Score Bulk Lacrosse Balls for Less at These Go-To Spots
As any lacrosse player knows, you go through equipment fast in this intense, high-impact sport. And one item you’ll find yourself constantly replacing? Lacrosse balls. From heavy-duty shooting and passing practice to working on your handles, these spherical wonders take quite a beating. So where can you score bulk lacrosse balls without breaking the bank? I’ve got some insider tips to share.
First up, don’t overlook the clearance sections at local sporting goods stores. Places like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Modell’s, and independent sports shops regularly put leftover lacrosse gear on deep discount at the end of each season. I always take a peek and often find package deals with 6, 12 or even 24 lacrosse balls marked down 30-50%. Sure, you don’t get much choice in brands or styles, but if you just need basic balls for drills who cares? It’s a steal.
You can also check out clearance sections online at lacrosse specialty shops like Lax.com, LacrosseMonkey.com, and Lacrosse Unlimited. They offer some smoking deals on overstocked, discontinued, and gently used balls. I once snagged a bucket of 24 mint-condition Brine balls for like $35! Set up email alerts so you never miss a good bargain opportunity.
Speaking of used balls, don’t turn up your nose at them. As long as there are no major gashes or chunks missing, pre-owned lacrosse balls still have plenty of life left for practice. Scout out used sporting goods stores in your area and peruse their lacrosse gear. Also check Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace for people selling big lots of used balls. OfferUp and other reseller apps are worth browsing too. Just thoroughly inspect balls for defects and make sure to sanitize them.
If buying new is important to you, look for lacrosse ball multi-packs online. Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Sports Unlimited sell familiar brands like STX, Maverik, and Brine in bulk for way less than buying balls individually. A 12-pack of STX balls goes for around $35-40 on average. Also look for combo deals bundling balls with other lacrosse accessories for extra savings.
While I’m normally loyal to top brands, I’ve had good luck with generic lacrosse balls ordered in bulk online too. Sites like LacrosseBallStore.com and LacrosseBallFactory.com offer no-frills, basic rubber lacrosse balls for as little as $1-2 per ball when you buy 20 or more. Are they as nicely constructed as a $3 Maverik ball? Nope. But for high-volume shooting practice it’s hard to beat the price.
Lastly, keep an eye out for periodic sales and special promos at lacrosse brands and retailers. Around the holidays and during inventory clearance events, you can often save 15-25% on bulk ball orders. Sign up for email newsletters and follow lacrosse companies on social media to be the first to know.
With a savvy shopping approach focused on clearance sections, buying used, purchasing generic brands, and hunting for deals, you can stock up on all the lacrosse balls you need for practice without going broke. Happy bargain hunting out there!
Used Lacrosse Balls in Bulk – Yay or Nay?
When you need a ton of lacrosse balls for practice, used balls can be a tempting money-saving option. I mean who cares if they’re a little scuffed up, right? But while sometimes pre-owned balls are fine, other times their quality leaves a lot to be desired. So should you buy used lacrosse balls in bulk or avoid them?
On the plus side, used lacrosse balls are obviously cheaper than brand new ones. Pop into a Play It Again Sports store or browse Craigslist and you can often find big lots of used balls for $1-2 apiece. That’s serious savings compared to $3-5 for new! If you just need a high volume for shooting drills and don’t care about looks, used is the way to go.
However, you do have to carefully inspect each used ball for defects. I’ve gotten some duds before with huge gashes or chunks missing that totally compromise their performance. Make sure to scrutinize the entire outer surface for any cuts, tears, or other damage. Also give them a squeeze test – they should feel uniformly firm all around.
While minor scuffs are no big deal, be wary of balls with lots of excess wear, heavy discoloration, or those that have lost their grip and feel greasy. If you primarily need balls for handle drills, passing, and catching, you want them to still have decent tackiness for control.
I’d avoid super dirty used balls covered in mud and grass stains too, unless you want to spend hours scrubbing each one. Who has time for that? Check for mildew smells as well, since musty balls need special disinfecting. Be prepared to sanitize used balls to avoid spreading germs.
The brand name on used balls also matters. While I’ve scored great deals on lightly used STX and Maverik balls, no-name used balls often don’t last. Without advanced durable materials and construction, their performance drops off quickly. Generic rubber balls also tend to get extra greasy and slick fast.
While auctions and classifieds might tempt you with 500 used balls for like $100 bucks, think hard before buying in huge bulk. Do you really need that many? Are there enough in near new condition? Taking on a huge batch of low-quality balls that quickly get rotated out is false economy.
Instead, I suggest buying used lacrosse balls in smaller mixed lots of maybe two dozen. That way you can better evaluate each ball’s condition and only keep the cream of the crop. Don’t get suckered into keeping mediocre balls just because you bought so many.
One smart tactic is to combine new and used balls. Buy a dozen top-grade new balls from brands like Warrior or Brine for stick handling and passing drills. Then supplement with cheaper used balls strictly for high-volume shooting. This avoids wasting money on beaten up balls for precision work.
At the end of the day, used lacrosse balls come down to your specific needs. If you simply need tons of balls for shooting target practice and don’t care about appearances, used is great. But for anything requiring ball control and feel, splurge on new. Either way – carefully inspect each ball before buying any bulk used lot!
Custom Lacrosse Ball Designs – Make Your Balls One-of-a-Kind
Tired of basic white lacrosse balls that look the same as everyone else’s? With custom printing, you can design your own killer lacrosse balls to stand out on the field. It’s surprisingly affordable too! Here’s the scoop on creating unique custom-designed lacrosse balls on a budget.
First, you’ll want to find a company that does custom ball printing. Many major brands like Warrior, Maverik, and STX offer custom lacrosse ball services on their websites. There are also specialty sites like CustomLacrosseBalls.com and PrintOnBalls.com that focus specifically on printing custom designs on balls and other gear.
The process is really easy too. Simply visit a site’s custom lacrosse ball section, upload your image or logo file, and customize colors and layout options. Enter how many balls you want – usually 12 or 24 is the minimum order. Then add to cart, pay, and your cool custom balls ship in a week or two.
Turnaround is pretty fast, so custom lacrosse balls make great last minute gifts. Before playoffs or championships, surprise your teammate or lacrosse buddy with a batch of personalized balls featuring their name, number, favorite meme – whatever!
Most lacrosse ball printing services use advanced digital UV direct printing for crisp, full color images that really pop on the balls’ surface. And materials like inks and adhesives are designed to permanently fuse designs onto rubber balls for maximum durability.
So feel free to go wild with any color combos and graphics you can dream up! Bold team logos, colorful geometric patterns, artsy nature photos, even your dog’s face – it can all be turned into eye-catching lacrosse ball artwork.
If designing from scratch seems daunting, most custom ball sites have templates and idea galleries to spark inspiration. Browse their concept libraries and reuse or remix designs to create your own. No graphic design skills needed.
As for pricing, custom lacrosse ball printing is pretty reasonable, especially if you buy in bulk. For example, Maverik charges around $5 per ball for orders of 24 or more. Other brands and printing sites offer similar per-ball rates. Not bad considering a plain white ball costs $3!
That said, watch out for pricier rush production fees and upcharges for extra printing areas like the ball top and bottom. Order well in advance to avoid rush charges and maximize your design options.
The one catch is that most sites only print custom balls in basic solid rubber materials, not their high-end game ball lines. So you’ll sacrifice a bit in ball feel and performance vs. pro balls. But for practice and training, basic custom balls get the job done.
All in all, custom printing lets you take boring white lacrosse balls to the next level. For an affordable price, you can design balls as unique as your lacrosse style and personality. So unleash your inner artist and create one-of-a-kind lacrosse balls this season!
Martin Lacrosse Balls – A Top Pick for Performance
When I’m stocking up on new lacrosse balls, one brand that’s always in my shopping cart is Martin. With their reputation for unbeatable quality and durability, Martin lacrosse balls have become a top choice among players and coaches.
Founded back in 1997, Martin Sports is a small, family-owned company based in Ohio that specializes in lacrosse balls and training equipment. They put tremendous focus on advanced materials and construction to create what many consider the best lacrosse balls money can buy.
Martin balls are meticulously designed and manufactured in-house using a premium rubber compound formula. This proprietary blend maximizes rebound velocity, surface grip, and all-weather playability. You can feel the difference from the first throw – these balls simply perform.
While some brands mold balls in standard metal molds, Martin ingeniously injection-molds each ball core in high-density nylon. This allows for much tighter production tolerances. The result is unparalleled roundness and bounce-back consistency in their balls.
The outer shell of Martin balls features their patented AquaTack texture technology. Micro-thin aqua channels create thousands of tacky edges that grab sticks for better control. Even in heavy rain these balls retain handling and feel. Martin’s tack also minimizes slippery abrasion wear over time.
Plus, the enhanced UV-cured printing ink Martin uses bonds straight into the ball cover for extra durability. Their signature sheen finish looks great and adds scuff resistance too. Bottom line – these balls are made to last.
Across the board, hardcore lacrosse enthusiasts rave about Martin’s premium quality. Besides official college programs like Syracuse, club and youth teams overwhelmingly play with Martin balls. And for good reason – they really outperform standard budget balls.
Yes, at around $5 each Martin balls cost a bit more than brands like STX and Brine. But serious players say the precision, consistency, grip, and longevity are well worth the extra investment. They maintain high quality far longer through endless practice abuse.
Martin offers a ton of customizable options too. Choose your ideal ball firmness from soft to extra firm. Dial in rebound speed and handling tackiness. Select solid colors, tie-dyes, digital camo prints and more. You can design your perfect ball.
For my money, I’ll stick with Martin sports balls as my go-to for both games and training. The playability and endurance is unmatched. When I want a lacrosse ball I can count on session after session, Martin has my back. Try them out and you may become a convert too!
Lacrosse Ball Drills to Step Up Your Skills
Besides games, one of the best ways to improve your lacrosse game is through training drills using lacrosse balls. Integrating ball drills into your practice regimen will help take your handles, shooting, catching, and more to the next level.
Starting with stick handling, the king of drills is Wall Ball. As the name suggests, all you need is a solid wall and your lacrosse stick and ball. Focus on catching, cradling, switching hands, quick sticks,roll dodges – whatever handles you want to polish. The wall forces you to catch cleanly and handle faster.
For extra challenge, draw a target square on the wall. Aim for different zones while working through your stick tricks. You can even rebound-shoot at the wall target. Vary distance for added difficulty.
To improve hand speed and coordination, juggle the ball in your lacrosse stick pocket. See how many straight catches you can complete before the ball falls. Or walk and juggle at the same time. This improves feel and reflexes greatly.
The classic ally dodge drill is another essential. Set up two cones or poles a few yards apart. Then work on evasive dodging footwork like split, roll, and face dodges back and forth around the poles with the ball in your stick.
For passing and catching reps, the simple Pass and Catch Line drill is ideal. Face a teammate and make crisp passes back and forth, focusing on form and accuracy. Move apart to challenge long passing. You can also integrate give-and-go cuts.
To combine stick work with conditioning, do Suicides with your lacrosse ball. Sprint, cradle, stop, switch hands, sprint back, repeat. Or add pass releases to a teammate at the turns. This builds endurance along with skills.
For shooting, the Shotgun Drill packs a punch. Take a line of balls pre-placed about 10 yards out. Sprint up, grab a ball, and quick-stick shot on goal. Grab the next ball and go again until all shots are complete. Work on form, power, and handling.
To groove your overhand wind-up motion, stand a few yards from a wall and work on Sidearm Shooting. Focus on your windup, whip, follow-through and accuracy. Again, add a target for more challenge.
Lastly, don’t neglect defensive drills with balls. Have a teammate stand in as a dodging attackman while you mirror and react with body position, poking, and checking to force ball-drops and bad passes.
The key is to not only master the mechanics of these drills, but integrate them into a complete training routine. Structure stick skill sessions, conditioning, and defensive work with plenty of lacrosse ball reps to get game-ready.
With consistent practice, these essential lacrosse ball drills will have you handling, passing, shooting and checking like a pro. Now grab a bag of balls and hit the field to start improving today!
Knowing When to Replace Your Lacrosse Balls
As a lacrosse player, you probably own a big batch of balls you constantly use for practice and training. But over time, all that passing, shooting and general wear and tear takes a toll. So when should you retire those beaten up old balls and replace them with fresh new ones?
The first clear sign your lacrosse balls need swapping is when their surface grip starts deteriorating. Brand new balls have a tacky, slightly gritty texture that sticks to your stick. But as the outer rubber wears, they become slick and slippery.
Slick balls not only slip right out of your pocket when catching, they’re harder to cradle and control. Worn balls tend to bobble off checks easier too. For stick skills that require feel, swap out balls once they start getting greasy.
Outdoor balls used on grass or turf also gradually get polished and shiny as grit wears the surface down. At a certain point the leather in your stick can’t impart spin on smooth balls. Time to bring new tack back into play.
Next, check for changes in ball bounce and rebound. When new, a ball should have a true, predictable bounce. But after repeated impact, cheaper balls often go dead or bounce erratically off kilter.
Inconsistent bounces make ball control tough – you never know which way a pass or shot will carom off your stick. Misshapen “pancake” balls also lose rebound energy and die on shots. Retire any oddly bouncing or warped balls.
Keep an eye out for visual defects too. Small surface scuffs and discoloration are no big deal. But major gashes, chunks missing, cracks orComplete Separations point to a ball nearing the end of its usable life.
Heavily abraded or damaged balls won’t pass and shoot right either. The uneven surface impacts aerodynamics. Deep gashes also allow moisture and dirt inside the ball’s core effecting weight and bounce.
Lastly, if balls reek of mildew despite cleaning or feel heavier soggy, their interior latex bladder has likely ruptured. Waterlogged balls behave erratically. Toss any musty or overly heavy balls showing their age.
I recommend designating old, beat up balls just for shooting drills and buying new for precision passing and handling work. Use a permanent marker to label worn “practice only” balls before games.
With lacrosse ball bags, six months of heavy use is about the average lifespan before replacing. But high-end balls like Martin often last noticeably longer before degrading. Cheap no-names wear out quickest.
While balls seem easy to overlook, using worn out ones handicaps your performance. Take time periodically to evaluate ball condition and rotate fresh ones into your rotation. Your handles will thank you!
Why Lacrosse Balls Are Essential Gear
From youth pickup games to college tournaments, no piece of equipment is more vital in lacrosse than the ball. This solid rubber sphere is central to every pass, catch, shot, and scoring play. So what exactly makes lacrosse balls such an indispensable part of the game?
First and foremost, lacrosse balls must have the perfect grip and tackiness to stick in your crosse. The pebbled, textured surface enables cradling, quick handles, and accurate passing. Balls also need striking durability to absorb intense shooting impact.
Leather lacrosse sticks generate tremendous spin, velocity, and G-forces on balls during play. Top quality balls withstand this punishment thanks to premium rubber compounds and construction. Their spherical precision honed shape also lends consistent flight and bounce.
Unlike generic rubber balls, lacrosse balls contain interior latex bladders which provide lively rebound off the head. Latex bladders also give the balls a balanced, weighted feel for better ball control. Their clean white color stands out clearly on grass too.
Advanced UV-cured inks used for branding allow balls to take all kinds of field abuse in any weather without logos rubbing off. Durable lacquer coatings add scuff-resistance as well.
Today’s high-performance lacrosse balls utilize innovative technologies like dimple patterns to generate truer, more accurate passes and shots. Maintaining integrity across repeated impact is key.
Beyond their physical traits, lacrosse balls also carry intangible significance. When you cradle and pass a worn ball marked with grass stains from previous battles, a sense of history connects you to the legends of the game.
From vintage leather balls of indigenous stickball to modern rubber models used by the pros, lacrosse balls tie together generations of players. These balls bear the DNA of the game with every cut, bounce and shot.
For developing young players, bonding with their ball during wall ball sessions and drills forges an essential relationship. As skills improve, the ball almost becomes an extension of the stick.
So while sticks, pads, and cleats all play roles, it’s the iconic lacrosse ball at the heart of every play. Without these rugged rubber spheres to catch, pass, and shoot, there would simply be no lacrosse at all!
Next time you survey your bag of scuffed up balls before hitting the field, remember each one represents a story. Respect the lacrosse ball, and the game’s history it embodies.
Bulk Lacrosse Balls: How Many You Really Need
When stocking up on lacrosse balls, it’s tempting to buy them by the bucketful. But before maxing out your credit card on jumbo bulk orders, consider how many balls you can realistically use for training.
For starters, keep in mind that unlocked bags of balls lying around tend to shrink fast. Stray shots go astray, balls get left behind at fields and parks, a few extras get gifted to younger players – your ball supply evaporates quickly!
That’s why I suggest buying lacrosse balls in modest bulk amounts that align with your practice habits. Here’s a general guideline based on hours spent training per week:
1 to 3 hours per week: Get 2 dozen balls for basic passing, shooting, and solo drills. This covers the average casual player’s needs.
4 to 7 hours per week: Bump up to 3-4 dozen balls for more advanced drills and team practices. Serious high school players fall in this range.
8 to 12 hours per week: Invest in 5-6 dozen balls for hardcore training. College lacrosse players at this level go through balls fast.
12+ hours per week: Load up on 8+ dozen balls for next-level Division 1 college, professional, and Team USA caliber practice. They’ll use every last one.
Of course ball durability matters too. Premium balls from brands like Maverik and STX tend to outlast cheap no-names. I get about 6 months from top balls used 4-5 hours weekly before replacing.
If buying used/discount balls for shooting only, pad counts a bit since they degrade faster. I’d grab 4-5 dozen bargain balls so the best conditioned ones can be “promoted” to game use when needed.
Think about the types of drills you do most too. Shooting and passing heavy sessions churn through balls quicker than say, solo stick tricks. Buy extra balls as your practice intensity and schedule expands over a season.
While beginners should focus on quality over quantity, don’t go overboard either direction. Newbies won’t use a huge ball order effectively, but need more than just a couple. Find the sweet spot for your skill level.
With lacrosse balls, more doesn’t necessarily equal better training. Resist the siren call of jumbo bulk packs that exceed your practical needs. Spend smart on the amount of balls your practice hours truly require.
Name Brand vs. Generic Lacrosse Balls
When stocking up on lacrosse balls, you’ll see premium name brands like STX and Maverik along with cheaper generic balls. Is it worth paying more for big brand gear, or can you get the same performance from no-name balls?
There’s no doubt that leading manufacturers like Warrior, Brine, and Nike produce excellent lacrosse balls with top-notch materials and quality control. You really can feel and see the difference on the field.
Premium branded balls start with high-grade natural rubber compounds for ideal tackiness and durability. Their latex bladders provide livelier rebound too. Sophisticated molding and curing ensures shape consistency as well.
They also employ advanced technologies like dimple patterns and AquaTack textures to deliver unmatched handling and moisture control. Plus you get cool designs and custom printing options beyond basic white.
These balls maintain their grip, spin, bounce and aerodynamics impressively even after months of heavy use. While not indestructible, the best balls do last noticeably longer through wear and tear.
Serious players also value how pro-level balls increase confidence during games. When you know your ball will handle true ball after ball, it puts you in a performance mindset.
Now for cost savings, generic lacrosse ball brands found online or in big box sports stores can get the job done. I’ve had success with basic rubber balls from companies like Champion and Baden for practice.
However, lower-grade latex bladders and rubber compounds mean these balls tend to lose shape, bounce, and tack faster. Their durability flattens out after sustained shooting and contact.
Cheapo balls also lack the precise spherical molding and seamless finishes of premium brands. You’ll notice wobble on passes and shots sooner as the ball wears.
While OK for high-volume shooting drills, I don’t love generic balls once stickhandling finesse and game performance enter the equation. Off-brand lacrosse balls simply don’t have the same pop and playability.
My advice is blend and budget for your needs. Outfit your team with enough quality balls from trusted brands for games and practice. Then supplement with cheaper balls strictly for shooting and abusing as “pinnies.”
With some smart mixing and matching, you can balance top-end ball handling with cost savings on balls made for beating up. Find your own recipe for lacrosse ball success.
How Long Do Lacrosse Balls Really Last?
As a lacrosse player going through balls like crazy between practice and games, you may wonder – just how long should quality lacrosse balls actually last before replacing them?
The lifespan of lacrosse balls depends on a few key factors. First is ball construction quality. Premium balls from top brands generally last longer over months of use than cheaper versions.
Next is usage intensity. Balls used lightly for solo wall ball drills will degrade slower than team balls thrown full force nonstop during passing and shooting drills. High-impact, high-volume use accelerates wear.
Environment is another big factor. Outdoor field balls get abraded faster on grass and turf than indoor balls on smooth floors. Year-round outdoor players go through balls quicker.
For casual players using balls 1-3 times per week at moderate intensity indoors or on clean turf, I’d expect 3-6 months of play before replacing. Upkeep between uses helps extend ball life in this range.
Serious high school and youth club players logging 4-8 hours weekly on outdoor grass fields might get 2-3 months before balls lose shape, bounce and tack. More intense play accelerates wear.
At the elite college and pro level with balls in constant daily use outdoors, balls may only last 4-6 weeks before getting too beaten up. Top colleges can go through 500+ balls per season!
Weather matters too. Balls see faster degradation in rainy, muddy conditions that seep moisture into the latex bladders and abrade the pebbled surface. Plus UV sunlight also breaks balls down.
One tip to maximize durability is designating new balls strictly for games and practices, saving more worn “range” balls for your shooting and beating up. Extend prime balls by reserving them for precision play.
While ball rotation helps, remember even the best constructed lacrosse balls have a finite lifespan. Don’t wait for them to become unusable pancakes before swapping in fresh replacements.
By tailoring ball quantities to your playing level, monitoring wear and tear, and smartly integrating new balls, you can balance ideal performance with economy. Just know exactly how long your lacrosse balls should reasonably last.
Top Lacrosse Ball Brands to Consider
With so many lacrosse ball brands and models out there, it can be tricky choosing the right balls for your game and budget. Based on quality, performance, and value, here are my top lacrosse ball recommendations to consider across three tiers.
For premium pro-level performance, Maverik Lacrosse is my top choice. Their new HyperLite balls feature a revolutionary micro-dimpled cover for aerodynamic precision passing and shooting. The tacky Gripskin material controls wonderfully too.
STX also makes excellent competitive lacrosse balls, including their new Stallion 500 series. With high-grade rubber cores and wild dimple patterns, STX balls stand out for durability and handling.
In the mid-range, you can’t go wrong with Warrior lacrosse balls. They offer a great balance of quality materials and value cost. The Exclusive line has a super grippy pebbled exterior and great bounce.
Brine balls are another strong mid-tier choice, especially their NR lacrosse line with a soft feel cover and vivid logos. Brine’s Dynasty model is ideal for youth and high school players seeking good performance.
For more budget-friendly practice balls, brands like Adrenaline, Bauer, and Harrow offer very affordable 3-ball sets. While less durable than pro balls, they work for casual shooting.
I’m also intrigued by upstart brands like Lax Lax Lax pushing new technologies like their LaXBall’s microchip core for truer flight. Innovation like this brings advances to every price range.
When possible, try holding and throwing different lacrosse balls in person before buying. Focus on feel, grip, squeeze-test bounce, and the sound it makes coming off your stick.
Aim to buy the highest quality ball you can reasonably afford. While beginners can start with budget balls, upgrade as your skills improve. The right lacrosse ball makes a big difference.
No matter what you spend, proper care extends ball lifespan. Monitor use for heavy wear and rotate new balls in regularly. With the right balls dialed in, your game will elevate!
Keep Your Lacrosse Balls Clean and Game Ready
While lacrosse gear takes a beating, keeping your balls fresh should be a priority. Learn the right way to clean lacrosse balls so they perform their best every game.
Start by regularly wiping down balls with a damp microfiber cloth to remove accumulated dirt, grass, and debris. This quick clean helps retain the tacky grip your sticks depend on.
For a deeper clean, use a stiff nylon lacrosse ball brush with soap and water. Gently scrub the entire surface to lift impacted grime and restore texture.
You can also wash balls in mesh laundry bags on gentle/cold setting then air dry. But avoid harsh detergents that strip natural oils. And never put balls in the dryer!
For serious disinfecting, use an antibacterial lacrosse ball soak like Maverik’s Ball Boy to kill germs. Soak 20 minutes then rinse clean. Let balls dry fully before playing again.
While avoiding harsh chemicals, don’t be afraid to use a bit of elbow grease and scrubbing to get balls looking pearly white again. Just don’t damage the outer surface.
To remove stubborn grass and turf stains, rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover on a cotton pad can work wonders without harming ball covers. Acetone cuts through in a flash.
Balls used exclusively on turf fields pick up less dirt and grime overall than grass. But turf’s abrasiveness accelerates wear. Inspect often for signs balls need swapping.
For extreme cases, a magic eraser rubbing block gently lifts caked-on discoloring without damaging the surface underneath if used properly.
Keep a few beat up “range” balls on hand strictly for shooting drills. Preserve your nicer game balls by only using them for controlled practice and competition.
While scuffs and wear are inevitable during games, taking time to refresh your lacrosse balls between uses has big benefits. Don’t underestimate the value of a clean ball!
Finding the Best Deals on Bulk Lacrosse Balls
As any lacrosse player knows, you can never have enough balls for practice. But filling your bag gets expensive fast buying balls individually at full retail. Here are my top tips for scoring bulk lacrosse ball deals to save you cash.
First, regularly check clearance sections online and in sporting goods stores once a season winds down. Stock gets heavily discounted to make room for new inventory. I’ve found 12-ball sets marked down over 50% at times!
Another prime spot is the used gear sections in Play It Again Sports locations and other consignment shops. Look for large lots of quality balls gently used by youth teams and leagues. OfferUp and Craigslist can have deals too.
For new condition balls, scout for coupon codes and sitewide sales at lacrosse sites like Lax.com, Lacrosse Monkey and Universal Lacrosse. Sign up for email alerts so you never miss a big promo.
Amazon is another source for bulk lacrosse ball deals, especially on their “Amazon Basics” rubber ball sets. No frills, but extremely affordable prices for practice quantity. Free Prime shipping is a nice perk too.
Check the clearance or “Bargain Cave” sections on major lacrosse brands’ own websites as well. They often heavily discount overstocks and discontinued colorways on balls.
Consider splitting bulk orders with teammates too. Buy 4-5 dozen balls together, then evenly divide them among your bags. Takes advantage of volume discounts.
While I’d splurge on the best balls for games, use cheaper bulk balls just for shooting drills and longevity isn’t as vital. Quality matters more for game play.
Don’t neglect basic big box stores like Dicks and Modells either. Their house brand balls lack frills but get the job done for high-volume training on the cheap.
With the right nose for deals and willingness to buy pre-owned, you can stock up on all the practice lacrosse balls you’ll need. Now get out there and save some money!
Pros and Cons of Buying Lacrosse Balls Online
Thanks to the internet, purchasing lacrosse equipment like balls is easier than ever. But is buying lacrosse balls online the best choice compared to shops? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.
Starting with advantages, the selection of lacrosse balls available online is unmatched. Huge retailers like Amazon and specialty shops carry every brand, model, color, and print imaginable. Far more choice than local stores.
Being able to filter and compare dozens of different lacrosse balls in a few clicks makes the research process extremely easy as well. No driving all over town to scout inventory.
Online retailers also frequently run special discount promotions, coupon codes, and sales you rarely see in person. Signing up for email lists allows you to capitalize on periodic deals.
There’s nothing like the convenience of balls shipped right to your doorstep either. No struggling to haul heavy bags of balls from the car. Online orders are delivered.
You can also leverage lacrosse forums and reviews online to benefit from other players’ experiences with certain balls before buying. Helpful insider view.
Now for the downsides, you can’t physically handle and test balls before purchasing online. No squeezing for firmness or throwing for feel before you buy.
Returning lacrosse balls bought online if you don’t like them also tends to be a much bigger hassle than exchanging in a store. You have to repackage and ship back.
While rare, getting an order wrong does happen too. Then you have to go through the return rigamarole which can mean days without the balls you need.
There’s also the risk of getting counterfeit or inferior quality balls from shady sellers online. Harder to authenticate than when buying in authorized retailers.
At the end of the day, buying lacrosse balls online wins for selection and convenience. But I recommend players new to the game shop in person first to learn what they like. Enjoy the best of both worlds.
Cheap Lacrosse Balls – Worth the Savings?
With brand name lacrosse balls costing around $5 each, cheaper balls can be tempting for players on a budget. But are bargain lacrosse balls worth it for your game?
On the plus side, discount lacrosse balls found at big box sporting goods stores, online resellers, and clearance racks offer huge savings over premium brands.
10 cheap practice balls for the price of 2 or 3 name brand balls provides ball quantity fast for shooting drills and training exercises on a budget.
I’ve found cheap balls still have decent grip and durability for casual play and practicing fundamentals. While their longevity doesn’t match premium balls, they’ll get the job done for non-elite players.
For young lacrosse athletes just learning the game, starting out with inexpensive balls avoids a big upfront equipment investment before they know if they’ll stick with it.
Once players develop into more serious competitors, they can always upgrade to higher caliber balls. Cheap balls help newbies get started without overspending.
However, more experienced high school, college, and pro players will immediately notice the performance limitations of bargain lacrosse balls.
The rubber compounds have less lively pop which affects passing and shooting precision. And lackluster latex bladders mean minimal rebound off the crosse.
Their cheap exterior materials also get slick and abrasive faster compared to advanced textures like Brine’s GripSphere and Maverik’s Hybrid. Noticeably less ball control.
Inconsistent molding and materials in cheaper lacrosse balls produce quirky bounces and wobbly release. Fine-tuning your game suffers.
For top-level play, elite handling and shot performance matter. I only recommend cheap balls for basic drills and high-volume shooting reps.
Buy quality balls game balls you know and trust for when performance counts. But cheap practice balls can help maximize your training budget.