Find The Lightest Lacrosse Shafts and Heads Available Now

Find The Lightest Lacrosse Shafts and Heads Available Now

Select Lightweight Materials Like Carbon Fiber and Scandium

When looking to drop ounces from your lacrosse stick, one of the most impactful steps is choosing heads, shafts, and other components constructed from lightweight materials. Brands now offer gear made from advanced composites like carbon fiber which provide excellent strength-to-weight ratios. The stiffer properties of carbon fiber shafts combined with lighter overall weight can give players increased control and quicker shots. Scandium alloy is another material gaining popularity for its feather-like heft. The ultra-lightweight metal allows for thinner shaft walls without sacrificing durability. Titanium alloys offer a blend of strength, flex, and minimized mass. But don’t just chase lab testing numbers – be sure to evaluate how any gear feels in your hands before committing to new materials. Ultimately finding the optimal balance of light weight and playability for your game is key. Don’t sacrifice enough weight to severely impact passing, shooting, and ball control. Drilling extra holes may drop grams but consider if it reduces stability too far. Work with coaches to determine appropriate limits based on your height, position, needs, and level of play. While space-age shafts and exotic alloys grab headlines, sometimes a simple switch to a lighter polymer, wood, or composite lacrosse head like those from Epoch or Maverik is an easy first step. Compare head weights as dropping just a few ounces here helps offset and balance heavier shafts. Don’t forget about sockets, end caps, gloves, pads, and other gear too. Shaving weight across your entire setup adds up. And take time to get accustomed to major lightweight changes through training, practice, and adjustment periods. Incremental common sense reductions paired with dedication to skills and conditioning will serve you better than fixating on simply wielding the lightest lacrosse stick humanly possible.

Consider Head and Shaft Length to Reduce Weight

One strategy to lighten up your lacrosse stick is carefully considering length when selecting a new head and shaft. Keep in mind that shorter gear requires less raw material, so opting for a shorter stick can directly reduce weight. For heads, brands usually offer multiple width options nowadays. Narrower head designs from companies like Nike, Maverik, and STX range from 6 to 9 inches wide, while wider heads are typically 10+ inches. A smaller head not only weighs less, but also balances and handles quicker. Just ensure your head is legal for your level of play – for example high school boys must use heads 6 to 10 inches wide. For shafts, 30 to 32 inches are common youth lengths, 34 to 42 inches for women, and 40 to 72 inches for men depending on position and preference. Goalies tend to use longer shafts, whereas attacks often favor shorter sticks for increased maneuverability. Compare weights between shaft lengths, as the difference of even 4 to 6 inches can impact heft noticeably. Some players also cut down full length shafts to their ideal custom length. This removes extra material and unnecessary weight, but make sure to tape over new end caps and follow any warranty guidelines.

Beyond raw weight, consider balance and feel too when sizing your stick. Smaller heads paired with longer shafts can make sticks handle slowly and feel “top heavy”. Complement a lighter head with an appropriately sized shaft for optimal overall weight distribution and control. Trying out different gear at lacrosse shops and camps is the best way to test what lengths suit your physique and position the best. Don’t sacrifice too much length that it impacts reach and ability to protect your stick during play. Work within league rules and guidelines, as safety is still paramount. For example, extremely short shafts may not offer enough space for legal cradling at all levels and could also increase risk of contact injuries in the men’s game. Take time to adjust to any gear changes, especially altered stick lengths. Significant adjustments require relearning proper form, technique, shooting mechanics, and more. But dialing in the ideal head and shaft lengths for your body and needs can ultimately shave ounces off total stick weight.

Favor Youth and Women’s Gear for Lighter Weight

One easy way to find lacrosse gear with reduced weight is to look at equipment designed for youth and women’s leagues. Brands naturally engineer sticks for younger players with lighter materials and smaller sizing, shedding unnecessary heft. Many youth shafts from Maverik, STX, and Brine are made of softer alloys or composite blends with more flex and far less mass than stiff adult shafts. Heads marketed for youth also utilize more plastic versus heavier metals, bringing head weights down into the 4 to 5 ounce range. Women’s lacrosse gear is regulated to be lighter too, with mandated limits on overall stick weights. Women’s sticks cannot exceed 775 grams or about 1.7 pounds fully strung – much lighter than men’s sticks. This encourages brands to construct women’s gear from light alloys like scandium or titanium versus heavier alloys used in traditional men’s sticks. To take advantage of these weight capped products, male players can use “women’s” shafts which often weigh under 100 grams in some cases. Just ensure your high school or college league allows this, as some governing bodies prohibit gear crossing gender lines or limit alloy types permitted.

The key is looking past gender marketing terms, and instead comparing hard specs like exact weights. While categorized for female athletes, many women’s shafts and heads are unisex in fit and function. Sourcing gear from multiple categories opens up more lightweight options, as long as styles align with your play type and league rules. Younger players can also benefit from trying out adult gear later on, but sized down proportionally. For example, a lightweight women’s shaft with a shallow youth pocket allows for superior ball control. Just take time to adjust to any sizing shifts in gear. An adult women’s shaft on a youth stick may handle drastically different. Consult coaches when experimenting across age and gender equipment divides. While lighter materials aid performance, proper development at younger ages involves building skills with appropriately sized gear. But branching out beyond traditional “mens” lacrosse products can unlock new lightweight pieces from across the sport.

Compare Weights Between Brands and Models

With so many lacrosse gear options now available, one of the best ways to find lighter products is simply comparing weights directly between different brands and models. Luckily most manufacturers print or advertise total weights for sticks, shafts, and heads these days. Compare these published specs when browsing online retailers, brand websites, catalogs, and stores. Make note of weights for various materials and alloys too – such as scandium or titanium versus traditional aluminum or alloy shafts. Weights not only differ between companies, but often vary within a single brand’s own lineup. For example, Maverik’s “Tank” shaft is over 180 grams while their “Wonderboy” is just 125 grams. STX’s power focused “K18” series is heavier than their “Knot” shafts engineered for quickness. Even different length options within the same shaft model can have slightly different weights. Measure weights entirely strung versus shaft-only too. A lightweight shaft may balance out a heavier head when fully assembled and pocketed.

Don’t forget to account for end caps, tape, strings, and other extras you’ll add – it all contributes to overall heft. Weighing items yourself on a small scale can provide the most accurate readings if catalog listings seem unreliable or inconsistent. When possible, test weighing demo gear in person at stores and camps is ideal before buying. Beyond just sticks, comparing weights holds true for pads, helmets, gloves and more. Newer materials like foams, plastics and knits have allowed protective gear to slim down over the decades as well. Don’t assume looks alone, as sleeker designs can disguise hidden heft. Titles with words like “Ultralight”, “Featherweight”, and “Superlight” are also good starting points when browsing, but confirm precise specs as marketing terms can overhype gear. With so many products now vying to be the lightest, taking time to research and compare hard weights gives you the knowledge to find truly featherweight lacrosse gear.

Evaluate Pocket Depth to Avoid Unnecessary Stringing

One often overlooked area when reducing lacrosse stick weight is evaluating pocket depth and stringing. Many players simply string a deep pocket by default for increased ball control and holding. However, deeper pockets require substantially more stringing material, adding excess weight at the base of your stick’s head. Shallow pockets with less mesh, fewer sidewalls, and minimal shooters will lighten up your setup considerably. As a bonus, shallow pockets also offer quicker release speeds, improved accuracy, and faster handling. But you must commit to developing the skills and technique to operate a shallow pocket effectively first.

When stringing a new head, start by analyzing the deepest pocket allowed by league rules for your age and level. Most organizations mandate pockets cannot be excessively deep to prevent holding the ball and slow play. For example, men’s sticks must allow the ball to roll out of an inverted head under its own weight. Use these guidelines as inspiration to string pockets at minimum depths, not maximums. Tight top strings and simple sidewall patterns with 1 to 2 shooters are all you need. Skip additional weight from thick latex, kangaroo, hockey, and other collector leathers too. If your current stick has an unnecessarily deep pocket, try tightening the channel and removing stringing instead of starting from scratch. You can also replace heavier multi-material meshes with lightweight nylons to drop weight without totally altering depth. Just remember to practice extensively with any pocket adjustments, as improving touch and feel takes time when shrinking depth.

Evaluate if your play style truly benefits from a deep pocket versus simply being habitual. Face-off specialists may rely on over-the-top holds for clan wins, but many offensive and defensive players gain speed from shallower channels. Consult your coaches as well for best pocket depths by age and position. While instilling proper fundamentals should come first, youth players may also improve skills quicker with shallow pockets versus overly deep pre-strung beginner meshes. Consider lighter strings, simple sidewalls, and tight channels as an easy opportunity to remove unnecessary ounces from your growing lacrosse game.

Use String Kits Optimized for Lightweight Gear

When piecing together the lightest possible lacrosse stick, looking at stringing supplies is key too. Pre-packaged stringing kits from most major brands come with ample shooting strings, sidewall, and mesh to string deep pockets with plenty of hold. However, these packs contain much more stringing material than necessary for lightweight setups. Consider sourcing specialty meshes, strings, and sidewalls optimized for shallow pockets instead.

Companies like StringKing, ECD, and Throne offer custom lightweight kits for stringing quick pockets. These include thinner one-piece meshes made from performance nylons, not heavyweight blended materials prone to bagging. Reduced sidewall material focuses on lockdown over excess hold. Shoelaces or parachute cord for shooters reduce bulk while still providing adjustable finesse. Piecing together your own custom stringing supplies allows buying exactly what you need for a fast, slick pocket in lighter amounts. Or remove excess stringing from a standard kit and save leftovers for future projects. Don’t forget to factor in head and sidewall Hole Counts too when optimizing weight. Heads like the StringKing Mark 2F have reduced drilling for fewer threaded sidewalls needed in shallow pockets. Discuss best pocket styles for lighter heads with experienced stringers in person or online to learn techniques. While multifilament nylons are ideal for lightweight stringing, also consider weather conditions. Monofilament shooter strings or nylons may need backup supplies in wet weather. But dialing in a tailored kit designed for thin, quick pockets removes yet another easy opportunity for unnecessary heft.

Check NCAA and League Rules on Allowable Weights

When sourcing the lightest lacrosse gear, it’s important to keep Specific NCAA and league rules in mind regarding legal equipment weights. Both college and youth leagues regulate maximum stick weights and construction methods to uphold standards and safety. For NCAA men’s lacrosse, overall stick weight cannot exceed 42 inches, with a minimum 20 inch shaft. The Native American pocket, popular for increased ball control, is also banned. This prompts players to pursue quicker release pockets. For NCAA women, sticks must remain below 775 grams or 1.7 lbs, influencing lightweight materials. Youth leagues typically mandate lighter head and pocket styles too, varying by age. While these rules intend to improve play, they can provide guidance on ideal weight targets and features to look for when selecting gear.

Beyond sticks, some organizations regulate helmet weights, pads, and other protective gear as well. For example, all NOCSAE certified lacrosse helmets must weigh below 5 pounds. Chest pads cannot measure over certain thicknesses, prompting breathable and lightweight foam or plastic builds. Understanding all equipment guidelines by league helps narrow the search for legal sticks meeting weight restrictions. High school and college players looking for ultralight gear can review NCAA manuals for inspiration on exactly how light is possible within the rules. Youth players can gain insight on appropriate weights by age from US Lacrosse and other governing documents too. While pushing limits, always value safety first beyond just reducing ounces. Ensure any lightweight gear still provides necessary protection. Consider running ultralight choices by officials or coaches when concerned. With knowledge of league standards, players can confidently identify precise weight targets and innovative gear truly designed for speed and agility within the rules of play.

Maintain Equipment to Prevent Adding Weight Over Time

When actively trying to minimize lacrosse stick weight, proper maintenance is key as well. Even the lightest gears adds heft over time without care. For shafts, periodically inspect for dents and bends which increase mass and throw off handling. Use protective end caps, don’t let sticks rattle around loosely in bags, and consider lightweight covers to prevent shaft damage. Repair any impacts with reputable shops to keep integrity intact. Re-tap stripped sidewall holes on heads to avoid adding extra screws or plastic anchors when re-stringing. Check for cracks too, as epoxy or glue repairs add useless grams. When screws loosen from grommets, replace them immediately to avoid entanglements in pocket mesh down the road.

Don’t neglect stringing maintenance either. Gummed up shooters or sidewalls soaked in dirt and sweat will gain weight over time. Re-wax mesh regularly, and avoid letting sticks sit uncared for in hot bags or cars between uses. Replace faded mesh prone to bagging for fresh lightweight nylon. Consider re-stringing heads multiple times per season as needed to keep pockets crisp, versus just once annually. Remove any loose whip strings, frays, or unused shooting strings when inspecting pockets before games. Take time to regularly clean sticks of built up residue too. Simple green or other all-purpose cleaners lift surprising dirt when scrubbed with soft brushes. Letting any gear get filthy only makes your stick heavier each outing. Make weigh-ins and cleaning part of your pre-game ritual. With vigilant care, your featherlight lacrosse setup will maintain peak lightweight performance all season long.