Choosing the Right Lacrosse Butt End Material for Your Needs
When it comes to lacrosse butt ends, the material you choose can make all the difference in your game. Many players opt for the classic smooth rubber butt end that comes standard on most lacrosse sticks. While these provide decent performance, upgrading to a more advanced material like Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) offers some key benefits.
TPE butt ends provide excellent grip and shock absorption. Their soft texture allows for great ball control when cradling, catching, and scooping ground balls. TPE conforms nicely to your hand, reducing slippage. Unlike rigid plastics, TPE butt ends flex on impact, dispersing energy and reducing arm fatigue. This leads to better passing and shooting with less overall hand sting.
For midfielders who handle the ball a lot, TPE is an excellent choice. The soft feel allows for superb stick skills and handling. Many pro midfielders prefer TPE over basic rubber for this reason. TPE also provides great control when applying leverage and body checks thanks to the enhanced grip.
Defenders who play an aggressive physical game are wise to choose TPE over standard rubber as well. TPE allows you to really plant the butt end into the ground when jabbing and poking at opponents during board battles. The material stays put without sliding, letting you win those gritty one-on-one matchups.
When shopping for a new lacrosse butt end, think about your position and style of play. While basic rubber is fine for casual use, serious players need the control and shock absorption of advanced TPE. The upgrade is well worth it, providing better performance game after game. Give TPE a try if you want to take your skills to the next level.
TPE vs Smooth Rubber Butt Ends: Pros and Cons
When upgrading your lacrosse stick, one of the biggest decisions is choosing between a TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) or a smooth rubber butt end. Both materials provide advantages and disadvantages that are important to weigh.
TPE butt ends have surged in popularity in recent years. TPE is a versatile synthetic material that offers an excellent grip, flexible feel, and tremendous shock absorption. The soft texture provides unmatched control over cradling, scooping, passing, and shooting. TPE conforms to the shape of your hand, preventing slippage.
Unlike hard plastics and rubber, TPE butt ends flex on impact to disperse energy. This greatly reduces arm and hand fatigue, allowing you to play at a high level for extended periods. The flex and “give” of TPE also provides exceptional ball feel on passes, catches, and shots.
In addition, TPE holds up well over time. It resists cracking and chipping better than smooth rubber. The textured surface provides abrasion resistance too. TPE butt ends keep their grippy feel even after heavy use.
For defenders, TPE facilitates great poke check control and leverage when jabbing. Face-off specialists benefit from the soft responsive feel when clamping during draws. Overall, TPE improves key facets of the game like ball control, passing, catching, shooting, checking, and ground ball pick-ups.
Smooth rubber butt ends still have their merits, however. Firstly, they are more affordable than TPE. Simple rubber also provides a classic smooth feel many players love. The slick surface can allow for quicker release checks and passes too.
Yet rubber lacks the shock absorbing qualities of TPE. It can feel quite rigid during play. Rubber also loses its texture and becomes slick over time. And rubber butt ends are prone to chipping and cracking with heavy use.
Weighing the pros and cons, TPE butt ends are superior for most players. But smooth rubber remains a budget-friendly option. Think carefully about your needs and playing style when choosing a butt end material.
Best Budget-Friendly Lacrosse Butt Ends Under $20
When shopping for a new lacrosse stick, the butt end is often overlooked. Many players simply opt for the basic rubber butt end that comes standard. However, upgrading to an aftermarket butt end can greatly improve your game. The good news is there are many excellent budget-friendly options under $20.
For midfielders and attackmen seeking better ball control, the Brine Clutch is a top choice. This textured rubber butt end sells for around $15. The tactile zig-zag pattern provides a very grippy feel that excels at cradling, scooping, and passing. The pronounced ridges allow you to grip the stick in any weather conditions.
Warrior also makes a textured rubber Burn butt end that retails for $18. It features a waffle pattern and angled ridges to facilitate handling. The contours conform nicely to your bottom hand too. For face-off specialists, the grippy texture delivers solid clamping power during draws.
If you want cushioning along with grip, check out the Maverik Rome. This TPE and rubber combo model costs just $12. The rubber base is surrounded by a soft TPE ring that absorbs sting. Great for midfielders who want some shock absorption without breaking the bank.
For defenders, the STX Hammer is ideal for under $20. This rugged rubber butt end comes in at $17. It has a wide flared shape and raised surface ideal for hammer checks. The textured finish won’t slip when you drive it into the turf. Great for takeaway checks too.
Finally, don’t overlook basic wooden knob handles. These classic old school style butt ends sell for around $10. They provide a smooth comfortable feel loved by many players. If you want that retro lacrosse look, wood knobs deliver on a budget.
As you can see, upgrading your lacrosse stick’s butt end need not be expensive. Any of these sub-$20 models will give you an edge over standard rubber. Consider your needs and try one out today.
Top Lacrosse Butt Ends for Defensive Players
For lacrosse defensemen, the butt end of your stick plays a critical role. It allows you to jab, poke check, and hammer opponents during physical board battles. The right butt end provides control, grip, and durability when playing aggressive ‘D’. Here are some top options for defenders.
The Maverik Tank is a rugged TPE butt end purpose-built for defense. It excels at poke checks thanks to the grippy textured finish and tapered shape. The flared base facilitates solid two-hand jabs as well. And TPE material absorbs shock for reduced arm fatigue.
Warrior makes the Dictator, an extra-wide rubber butt end ideal for hammer checks. At over 2 inches across, it provides tremendous surface area for maximum power on checks. The tapered shape also aids in scooping ground balls.
For extreme durability, check out the Epoch Dragonfly. This TPE butt end features an internal aluminum core for unmatched strength. It will stand up to even the most brutal board battles without deforming over time. The ridges along the neck improve grip too.
STX produces the Stallion, which uses a sticky rubber compound for tenacious grip. It excels at lifts and hold checks thanks to the tactile finish. The angular ridges at the neck facilitate solid hand placement as well.
If you prefer a classic wooden knob, TapLax makes models with fiberglass cores. This prevents cracking while retaining that smooth retro feel. Wood knobs provide quick release on checks and passes too.
Don’t settle for the basic butt end that came with your stick. As a defender, you need exceptional control and durability. Invest in a high-performance option designed specifically for the rigors of playing defense. Your checking and ground ball skills will improve dramatically with the right butt end.
Must-Have Butt Ends for Face-Off Specialists
In lacrosse, face-off specialists require butt ends that provide superior clamping power and control. Winning draws requires tremendous grip strength, fast reactions, and leverage. Here are some ideal butt ends for face-off dominance.
Warrior makes the Clutch, a rubber butt end with a waffle texture perfect for draws. The grid pattern and deep grooves allow you to clamp down hard at the ‘X’. The tapered shape and beveled edges also facilitate quick scooping and handling off the whistle.
For added flexibility, Stringking offers the Crown. Made from Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), it conforms to your bottom hand very well. TPE soaks up sting too, reducing hand fatigue over long games and seasons. The angled neck ridge provides a tactile index point for your fingers.
If you want cushioning, Maverik’s Rome combines TPE with rubber. The perimeter TPE ring absorbs shock, while the rubber base gives rigidity for clamping.Great balance of comfort, grip, and stiffness.
For simplicity, old-fashioned wooden knobs remain effective. These classic lacrosse handles provide a smooth grip that many face-off men love. Wood also gives a nice tacky feel when damp from sweat or moisture.
Alternatively, try a flared design like the Nike Vandal. The wide bulbous shape offers stability when grinding the butt end into the turf. Flares also aid in scooping tough ground balls off draws.
Don’t overlook your butt end – it can give you the edge at the ‘X’. Look for grippy textures, tapered necks, TPE material, or classic wood. With the right butt end, you’ll gain the confidence and control to dominate draws.
Upgrading from a Basic Butt End to an Advanced Model
Most lacrosse sticks come standard with a basic rubber butt end. While these are usable, upgrading to an advanced aftermarket model can greatly improve your game. The key advantages are better grip, control, shock absorption and durability.
Basic OEM rubber butt ends often have a slick, hard feel. They can be tough to control, especially in wet conditions. The rigid plastic also provides minimal flex or cushioning from checks and shots. These issues lead to poor ball control and arm fatigue.
In contrast, advanced butt ends use performance materials like Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) or textured rubber compounds. TPE provides a soft, tacky grip that excels at cradling, scooping and handling. The flexible TPE dampens sting too, reducing arm pain.
Textured rubber models feature grid or waffle patterns for tenacious grip, even when wet. The contours conform nicely to your hand as well. You’ll notice a huge improvement in passing, catching and shooting consistency.
Upgraded butt ends also withstand years of heavy use. Basic OEM rubber often chips or cracks with time. But TPE and reinforced rubber remain durable season after season.
When shopping for a replacement, think about your needs. Face-off specialists need exceptional clamping strength. Defenders require rugged poke-check control. Midfielders and attackmen need soft touch and handling. Choose an advanced lacrosse butt end tailored to your position and playing style.
Don’t settle for the cheap standard butt end that came with your stick. Invest $15-30 in an upgraded model for far superior performance. Precision grip and cushioning will unlock your full potential on the field.
DIY Lacrosse Butt End Tips and Modifications
Upgrading your lacrosse stick’s butt end need not be expensive. With some DIY modifications, you can improve the grip, feel and performance of even basic rubber butt ends.
One easy fix is applying grip tape. Hockey stick tape, tennis racket tape or bicycle handlebar tape all work well. Simply wrap the tape around the neck of the butt end in layers. This instantly creates texture and cushions your hand.
For added contour, attach foam tubing before taping. Slit some 1/2″ foam pipe insulation lengthwise and glue it around the butt end shaft. The foam provides ergonomic shaping and comfort. Tape over it for max cushioning and control.
You can also coat the butt end in truck bedliner spray. This rubberized coating texture will really enhance grip. Just mask off the surrounding shaft and apply several light coats of bedliner.
For a flared shape, build up the neck with epoxy putty or hot melt glue. Mold the putty or glue into a tapered profile. Let fully cure before sanding and painting. The contour helps anchor your bottom hand.
If the existing rubber is slick, lightly scuff it with coarse sandpaper before taping or spraying. This helps the tape, foam or coating bond better. Just don’t sand too aggressively.
With some creativity and elbow grease, you can upgrade any basic butt end on the cheap. Improving grip and feel will help you handle, pass and shoot more consistently.
Proper Technique for Checking with a Butt End
In lacrosse, the butt end of your stick is a key defensive tool for jabbing, poking, and hammer checking opponents. Executing checks with proper form prevents penalties while letting you aggressively win possession.
When poke checking, grip the butt end low for maximum extension and control. Keep your top hand loose to allow free movement. As your opponent cradles, firmly jab the butt end upwards into the elbows or into the bottom of the stick head.
Aim to make controlled contact on the hands to dislodge the ball. Avoid swinging wildly at the head or shoulders. Use your body position to initiate contact with the butt end, not just your arms.
For lift checks, quickly drive the butt end upwards under the opponent’s stick head from below. Keep your hands spaced wide for leverage and twist as you make contact to pry the stick up vertically.
When hammer checking, wind up with your bottom arm cocked and power through the swing, hammering the butt end down onto your opponent’s stick. Aim for the lower third of the shaft or just above the head for best results.
Throughout, keep your stick and butt end motion controlled. Make checks brief and compact. Avoid windmilling or any follow through movement after contact. Keep feet planted and use proper defensive footwork to stay in position.
Mastering checking skills takes practice and experience. Work on accuracy, hand speed, and explosive power from the hips and legs. With proper butt end technique, you’ll win possession and shut down attackers.
Advanced Drills to Master Butt End Skills
Developing elite lacrosse skills requires focused practice beyond just scrimmaging. Advanced drills that isolate specific techniques help engrain proper mechanics. Here are some great drills for honing butt end handling and checking.
For overall control, the hot potato drill builds hand speed and coordination. Players stand 5 yards apart and rapidly pass the ball back and forth using only the butt ends, not heads. Start slow focusing on technique, then increase speed. This tightens cradling, catching, and passing.
To build checking accuracy, have players line up 1-on-1 and take turns makinglift or poke checks on command. The receiver focuses on maintaining possession while the checker targets precise contact on the hands or below the head. Start at half speed before going full.
For hammer check practice, set up a rebounder or wall to simulate an opponent’s stick. Take shots aiming low, hammer checking the rebounder on follow through. This engrains proper downward striking body mechanics through repetition.
To work on scooping ground balls, roll balls rapidly at a player’s feet to be picked up with the butt end in a continuous motion. Start from the knees, then progress to standing for a dynamic challenge.
Isolation drills like these develop key techniques adapted to your stick and playing style. Mastering fundamentals away from live play instills the muscle memory and confidence to excel during games.
Common Butt End Rules and Penalties to Avoid
While a valuable defensive tool, improper use of the butt end can result in penalties. Knowing the rules and legal check targets helps avoid unnecessary fouls.
It’s illegal to initiate deliberate contact with the butt end above the shoulder. Only controlled jabs and pokes to the hands, wrists, and lower stick are permitted. Wild, uncontrolled swinging can draw a slash penalty as well.
Using the shaft or butt end to ward off an opponent like a crosscheck is prohibited. Keep butt end contact brief, not extended. Lifting or prying motions must be below the chin.
On ground balls, you cannot pin or step on an opponent’s stick with your own butt end. Allow opponents space to pick up ground balls even during physical box-out battles.
Charging or spearing with the butt end lowered like a lance is extremely dangerous and draws expulsion penalties. Keep the stick horizontal, not pointed downwards.
After scoring, never celebrate by waving or taunting with the butt end. This draws unsportsmanlike conduct flags.
Knowing the rules of legal checking helps maximize physical defense while avoiding penalties. Focus on controlled, targeted contact to the lower stick and hands only. Keep the butt end horizontal and motion tight.
Customizing Your Lacrosse Stick With a Stylish Butt End
Beyond improving performance, swapping out the butt end on your lacrosse stick provides self-expression. With customizable shapes, materials, and graphics, you can create a unique stylish look.
Many manufacturers offer brightly colored rubber or TPE butt ends to match team colors. Choose vibrant hues that stand out like neon orange, green, yellow or red. Coordinate with your stick head, gloves, or helmet decals.
Composite material butt ends can be customized with digital hydrographic graphics. Get cool camo patterns, flag designs, or artistic prints made just for you. Upload your own images for a fully personalized look.
For retro flair, wood knob handles come in eye-catching stained colors like cherry red or honey amber. Lacquered for protection, the natural grain shines through for timeless style.
Some companies allow full custom graphics on polyurethane butt ends. Add your number, initials, or nickname. Integrate designs that reflect your hobbies, interests, or personality.
A unique butt end sets your stick apart with both form and function. Don’t settle for boring basic black. Express your talents on the field with a stylishly upgraded lacrosse butt end.
Differences Between Field and Box Lacrosse Butt Ends
When shopping for a new lacrosse butt end, it’s important to consider whether you play field lacrosse or box lacrosse. The demands of each version require optimized design differences.
For box lacrosse, which is played indoors on a hockey rink, longer butt ends are preferred. Extra length provides enhanced poking and jabbing reach in tight spaces. Materials like TPE allow some flex for scooping errant passes off the boards.
Box players also favor more rounded butt end shapes rather than angular designs. The ergonomic contours facilitate better ball control when handling and passing in traffic.
For field lacrosse, shorter butt ends offer better maneuverability for stick checks and ground balls. More compact shape prevents excessive wind up and follow through motions that draw slashes.
Field players tend to choose grippy rubber compounds on butt ends. The tactile grip helps secure passes and shots on outdoor grass fields that may be wet or muddy.
Wider flared shapes help field players anchor the butt end when being checked. Narrow rounded box lacrosse designs would be more prone to rolling or twisting.
While basic specs like length and shape are personal preferences, optimizing your butt end for the version you play helps maximize on-field performance and control.
Maintaining and Caring for Your Butt End
A quality lacrosse butt end is built for years of play. But to maximize durability, proper maintenance is key. With some basic care, your butt end will stand the test of time.
Inspect regularly for cracks, chips or deformation, especially after hard checks. Smooth any rough edges with fine grit sandpaper. Fill small cracks in rubber with cyanoacrylate glue. Retape the grip if fraying.
Clean off dirt, debris and grime after games with a damp cloth. For deep cleaning, use mild dish soap and a brush. Rinse fully and wipe dry. Avoid harsh solvents that could damage materials.
Every few months, apply a silicone or rubber protectant spray to refresh the grip and repel moisture. This preserves the tactile texture that facilitates handling and checking.
Replace end cap O-rings as needed if the cap becomes loose. Ensure any screws are secure – tighten gently if loose but be careful not to strip heads.
Consider a butt end protector sleeve to prevent chips and dents during storage and transport. Some provide extra padding for comfort too.
With basic upkeep and TLC, your lacrosse butt end will deliver confident performance season after season. Take care of your gear and it will take care of you on the field.
Replacing a Damaged or Worn Out Butt End
Eventually, after years of heavy use, every lacrosse butt end reaches the point where it needs to be replaced. Damage, wear or material breakdown will begin impacting performance. Knowing when to swap in a new butt end ensures your gear’s quality.
Inspect used butt ends carefully for cracks, chips, holes, or deep gouges. Feel for any mushy spots or patches in the material. Check that key features like taper, flare or grip pattern are still intact.
Evaluate the overall level of grip and texture. If too smooth and shiny, the tactile grip properties are worn away. Give the butt end a twist in your hands – it should resist twisting motion.
Examine areas that contact the ball frequently like the neck and tip. Focus on any vibrations or sting in your hands to identify potential structural flaws.
Consider replacing your butt end every 2-3 seasons depending on usage intensity and your position. Defenders and face-off players put the most wear on butt ends and may need annual replacements.
Don’t wait until catastrophic failure – replace worn butt ends proactively. Have a backup ready to swap in once you notice playability decreasing. Keep your gear fresh and minimize injury risks.
The Evolution of Lacrosse Butt End Design Over the Years
Lacrosse has seen tremendous innovation in stick technology over the past 30 years. Modern materials and manufacturing have dramatically improved performance, including butt end design.
Historically, wooden handles were the norm. Simple cylindrical hardwood knobs provided basic control and durability. Leather wraps improved grip. While effective, wood was prone to cracking and required frequent replacement.
In the 1990s, molded rubber became popular for its weather resistance and tactile texture. Geometric ridges and ribs provided key advances in ergonomics and handling.
By the 2000s, specialized compounds like sticky dipped rubber offered unprecedented grip. New molds allowed flared shapes ideal for checking strength. Flexible thermoplastics also emerged for improved cushioning.
Today, 3D-printed carbon fiber and advanced engineered thermoplastics enable completely custom contours. Tactile foam and elastomer textures take grip and shock absorption to new levels.
While traditional wooden knobs maintain nostalgic appeal, modern materials transform the butt end into a high-performance tool. It’s evolved from a simple handle into an integral component enhancing handling, control, and defense.
Tomorrow, 3D knit composites and active materials may enable dynamic butt ends that adapt stiffness, flex and grip on demand. The butt end’s innovation journey continues driving the sport’s advancement.