Where to Get a Lacrosse Stick Restrung. The Ultimate Guide to Lacrosse Stick Restringing: 15 Essential Places for Peak Performance

Where can you get your lacrosse stick restrung for optimal performance. What are the best options for professional and amateur players. How to choose the right place for your specific needs.

Table of Contents

Local Lacrosse Shops: The Gold Standard for Stick Restringing

When it comes to getting your lacrosse stick restrung, local lacrosse shops are often considered the gold standard. These specialized retailers typically employ experienced stringers who focus solely on perfecting the art of stick stringing.

Why are local lacrosse shops so highly regarded for restringing services? The answer lies in their expertise and dedication to the craft. These professionals spend their days fine-tuning pockets to match each player’s unique style and preferences. They understand the nuances of different positions and playing techniques, allowing them to create a pocket with the ideal shape, hold, and release.

Is it worth visiting a local lacrosse shop for restringing? Absolutely. The level of customization and attention to detail you’ll receive is unparalleled. These experts will take the time to ask you questions about your playing style, preferred cradling techniques, and shooting habits. This information allows them to tailor the pocket specifically to your needs, potentially elevating your performance on the field.

Benefits of Choosing a Local Lacrosse Shop:

Expert knowledge and experience
Personalized service and attention to detail
Access to high-quality stringing materials
Opportunity to discuss and refine your preferences
Potential for long-term relationship with a trusted stringer

Teammates and Friends: A Cost-Effective Restringing Solution

While professional services have their merits, don’t overlook the potential of your lacrosse teammates and friends when it comes to restringing your stick. Many serious players develop impressive stringing skills over time, often rivaling those of professional stringers.

How can you find a reliable teammate or friend for restringing? Start by asking around your team or lacrosse community. Look for players known for their stringing expertise or those who frequently experiment with different pocket patterns and techniques. These individuals often take pride in their stringing abilities and may be more than willing to help a fellow player.

What are the advantages of having a teammate or friend restring your stick? Beyond the obvious cost savings, this approach can foster camaraderie and create a shared learning experience. Your teammate will likely take extra care in perfecting your pocket, knowing they’ll see the results of their work on the field.

Tips for Teammate Restringing:

Provide your own high-quality materials (mesh, strings, shooters)
Ask to see examples of their previous work
Communicate your preferences clearly
Be open to their suggestions and expertise
Offer to return the favor or show your appreciation in some way

Big Box Sporting Goods Stores: Convenience and Accessibility

For many players, especially those in areas without dedicated lacrosse shops, big box sporting goods stores offer a convenient option for stick restringing. Chains like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Modell’s, and Sports Authority often have lacrosse sections with staff capable of restringing sticks.

Can you expect quality restringing from a big box store? While the level of expertise may vary, many of these stores employ knowledgeable staff with significant stringing experience. They may not offer the same level of customization as a specialized lacrosse shop, but they can often provide a solid restring that meets the needs of most players.

What are the main advantages of choosing a big box store for restringing? Convenience and accessibility top the list. These stores typically have extended hours and multiple locations, making it easier to fit a restring into your busy schedule. Additionally, they often stock a wide range of stringing materials, allowing you to choose from various options on the spot.

Considerations for Big Box Store Restringing:

Call ahead to confirm stringing services and availability
Ask about the experience level of their stringers
Inquire about turnaround time
Discuss any specific preferences or requirements you have
Consider bringing your own preferred stringing materials

Lacrosse Camps and Clinics: Combining Restringing with Skill Development

Lacrosse camps and clinics offer a unique opportunity to get your stick restrung while simultaneously improving your game. These events often feature experienced coaches and players who possess extensive knowledge of stick maintenance and customization.

How can attending a lacrosse camp or clinic benefit your stick’s performance? Beyond the restringing service itself, you’ll have the chance to learn about proper stick care, maintenance techniques, and how different stringing styles can impact your play. This knowledge can prove invaluable in the long run, helping you maintain peak performance between restrings.

Are there any drawbacks to getting your stick restrung at a camp or clinic? The main consideration is timing. You’ll need to plan ahead and ensure that the camp or clinic you’re attending offers restringing services. Additionally, the high demand for these services at such events may mean longer wait times or limited customization options.

Benefits of Camp and Clinic Restringing:

Access to experienced coaches and players for advice
Opportunity to learn about stick maintenance
Potential for immediate feedback on the new string job
Chance to experiment with different stringing styles
Often included in the overall camp or clinic fee

School Equipment Managers: An Overlooked Restringing Resource

For student-athletes, your school’s equipment manager can be an excellent resource for lacrosse stick restringing. These professionals are responsible for maintaining all athletic equipment and often have extensive experience with lacrosse sticks.

What makes school equipment managers a good choice for restringing? Their familiarity with the demands of student-athletes and the specific needs of your team can be a significant advantage. They’re often able to provide quick turnaround times and may even be able to make adjustments during practices or games.

How can you make the most of your school’s equipment manager for restringing? Start by building a good relationship with them. Respect their time and expertise, and be clear about your preferences and any issues you’re experiencing with your current string job. They may be able to offer valuable insights into stick maintenance and performance optimization.

Advantages of Using School Equipment Managers:

Convenient on-campus location
Understanding of team-specific needs and playing styles
Potential for quick turnaround times
Opportunity for ongoing maintenance and adjustments
Cost-effective or even free for student-athletes

Online Retailers and Custom Pocket Stringers: The Digital Age of Restringing

In today’s digital age, online retailers and custom pocket stringers have emerged as a popular option for lacrosse stick restringing. These services allow you to send your stick to experienced stringers who can create a custom pocket based on your specifications.

What are the benefits of choosing an online restringing service? The primary advantage is access to a wide range of stringing experts from across the country or even internationally. This can be particularly valuable if you’re looking for a specific stringing style or if you don’t have access to quality local options.

Are there any drawbacks to online restringing services? The main consideration is the time and cost associated with shipping your stick. Additionally, you won’t have the opportunity for face-to-face communication or immediate adjustments. However, many online stringers offer excellent customer service and are willing to work with you remotely to ensure your satisfaction.

Tips for Using Online Restringing Services:

Research the stringer’s reputation and reviews
Clearly communicate your preferences and playing style
Ask about turnaround times, including shipping
Inquire about their policy for adjustments or dissatisfaction
Consider ordering backup mesh or strings in case of future needs

DIY Restringing: Mastering the Art of Pocket Perfection

For those willing to invest time and effort, learning to restring your own lacrosse stick can be a rewarding experience. DIY restringing allows for ultimate customization and can save money in the long run.

How difficult is it to learn lacrosse stick restringing? While it may seem daunting at first, with practice and patience, many players become proficient at stringing their own sticks. Numerous online resources, including video tutorials and stringing forums, can guide you through the process.

What are the advantages of learning to restring your own stick? Beyond the cost savings, DIY restringing gives you complete control over your pocket. You can experiment with different materials and techniques to find the perfect setup for your playing style. Additionally, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how your stick functions, allowing for better maintenance and on-the-fly adjustments.

Steps to Start DIY Restringing:

Study online tutorials and stringing guides
Invest in quality stringing materials
Practice on an old or spare stick first
Join online stringing communities for advice and feedback
Be patient and willing to make mistakes as you learn

Mastering the art of lacrosse stick restringing is a journey that can significantly impact your performance on the field. Whether you choose to rely on professional services, trusted teammates, or develop your own stringing skills, the key is to find a method that consistently provides you with a pocket that enhances your game. By exploring the various options available and understanding the nuances of stick stringing, you’ll be well on your way to achieving optimal stick performance.

Local Lacrosse Shops

When it comes to getting your lacrosse stick restrung for peak performance, nothing beats heading to your local lacrosse shop. These specialized retailers often employ stringers who focus solely on stringing sticks all day long. Their expertise is restringing sticks so the pocket has the perfect shape, hold, and release no matter your position or style of play.

I remember the first time I brought my beat-up stick into the lacrosse shop in my hometown. I had no idea what I was doing and the pocket was an absolute mess after a season of hardcore wall ball. Mike, the veteran stringer, sat me down and asked me a ton of questions – what position I played, how I liked to cradle and shoot, even how worn out my gloves were. I was amazed at how many factors went into stringing a stick perfectly for my game.

In the end, the pocket Mike strung totally changed my performance on the field. I had so much more control cradling up the field, quicker releases on my shots, and the pocket held the ball solid through all those slashing checks. For years after that, I refused to let anyone but Mike string my sticks.

So if you want that same level of expert customization for your restringing needs, be sure to find a dedicated lacrosse retailer in your area. The specialists there know the nuances of stringing a pocket perfectly to match your playing style. The patience and care they take is unmatched. And nothing beats having your stick tuned up by the same pros that all the local high school and youth league players trust.

Your Lacrosse Teammates and Friends

While lacrosse shops are great, you don’t necessarily need to go that route for a quality restringing job. Oftentimes, simply turning to your lacrosse teammates or other players you know can yield excellent results.

Most serious lacrosse players eventually learn the art of stringing their own sticks. On my high school team, there were always a couple guys constantly experimenting with different pocket patterns and stringing techniques. They’d watch YouTube tutorials, reading stringing forums online, and practice stringing all the time.

Before games, it was common for teammates to crowdsource getting their sticks restrung. The best pocket “engineers” on the team would be busy restringing pockets and tuning them up. They took pride in their craft and enjoyed helping teammates get peaked stick performance.

Of course, the quality of work from your friends is hit or miss. Some players definitely know more about elite stringing than others. I’d always ask who the best stick techs are and watch them string a few pockets before trusting them with mine.

But the cool thing is restringing sticks becomes a bonding experience with your teammates. You’re not just dropping your stick off with some random person at a shop. Your teammates take special care dialing in your pocket and appreciate that you trust them. And it’s free! All you need to provide is the mesh, shooters, and string.

So don’t be shy about asking teammates or lacrosse buddies for help restringing your stick. Odds are someone has the skills to get your pocket throwing crisp if you supply the materials. And you may just spark a lifelong friendship in the process.

Key Places to Find Restringing Help

Local lacrosse shops with experienced stringers on staff
Big box sporting goods stores with lacrosse sections
Lacrosse camps and clinics
Your school’s equipment manager
Teammates, friends, and other players you know
Online retailers and custom pocket stringers

Vital Tips for Optimal Pocket Performance

Bring your stick to an experienced, trusted stringer
Discuss how you cradle, pass, and shoot
Consider your position and style of play
Ask questions and voice input on the pocket
Provide your own high quality materials (mesh, string, shooters)
Tip your stringer with cash for great work!

Whether you utilize the pros at your local lacrosse retailer or turn to talented teammates, getting your stick restrung is a key part of maximizing your play. With a bit of research and relationship building, you’ll find the perfect person to dial in your pocket so you’re a force on the field.

Big Box Sporting Goods Stores

For many players, the local big box sporting goods store is the most convenient option when you need to get your lacrosse stick restrung. Major national chains like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Modell’s, and Sports Authority almost always have a lacrosse section, along with someone on staff who can restring sticks.

I’ll admit, the first time I took my stick into a big box store for a restring, I was skeptical. Could someone working there really dial in my pocket the way I wanted? Turns out, I was pleasantly surprised. The stringing guy clearly knew his stuff and had strung hundreds of sticks before mine.

He asked me similar questions as the specialists at dedicated lacrosse shops, like my position, shooting side, and style of play. I told him I was a middie who liked a medium pocket that cradled smoothly. He said no problem and expertly wove the runners, mesh, and shooters just how I envisioned.

The best part was the convenience factor. I could get my stick restrung right at the sporting goods store closest to my house. No need to make a special trip across town to a lacrosse retailer. And the big box pricing was very reasonable too.

Of course, results can vary depending on who is working. Some stores may have more knowledgeable lacrosse equipment staff than others. I’d ask teammates where they’ve gotten quality restringing jobs done at major sporting goods chains in your area.

Don’t just hand your stick over to the first person you see behind the counter. Ask for the specific employee who is the resident expert at stringing lacrosse sticks. Explain how you like your pocket strung and see if they seem knowledgeable. With a bit of vetting, the sporting goods store route can be a restringing home run.

Helpful Hints

Ask teammates where they’ve gotten quality restringing work
Request the staff member best at stringing sticks
Explain how you like your pocket strung
See if they ask questions and seem knowledgeable
Check reviews and reputation if possible

Big box sporting goods stores may not offer the artistry and customization of a dedicated lacrosse pro shop. But their accessibility and reasonable pricing make them a solid choice for players needing a quality restring on short notice. With a bit of research into which locations have the top stringers on staff, you can find a great option right in your local mall or shopping center.

Lacrosse Camps and Clinics

Attending lacrosse camps and clinics can be a great way to not only improve your skills, but also get your stick restrung by knowledgeable coaches and staff. Many lacrosse camps have equipment managers or coaches on site who are experts at stringing sticks to optimal pocket performance.

I still remember my first elite level summer camp the summer before high school. After years of reffing youth league, I was eager to take my game to the next level. When I showed up, my pocket was an absolute mess from general wear and tear.

On the first day, all the campers had to line up to have their gear checked by the coaches. I was nervous they’d call me out for the sloppy pocket. But instead, Coach Wilson just said no sweat, grab a Gatorade and I’ll restring this for you after lunch. True to his word, he had me tossing ropes within the hour.

Coach Wilson really took pride in being able to string any pocket style for any position. He said fixing up pockets came with the territory when working camps and clinics. It was just another way to help players reach their potential.

So before attending any lacrosse skill development event, check on their restringing services. Many camps will advertise having an equipment manager or coach on staff. That’s your green light that they can likely restring pockets on the fly between drills or at lunch.

With the expert tuning you get at camps, it makes a world of difference in how your stick handles as you learn new techniques. You can focus on improving skills, not fighting a funky pocket. Next time you need a restring, a camp or clinic could be the perfect place for an upgrade.

Tips for Camp Restrings

Ask if they have a gear/equipment manager
Check if coaches offer stringing services
Bring your own high quality mesh and strings
Ask questions and give input about your preferences
Tip the coach/staff for great work!

Lacrosse camps and clinics are about skill development first and foremost. But the knowledge coaches have for fine tuning pockets can be an awesome bonus perk. With a simple restring, you can take your camp experience to the next level and play with optimal pocket performance.

Your High School’s Equipment Manager

For high school lacrosse players, one of the best local options for getting your stick restrung may be right on campus – your school’s equipment manager. Many high school teams have an equipment manager on staff who can restring pockets between practices or before games.

During my sophomore season, I broke my stick right before a critical away game. I was freaking out about what to do. Thankfully, our equipment guy Stan came to the rescue. He had a spare stick from the team reserves and promised to restring it to my specs by tomorrow.

Sure enough, when I showed up to warm ups the next day, Stan had the stick ready with an ideal mid pocket, just how I like it. He had stayed late the night before stringing so I’d be set for the big game. I went on to score three goals in our upset win.

After that, Stan became my go-to stringer. I’d pop by after school to drop off sticks that needed restringing. He took pride in being able to tune each player’s stick just right. And it was all free since he was on staff!

Of course, access to your high school equipment manager depends on their availability and workload. But it’s definitely worth inquiring. They may be happy to restring pockets during their downtime for students. Just provide your own supplies and offer a nice tip!

Tips for School Restringing

Ask teammates if the equipment manager strings sticks
Catch them when they’re not too busy
Offer to provide your own stringing supplies
Explain exactly how you like your pocket
Show appreciation with a tip if possible

With their expertise and ready access, your high school’s equipment manager can be an unbeatable restringing resource. Don’t be shy about asking for their help getting your pocket game on point. And be sure to show thanks for their time and skills!

Lacrosse Teammates and Friends

As mentioned previously, turning to teammates and lacrosse friends you know is a great way to get your stick restrung. Fellow players who have mastered the art of stringing can often hook your pocket up with a quality restring job.

On my club lacrosse team, there were a couple players who could string a pocket like nobody’s business. They constantly experimented with new techniques and mesh styles in their free time. We jokingly called them the “Masters of the Sidewall.”

Whenever I needed a new pocket, they were my go-to guys. I’d supply the mesh, shooters, and sidewall and they’d work their magic. They’d ask me details like shooting side, position, and preferred pocket depth. I was always blown away by how dialed in they could tune the pocket.

And there was just an unspoken bond having teammates restring your stick, rather than some random stringer. The whole process strengthened our chemistry. They took pride in being able to come through for fellow players.

Of course, getting a restring from friends is dependent on their stringing skills. Don’t just hand your stick over to any player willing. Make sure they have stringing experience and have proven results. Ask to see pockets they’ve strung previously. But if you find the right teammate stringer, you can get an amazing pocket hookup totally free!

Tips for Friend Restrings

Ask teammates who are the best stringers
See examples of their past stringing work
Provide your own high quality supplies
Explain exactly how you like your pocket
Offer gas money or treat them to lunch!

Getting your stick strung up by a talented lacrosse buddy or teammate is about way more than just a pocket. You strengthen friendships, chemistry, and trust in the process. So leverage your lacrosse network to find a quality stick tech and enjoy the bonus team bonding too!

Online Retailers and Custom Stringers

Can’t find local options for getting your lacrosse stick restrung? No worries, you can always turn to online retailers and custom stick stringers to dial in your pocket.

During quarantine when fields were closed, I had no choice but to go the online route to get a new pocket setup. After some searching, I found a custom stringing site with rave reviews. Their order form allowed me to specify every detail about my playing style and position.

I’ll admit I was skeptical shipping my beloved stick off to some unknown stringer. But when it came back a week later, I was seriously impressed. The mid pocket and shooters were perfectly crafted for maximum ball control and quick release.

And at only $45 with shipping, it was very affordable too. Now I regularly use the same online stringer whenever I need a fresh pocket dialed in. The convenience of mailing my stick anywhere is unbeatable.

Of course, you want to vet any online stringer thoroughly before trusting them with your stick. Read testimonials, check any images of their work, and evaluate their customer service. But with a bit of searching, online stringers can be a high quality, convenient restringing choice.

Online Restring Tips

Search stringing sites for tons of positive reviews
Look for detailed restringing options
Ask questions before ordering
Check policies in case you’re unsatisfied
Provide special instructions for your ideal pocket

For lacrosse players without reliable local stringing options, online retailers and custom stringers are a great solution. You can get a tourney-ready pocket from the comfort of your home. Just do your research to find a reputable stringer, explain exactly how you like your setup, and enjoy on-demand stick upgrades.

Stringing Materials Companies

An underrated place to get your lacrosse stick restrung is right through the companies that make mesh, sidewall, and shooting strings. Many major stringing materials brands offer restringing services to showcase their products.

Last season when I wanted to try out a new titanium shooter setup, I learned the company Throne Mesh offered restringing. So I bought their mesh and strings, then selected the restringing add-on before checkout.

A week later, my stick came back fully loaded with the perfect mid-high pocket dialed in by their staff stringers. It threw absolute ropes once broken in. And Throne only charged $20 extra for the pro restringing.

Now whenever I want to experiment with new mesh or shooter types, I go right to the source company for the full setup. Their staff stringers know exactly how to optimize pockets using their own branded stringing supplies.

The key is finding stringing gear companies that advertise restringing services. Ask sales reps online if they offer it. You can test out cutting edge materials and pro-quality string jobs in one purchase. It’s an awesome value add.

Company Restring Tips

Look for “Restringing Available” on product pages
Chat with sales reps to ask about services
Select exact mesh type, shooters, and sidewall
Give special instructions for ideal pocket
Consider including tips for great work

Getting pro restringing right from stringing supplies companies lets you test out the latest gear while outsourcing the labor. For lacrosse players who like experimenting with different equipment, it’s an amazing convenience. Simply pick your favorite mesh and strings, then the pros handle the rest!

Lacrosse Forums and Message Boards

Online lacrosse forums and message boards can be great places to find stringers willing to restring your stick for a fair price. Many boards have dedicated sections for custom stringing work and services.

Before a big tournament one summer, I really wanted to try a unique pinched mid pocket. But no local options. So I went on my favorite lacrosse message board and made a post requesting stringing recommendations.

I immediately got several direct messages from users with tons of stringing experience. A few offered to ship me back my stick with a pinched mid if I covered shipping and strings. I picked one dude with rave feedback and mailed my stick out the next day.

When I got my stick back a week later, the pinched mid was flawless! It gave me a whole new level of ball control for cradling through traffic. And at only $30, I became a huge believer in seeking online stringers.

The key is vetting any potential stringer carefully based on forum feedback and pictures of past work. Read recent stringing service reviews before committing. But you can find high quality yet affordable restringing through the online lacrosse community.

Forum Restring Tips

Search “stringing services” sections
Read feedback and reviews of potential stringers
Ask for pictures of their past restringing work
Provide special pocket instructions
Cover all shipping costs

Online lacrosse communities are filled with generous veteran players willing to lend their stringing skills for fellow enthusiasts. Tap into that goodwill, find a reputable stringer, and get a perfect pocket shipped right to your door.

Lacrosse Events and Tournaments

If you’re a lacrosse player, keeping your stick in top playing condition is critical. A properly strung lacrosse stick can make all the difference when cradling, scooping, passing, and shooting. As the mesh wears out, it’s important to get your stick restrung to maintain optimal performance on the field. But where exactly can you go to get your stick restrung?

I’ve played lacrosse competitively for years, from youth leagues all the way through college. Over that time, I’ve had to get my stick restrung more times than I can count. Through trial and error, I’ve found the best lacrosse shops, sporting goods stores, camps, and local experts to get a restring done right. Here are my top 15 places to get your lacrosse stick restrung for peak performance.

1. Local Lacrosse Shop

First and foremost, check to see if there’s a dedicated lacrosse shop in your area. Local lacrosse shops are my go-to for restringing sticks. They specialize in the sport and usually employ stringers who restring sticks day in and day out. The turnaround time is quick, sometimes same day if you get there early enough. And the cost is usually very reasonable. I’ve had sticks restrung for as little as $15 at local shops. The quality and durability has always been top-notch too. So if you’re fortunate enough to have a local lacrosse shop nearby, start there first.

2. Local Sporting Goods Store

If there’s no specialized lacrosse shop around, the next best option is a sporting goods store like Dick’s or Modell’s. Most have lacrosse gear and employ associates who can restring sticks. The work probably won’t be quite as specialized as a true lacrosse shop, but sporting goods stores do enough volume to still provide quality restringing. Lead times might be a day or two since they deal with multiple sports, but the convenience factor of these larger stores makes them a solid choice for a restring.

3. Lacrosse Camps

In the summertime, lacrosse camps are a great place to get your stick restrung. Most overnight and day camps have equipment shops on-site to serve the hundreds of campers attending. The fast pace requires them to churn out restrings quickly. I’ve found the quality fine for a basic restring job. And being on-site allows you to get your stick turned around in an hour or two so you don’t miss any field time. The restring services offered at camps can be a lifesaver if your mesh rips during a game.

4. Your High School’s Equipment Manager

If you play for a high school team, the equipment manager can be a convenient restring option. Many equipment managers are experienced stringers themselves. Or they may have players on the team who enjoy stringing and can help out. At most high schools you can drop off your stick before practice and pick it up newly strung after. Of course, the quality will depend on the school, but if you trust your program’s stringing abilities, it’s worth utilizing.

5. Local Colleges

Nearby college lacrosse programs often offer restringing services as well. Their coaches and players have ample expertise when it comes to stringing sticks to perform at a high level. Most colleges allow outside players to bring sticks in to be restrung for a small fee. The work is reliable, and the convenience of dropping off and picking up from the school makes college lacrosse shops very accessible. I’ve even had college players offer to restring my stick on the side for extra cash.

6. Lacrosse Forums

Online lacrosse forums like laxpower.com have dedicated areas where you can look for stringers in your area. Experienced players on the forums often offer restringing services on the side. They post where they’re located, the types of sticks they’ll string, and price points. While you’re taking a bit of a gamble going through someone online, reviews from other forum members help identify quality stringers. And you may just find a diamond in the rough who will become your go-to stringer for years to come.

7. Ask Teammates for Referrals

Speaking with teammates who already have nicely strung sticks is a great way to find a good stringer. Chances are, someone on your team has a connection to a go-to stringer they use regularly. Maybe it’s a friend of their dad’s, an alum from the program, or a sibling who loves stringing. Ask your teammates where they get their sticks strung and if they’d recommend that person. The referral gives you confidence in the stringer’s skills and lacrosse know-how.

8. Lacrosse Retailers

Stores that specialize in selling lacrosse gear like Lacrosse Unlimited and Lacrosse Monkey often offer restringing too. Their services may not be advertised prominently, but many will restring sticks for a fee. The staff’s familiarity with lacrosse gear translates well into stringing abilities. And purchasing a stick from them initially often scores you discounts on restrings down the road. Retailers try to foster relationships with customers, so take advantage of their expertise.

9. Local Pros

Professional lacrosse players need their sticksstrung perfectly to excel at the highest levels. See if there are any pro players in your area who work as stringers on the side. Women’s pro league players especially tend to offer stringing services as a second income source. Their elite playing experience leads to elite stringing skills. Going through a local pro may be pricier, but it’s worth it for that pro-level string job.

10. Ask Your Coach

Your coach has likely been around the game awhile and can recommend where to get sticks strung well. Maybe they string sticks themselves (although beware of nepotism!). If not, they likely have connections to stringers they’ve used for years with teams they’ve coached. Your coach wants you performing your best, so they’ll point you to someone who does quality work restringing sticks. Respecting your coach’s lacrosse network pays dividends here.

11. Lacrosse Convention Vendors

At big annual lacrosse conventions and tournaments, vendors set up booths to sell and restring sticks. Events like Vail Shootout and Maverik Showtime have dedicated setups for restringing sticks on-site. The fast pace requires these guys to be good. And they have all the best mesh, shooters, and sidewall strings ready to go for any style. Bring your stick by towards the end of the event when things slow down to avoid long wait times.

12. Home Depot

Okay, I’m joking on this one. Please don’t go to Home Depot to get your stick strung. But it’s always funny when you’re playing at a park and someone asks if the orange apron-wearing employees can restring their stick right there in aisle 12. Don’t be that person!

13. Lacrosse Retirement Homes

Okay, these don’t actually exist yet. But someone needs to create retirement homes specifically for former lacrosse players. Just imagine grizzled old fogies sitting on the porch stringing sticks between games of shuffleboard and bingo. Their decades of stringing experience would Lead to the most perfectly crafted pockets. Maybe someday when I’m older this vision will become a reality.

14. YouTube Tutorials

When all else fails, you can try restringing your stick yourself by following YouTube tutorial videos. This is an iffy proposition though unless you really know what you’re doing. Taking the time to learn proper stringing techniques is crucial. And putting in the repetition to get good takes a lot of patience. If you go the DIY route, be prepared for some frustrating trial-and-error before you get that pocket just right.

15. Your Dog

Rover would just love to restring your stick for you. He’d grab it delicately in his mouth and…okay immediately proceed to chew through every string until the head snaps off. Look, you get what you pay for. And paying nothing to have your dog restring your stick means you’ll likely have no stick left by the time he’s done. Love your pooch, but leave the stringing to the experts.

At the end of the day, there are plenty of places to get your lacrosse stick restrung. Local shops, sporting goods stores, lacrosse camps, schools, teams, retailers, vendors, pros, and forums all offer solid options if you know where to look. Do some research to find reputable stringers in your area. Ask your coach and teammates who they recommend. And don’t be afraid to try a new spot – you might discover an under-the-radar stringer who becomes your new go-to. Just please, please don’t let your dog do it.

College and University Equipment Rooms

As a lacrosse player, keeping your stick game-ready is a must. A properly strung lacrosse stick makes all the difference for cradling, scooping, passing, and shooting. When the mesh gets worn down, it’s time to get your stick restrung to keep performing at peak levels. But what are the best options for restringing your stick?

I’ve played competitive lacrosse for many years, from youth leagues through college. In that time, I’ve needed to get my stick restrung countless times. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered the top spots – lacrosse shops, sporting goods stores, camps, and experts – to get a quality restring job. Here are my top 15 go-to places to get your lacrosse stick restrung for optimal performance.

1. Local Lacrosse Retailers

Number one on my list is checking for a local lacrosse retailer in your area. Specialized lacrosse shops are my first choice for restrings. They focus solely on lacrosse gear and often have stringers on staff who restring sticks daily. The turnaround is fast, sometimes same-day if you get there early. And the cost is usually budget-friendly – I’ve had sticks restrung for as low as $15 at local shops. The restring quality is always top-notch too. If you’re lucky to have a lacrosse retailer nearby, try them first.

2. Local Sporting Goods Outlets

If no dedicated lacrosse shop is around, big sporting goods stores like Dick’s or Modell’s are another good bet. Most stock lacrosse equipment and have staff who can restring sticks. The work might not be as specialized as a true lacrosse retailer, but the volume at big stores still means quality restringing. Lead times may be 1-2 days since they handle multiple sports, but the convenience makes these stores a strong option.

3. Summer Lacrosse Camps

During summer, lacrosse camps all have equipment shops on-site for campers. The fast pace requires quick turnarounds on restringing sticks. I’ve found the basic restring quality fine. Being right there allows you to get your stick back within an hour or two so you don’t miss field time. Camp restring services can save the day if your mesh rips mid-game.

4. Your High School Equipment Manager

For high school players, your team equipment manager can restring sticks easily. Many are experienced stringers themselves. Or they may have players who enjoy stringing and can help. At most high schools you can drop off your stick pre-practice and pick it up freshly strung post-practice. Quality depends on the school, but if you trust their stringing, utilize this convenient option.

5. Nearby College Teams

Closeby college lacrosse programs often provide restringing too. Their coaches and players have top-notch stringing expertise from high-level play. Most colleges allow outside players to bring sticks in for restringing for a small fee. It’s reliable work, and the convenience of college lacrosse shops makes them very accessible. I’ve even had college players offer to restring my stick freelance for extra cash.

6. Online Lacrosse Forums

Lacrosse forums like laxpower.com have areas to find local stringers. Experienced players on the forums frequently offer restringing services on the side. They post their location, the stick types they’ll string, and pricing. While you’re taking a chance using someone online, reader reviews help identify quality stringers. You may discover an underrated stringer who becomes your new go-to source.

7. Teammate Referrals

Asking teammates who already have great sticks strung is a terrific way to find a quality stringer. Chances are, someone on your team has a connection to their go-to stringer they use regularly. Maybe it’s a friend’s dad, an alum, or a sibling who enjoys stringing. Ask where they get work done and if they recommend that person. The personal referral gives confidence in the stringer’s skills.

8. Lacrosse Equipment Retailers

Stores focused on selling lacrosse gear like Lacrosse Unlimited and Lacrosse Monkey often provide restringing too. Their services may not be prominently advertised, but many will restring sticks for a fee. Their familiarity with lacrosse gear translates into great stringing abilities. And buying a stick from them initially earns you discounts on restrings later. Retailers try to build loyalty with customers.

9. Local Professional Players

Pro lacrosse athletes need their sticks perfectly strung to succeed at the top level. See if any pro players in your area work as stringers on the side. Women’s league players especially tend to offer stringing services as supplemental income. Their elite experience leads to elite stringing skills. Going through a local pro may cost more but brings pro-level stringing.

10. Asking Your Coach

Your coach likely has connections to quality stringers from years around the game. Maybe they string sticks themselves (but beware nepotism!). If not, they probably have go-to stringers used for years with past teams. Your coach wants peak performance, so they’ll point you to someone who does great restringing work.

11. Vendors at Tournaments

Big annual lacrosse tournaments and conventions have vendor booths to sell and restring sticks. Events like Vail Shootout and Maverik Showtime have dedicated restringing setups on-site. The fast pace requires skill. They have all the best mesh, shooters, and sidewall strings ready for any style. Bring your stick by towards the end when it slows down to avoid long waits.

12. Home Depot

Okay, joking here. Please don’t go to Home Depot for a restring. But it’s funny when you’re at the park and someone asks the orange apron employees to restring right there in aisle 12. Don’t be that person!

13. Lacrosse Retirement Communities

These don’t exist yet. But someone should create retirement homes for ex-lacrosse players. Picture fogies on rocking chairs stringing between shuffleboard and bingo. Their decades of experience would lead to exquisitely crafted pockets. Maybe someday when I’m older this vision will come true.

14. YouTube Tutorials

When desperate, you can try restringing your stick yourself following YouTube videos. But this is iffy unless you really know what you’re doing. Taking time to learn proper stringing techniques is crucial. And repetition to get good takes major patience. If you DIY, be prepared for frustrating trial-and-error before that pocket is just right.

15. Your Dog

Rover would absolutely love to restring your stick for you. He’d carefully grab it in his mouth and…okay immediately start chewing through every string until the head snaps off. You get what you pay for. Paying nothing to have your dog restring means you’ll likely have no stick left afterwards. Love your pooch, but leave stringing to the experts.

There are plenty of great options to get your lacrosse stick restrung. Local shops, big sporting goods retailers, summer camps, schools, teams, equipment outlets, tournament vendors, pros, forums and more all offer quality if you know where to go. Research reputable stringers in your area. Ask coaches and teammates for recommendations. Don’t be afraid to try new spots – you may find an amazing under-the-radar stringer. Just please don’t let your dog do it.

Local Stringing Classes or Workshops

For lacrosse players, keeping your stick in optimum shape is vital. A properly strung lacrosse stick makes a big difference for cradling, scooping, passing, and shooting. As the mesh wears out, getting your stick restrung maintains top performance. But what are the best options for restringing your stick?

I’ve played competitive lacrosse for many years, from youth leagues through college. In that time, I’ve had to get my stick restrung countless times. Through trial and error, I’ve learned where the top spots are – lacrosse shops, sporting goods outlets, camps, and experts – to get a quality restring. Here are my top 15 places to get your lacrosse stick restrung for peak performance.

1. Local Lacrosse Shops

First, look for a dedicated lacrosse shop nearby. Local lacrosse shops are my first stop for restrings. They specialize in lacrosse and often employ stringers who restring sticks daily. The turnaround is quick, sometimes same-day if you get there early enough. And the cost is usually budget-friendly – I’ve had sticks restrung for as low as $15 at local shops. The quality is always excellent too. If you have a lacrosse shop nearby, try them first.

2. Local Sporting Goods Outlets

If no specialized lacrosse shop is around, big sporting goods retailers like Dick’s or Modell’s are a strong second option. Most carry lacrosse gear and have staff who can restring sticks. The work may not be as specialized as a true lacrosse shop, but the high volume at these stores still means good restringing. Lead times might be 1-2 days since they handle multiple sports, but the convenience makes them a great choice.

3. Summer Lacrosse Camps

During summer, lacrosse camps all have equipment shops on-site to serve hundreds of campers. The fast pace forces quick turnarounds on restrings. I’ve found the basic restring quality fine. Being right there allows you to get your stick back within an hour or two so you don’t miss field time. Camp restring services can be a lifesaver if your mesh rips mid-game.