How to Choose the Best Lacrosse Goalie Stick 2023 GuideHow to Choose the Best Lacrosse Goalie Stick 2023 Guide
Length Matters
Goalie sticks typically range from 40 to 72 inches long. For most youth and high school players, a stick between 52 and 60 inches is ideal. Adults and elite players may prefer a longer stick up to 72 inches for maximum reach on saves. Measure your arm span fingertip to fingertip and use that as a starting point. You want enough length to cover the goal but not so long that controlling the stick is difficult.
Heads Up on Head Width
Look for a stick with a wider head for effectively stopping shots. Youth sticks often have a 6 to 10 inch wide head while adult goalie heads are 10 to 15+ inches. Wider heads have more surface area for blocking the ball but can be heavier. Find a balance between a lightweight feel and ample width for your skill level.
Weight Watchers
Durability and ball control also depend on the materials used in goalie stick construction. Hardwood maple shafts with a fiberglass or composite lacrosse head offer a nice balance of lightweight feel and strength. Titanium alloys and aircraft-grade aluminum shafts are ultra lightweight but can dent more easily from hard shots. Expect to pay more for these premium lightweight materials.
Get a Grip
Deep sidewall pockets help cradle and control the ball during saves and clears. Leather, nylon, or synthetic lacrosse mesh in the head provides grip. Goalie heads strung with a mid to high pocket are best for thrive ball control. The pocket depth and style depend on your preference as you gain experience.
With all the goalie stick options on the market, it pays to read reviews and do your research before buying. Factor in your budget, skill level, and playing style as you shop to find your ideal lacrosse goalie stick.
Optimal Head Width
For youth players, a head width of 6-10 inches is common. This provides enough coverage to defend the 4×4 foot goal without being overly bulky. As players get older and face faster shots, a wider head is beneficial. Elite high school and college goalies often use a 10-15 inch wide head or more.
Extremely wide heads can make it harder to cleanly catch and control the ball during clears though. Goalies need to scoop ground balls and throw accurate outlet passes after saves. Consider your skill level and reaction time when choosing head width.
Also pay attention to the head’s offset, which impacts how you position your hands. A more pinched, narrow throat lets you “choke up” for more control in a small head. A straighter, wider throat encourages holding the stick further down the shaft.
Test out a few different head widths during practice to dial in the optimal size. As you gain experience as a goalie, you may find your preferences change over time. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your ideal head width for faster reaction times and better ball control.
Finding the Right Weight
Traditional wooden goalie sticks can be quite heavy and aren’t ideal for fast movement to make saves. Newer composite and alloy materials allow for much lighter sticks without sacrificing strength.
Top-end goalie sticks made with aircraft grade aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber typically weigh between 2-3 pounds. Budget friendly aluminum alloy and composite sticks may weigh 3-4 pounds. Compare weights as you shop different sticks to find the lightest option that fits your budget.
An ultra lightweight stick allows for faster hand speeds and reaction times. This lets you get your stick on more shots. Just be wary of super lightweight sticks that have thin shafts that dent easily. Find a happy medium between minimal weight and durability.
Also consider balance. A stick-heavy feeling stick can cause fatigue, while a head-heavy option drags your hands down. Test out the overall feel and make some sample saves to gauge balance. The right lacrosse goalie stick will feel like an extension of your hands and arms.
Don’t sacrifice too much stability and ball control for the lightest weight. Consider your skill level as you choose weight. An experienced goalie can handle an ultra lightweight stick better than a beginner still working on technique.
Look for Excellent Ball Control
Finding Your Perfect Stick Length
- Youth players: 40-52 inches
- High school players: 52-60 inches
- Adult and elite players: 60-72 inches
Is a longer stick always better for goalies? Not necessarily. While a longer stick can provide greater reach, it may also be more challenging to maneuver quickly. Consider your playing style and the level of competition you face when selecting your stick length.
Decoding the Importance of Goalie Stick Head Width
The width of your goalie stick head plays a crucial role in shot-stopping effectiveness. Youth players typically benefit from heads measuring 6 to 10 inches wide, while adult goalies often prefer wider heads ranging from 10 to 15+ inches. A wider head offers more surface area for blocking shots but may come at the cost of increased weight.
Finding the right balance between head width and weight is essential for optimizing your performance. Consider your skill level and the speed of shots you typically face when selecting your head width.
Head Width Recommendations by Age and Skill Level
- Youth beginners: 6-8 inches
- High school players: 8-12 inches
- College and elite players: 12-15+ inches
Does a wider head always translate to better shot-stopping? While a wider head provides more surface area, it may also impact your ability to control the stick and make quick movements. Experiment with different head widths to find the sweet spot that enhances your shot-stopping ability without sacrificing agility.
Weighing the Options: Materials and Weight Considerations
The materials used in your goalie stick’s construction significantly impact its durability, weight, and overall performance. Traditional hardwood maple shafts paired with fiberglass or composite heads offer a good balance of lightweight feel and strength. For those seeking ultra-lightweight options, titanium alloys and aircraft-grade aluminum shafts are available, though they may be more susceptible to denting from hard shots.
When selecting your goalie stick, consider the trade-offs between weight, durability, and cost. Premium lightweight materials often come with a higher price tag but can provide performance benefits for experienced players.
Weight Ranges for Different Goalie Stick Materials
- Wooden sticks: 3-5 pounds
- Composite sticks: 2.5-3.5 pounds
- Titanium/aluminum alloy sticks: 2-3 pounds
How much does stick weight affect a goalie’s performance? A lighter stick can improve reaction times and reduce fatigue during long practices or games. However, extremely lightweight sticks may sacrifice durability. Find the balance that works best for your playing style and budget.
Mastering Ball Control: Pocket Depth and Stringing Techniques
Effective ball control is essential for goalies, not only for making saves but also for clearing the ball and initiating offensive plays. Deep sidewall pockets help cradle and control the ball during saves and clears. The choice of pocket material—leather, nylon, or synthetic lacrosse mesh—affects grip and feel.
Most goalies find success with a mid to high pocket, which provides excellent ball control. As you gain experience, you may develop preferences for specific pocket depths and stringing styles that complement your playing technique.
Factors Influencing Ball Control in Goalie Sticks
- Pocket depth
- Mesh type and quality
- Sidewall design
- Shooting strings configuration
- Head shape and offset
How does pocket depth affect a goalie’s ability to make saves and clear the ball? A deeper pocket provides more control and “feel” for the ball but may slightly delay release times. Shallower pockets offer quicker releases but less overall control. Experiment with different depths to find your ideal setup.
Navigating the Market: Research and Reviews
With numerous goalie stick options available, conducting thorough research and reading reviews is crucial before making a purchase. Consider factors such as your budget, skill level, and playing style as you evaluate different sticks.
Look for reviews from experienced goalies and coaches, and pay attention to feedback on durability, performance, and overall value. Many retailers offer demo programs or money-back guarantees, allowing you to test a stick before committing to a purchase.
Key Factors to Consider When Researching Goalie Sticks
- Brand reputation and warranty
- User reviews and ratings
- Performance in various weather conditions
- Compatibility with your league’s regulations
- Availability of replacement parts
How can you ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment in a goalie stick? Compare prices across multiple retailers, look for seasonal sales or discounts, and consider purchasing last year’s model for potential savings without sacrificing quality.
Customizing Your Stick: Personalization and Performance Tweaks
Once you’ve selected your goalie stick, there are numerous ways to customize it for optimal performance and personal preference. Many goalies experiment with different stringing patterns, shooting string configurations, and tape applications to enhance their stick’s feel and performance.
Consider working with a experienced stick stringer or attending a goalie clinic to learn advanced customization techniques. As you gain experience, you’ll develop a better understanding of how small adjustments can significantly impact your play.
Popular Goalie Stick Customizations
- Custom stringing patterns
- Grip tape applications
- Butt-end modifications
- Head shape adjustments (if allowed by regulations)
- Personalized color schemes and designs
How much customization is too much for a goalie stick? While personalization can enhance your performance, be cautious not to make modifications that violate league regulations or compromise the stick’s structural integrity. Always check with your coach or league officials before making significant alterations.
Maintaining Your Goalie Stick: Care and Longevity Tips
Proper maintenance of your lacrosse goalie stick is essential for ensuring its longevity and consistent performance. Regular care can prevent premature wear and tear, saving you money in the long run and ensuring your stick is always game-ready.
Develop a routine for cleaning, inspecting, and storing your stick. Pay special attention to the pocket, as it can stretch or wear out over time, affecting ball control and release.
Essential Goalie Stick Maintenance Tasks
- Clean the head and mesh after each use
- Inspect for cracks or damage regularly
- Re-string or adjust pocket as needed
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Apply fresh tape or grip materials periodically
How often should you replace your goalie stick? With proper care, a high-quality goalie stick can last several seasons. However, if you notice significant wear, decreased performance, or structural damage, it may be time for a replacement. Always prioritize safety and performance over extending the life of a worn-out stick.
As you continue to develop your skills as a lacrosse goalie, your preferences for stick characteristics may evolve. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different options and seek advice from experienced players and coaches. Remember, the perfect goalie stick is the one that allows you to perform at your best and feel confident in the crease.
By considering factors such as length, head width, weight, materials, and customization options, you can select a goalie stick that enhances your natural abilities and helps you make those game-changing saves. Keep refining your technique, maintain your equipment diligently, and enjoy the challenging and rewarding position of lacrosse goalie.
Length Matters
Goalie sticks typically range from 40 to 72 inches long. For most youth and high school players, a stick between 52 and 60 inches is ideal. Adults and elite players may prefer a longer stick up to 72 inches for maximum reach on saves. Measure your arm span fingertip to fingertip and use that as a starting point. You want enough length to cover the goal but not so long that controlling the stick is difficult.
Heads Up on Head Width
Look for a stick with a wider head for effectively stopping shots. Youth sticks often have a 6 to 10 inch wide head while adult goalie heads are 10 to 15+ inches. Wider heads have more surface area for blocking the ball but can be heavier. Find a balance between a lightweight feel and ample width for your skill level.
Weight Watchers
Durability and ball control also depend on the materials used in goalie stick construction. Hardwood maple shafts with a fiberglass or composite lacrosse head offer a nice balance of lightweight feel and strength. Titanium alloys and aircraft-grade aluminum shafts are ultra lightweight but can dent more easily from hard shots. Expect to pay more for these premium lightweight materials.
Get a Grip
Deep sidewall pockets help cradle and control the ball during saves and clears. Leather, nylon, or synthetic lacrosse mesh in the head provides grip. Goalie heads strung with a mid to high pocket are best for thrive ball control. The pocket depth and style depend on your preference as you gain experience.
With all the goalie stick options on the market, it pays to read reviews and do your research before buying. Factor in your budget, skill level, and playing style as you shop to find your ideal lacrosse goalie stick.
Optimal Head Width
For youth players, a head width of 6-10 inches is common. This provides enough coverage to defend the 4×4 foot goal without being overly bulky. As players get older and face faster shots, a wider head is beneficial. Elite high school and college goalies often use a 10-15 inch wide head or more.
Extremely wide heads can make it harder to cleanly catch and control the ball during clears though. Goalies need to scoop ground balls and throw accurate outlet passes after saves. Consider your skill level and reaction time when choosing head width.
Also pay attention to the head’s offset, which impacts how you position your hands. A more pinched, narrow throat lets you “choke up” for more control in a small head. A straighter, wider throat encourages holding the stick further down the shaft.
Test out a few different head widths during practice to dial in the optimal size. As you gain experience as a goalie, you may find your preferences change over time. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your ideal head width for faster reaction times and better ball control.
Finding the Right Weight
Traditional wooden goalie sticks can be quite heavy and aren’t ideal for fast movement to make saves. Newer composite and alloy materials allow for much lighter sticks without sacrificing strength.
Top-end goalie sticks made with aircraft grade aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber typically weigh between 2-3 pounds. Budget friendly aluminum alloy and composite sticks may weigh 3-4 pounds. Compare weights as you shop different sticks to find the lightest option that fits your budget.
An ultra lightweight stick allows for faster hand speeds and reaction times. This lets you get your stick on more shots. Just be wary of super lightweight sticks that have thin shafts that dent easily. Find a happy medium between minimal weight and durability.
Also consider balance. A stick-heavy feeling stick can cause fatigue, while a head-heavy option drags your hands down. Test out the overall feel and make some sample saves to gauge balance. The right lacrosse goalie stick will feel like an extension of your hands and arms.
Don’t sacrifice too much stability and ball control for the lightest weight. Consider your skill level as you choose weight. An experienced goalie can handle an ultra lightweight stick better than a beginner still working on technique.
Look for Excellent Ball Control
The head of the goalie stick does more than just block shots. You also need to scoop up ground balls, catch passes, and clear the ball accurately. This requires excellent ball control from your stick.
Mesh pockets strung deep in the head cradle the ball well and provide a bit of “give” to cushion passes. Leather and synthetic pockets offer more grip and stability. Consider shooting strings and other custom stringing options too.
Flared sidewalls along the head give you a larger sweet spot and channel the ball into the pocket as you make saves. Pinching the throat can also allow for more control in a narrower head design.
Test out scooping ground balls and making outlet passes with any goalie sticks you are demoing. The more control and feel you have in the head, the better you’ll be able to clear the ball under pressure after a save.
Finding the right balance of ball control, cushioning, and stability in a goalie head takes trying out different pocket and sidewall styles. Don’t settle for a stick that doesn’t feel right in your hands.
Optimized for Stopping Shots
The wider the head of the goalie stick, the more ball surface area you’ll be able to get in front of. Maximum widths of 10-15+ inches are best for experienced goalies facing faster shots. You’ll also want some offset to the head to help position your hands in the best blocking position.
A deeper pocket helps “trap” and contain shots rather than bouncing out. Shooting strings can add extra stopping power too. Sidewall holes under the throat create more flex and “whip” to help absorb impact from shots.
Consider the stiffness of the shaft as well. Composite sticks with some flex are optimal for getting solid stops – too much can make control difficult. Composite and alloy materials also have vibration-dampening qualities that wooden shafts lack.
Test out the stick’s shot blocking capabilities by having a teammate rip some shots at you during practice. Focus on clean stops without undesirable rebounds and stingers. Fine tune the head width, pocket, and flex until you find the optimal design for minimizing goals against you.
With the right goalie head and shaft combo tuned for your skill level, you’ll have the confidence to step into shots knowing your stick will back you up on saves.
Match Your Style of Play
Goalies have different styles and preferences when it comes to making saves. Some like to stay back and react, focusing on positioning to cut off angles. Others play more aggressively, coming out to challenge shooters.
For an aggressive goalie, a lighter stick for quick ball-handling and outlet passes is ideal. Extra-wide heads work well for a goalie who stays deeper in the crease and relies on maximizing coverage.
Your stance and hand position also impact what goalie stick works best. If you play standing more upright, a longer stick with a straight throat offers a comfortable grip. Crouched stances may benefit from a more pinched throat and choked-up hand position.
Consider how you move your stick to make saves too. Do you prefer wider sweeping motions or quick sticks? That helps determine optimal head design and flex.
Trying out different goalie sticks is the best way to gauge what complements your style. Don’t settle for a stick that forces you to alter your natural technique – find one tailored to you.
Choose a Stick Within Your Budget
Goalie sticks can range from under $50 for basic wooden high school sticks up to $300+ for elite-level composite or titanium models. Determine what you can reasonably afford to spend.
For youth players just starting out, an inexpensive wooden or alloy stick is fine to learn on. Intermediate goalies can benefit from composite sticks in the $150 range with better ball control and durability.
High school goalies playing at a competitive level need a stick that can hold up to heavier shooting. Investing $200-$300 in a premium lightweight stick is worthwhile.
If budget is a concern, you can often find quality used goalie sticks that provide great value. Be patient searching for deals on lacrosse forums and resale sites.
While you want the best stick possible, don’t break the bank for small performance gains. Set a max budget and find the optimal stick for your skill level within that price range.
Read Goalie Stick Reviews Before Buying
With so many goalie stick options on the market, reviews can provide valuable insight from other players’ experiences. Search for in-depth reviews that test sticks for criteria like durability, ball control, balance, and stopping power.
Look for reviews with detailed rankings and scoring systems on factors like construction quality, value, and overall performance. This quantitative data along with hands-on testimonials helps identify the optimal stick.
Be sure to read reviews from actual goalies who have used the sticks extensively on the field. They’ll provide more practical feedback than just catalog specs and marketing claims.
Pay close attention to any durability concerns called out. You want a stick that will hold up well with heavy use. Also note any sizing quirks that run large, small, wide or narrow.
Taking the time to research helps ensure you get the right goalie stick for your needs and budget. Don’t just blindly buy based on brand or appearance alone.
Buy From Reputable Lacrosse Gear Brands
Brands like STX, Warrior, Maverik, Brine, and Nike have years of experience crafting lacrosse gear. Their goalie sticks are engineered using proven technologies and materials to deliver optimum performance.
Smaller niche brands can also produce great sticks, but may lack some pedigree. Browse lacrosse forums and reviews to identify newer brands getting buzz for innovative sticks.
Beware of generic unbranded goalie sticks found at big box stores. While very inexpensive, these sticks often lack durability and optimal design qualities.
Top brands have product lines spanning different price points as well. Even their budget friendly sticks maintain decent quality control and construction.
Sticking with a leading lacrosse brand you trust ensures you get a well-made goalie stick backed by a warranty, instead of gambling on an unknown off-brand stick.
Check for Sales on Goalie Sticks
New models of lacrosse gear are released yearly, so retailers often discount older stock to clear inventory. Shop end of season sales to find great deals on goalie sticks from last year’s lines.
Holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day also regularly have lacrosse equipment sales. Set up price drop alerts so you’re notified if the stick you’ve been eyeing goes on sale.
Shopping used goalie sticks also presents more budget friendly options. Scour resale sites and forums for players selling sticks in good condition.
With some smart shopping at the right times, you can invest in a better quality stick for the same amount of money. Taking advantage of sales helps you get maximum value from your goalie stick purchase.
Consider Youth vs Adult Goalie Sticks
Proper stick sizing is important, especially for goalies still developing fundamentals. Youth sticks are sized down for smaller hands and frames.
Typical youth sticks have shaft lengths of 40-60 inches and head widths of 6-10 inches. Adult sticks run 50-72 inches long with wider 10-15 inch heads.
Using an oversized adult stick too early can hinder ball control and reaction time. But buying a stick with room to grow allows a youth player to use it longer before replacing.
Youth goalies approaching their teen years who play competitively can benefit from transitioning to an adult stick for the wider head and increased reach, as long as shaft length and weight are still manageable.
Consider age, size, skill level, and playing style when choosing between youth and adult goalie sticks.
Buy Used Goalie Sticks to Save Money
While a new top-of-the-line goalie stick may cost $250 or more, you can often find comparable used sticks for half that price. Lots of barely used sticks are for sale from players who bought a new one or stopped playing.
Check lacrosse forums, Craigslist, SidelineSwap, eBay, and Play It Again Sports for used sticks. Be patient waiting for good deals on quality sticks to pop up.
When buying used, carefully inspect for cracks, dents, and head/shaft separation. Make sure the pocket is still in good shape too. Test it out to ensure the stick feels balanced and has good ball control.
Replacing key parts like mesh and sidewalls can help extend the life of a used stick. With some minor reconditioning, a used stick provides major savings over new.