How to Choose the Best Under Armour Lacrosse Stick in 2023

How to Choose the Best Under Armour Lacrosse Stick in 2023

Consider your Position and Playing Style When Picking a Lacrosse Stick

As a lacrosse player, the position you play on the field and your individual playing style should significantly influence the type of lacrosse stick you choose. Attackers, for example, often prefer a lighter stick for quicker handling and passing. Defenders may opt for a sturdier head and stiffer shaft to enable checking opponents’ sticks. Midfielders need an all-around balanced stick since they transition between offense and defense.

Within each position, your personal playing style can also impact your gear preferences. An attacker who dodges and shoots more may want a stick with a larger head for increased ball control while cradling and shooting. A passer might prefer a stick with a deeper pocket to cleanly catch and release passes. Defenders who specialize in body checking need a stiff, durable shaft that can take impacts without breaking or bending.

Testing out different lacrosse stick configurations during practice is the best way to dial in a stick that complements your strengths. The right stick improves control, handling speed, passing and shooting accuracy. With so many head, shaft and pocket options now available from brands like Maverik and STX, you can customize a stick to ideally match your position and playing style. Take time to experiment with different setups to find your ideal balance of lightness, stiffness, head size and pocket depth. This helps maximize your on-field performance.

Determine the Head Type You Need for Your Lacrosse Stick

When selecting a lacrosse head, one of the most important considerations is the head type. Lacrosse heads generally fall into three main categories – attack, midfield, and defense. The type of head you choose should align with the position you play, as each is designed with specific features to excel in that role.

Attack heads are typically more lightweight with narrower sidewalls, smaller scoops, and more defined pockets. This gives attackers enhanced ball control and quick passing and shooting capabilities critical for generating offense. A deeper pocket helps securely cradle the ball while maneuvering around defenders. Pinched sidewalls provide accuracy for finishing shots on goal.

Midfield heads have a more versatile blend of attack and defensive features. Their pockets are moderately deep for carrying the ball up and down the field through traffic. Sidewalls are only slightly pinched to balance ball retention with passing and shooting. Scoops have medium sized openings for all-around play. Weight is moderate to facilitate both offensive and defensive play.

Defense heads emphasize durability and strength for withstanding checks. They have minimal offset and wide flare for protecting the ball. Their stiff sidewalls and shallow pockets make dislodging balls easier during checks. The scoops have wide openings to grab loose balls quickly before attackers.

Within each position, heads come in different shapes, stiffnesses, and stringing options. Trying out a few different head types during practice is the best way to find your ideal fit based on feel and performance. The right head type gives you an advantage at your position whether attacking, running midfield transitions, or anchoring the defense.

Look at Head Materials for Lacrosse Stick Durability and Performance

Lacrosse heads are constructed from different materials that impact their durability, stiffness, weight and performance. The most common materials used are plastic, metal alloys, and composite mixes. Evaluating head construction materials helps ensure you get the right balance of properties for your position and playing style.

Plastic heads like those from Maverik are typically made from nylon polymer blends chosen for optimum bend and stiffness. Plastics provide good overall durability at a lower cost. Their moderate stiffness offers decent ball control and passing/shooting. However, plastic can degrade over time from UV light exposure. And plastic heads lack the strength of metal alloys for repeated, hard checks.

Metal alloy heads from brands like STX often use titanium for an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Their exceptional stiffness gives precision passing and shooting, great ball control, and solid checking endurance. Alloys nicely resist UV damage too. But, metal heads are often the most expensive type. Their stiffness also provides less flex during hard impacts compared to composites.

Composite heads combine plastic or other polymers with fiber reinforcements like Kevlar, carbon fiber, or nylon. Mixing materials this way allows carefully engineering the right blend of stiffness, strength, flexibility, and lightness all in one head. Composites offer solid performance at moderate cost. However, composites can still degrade over time with UV exposure depending on the materials used.

For most players today, composite lacrosse heads provide the best all-around mix of durability, performance, weight, and value. Within composites, you can tailor stiffness as needed. Composite technology also continues improving to increase strength and UV resistance over time. This makes composites an ideal material for most players at any position.

Choose a Pocket Type Suited to Your Lacrosse Skills

The type of pocket stringing you choose for your lacrosse head is an important factor optimized for your playing position and skills. Pockets come in different styles, depths, and sidewall stringing that impact ball control, passing, catching, and shooting.

For attackers who handle the ball the most, a medium to deep pocket typically works best. The deeper pocket helps cradle and control the ball while maneuvering around defenders. A deeper pocket also provides a consistent release point for accurate passing and shooting on goal. However, pockets that are too deep can slow ball release.

Midfielders tend to prefer a medium depth pocket for balancing control during transitions with quick ball release when passing and shooting. Midfield pockets with channeled or branched sidewalls help stabilize the ball while running but don’t slow passing or shoots excessively.

Defenders need a shallower pocket that allows for quickly dislodging balls when poke checking opponents. Medium depth pockets still give defenders reasonable ball control when picking up ground balls or clearing the ball transitioning to offense. Sidewall stringing is minimal for maximizing checking effectiveness.

Within each position, tailor the pocket to match your individual skill strengths. For example, midfielders who handle and pass more may prefer a slightly deeper pocket than midfielders focused on defensive coverage. Trying out different pocket styles and practicing with them is key to finding your optimal setup. The right pocket improves control, passing, catching and shooting based on your abilities.

Pick an Appropriate Head Size for Your Lacrosse Stick

Lacrosse head sizes vary and the right size for you depends on factors like your position, age, skill level, and strength. Head sizes are measured in inches across at the widest point from sidewall to sidewall. Youth sticks have smaller heads while high school and college players use progressively larger heads within defined limits.

For youth players ages 10 and under, heads cannot exceed 6.5 inches across and are typically strung with softer mesh to help develop skills. From 11 to 13 years old, head sizes up to 7 to 7.5 inches help handle loose balls and basic passing, catching, and shooting.

In high school lacrosse, head sizes range from 6 to 10 inches across. Attack players often use mid-range widths around 7.5 to 9 inches for optimum control with maneuvering and shooting. Midfielders tend to prefer a size from 8 to 9.5 inches to cover their broader skillset. Defenders choose wider 9 to 10 inch heads to help intercept passes and scoop up loose balls.

NCAA rules allow head widths up to 10 inches for women and 12 inches for men. Within these maximums, find the ideal head size that matches your abilities. Smaller heads are lighter while larger heads provide more ball control. Practice with different sizes to find the right balance for you. Having the appropriately sized head boosts performance in passing, catching, shooting, and scooping.

Consider Weight and Balance When Selecting Your Lacrosse Stick

The weight and balance of your lacrosse stick impact the feel, handling, and control during play. Optimizing these factors based on your position and strengths can give you an edge out on the field.

For most players, the ideal stick weight is between 14 and 17 ounces strung. Heads made of composite, plastic, or metal alloys vary in density and contribute to overall weight. Attack players tend to prefer lighter sticks around 14 ounces for quicker passing, shooting, and dodging. Defenders choose heavier sticks around 16 ounces to help fend off checks and improve checking strength.

Balance is also crucial, as top-heavy sticks feel cumbersome while bottom-heavy models are tiring to maneuver. The best sticks have the weight evenly distributed between the head and shaft. Consider weight distribution when pairing heads and shafts. An alloy or composite shaft paired with a plastic head often provides ideal equilibrium.

Additionally, pay attention to how the stick handles over time during practice. Does extra weight up front from stringing or a shaft end cap throw off your balance? Try shaving excess weight to reclaim a neutral balance. Testing different setups is key to optimizing both weight and balance for your position. This gives you the lightning-quick handling, pinpoint shooting, and stalwart checking required during intense gameplay.

Compare Shaft Materials Like Alloy, Composite, or Titanium for Your Lacrosse Stick

The material used to construct your lacrosse shaft impacts feel, durability, weight, and cost. The most common shaft materials are alloys, composites, and titanium, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Alloy shafts like those from Maverik often combine metals like aluminum, scandium, and chromium to optimize properties. Alloys offer good stiffness for precise control and decent strength for checks. However, some alloys dent over time and they lack the vibration dampening of composites.

Composite shafts from brands like STX blend carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass. The mix maximizes stiffness for excellent ball control while remaining lightweight. Composites have great vibration dampening too. Yet, composites can crack under very heavy repeated checks.

Titanium, though more expensive, provides an unmatched strength-to-weight ratio. Titanium shafts withstand heavy checks year after year. Their ultra-lightweight enhances handling and control. On the downside, titanium has minimal flex and can transmit more vibrations.

Test different shaft materials to see what feels best for your position and playing style. Attacker and midfielder shafts focus more on optimized control through lightness and stiffness. Defenders need proven durability to absorb continual checks. Once you find the right material, you’ll notice the performance difference in your accuracy, ball control, and checking resistance.

Determine Shaft Stiffness Based on Your Lacrosse Stick Preference

Lacrosse shafts come in different stiffness levels, ranging from very flexible to extra rigid. The stiffness you choose impacts feel, ball control, and durability. Optimizing shaft stiffness to suit your position and personal preference is key.

For attack players who prefer more whippy shots, a flexible shaft with some bend works well. Midfielders tend to like a shaft with moderate stiffness since they transition between offense and defense. Defenders often opt for a stiffer, more rigid shaft for maximum checking strength.

Shaft stiffness also comes down to your own handling tastes and what feels best. Some players desire maximum bend and flex for extra whip on passes and shots. Others argue a rigid, stiff shaft provides more control and accuracy. Testing different flex levels during practice helps determine your ideal bend and stiffness.

Within any shaft material like alloy or composite, flex can be tweaked based on wall thickness and construction. Brands like Maverik and STX offer a range of stiffness from flexible to stiff even within the same shaft line. As you experiment with different shafts, pay attention to feel on ground balls, passing, and shooting to find your optimal combination of balance, weight, and stiffness.

Dialing in the right shaft stiffness gives you an advantage. The ideal flex enhances control, maximizes power and whip, and allows you to unleash your playing potential whether dodging defenders or picking corners with shots.

Check Shaft Length Regulations for Your Lacrosse League

Lacrosse shaft lengths are regulated by leagues and associations, so it’s important to ensure the shaft you choose adheres to the rules. Length requirements vary primarily by age group and gender.

For youth lacrosse, shaft lengths must be between 37 and 42 inches for Ages 10U and 12U. At 14U the maximum extends to 52 inches. These shorter shafts help develop skills and are sized appropriately for younger players’ physiques and strength levels.

In girls’ high school lacrosse, there is no minimum shaft length, but the maximum allowed is 43.25 inches. This moderate length provides good overall control and balance. For boys’ high school lacrosse, shafts must be at least 40 inches long and cannot exceed 42 inches, standardizing stick dimensions.

For women’s collegiate play, goalies have a longer max length of 48 inches, while other players are restricted to 43.25 inch shafts. In the NCAA men’s game, shafts must be 40 to 42 inches for field players and 52 to 72 inches for goalies needing extended range.

Within these regulations, optimize for control and feel. Attackers and midfielders may prefer just meeting the minimum length. Defenders can utilize the maximum length permitted to help defend passing lanes. Checking your governing body’s rules ensures your new shaft meets current standards for sanctioned play.

Pick Lacrosse Head and Pocket Colors You Like

Beyond performance factors, lacrosse heads and mesh pockets come in a wide range of colors to match your style preferences. While color does not affect function, many players like having a customized look.

Nearly all lacrosse heads now offer multiple color options for the sidewalls, scoop, and other structural parts. Colors like red, orange, yellow, green, blue, black, and white are all common. A two-tone color scheme combining your school colors or team colors is a popular choice.

Pockets also come in various colors of nylon/polyester mesh and leathers. Traditional natural leathers blend well with any head color. But colored leathers like red, black, orange, and yellow can provide a nice accent. Mesh pockets also come in multiples colors and patterns to mix and match with your head and shaft.

On youth and high school teams, matching your gear to team colors shows spirit and unity. As you progress to elite levels, pros often have distinctive color palettes that become part of their identity. Styling your lacrosse stick in colors you like also makes it easier to spot your stick on the sidelines.

While performance and playability remain most vital, lacrosse heads and pockets now offer lots of cosmetic customization too. Pick colors that inspire you and match your style.

Research Quality Lacrosse Gear Brands Like Maverik and STX

When shopping for lacrosse heads, shafts, and other gear, researching reputable brands is important for finding well-designed and durable equipment. Two of the top manufacturers known for excellent lacrosse sticks are Maverik and STX.

Maverik is a premium brand started by former college lacrosse players. They engineer heads, shafts, and protective gear tested to survive intense game action. Maverik sticks provide accurate passing and shooting combined with rugged dependability. Their lineup offers options for every position and play style.

STX is another trusted lacrosse company with a long history in the sport. They develop innovative gear leveraging insights from top college and pro players. STX lacrosse sticks feature patented technologies for optimizing handling, control, and shooting. Their equipment is meticulously crafted for superior performance.

Both Maverik and STX also offer lacrosse stick packages preassembling compatible shafts and heads for easy setup right out of the box. Packages group gear by primary position like attack, midfield, or defense to simplify selection. Within packages, shafts, heads, and strings are matched to work together seamlessly.

Beyond these two leaders, other brands like Warrior, Brine, and Nike produce quality gear as well. But researching Maverik and STX sticks is a great starting point to find well-designed and rigorously tested equipment that elevates your game.

Read Lacrosse Stick Reviews Before Buying

Reading lacrosse stick reviews from buyers provides valuable insight into the real-world performance of different heads, shafts, and packages. Reviews can help you assess options and make informed purchasing decisions.

Look for in-depth lacrosse stick reviews that cover the pros and cons of major brands like Maverik, STX, Warrior, and Brine. Reviews by verified buyers who tested gear in actual game situations are most helpful. Check reviews discussing heads, shafts, pocket stringing, and pre-strung packages.

Useful reviews will note whether a stick provides the needed blend of lightness, stiffness, durability, and handling for different positions. The best reviews describe specifics like passing, catching, shooting, checking, ground ball scooping, and faceoff performance. Also look for input on accuracy, ball control, and feel.

Consider both positive and critical reviews to get a balanced perspective. Legitimate weaknesses around things like quality control, fragility, or lack of flex are just as important as strengths reviewers highlight. Read between marketingspeak claims and hype to understand real benefits versus drawbacks.

Checking multiple reviews across retail sites, forums, blogs, and YouTube helps identify consistent stick traits. There is no one perfect stick for everyone, but reading candid feedback helps find your ideal model based on position, skill level, preferences, and needs.

Compare Prices Online for the Best Lacrosse Stick Deals

To get the best value on your next lacrosse stick, be sure to compare prices at different online retailers. Shopping around helps you find the lowest price on the specific gear you want.

Check lacrosse specialty shops like Lax.com, Lacrosse Monkey, and East Coast Dyes first. They offer wide gear selection but also frequently run sales, closeouts, and promo discounts that lower costs. Signing up for their email lists provides sale alerts.

Amazon and other general sporting goods sites like Dick’s and Sports Unlimited also carry lacrosse equipment. Their high volume and focus on price competitiveness means solid pricing much of the time. Browse and compare item prices across sites.

For the biggest savings, look for clearance sections and filtering by discounted items. As new stick models hit the market, last year’s versions are often sold at a steep discount but still provide great performance. limited edition gears also gets marked down when sold out.

Set price drop alerts on items you have your eye on and buy when the price hits your target. With lacrosse gear prices ranging widely, taking time to search out savings ensures you get the most out of your stick budget.

Check Warranty and Return Policies When Buying a Lacrosse Stick

Given the investment into a new lacrosse stick, it’s wise to understand warranty and return policies upfront in case any issues arise. Reputable retailers and brands offer solid protections.

Many lacrosse stick manufacturers like Maverik, STX, and Warrior provide at least a limited 12-month warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This protects against early breakage or failure from manufacturing flaws.

Beyond warranties, most online lacrosse retailers offer flexible return windows of 30 days or more. This gives you time to test out gear in practice to ensure optimal fit and performance. If the stick doesn’t meet expectations, returns are simple back to the retailer.

It’s also important retailers and brands offer strong customer service support in case you need to make a warranty claim or return. Look for accessible contact information and responsive agents to help with the process.

While lacrosse gear is built to take hard use, added protections like returns and warranties provide peace of mind. Be sure to understand policies in case you receive a defective or incompatible stick and need to send it back hassle-free.

Get Properly Sized Lacrosse Gear for Optimal Control and Handling

Ensuring your lacrosse stick and protective gear are sized appropriately is vital for safety, performance, and control. Like shoes or clothing, lacrosse equipment comes in sizes. Take time to find your ideal fit.

For sticks, follow youth size guidelines and adult regulations on head dimensions and shaft lengths. Having gear scaled to your physical stature gives better command and reduces injury risks from oversized gear.

Helmets, gloves, pads, and other protection also come in sizes. Measure key areas like head circumference, hand width, and torso length. Try on different sizes until equipment feels snug but allows full mobility. Loose pads slide and shift, reducing protection.

Work with knowledgeable lacrosse retailers who can advise on sizing kids gear as they grow. Request size guidance for any unfamiliar gear and order multiple sizes to test if unsure. Proper fit enhances comfort and lets you focus on play rather than distractions.

With gear available for every type of player, take time to get equipment dialed in. Correct sizing aligns with lacrosse association rules while optimizing performance. Then you can handle, pass, and shoot at your highest level.