Pick The Perfect Midfield Lacrosse Stick With This 2023 Buyers Guide

Pick The Perfect Midfield Lacrosse Stick With This 2023 Buyers Guide

The Stringking Complete 2 Pro Stands Out as a Top Midfield Lacrosse Stick

The Stringking Complete 2 Pro has emerged as one of the premier midfield lacrosse sticks on the market today. Constructed with a lightweight yet stiff carbon composite material, the Complete 2 Pro gives players the ideal blend of responsiveness and durability needed at the midfield position.

The head shape on the Complete 2 Pro has a slightly tapered design, which aids in quick passing and shooting. This allows midfielders to swiftly move the ball in transition or bury shots on cage with pinpoint accuracy. An Equilock system allows you to customize the pocket to your exact preferences, giving you unmatched levels of control over ball retention and release.

Several NCAA programs have adopted the Complete 2 Pro as their go-to midfield option. Ground ball machines can scoop up tough ground balls with this stick, then push the pace in transition. The stiffness provides added performance on rifle shots as well. Attackmen may also appreciate this stick, as the balanced feel suits dodging, feeding, and shooting capabilities.

Some midfielders may prefer an ultra-lightweight option like the Stringking Mark 2V, but the Complete 2 Pro gives you a bit more robust of a stick without sacrificing much weight. It only weighs around 5 ounces more than the Mark 2V. So you get premium performance without yielding too much in terms of lightweight feel.

If you want one of the most well-rounded midfield sticks engineered for today’s fast-paced game, the Stringking Complete 2 Pro deserves a hard look. The tapered head shape, customizable pocket, and carbon composite construction make this a midfield stick that can elevate any player’s game.

The Stringking Midfield Lacrosse Stick Stands Out with Its Lightweight Yet Durable Design

When evaluating midfield lacrosse sticks, you want an option that strikes the ideal balance of being lightweight yet highly durable. Players at this position endure a ton of wear and tear during gameplay, so a fragile stick simply will not suffice. The Stringking Midfield lacrosse stick has emerged as a top choice for its unique blend of responsiveness and ruggedness.

Constructed out of Stringking’s proprietary StrungArmor material, the Midfield stick weighs in at an ultra-light 5.8 oz. This allows you to whip your stick through passes, shots, and checks without dragging. The head moves effortlessly yet still stands up to hacking and slashing. Stringking designed this stick from the ground up specifically for the demands of today’s midfielders.

The Midfield head has an oval shape to it with a nice pinched mid-section. This contouring allows for excellent ball control on quicker shots and feeds. The nylon mesh pocket also aids in securing possessions, while the Endura rail system lets you tweak the pocket to your exact playing style.

Durability wise, the StrungArmor material plays a key role. It contains top secret properties to generate a stiff yet forgiving feel. You’ll notice the difference when scooping up ground balls, absorbing checks, and landing big time shots. The head won’t bend or warp easily, allowing the pocket to hold its shape longer.

For midfielders wanting the perfect marriage of responsiveness, control, and durability, the Stringking Midfield is worth a close look. It weighs slightly more than something like the ECD Carbon 2.0, but players report it holds up better over time. The cutting edge tech Stringking uses allows for a stick optimized for today’s middies.

Compare the Top Women’s Lacrosse Sticks for Midfielders

Women’s lacrosse has unique stick regulations, so female midfielders need to ensure they choose a head designed specifically for the women’s game. Some of the top brands in the sport now engineer heads catered directly for women’s midfield play. Here is an overview of some of the top options to consider.

The Maverik Centrik head has become a go-to choice for many elite women’s midfielders. The head is constructed out of durable carbon composite material, giving you a very responsive feel without all the extra weight. The design includes extra stiff sidewalls, which optimize your passing, catching, and shooting capabilities.

STX offers up the Crux 600 head for midfield play, which has a nice traditional pocket design. This allows for excellent ball retention, crucial for controlling ground balls off the draw. The Crux 600 comes strung up with a pre-configured optimal pocket, letting you take it straight to the field.

If you want something ultra-lightweight, check out the Stringking Mark 2V. It weighs in at under 5 ounces, one of the lightest heads in the women’s game. The minimal mass makes it easy to transition up and down the field. It just may lack some of the stiffness preferred for ripping shots.

For elite play, the Warrior Evo Warp Pro Head gets high marks. The stiff carbon composite build provides performance similar to a men’s head. It has an open sidewall design on one side, allowing for quick pocket adjustments. Overall, Warrior optimized this head for precise passing and shooting.

While preferences vary by playing style, these heads represent some of the top options for women’s midfielders. Ensure any head meets women’s lacrosse equipment regulations before taking it into action. Prioritize lightweight builds with stiff sidewalls and adjustable pocket systems.

The STX Crux 600 Offers Customizable Performance for Midfielders

Midfield players require sticks tailored to their precise preferences. The ability to customize stringing and pocket configuration can make a world of difference. The STX Crux 600 head allows for customizable stringing so you can dial in your ideal setup.

The Crux 600 comes equipped with a pre-configured backer and pocket right off the shelf. This gives new players an optimal starting point right away. However, experienced midfielders may want to tweak the pocket to their style. The Crux 600 allows you to adjust stringing, nylon, and shooting strings until you find your perfect sweet spot.

The head is constructed out of stiff composite material to improve passing and shooting accuracy. STX designed the Crux 600 with a nice taper near the scoop area, providing excellent ball control. You’ll notice the difference during ground ball scrums or when trying to hit a cutting teammate.

Some players may want an even more customizable head, in which case the ECD Carbon Pro 2.0 is worth a look. This head lets you completely customize sidewall stringing configurations to control pocket placement. Just keep in mind the Crux 600 still gives you plenty of adjustment leeway.

For most midfielders, having some customization options is crucial. An off-the-shelf pocket may not be ideal for every playing style. The ability to tweak shooting strings or fine-tune nylon allows you to maximize your performance. So if finding your perfect pocket setup is a top priority, put the STX Crux 600 on your shortlist.

Optimal Weight and Balance Are Crucial for Midfielder Sticks

The right combination of weight, balance, and feel can make all the difference for midfield players. You want a stick that moves effortlessly to enable quicker passing, shooting, and scooping. But it still needs some substance to withstand checks. Here’s what to evaluate.

Look for an overall stick weight around 5-7 ounces. Any lighter and durability can suffer, leading to warping over time. Heavier than 7 ounces and the stick may feel sluggish for midfielders constantly on the move. Thebalance point also matters – having the optimal true center point leads to smoother handling.

Top materials like carbon fiber and composite alloys help minimize mass. Brands like Maverik and STX use tech to remove any unnecessary heft without compromising stiffness. Pockets and stringing can also factor into the feel – nylon meshes are lighter than traditional leathers.

During ground balls and draws, you’ll notice if a stick feels too clunky. Extra mass makes it harder to gain possession cleanly. Taking shots also becomes more labored with a heavy stick. Quick stick passes out of transitions may lack zip and accuracy.

Test out a variety of price points and brands until you find the sweet spot for your preferences. Many elite midfielders settle on mid-tier sticks in the $150 range, getting durability without excessive materials. While lightweight has its advantages, balance and stability remain paramount.

Compare Pocket Types Like Traditional, Mesh, and Hybrid

The type of pocket on your midfielder’s stick can make a big difference in performance. Lacrosse pockets come in traditional leather, synthetic nylon mesh, or hybrid configurations. Consider the pros and cons of each.

Traditional leather pockets offer great durability and optimal ball control. Leather conforms nicely to cradling motions and provides a solid overall feel. The main drawback is increased weight compared to nylon pockets. Traditional pockets also tend to require more breaking in time.

Synthetic nylon mesh pockets provide a lightweight feel and crisp release. Nylon passes and shoots very cleanly once broken in. The main disadvantage is that nylon won’t conform over time quite like leather. It also lacks some of the ruggedness of animal hide.

For a blend of styles, hybrid pockets use nylon shooting strings and sidewalls with a leather mesh runner. This gives added ball control benefits of leather along with nylon’s quick release. It also cuts down on overall weight compared to an all-leather pocket.

Test out some pocket types to see what works best for your playing style. Attackmen may prefer more ball control, so a traditional pocket succeeds there. Midfielders value quick release and crisp passing, so a synthetic pocket can optimize performance. No matter what you choose, proper stringing remains vital.

Stiff Midfield Sticks Improve Shooting and Passing Accuracy

Midfield players benefit from stiffer head designs to enhance shooting, passing, and scooping capabilities. The optimal stiffness provides accuracy without compromising control. Here’s what to look for in evaluting stiffness.

Carbon fiber composite materials create ideal stiffness for most midfielders. Brands like Maverik and STX use advanced carbon composites to generate rigid sidewalls without excess weight. This stiffness keeps the head from warping or deforming on shots, allowing for added velocity.

Alloy metals like titanium and scandium also produce stiff, rugged builds. Metals stand up well to slashes and checks. Their natural rigidity enhances ball control. Just keep in mind that alloys add more mass compared to composites.

Soft mesh pockets can counterbalance some stiffness of the head. Too stiff of a head with an equally rigid pocket leads to decreased ball control. Nylon mesh gives just enough flex for adept cradling.

Test out shooting and passing with different head stiffness levels. Notice if shots sail wide or lack velocity with more flexible heads. Consider stiffer sidewalls if your current head warps over time. Durability and pocket structure decline if the sidewalls lose their rigid shape.

Review Construction Materials Like Composite, Alloy, and Carbon Fiber

The materials used to construct a lacrosse head directly impact its performance and durability. Major types of materials include composite, alloy metals, and carbon fiber. Here is an overview of each.

Composite polymer blends offer great stiffness at a lower cost than metal alloys. Brands combine materials like ABS plastic with nylon to optimize stiffness. Composites stand up well to ordinary wear and tear. The drawback is they lack the ruggedness of metal alloys.

Alloy metals like scandium, titanium, and aluminum provide exceptional durability. Their natural rigidity enhances passing and shooting. But metal heads add noticeable weight, a drawback for midfielders. Cost also rises exponentially for alloy heads.

Carbon fiber crafts an ideal blend of strength, stiffness, and low weight. Advanced carbon fiber engineering by brands like Maverik removes excess mass while retaining rigidity. The price tag of carbon fiber remains high, though lower than premium alloys.

For elite play, carbon fiber composites are worth the investment. Major programs use carbon heads precisely for their responsiveness and precision. Mid-tier alloy or composite heads work nicely for high school and youth players. Testing out various materials helps determine the optimal blend of feel, durability, and performance.

Consider Head Shapes Like Tapered and Oval for Midfielders

The exact shape and contour of a lacrosse head directly impacts performance for midfield players. Optimal head shapes give you the best blend of ball control, quick release, and shooting accuracy.

Tapered head shapes work well for midfielders, given their quick passing and shooting needs. A tapered or pinched design near the scoop allows for excellent ball control and crisp releases. STX and Maverik heads feature nice tapered contours.

Oval or rounded heads also succeed for midfielders. An oval midsection and sidewall design provides nice feel on quicker shots and feeds. Passes come off oval heads with tight rotation and accuracy. Just avoid heads with an overly rounded shape, as ball control suffers.

Wider heads give you some advantages on ground balls, thanks to a larger sweet spot. But don’t go too wide, as passing precision and shooting velocity decline. Midfielders do best with heads in the 4.5-5 inch width range.

Test out pocket placement and ball control with different head shapes. Notice the feel and control you get cradling in traffic or shooting on the run. Optimal shapes give you a quick release without sacrificing ball retention ability. Keep tapered and oval heads high on your list when shopping for your next midfielder stick.

Review Shaft Materials Like Alloy, Scandium, and Titanium

The makeup of your lacrosse shaft impacts feel, durability, and performance. Major shaft materials include alloy metals, scandium, titanium, and composite blends. Here’s an overview of each option.

Alloy metal shafts provide exceptional durability thanks to rugged stainless steel or aluminum construction. Brands like Maverik alloy shafts use premium metals to withstand slashes and checks. Just expect added weight from most alloys.

Scandium shafts offer a nice lightweight feel at a lower price point than titanium. Scandium is an ultra-light metal that keeps weight down. It holds up better than basic alloys but can’t match titanium strength.

Titanium lacrosse shafts deliver the best blend of ultra-lightweight design with rugged durability. Advanced titanium alloys used by brands like Epoch and Maverik generate amazing stiffness without excess weight. The price tag remains high for titanium.

Composite shafts use polymer blends to achieve decent durability at lower cost. They work nicely for newer players on a budget. Just expect more flex and eventual breakdowns over time compared to metals.

Test out the overall balance and feel of different shaft materials in the store. Moving up to scandium or titanium gives excellent performance gains for midfielders if the budget allows. Premium materials enhance handling and control.

Review Pricing Options for Lacrosse Sticks Under $150

Midfield players can find high quality sticks at reasonable price points under $150. Brands like STX, Maverik, and Warrior offer excellent midfield heads and shafts for under $150. Here are some top options to consider.

The Maverik Optik handle gets top marks for its premium alloy construction at just $129. The stiff alloy build is perfect for quick, accurate feeds and shots from the midfield position. It provides the durability of metals at a mid-tier price point.

Warrior creates the Burn Diamond mid-low pocket head for $89, an ideal midfielder setup. The head comes pre-configured with an excellent mid-low pocket design suited for transition play. Warrior uses a stiff yet forgiving alloy material perfect for quick feeds and ripping shots.

STX offers up their Stallion 50 head for just $79. This durable head works nicely for high school and youth players on a budget. It lacks the precision of elite heads but still gives you a nice stiff feel for passing and shooting needs.

Expanding your budget up to $200 opens even more excellent midfield options from brands like Stringking and Epoch. But for players on a $150 budget cap, know there are quality sticks available. Check out durable alloy and composite heads in the $75-100 range, paired with a lightweight scandium or alloy handle.

Compare Durability of Solid and Hollow Lacrosse Shafts

Lacrosse shafts come in two major designs: solid alloy or composite and hollow aluminum. Solid shafts provide more durability while hollow options focus on lightweight feel. Here’s how the two compare.

Solid lacrosse shafts use premium alloys like titanium and scandium or composite polymer blends. Their rugged one-piece construction better withstands checks, slashes, and impacts. Solid shafts maintain their stiff performance over seasons of use.

Hollow aluminum shafts emphasize light weight by using thin-walled aluminum. This keeps mass down substantially compared to solid shafts. The tradeoff comes in durability – hollow aluminum is more prone to developing cracks or dents over time.

In terms of cost, hollow shafts tend to come in cheaper at the entry level. Their simplistic design costs less to produce compared to engineered alloys. But for pure performance and longevity, solid shafts are worth the extra investment.

Consider going with a hollow design for newer players who need a lightweight feel and don’t generate high-impact contact. But experienced midfielders should invest in a durable solid shaft made of scandium or titanium alloy. The long term performance gains outweigh any small weight savings.

Consider Women’s Lacrosse Stick Regulations for Legal Sticks

Women’s lacrosse has specific equipment regulations that impact the sticks used. As a female midfielder, ensure any stick you use conforms to the women’s stick requirements. Here are key details to know.

Women’s lacrosse stick heads must be between 7 to 9 inches wide. Anything outside of that range becomes illegal for gameplay. Midfield players tend to prefer heads on the narrower side of that spectrum for quick passing and shooting.

Another regulation impacts the depth of the sidewall. Women’s sticks cannot have deep sidewalls exceeding 2 inches in height. This promotes ball movement and faster passing. Again, sticks optimized for women’s midfield play follow these guidelines.

Women’s sticks also feature more limited pocket depths. Mesh pockets cannot sag more than 1.5 inches to remain legal. Keep this in mind when evaluating women’s midfield sticks for optimal ball control.

Before taking any stick out on the field, ensure it meets current guidelines. Issues may arise if you use a men’s stick that doesn’t conform to women’s design specs. Opt for sticks engineered specifically for the women’s game. Following regulations ensures legality and optimizes your performance.

Discuss Stringing Options for Optimal Ball Control

The stringing setup on a lacrosse head plays a huge role in overall performance. Finding your optimal stringing configuration enhances ball control, release, and shooting capabilities. Here are some key stringing factors to dial in.

Focus first on the runner and crosse configuration along the scoop and sidewalls. This impacts overall pocket placement. Midfielders tend to prefer mid-to-low pocket placements for crisp passing and shooting.

Shooting string placement also matters. Placing shooting strings higher in the head increases ball retention, while lower settings promote quicker releases. Dial this in based on your style of play and positional needs.

Don’t overlook sidewall stringing. Adding more whip to sidewall strings boosts ball control for stick tricks and quicker feeds. But too much whip slows down release speed. Find your ideal sidewall setup through testing.

Mesh and nylon type also impact stringing feel. Softer meshes promote better ball control. Hard meshes generate quicker release at the cost of control. Match this to the other stringing factors.

Spend time experimenting with stringing setups to discover what works best. The right configuration optimizes your capabilities as a midfielder. Always have backups pre-strung with different pocket styles to account for variable conditions.

Review Sizing Options for Proper Lacrosse Stick Fit

Getting the right fit on your lacrosse stick improves performance and prevents injury. As a midfielder, take time to dial in proper stick sizing based on your height, position, and personal preference. Here are key factors to evaluate.

For starters, determine the ideal head size based on the level you play. Youth and high school midfielders do well with heads in the 4.5-5 inch width range. Adult midfielders can go slightly bigger at 5-5.5 inches. Large heads become cumbersome for midfield play.

Next, consider overall shaft length based on your height and Midfield style. Longer shafts up to 60 inches give you better reach but decrease mobility. Shorter shafts sacrifice some range but excel for quick dodges and feeds.

Determine ideal shaft diameter for your hands. Skinnier shafts promote quicker handling, while wider shafts provide more stability. Midfield players tend to prefer diameters in the standard range between 25-30mm.

Don’t overlook factors like head offset and whip spec. Medium offsets around 15mm work well for balanced play. Moderate sidewall whip boosts ball control once you adjust to it.

Take time to experiment with sizing elements at stores and camps. Consult coaches for best practices based on your physique and mechanics. Dialing in proper lacrosse stick fit prevents injuries while giving you optimal control.