrosse Shafts
One way to save money when shopping for a new women’s lacrosse shaft is looking at last year’s top rated sticks. Retailers often discount previous model year shafts while still offering excellent performance and quality.
The main lacrosse brands frequently update their selection with the “latest and greatest” each year. While new shafts may offer minor tweaks and improvements, prior year models still have plenty of game left.
Often the differences come down to cosmetics like updated graphics, colors, or grip textures. But the underlying shaft materials and construction remain fundamentally the same.
Closeout deals will typically discount a previous model year shaft by around 30%. So a stick originally $100 might now sell for $70. That’s $70 in savings for what amounts to the same performance.
Retailers like Lacrosse Unlimited, Lacrosse Monkey, and other online gear sites maintain clearance sections to browse. Sort by your size, flex, and price range to find deals.
You can also find last year’s shafts on eBay, SidelineSwap, and other used gear marketplaces. Players often upgrade and sell great condition sticks for steep discounts.
If you see a lot of positive reviews around a previous model year shaft, don’t hesitate to choose it as a money saving option. Stick technology evolves incrementally, so “last year’s model” still plays fantastic.
Evaluate the specs and reviews rather than focusing solely on the year. With some research and luck, you could land a high-end shaft for a fraction of the original cost.
Shop Specialty Retailers for the Best Lacrosse Shaft Selection
To find the greatest variety and availability of women’s lacrosse shafts, visit retailers specializing in lacrosse equipment. Their extensive selections provide options unavailable elsewhere.
The top lacrosse sites like Lacrosse Monkey, Lacrosse Unlimited, Lax.com, and East Coast Dyes offer sticks from all the major brands. You’ll find unique limited edition shafts alongside mainstream versions.
These specialty stores work directly with companies like STX, Maverik, and Epoch to provide the latest gear on release. If a new women’s shaft hits the market, these retailers will have first availability.
Their superior supplier relationships also translate into sales and deals unavailable through generic sporting goods stores. Keep an eye out for holiday sales and clearance promotions to save.
The staff expertise at lacrosse specialists also proves helpful when selecting a new stick. Many employees have first-hand playing experience to inform recommendations based on your needs.
These retailers also facilitate easy exchanges or returns if needed, as they understand fit and feel preferences come into play. Their service caters to discerning athletes.
While Amazon and other mega online retailers sell lacrosse gear, specialty shops provide the ultimate selection and buying experience. You’ll come away fully equipped with the ideal shaft to elevate your game.
Consider a Custom Shaft for Optimized Personal Fit and Performance
For the ultimate in dialed-in feel and handling, many lacrosse athletes opt to design fully customized shafts tailored to their preferences. While pricier, custom provides the pinnacle in personal fit.
Leading custom stick makers like Epoch and StringKing allow you to fine-tune every aspect of a new shaft. This includes materials, flex profile, grip style, graphics, and even the exact weight down to the gram.
Start by selecting your ideal shaft material like ultra lightweight scandium or bombproof titanium alloys. Then specify flex characteristics for precision passing and shooting.
Customize length based on your exact height and positional needs. Add an extended grip with personalized textures molded for superior comfort. Even engrave the shaft with your name or number.
Expert stick craftsmen then hand assemble your stick to match the ordered specifications. Customers at any skill level can benefit from these tailored sticks purpose-built for their game.
Another custom option is to purchase an existing high-performance shaft and send it off for modifications. Companies like Stylin Strings and Custom Lacrosse specialize in “pimping out” stock gear.
Consider adding personalized leather or synthetic grips for great handling. Or increase the flex through special stringing techniques like adding “shooter” sidewall strings.
While investing in a fully custom stick has a cost, the ability to design your “dream shaft” can pay dividends when performing at a high level. Get yours precisely how you like it.
Try Before You Buy In Stores to Evaluate Fit and Feel
Although online shopping provides unbeatable access to lacrosse gear, nothing substitutes for hands-on trial of actual shafts before buying. Take advantage of brick-and-mortar retail and demos to test out candidates.
Major sporting goods chains like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, and Modell’s feature wall displays with multiple lacrosse shaft options to grip and flex. Narrow down your favorites after examining in person.
For even deeper selection, visit smaller regional lacrosse shops for insights from experienced staff. Let them know your needs and hold numerous shafts to compare balance, swing weight, and materials.
Many top brands also conduct demo days where they send representatives to events and tournaments with sample products. Take note of how the shafts handle in simulated game use.
If possible, try out loaner shafts during training sessions over multiple practices. This gives time to make sure a stick works for you before committing.
Don’t underestimate the value of going hands-on before buying, especially given the cost of higher-end gear. Comfort, handling, and performance attributes are hard to gauge remotely.
Test candidate shafts side-by-side on all lacrosse actions – cradling, scooping ground balls, passing, shooting. The right shaft will immediately instill confidence in your play.
While e-commerce provides ultimate convenience, take time to feel shafts in person first. Handling shafts yourself accelerates the evaluation process to find your ideal match.
Match Your Lacrosse Shaft to Your Skills and Performance Goals
With so many shaft options available today for women’s lacrosse, it’s important to choose a stick aligned to your skill level and areas needing improvement. Let your goals guide the selection process.
For newer players still developing fundamentals, focus on comfort, affordability, and versatility. Basic aluminum shafts allow focusing on proper mechanics versus equipment.
Intermediate athletes looking to take their game up a notch can consider lightweight scandium or composite shafts for increased ball control and handling. The improved feel inspires confident playmaking.
Advanced and elite players seeking every edge benefit most from pro-grade shafts with ultra responsiveness. The highest-end shafts essentially disappear in your hands, allowing pure intuition.
Think about your individual strengths and weaknesses too. If your shot lacks velocity, consider a stiff composite shaft with excellent power transfer. For better ball control, softer flexing shafts encourage clean cradling.
Make sure to factor in your primary position as well. Close-checking defenders need longer shafts with reach, while scorers want shorter sticks for quick release shooting.
Set any budget boundaries, but also invest appropriately for your skill bracket. While a $150 shaft won’t instantly elevate a beginner’s game, it can provide that extra 1% for committed athletes.
Be honest about your current ability and areas for improvement, then choose a shaft to address weaknesses while enhancing natural strengths. A matched shaft feels like an extension of your arm.
Match Your Lacrosse Shaft to Your Goals for Shooting, Passing, and Ball Control
An important way to evaluate new lacrosse shafts is considering how well they’ll improve your shooting, passing, cradling, and scooping abilities. Choose features tailored to your needs.
ForShooting power and accuracy, look for stiff composite or alloy shafts with great energy transfer and precision aim. You want excellent feel and feedback on wind-ups without torque or vibration upon release. Brands like Maverik optimize shafts for shooting prowess with technologies like their Raptor series.
Precision passing relies on softer, well-balanced shafts with enough flex for tight handling, yet sturdy walls for pinpoint feeds. StringKing offers great choices like the Legend line explicitly designed to maximize passing performance.
Cleaner cradling and ball control benefits from lightweight sticks with comfortable grips and smooth, tapered handles. For example, Epoch designs their shafts for buttery smooth carries and quick releases when rotating the stick head.
And scooping ground balls requires a rugged, damage-resistant construction to withstand wears of turf battles. The iconic Warrior Evo Pro is built like a tank for fearless ground ball grabs.
Trying out different flex profiles, balance points, textures, and weights helps determine what feels best for enhancing your skills. Don’t settle if a shaft doesn’t immediately improve confidence in shooting, passing, or handling.
While no shaft solely dictates ability, the right stick optimizes your natural talent. Find your strengths as an athlete and choose a women’s lacrosse shaft to maximize those gifts on the field.