How do green lacrosse sticks benefit beginners. What types of sustainable materials are used in green lacrosse sticks. How to choose the right green lacrosse stick for your position and playing style. What factors should beginners consider when selecting a green lacrosse stick.
The Rise of Eco-Friendly Lacrosse Equipment
As environmental consciousness grows across sports, lacrosse has embraced sustainable equipment options. Green lacrosse sticks, made from renewable materials, are gaining popularity among beginners and experienced players alike. These eco-friendly alternatives offer a compelling blend of performance, affordability, and environmental responsibility.
Understanding Green Lacrosse Sticks: Materials and Benefits
Green lacrosse sticks utilize sustainable materials in their construction, setting them apart from traditional synthetic options. What exactly makes these sticks “green”?
- Bamboo: Fast-growing and renewable, bamboo provides a sturdy, lightweight shaft option.
- Sugar cane: This fibrous crop offers excellent durability and performance.
- Plant-based composites: Some sticks combine natural fibers with eco-friendly synthetic materials for optimal strength.
Why should beginners consider green lacrosse sticks? These sustainable options offer several advantages:
- Environmental impact: Choosing renewable materials reduces your carbon footprint.
- Lightweight design: Plant-based materials often weigh less than traditional synthetics, ideal for new players developing stick skills.
- Cost-effectiveness: Green sticks frequently cost less than high-end carbon fiber options.
- Customization: Many eco-friendly sticks allow for personalized specifications to suit individual preferences.
Selecting the Perfect Green Lacrosse Stick for Beginners
Choosing the right lacrosse stick as a beginner can significantly impact your learning curve and enjoyment of the sport. When considering a green lacrosse stick, keep these factors in mind:
Position-Specific Considerations
Are green lacrosse sticks suitable for all positions? Indeed, they are! However, different positions may benefit from specific stick characteristics:
- Attack: Opt for lighter sticks to facilitate quick passing and shooting.
- Defense: Look for sturdier sticks capable of withstanding checks and ground ball scoops.
- Midfield: Seek a balance between weight and durability to accommodate various playing styles.
Length and Weight
How long should a beginner’s lacrosse stick be? For most newcomers, a stick length between 40-42 inches provides a good balance of control and reach. Weight is equally crucial, with lighter sticks generally being easier for beginners to maneuver.
Flex and Pocket Style
The flex of a lacrosse stick refers to its ability to bend under pressure. For beginners, a more forgiving flex rating (e.g., F85-90) is advisable, as it allows the stick to bend rather than break during play. When it comes to pocket style, traditional string pockets are often recommended for beginners, as they help develop proper throwing mechanics.
Maintaining Your Green Lacrosse Stick
Proper care and maintenance of your green lacrosse stick can extend its lifespan and ensure optimal performance. How can you keep your eco-friendly stick in top condition?
- Regular cleaning: Wipe down your stick after each use to remove dirt and sweat.
- Proper storage: Store your stick in a cool, dry place to prevent warping or damage.
- Pocket maintenance: Regularly check and adjust your pocket to maintain consistent performance.
- Protective measures: Consider using stick tape or grip enhancers to protect the shaft and improve handling.
Stringing Your Green Lacrosse Stick: DIY vs. Pre-Strung Options
One crucial aspect of lacrosse stick preparation is stringing the pocket. For beginners, this process can seem daunting. Should you attempt to string your green lacrosse stick yourself or opt for a pre-strung option?
DIY Stringing
Stringing your own lacrosse stick can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to customize your pocket to your preferences. If you choose this route:
- Start with a basic traditional pocket using 4 straight leathers and 8 nylons.
- Utilize online tutorials and videos to guide you through the process.
- Be patient – stringing is a skill that improves with practice.
Pre-Strung Sticks
Many green lacrosse sticks come pre-strung by the manufacturer. This option offers several benefits for beginners:
- Convenience: Skip the learning curve and start playing immediately.
- Consistency: Pre-strung pockets are often well-balanced and broken-in.
- Future customization: You can always re-string your stick later as your skills improve.
Green Lacrosse Sticks in Competitive Play
As eco-friendly equipment gains traction, many players wonder about the viability of green lacrosse sticks in competitive settings. Can sustainable sticks hold their own against traditional synthetic options?
The answer is a resounding yes! Many green lacrosse sticks are designed to meet or exceed performance standards set by synthetic alternatives. In fact, some professional and collegiate players have embraced eco-friendly options, demonstrating their effectiveness at the highest levels of play.
Performance Comparisons
How do green lacrosse sticks compare to their synthetic counterparts in key performance areas?
- Durability: High-quality bamboo and sugar cane sticks often match or surpass the longevity of synthetic options.
- Weight: Many green sticks are comparable in weight to traditional sticks, with some even being lighter.
- Stiffness: Plant-based materials can provide excellent rigidity, crucial for accurate passing and shooting.
- Feel: Some players prefer the natural feel of green sticks, reporting improved ball control and stick handling.
The Future of Green Lacrosse Equipment
As sustainability becomes increasingly important in sports equipment manufacturing, what does the future hold for green lacrosse gear?
Innovations in Sustainable Materials
Researchers and manufacturers are continually exploring new eco-friendly materials for lacrosse equipment. Some promising developments include:
- Recycled ocean plastics: Turning marine pollution into high-performance lacrosse gear.
- Mycelium composites: Utilizing fungal networks to create biodegradable yet durable stick components.
- Advanced plant-based polymers: Developing synthetic-like materials from renewable sources.
Expanding Beyond Sticks
The green revolution in lacrosse isn’t limited to sticks alone. Manufacturers are applying sustainable principles to other equipment as well:
- Eco-friendly protective gear made from recycled materials
- Biodegradable lacrosse balls
- Sustainable uniforms and apparel
Green Lacrosse: More Than Just Equipment
Embracing green lacrosse sticks is just one part of a larger movement towards sustainability in sports. How can players and teams further reduce their environmental impact?
Sustainable Team Practices
- Carpooling to games and practices
- Using reusable water bottles and reducing plastic waste
- Organizing equipment swaps to extend the life of gear
- Participating in community environmental initiatives
Education and Awareness
As a beginner choosing green lacrosse equipment, you have the opportunity to inspire others. Share your knowledge about sustainable options with teammates, coaches, and your local lacrosse community. By raising awareness, you can contribute to a more environmentally conscious sport.
Making the Switch: Transitioning to Green Lacrosse Gear
For players already using traditional synthetic equipment, transitioning to green lacrosse gear doesn’t have to happen all at once. How can you gradually incorporate eco-friendly options into your kit?
Start with Your Stick
Begin by replacing your current stick with a green alternative when it’s time for an upgrade. This allows you to experience the benefits of sustainable materials firsthand.
Explore Other Green Options
As you become more comfortable with your green lacrosse stick, consider exploring other eco-friendly equipment options:
- Sustainable grip tape or stick wax
- Eco-friendly cleats or turf shoes
- Recycled or biodegradable mouth guards
Repurpose Old Equipment
When replacing gear with green alternatives, find ways to repurpose your old equipment:
- Donate usable items to youth programs or players in need
- Upcycle broken sticks into training tools or decorative items
- Research recycling options for synthetic materials in your area
Green Lacrosse: A Growing Community
As more players embrace sustainable equipment, a community of environmentally conscious lacrosse enthusiasts is emerging. How can you connect with like-minded players and contribute to this movement?
Online Forums and Social Media
Engage with other green lacrosse players through:
- Dedicated subreddits or Facebook groups
- Instagram hashtags like #GreenLacrosse or #SustainableSports
- Eco-friendly sports equipment review websites
Local Initiatives
Look for opportunities to promote sustainable lacrosse in your area:
- Organize green equipment demonstrations at local clubs or schools
- Propose eco-friendly policies to your team or league
- Partner with local environmental groups for community cleanup events
The Impact of Green Lacrosse: Beyond the Field
Choosing a green lacrosse stick as a beginner may seem like a small decision, but it’s part of a larger movement with far-reaching implications. How does sustainable sports equipment contribute to broader environmental goals?
Reducing Carbon Footprint
The production of traditional synthetic lacrosse equipment often involves energy-intensive processes and non-renewable resources. By opting for green alternatives, players can help reduce the sport’s overall carbon footprint.
Promoting Circular Economy
Many green lacrosse products are designed with end-of-life considerations in mind. This approach supports a circular economy, where materials are reused or biodegraded rather than ending up in landfills.
Inspiring Innovation
As demand for eco-friendly sports equipment grows, manufacturers are incentivized to invest in research and development of new sustainable materials and production methods. This innovation can have ripple effects across various industries.
Green Lacrosse: A Step Towards Sustainable Athletics
The adoption of green lacrosse sticks by beginners is more than just a trend – it’s a step towards a more sustainable future for athletics as a whole. As you embark on your lacrosse journey, consider the impact of your equipment choices not just on your game, but on the environment as well.
By choosing a green lacrosse stick, you’re joining a growing community of environmentally conscious athletes who believe that sports and sustainability can go hand in hand. Whether you’re drawn to the performance benefits, the cost-effectiveness, or the reduced environmental impact, green lacrosse equipment offers a compelling option for players at all levels.
As you develop your skills and passion for the sport, remember that your choice of equipment can make a difference. Embrace the green lacrosse revolution, and be part of the movement towards a more sustainable sporting world.
Intro to green lacrosse sticks
If you’re just getting started with lacrosse, you may be wondering what equipment you need. One key piece of gear is the lacrosse stick, also known as the crosse. Lacrosse sticks come in a variety of materials, but one eco-friendly option is a green lacrosse stick made from sustainable materials.
Green lacrosse sticks are often made from materials like bamboo, sugar cane, or other plant fibers. These renewable resources make green lacrosse sticks an environmentally friendly choice compared to traditional lacrosse sticks made from synthetic materials like carbon fiber. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about green lacrosse sticks for beginners.
Benefits of Green Lacrosse Sticks
Why should you consider a green lacrosse stick as a beginner? Here are some of the benefits:
- Sustainable materials – Green lacrosse sticks utilize renewable bamboo, sugar cane, or other plant fibers instead of non-renewable carbon fiber.
- Lightweight – The plant-based materials used in green sticks are often lighter weight than synthetic materials.
- Affordable – Since green sticks use less processed materials, they are often more affordable than carbon fiber sticks.
- Customizable – Many green sticks allow you to customize the length, flex, grip, and other specs to fit your preferences as a beginner.
The natural materials and lightweight design make green lacrosse sticks a great choice for entry-level players who are still working on their skills. And by choosing an eco-friendly stick, you can reduce your environmental impact as you learn the sport.
Types of Green Lacrosse Sticks
If you decide to go green with your beginner lacrosse stick, you’ll find a few different types of sustainable sticks on the market:
Bamboo lacrosse sticks are a popular choice thanks to the fast-growing nature of bamboo. The bamboo used in lacrosse sticks is typically sourced from sustainably-managed forests. Bamboo offers a lightweight and stiff option for lacrosse stick handles and shafts.
Sugar cane is another renewable crop material used to make green lacrosse stick handles and shafts. The fibrous nature of sugar cane makes it sturdy yet lightweight. These sticks provide great durability and performance.
Some green lacrosse sticks use a combination of plant-based fibers and synthetic composite materials. For example, some sticks may have a bamboo handle combined with a lightweight composite shaft. This allows the stick to be partially eco-friendly while still providing stiffness and durability.
No matter which green material you choose, you can feel good knowing your stick comes from sustainable sources, not petroleum-based composites. The green sticks work great for a beginner’s needs.
Choosing the Right Green Lacrosse Stick
As a newcomer to lacrosse, there are a few factors to consider when selecting your green lacrosse stick:
- Position – Attack players tend to use lighter sticks for quick passing and shooting, whereas defenders need a sturdier stick for checking opponents. Consider your position when choosing a stick.
- Length – Longer stick lengths allow you to scoop ground balls more easily and have a longer checking range. But shorter sticks offer more control. Shoot for a stick between 40-42 inches as a beginner.
- Weight – Look for a lightweight stick as a beginner, especially if playing attack. This allows for easier passing and shooting.
- Flex – A forgiving flex rating (e.g. F85-90) allows the stick to bend rather than break as a new player. Stiff sticks require more precision when catching and throwing.
- Pocket – Traditional string pockets are good for beginners learning throwing mechanics. Try a pre-strung stick so you don’t have to string it yourself.
Your lacrosse stick choice will evolve over time as your skills improve. But choosing a green stick with the right specs is a great starting point on your lacrosse journey.
Stringing Your Green Lacrosse Stick
Once you’ve chosen a green lacrosse stick shaft and head, you’ll need to string the pocket if it doesn’t come pre-strung. Stringing involves weaving nylon laces through holes in the head to create a pocket for holding the ball.
For first-time stringers, start simple with a basic traditional pocket using 4 straight leathers and 8 nylons. Look up stringing tutorials on YouTube or ask teammates for advice. It takes practice to master stringing, so don’t worry if your first pocket isn’t perfect.
If you want to skip stringing as a beginner, look for a green lacrosse stick that comes pre-strung by the manufacturer. The pre-made pocket will be balanced and broken-in already. You can always re-string it yourself later after improving your skills.
Caring for Your Green Lacrosse Stick
Green lacrosse sticks require some periodic maintenance to keep them in top playing condition:
- Inspect the pocket frequently and re-tie knots or tighten shooters as needed to maintain pocket shape.
- Check for cracks or splinters in the shaft and head. Lightly sand down any rough edges to prevent further splitting.
- Wipe off dirt after games and practices to prevent buildup in the pocket or on the shaft.
- Store your stick in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight when not in use.
- Re-wax wooden handles occasionally to protect the wood from moisture and impacts.
With proper care, a green lacrosse stick can last you many seasons as you continue progressing in lacrosse. The minimal maintenance is worth it for a sustainable piece of gear.
Ready to Play Green Lacrosse
Playing “green lacrosse” is a rewarding way to enjoy the sport while reducing your environmental impact. With a green lacrosse stick made of renewable materials, you can hone your skills with eco-friendly gear.
Look for a lightweight green stick with specs suited to your position and skill level as a beginner. Bamboo, sugar cane, and hybrid materials all make great sustainable options. String your own pocket or buy a pre-strung stick so you’re ready to hit the field.
Now that you know the basics of green lacrosse sticks, you can start your playing career in an environmentally responsible way. Before you know it, you’ll score your first goal and be on your way to becoming a lacrosse green thumb!
Your Ultimate Guide to Green Lacrosse: Complete Lacrosse Equipment Set Up For Beginners
If you’re just getting started with lacrosse, having the right gear is essential. Not only for performance, but also for safety. However, lacrosse equipment can be expensive and isn’t always environmentally friendly. That’s why many players are looking for eco-conscious options when buying their lacrosse gear.
The good news is that it’s entirely possible to kit yourself out with green lacrosse equipment. Many brands now offer equipment made from recycled and sustainable materials. Going green doesn’t mean compromising on quality either. Eco-friendly lax gear can still deliver top notch performance.
Here’s a look at how to create a complete beginner’s lacrosse setup using environmentally responsible equipment.
Green Lacrosse Stick
The lacrosse stick, or crosse, is your key piece of equipment. When choosing an eco-friendly model, look for sticks made using sustainable materials like bamboo shafts. Bamboo is fast growing, renewable and biodegradable. It also makes for a lightweight and durable shaft material.
Stringing is something else to consider. Traditionally, lacrosse sticks were strung using leather and nylon strings. Nowadays, you can find organic cotton and other natural fiber strings. These break down easier at the end of the stick’s lifespan.
Brands like Epoch and StringKing offer great sustainable lacrosse stick options. The Epoch Dragonfly line uses bamboo shafts and eco-friendly stringing throughout. StringKing complements bamboo with deemed sustainable hardwoods like ash and hickory for their shaft construction.
Green Lacrosse Gloves
Along with your stick, a good pair of gloves is vital. When scanning eco-friendly options, look for gloves made with upcycled and recycled materials. Gloves containing reclaimed leather or plastic offer sustainability.
Brands like Maverik and Warrior are leading the way with recycled glove lines. Maverik’s Cascade R gloves use reclaimed leather and regrind foam padding. Meanwhile, Warrior’s Regulator 3 glove utilizes recycled polyester.
Gloves with plant-based palm padding are also an option. Materials like AEmoba and Durasorb offer non-toxic padding from renewable sources. They provide great grip and durability while remaining environmentally responsible.
Green Lacrosse Helmet
Safety is imperative, so don’t compromise on helmet quality. Focus instead on recycled and responsibly sourced construction materials. EPS foam, ABS shells and face mask metals using recycled content are positives.
Cascade’s R helmet line utilizes recycled ABS for their shell construction. The Cascade S helmet also uses recycled EPS foam for impact absorption. Both offer top protection with lowered environmental impact.
You can also look for helmets with interchangeable parts. Being able to swap out individual pieces as they wear out reduces waste. The Cascade S has a QuickRelease facemask and interchangeable visor system to allow this.
Green Lacrosse Pads
For arm, shoulder and rib pads look for padding materials from recycled or natural sources. Reclaimed foams and cottons offer green alternatives here. STX utilizes recycled polyethylene foam in their Stallion arm pads, for example.
Upcycled and sustainable fabrics are also ideal for outer shell construction. Hemp, organic cotton and recycled polyester make solid eco-options. Brands like Nike and Under Armor are releasing uniforms and gear made using recycled polyester and recycled nylon.
Green Lacrosse Cleats
With footwear, recycled rubber spiked soles and upcycled leather uppers provide sustainability. New Balance and Adidas use recycled rubber in their cleats. Meanwhile, brands like Warrior are making cleats with upcycled soccer cleat leather.
Look for cleats where the spikes or studs can be replaced as well. Being able to swap out worn studs reduces waste and extends the cleat’s lifespan. The New Balance Freeze v3 and Warrior Regicide cleats allow for replaceable spiked studs.
Green Lacrosse Balls
For lacrosse balls, look for models made using recycled rubber. This reduces reliance on virgin materials. BRINE and Maverik both offer balls constructed using recycled rubber. The Warrior Nemesis also uses reclaimed rubber in its cover material.
Using re-used rubber tires to create lacrosse balls is an even more eco-friendly option. Balls from brands like Greenball incorporate recycled tire rubber. This innovative upcycling helps keep used tires out of landfills.
Opting for plastic-free lacrosse balls is another avenue. Juggernaut lacrosse makes durable balls wrapped in organic cotton canvass. No plastics are used in production.
So there you have it! With some research, creating an eco-friendly lacrosse setup is totally doable. Look for recycled and natural materials wherever possible. Seek out interchangeable parts and components that maximize lifespan. And support brands taking steps towards sustainability.
Going green doesn’t mean giving up performance or quality. It just shows respect for the sports we love and helps ensure they’re around for generations to come. The environment will thank you!
Top Green Lacrosse Stick Brands
The lacrosse stick is the most essential piece of equipment in the sport. As environmental awareness grows, players are seeking sustainable stick options with green credentials. Thankfully, various brands now offer eco-conscious lacrosse sticks.
Here’s a look at some of the top green lacrosse stick brands making strides in sustainability.
Epoch Lacrosse
Epoch Lacrosse is leading the way when it comes to green innovation. Their Dragonfly line utilizes a patented bamboo shaft construction. Bamboo is renewable, biodegradable and very resilient. It creates a lightweight yet high strength shaft.
For stringing, Epoch uses a special wax-coated stringing. This allows use of eco-friendly cotton and nylon strings without compromising playability in damp conditions. Their goal is to create sustainable sticks without sacrificing performance.
StringKing
StringKing take great pride in their environmentally focused production. Their attack and midfield sticks utilize strong, lightweight bamboo in the shaft. StringKing complement this with responsibly sourced North American hardwoods like hickory and ash.
Their mesh stringing contains recycled nylon to reduce dependence on virgin plastics. StringKing also prioritizes renewable energy in their manufacturing process. This combination of green materials and ethical practices makes them a top eco brand.
Nike
Recognizing lacrosse’s environmental impact, Nike are developing sustainable sticks too. Their Power line uses bamboo combined with an innovative composite they call RZN. This material mixes plant-based resins with fiber reinforcements to create a featherlight yet strong shaft.
For mesh, Nike employ QR53, a durable nylon containing at least 50% recycled content from manufacturing waste. Like Epoch and StringKing, Nike proves high performance and sustainability can co-exist.
Maverik
Maverik Lacrosse have partnered with Carbon Harvest to produce eco-shafts made from reclaimed carbon fiber baseball bats. This innovative recycling gives broken bats new life in lacrosse sticks. The result is a super strong, lightweight and sustainable shaft.
Their stringing also contains recycled nylon to move away from virgin plastics. Maverik even offer a plant-based Bio degradable Mesh for players wanting maximum sustainability.
Warrior
Warrior take a creative approach to green lacrosse. Their Blaze shaft uses an eco-composite of recycled wind turbine blades and bio-sourced epoxy. Upcycling broken wind blades reduces waste while strengthening the shaft.
For mesh, Warrior has developed a recycled nylon product called Glide. Containing 50% recycled content, Glide provides trusted performance with reduced environmental cost. Warrior prove eco innovation works.
STX
STX Lacrosse have focused recently on increasing sustainability across their equipment range. For sticks, they’ve developed the Stallion which uses a bamboo shaft construction certified by the FSC.
Their stringing contains QRX mesh featuring 50% recycled nylon. STX also partner with Redwoods to plant a tree for every Stallion stick sold. This helps give back while encouraging green practices.
Cascade
Leading protective equipment brand Cascade also produce lacrosse sticks. Their sustainable Ignition line has an ultra lightweight shaft made using reground carbon fiber composites.
For pocket stringing, Cascade use their RC Nylon Mesh which incorporates reclaimed fishing nets. This prevents waste while providing great ball control and feel.
So in summary, numerous leading brands now see sustainability as vital. Consumers increasingly want eco-conscious gear. Combined, these factors make the future bright for green lacrosse equipment.
Green Lacrosse Stick Length Guide
Choosing the right lacrosse stick length is vital for maximizing your performance and enjoyment of the sport. With green lacrosse sticks now available, you can select an environmentally friendly model in the ideal size.
Here’s a breakdown of lacrosse stick lengths and how to pick the right one for you.
Youth Lacrosse Sticks
For young players just beginning in lacrosse, stick length is determined by age and position. These guidelines help ensure a proper fit for optimal development.
For 5-8 year olds, a 35-40” stick is recommended regardless of position. At ages 9-11, offensive players should use 37-42” sticks while defenders use 41-48” models. Once aged 12-13, offensive sticks range from 40-42” and defensive from 52-72”.
Brands like STX, Maverik and Epoch all offer excellent green lacrosse sticks for youth in these size ranges. Materials like bamboo shafts and organic stringing provide sustainability without compromising quality and playability.
Women’s Lacrosse Sticks
For women’s lacrosse, stick dimensions are positioned around the average female height of 5’4”. Overall stick lengths typically range from 35” to 43”.
Attack players generally use shorter sticks of 35-36”. This improves ball control and quick stick moves in tight spaces. Midfielders add length with 37-39” models optimizing play across the field. Defenders opt for the maximum 43” length for superior reach.
Leading green brands like STX, Maverik and Epoch all offer sustainable women’s sticks in these lengths. The STX Exult 600 and Epoch Dragonfly Elite are great eco-conscious choices.
Men’s Lacrosse Sticks
For male players, the average height is 5’10”, leading to longer stick length requirements. Overall men’s lacrosse sticks range from 40” to 72” long depending on position.
Attack sticks are 40-42”. This compact size allows greater manipulation in small spaces around the net. Midfield sticks add length at 42-48” for transition play and dodging. Defensive sticks maximize reach at the maximum 72” to intercept passes and checks.
Top green brands like StringKing, Maverik and Warrior provide excellent sustainable sticks for men following these guidelines. The Maverik Kinetik and StringKing Complete 2.0 are great choices.
Goalie Lacrosse Sticks
Goalie sticks are sized to maximize the blocking coverage, with lengths ranging from 40” to 72”. Youth goalie sticks generally range from 40-48”. For elite male goalies, the maximum 72” length is preferred.
Brands like STX and Maverik offer green goalie sticks in these sizes. The STX Shield 500 uses a sustainable bamboo shaft. While the Maverik Rome NXT incorporates recycled materials in the head and throat.
Takeaways
Here are some key tips when selecting an eco-friendly lacrosse stick:
- Consider your age and position first when determining ideal length.
- Balance performance and sustainability by choosing top green lacrosse brands.
- Attack and midfield players favor shorter sticks for control.
- Defenders and goalies maximize reach with longer sticks.
- Test different lengths to find your optimal fit and feel.
The right lacrosse stick length is vital for maximizing skills and ability. Thankfully, you can now couple optimal sizing with sustainability. Seek out green materials from leading brands to gain an environmental edge.
Green Lacrosse Stick Weight Guide
Along with length, lacrosse stick weight is an important factor for performance. A stick’s balance and heft impacts feel, control and shot power. With eco-friendly sticks now available, you can choose an optimally weighted sustainable model.
Here’s a guide on lacrosse stick weights and picking the right one for your game.
Light Lacrosse Sticks
Light lacrosse sticks range from 8-12 ounces strung. Their minimal weight makes them ideal for developing quick hands and stick skills.
Youth players benefit most from lightweight sticks as they build fundamentals. Positions like attack and midfield also favor light models for increased agility and ball control.
Many green lacrosse brands offer ultra lightweight sustainable sticks. Maverik’s Kinetik line utilizes carbon fiber and recycled materials for an 8 oz strung weight. Epoch’s Dragonfly shafts use featherlight bamboo weighing just 105 grams.
Medium Lacrosse Sticks
Medium lacrosse sticks weigh from 12-15 ounces strung. This middle weight range provides a balance of mobility and power.
Many midfielders opt for medium sticks, benefiting from added heft on shots while retaining some quickness. Some defenders also use medium weights for all-around versatility.
StringKing’s green complete sticks like the Mark 2V offer medium weights around 13 oz. While Warrior’s sustainable Burn line weighs 14 oz for a blend of eco-credentials and balanced performance.
Heavy Lacrosse Sticks
Heavy lacrosse sticks weigh over 15 ounces strung. The added heft boosts power on passes, catches and shots.
Defenders often choose heavy sticks to maximize checking strength and long passes. Face-off specialists also favor heavy weights to gain leverage on draws.
Maverik’s sustainable Tank stick lives up to its name at over 17 oz strung. The STX Stallion D also brings heavyweight power at 16 oz while utilizing green materials like bamboo.
Choosing Your Weight
Consider the following when selecting a sustainable lacrosse stick weight:
- Light sticks optimize quickness and control.
- Medium weights provide versatile balance.
- Heavy sticks maximize power and strength.
- Youth and attack players often favor lighter sticks.
- Defenders and face-off players tend to use heavier sticks.
- Test different weights to find your ideal balance point.
Just like length, lacrosse stick weight impact performance. Fortunately, green lacrosse brands offer sustainable sticks across the lightweight, medium and heavyweight spectrum.
Try sticks of different hefts, considering your position and style. Select a sustainable model that feels balanced and responsive in your hands as you play.
Green Lacrosse Stick Flex Options
Lacrosse stick flex describes how much the shaft bends when shooting or passing. Flex impacts feel, power and ball control. With green sticks now available, you can choose an eco-friendly model with your ideal flex.
Here’s an overview of lacrosse stick flex ratings and how to pick the right one.
Low Flex Lacrosse Sticks
Low flex sticks have the most bend and whip. They flex freely even on short passes and shots. Lower flex rates usually range from 50F to 75F.
Youth players benefit from low flex sticks as the added whip helps generate velocity. Attack players also favor low flex for quicker releases. Brands like Maverik, STX and Brine offer green sticks with softer low flex shafts.
Medium Flex Lacrosse Sticks
Medium flex sticks provide a middle ground blend of stiffness and bend. Their flex ratings span 75F to 85F. This offers some shaft give while maintaining more overall rigidity.
Midfielders tend to prefer medium flex sticks since they balance both passing and shooting. Many defenders also opt for medium flex for solid poke checks and clears. Eco models from Epoch, Warrior and StringKing offer excellent medium green flex options.
High Flex Lacrosse Sticks
High flex lacrosse shafts have minimal bend and whip. They maintain shape even under heavy loads. High flex stick ratings generally range from 85F upwards.
Stronger high school and college midfielders favor high flex for added stick stiffness during physical play. Defenders also like the solid feel on checks. Brands like Maverik, STX and Epoch provide green sticks with stiffer high flex shafts.
Choosing Your Flex
Here are some tips for picking the ideal green lacrosse stick flex:
- Lower flex adds whip for shots, higher for solid pokes.
- Youth and attack players often prefer low flex.
- Midfielders benefit from medium flex balance.
- Defenders tend to choose high flex for strength.
- Test different flexes to find your perfect blend of bend and stiffness.
Today’s green lacrosse sticks provide a range of flex options to match any playing style. While high flex adds stability for physical play, lower flex provides finesse for developing players.
By playing with different sustainable shafts, you can discover your ideal flex point. Seek a green stick offering the right blend of flex, balance and response to maximize your skills.
Green Lacrosse Head Styles for Beginners
The lacrosse head is vital for scooping, catching, passing and shooting. As a beginner, choosing an easy to string sustainable head is crucial for skills development.
Here is an overview of the best green lacrosse head styles for new players.
Offset
Offset lacrosse heads have the lowest, widest scoops and deepest pockets. This makes it easier for beginners to scoop ground balls. A deep pocket also helps trap passes and shots.
Many youth sticks feature offset heads like the Brine Clutch Offset and STX Exult 300. These green heads combine ease of stringing with great functionality for new players.
Mid-Pocket
Mid-pocket lacrosse heads provide more balanced skills training. A medium pocket depth improves control. A mid-high scoop helps with ground balls while adding precision on passes.
Heads like the ECD Carbon Pro 2.0 and Epoch Hawk Sequel model offer excellent mid-pocket options. They allow beginners to hone techniques without extreme specialty.
Mid-Low
Mid-low lacrosse heads have a pinched, centralized pocket placement. They focus play through the midsection of the head for great hold and control.
Many elite players favor mid-lows like the StringKing Mark 2F. But sustainable models like the Warrior Burn FO provide great training heads for developing stick skills.
Face Shape
For beginners, curved heads are preferred. Heads with defined sidewalls like Epoch’s Dragonfly help guide developing stick work and passes.
More open faces like the ECD Carbon 2.0 require greater precision. Curved green heads build fundamentals before advancing to more advanced shapes.
Materials
Composite and polymer lacrosse heads offer durability at a lower cost point. Ideal for new players. The Warrior Evo 5 is a top example featuring a tough recycled plastic build.
Advanced carbon heads like Epoch’s Hawk provide premium performance but at higher prices. Great for more committed youth players looking to take their game further.
Key Considerations
In summary, ideal features to look for in a green lacrosse head for beginners include:
- Offset or mid-pocket placement for better scooping and catching.
- Curved sidewalls to guide developing stick skills.
- Composite or polymer construction for durability.
- Reputable green brands like Epoch, Warrior and ECD.
Choosing the right sustainable lacrosse head is key for maximizing a beginner’s development. Offset and mid-pocket models from top green brands provide the ideal training platform.
Green Lacrosse Mesh Pocket Options
Stringing the mesh pocket is key for stick handling, passing, catching and shooting. Eco-friendly meshes provide quality sustainable options for crafting your ideal pocket set up.
Here’s an overview of the best green lacrosse mesh types for any playing style.
Hard Mesh
Hard lacrosse mesh contains tightly woven nylon strands. This creates minimal stretch for excellent ball control and quick release passes/shots.
Leading brands like StringKing and ECD offer eco-friendly hard mesh options. StringKing’s 3X Prime recycles fishing nets for tight precision pocketing. While ECD’s Carbon Hard provides a stiff nylon weave from regenerated fibers.
Soft Mesh
Soft lacrosse mesh uses more loosely woven nylon or polymer fibers. This adds comfortable give for improved ball feel and hold on catches.
Maverik’s Throne Mesh provides an eco-upgrade using regrinded polymer fibers. Epoch’s new Dragonfly Soft tosses recycled plastic bottles into its supple weave. Both offer green soft pocket choices.
Waxed Mesh
Waxed lacrosse mesh gets treated with a protective coating. This maintains shape and stiffness in wet conditions for consistent all-weather play.
Epoch’s Waxed Dragonfly Mesh infuses wax into recycled nylon strands. While StringKing’s Waxed 3X Prime incorporates wax into its upcycled fishing net weave. Both allow green all-elements pocketing.
Hybrid Mesh
Hybrid lacrosse mesh mixes soft and hard stringing properties. A stiffer upper section maintains pocket shape, while a softer lower area improves feel.
StringKing’s Type 3S combines harder nylon up top with softer recycled strands below. Another eco-conscious hybrid possibility for tuned response through the pocket.
Shooter’s Mesh
Shooter’s mesh uses a specialized woven pattern to focus and stiffen the lower pocket area. This optimizes ball control for lightning fast releases.
Maverik’s Slingshot green mesh removes excess nylon for added channel consistency. While ECD’s Mirage recycles plastic bottles into its rigid shooter’s pattern weave.
Key Considerations
In summary, look for these traits when selecting eco-friendly lacrosse mesh:
- Tighter weaves for better ball control.
- Softer meshes allow improved feel.
- Waxed options for all-weather playability.
- Hybrid mixes optimize pocket response.
- Shooter’s patterns enable lightning fast releases.
Today’s sustainable meshes provide options for every stringing preference. Whether you like a stiff, consistent release or softer responsive feel, eco-friendly pocketing has you covered.
Green Lacrosse Gloves Buying Guide
Lacrosse gloves provide essential protection while also improving ball control and feel. Eco-friendly gloves allow you to reap these benefits sustainably.
Here is an overview of what to look for in green lacrosse gloves.
Material Sustainability
The gloves’ materials have the biggest environmental impact. Look for eco-conscious materials like recycled plastics, upcycled leathers and natural plant fibers.
Many brands now engineer gloves using recycled synthetics and polymers. These divert waste from landfills. Maverik’s Cascade R, for example, utilizes regrinded foam and recycled polyester.
Upcycled leathers also offer sustainability. Warrior creates gloves with premium leather recycled from soccer cleats. Reducing leftover material waste.
Palm Padding
The glove palm influences grip, protection and feel. Sustainable padding materials include reclaimed foam, Corkex and plant-based fibers.
Maverik’s Rome and Cascade R gloves use recycled and regrind foam respectively. Providing green padding options. Meanwhile, Epoch utilizes AEmoba, a fully plant-based palm material made from castor beans.
Adjustability
Look for adjustable wrist closures and segmented or removable fingers. This allows the gloves to be customized for improved fit and function.
Gloves like the Warrior Regulator 3 feature segmented fingers to optimize dexterity and range of motion. While the Brine King Superlight incorporates elastic wrist bands for a personalized fit.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation prevents overheating and moisture build-up within the glove. Mesh panels, perforations and foam/padding cutouts aid air flow.
The Maverik Rome glove combines recycled materials with an open-backed design for breathability. STX Cell 5 gloves also incorporate mesh gussets for optimized airflow.
Key Considerations
To summarize, focus on these elements when selecting green lacrosse gloves:
- Recycled and upcycled materials.
- Natural plant-based padding options.
- Customizable fit features.
- Ventilation for cooling and dryness.
- Trusted brands like Maverik, Epoch and Warrior.
The right gloves boost comfort, control and protection. Eco-friendly options allow you to do so sustainably. Seek out recycled, upcycled and natural materials to gain a green competitive edge.
Green Lacrosse Helmet Sizing Tips
Properly fitted lacrosse helmets are vital for protection. Eco-friendly helmets now allow sizing for safety and sustainability.
Here are key tips for sizing a green lacrosse helmet correctly:
Measure Your Head
Use a soft measuring tape to measure the circumference of your head. Wrap the tape around your head about 1-inch above the eyebrows and ears for an accurate reading.
Compare this length to the helmet brand’s sizing chart. Most youth helmets range from 19 to 23 inches. Adult sizes span 23 to 25+ inches in circumference.
Prioritize Snug Fit
Lacrosse helmets should fit snugly all around your head. There should be no gaps between the foam pads and your head. Ensure the fit is comfortably snug, not tight.
Brands like Cascade and Warrior offer green helmets with adjustable pads and liners to customize fit. Use these features to eliminate any looseness or slipping.
Test Comfort and Vision
Try on the helmet for several minutes to assess comfort and vision. Make sure no pressure points develop on your forehead or sides.
Bend forward and look side-to-side. Your eyes should align with the helmet’s vision slits without obstruction. There should be no eyelid pressure.
Check Chin Strap Tightness
Buckle the chin strap and slowly shake your head from side-to-side. There should be no helmet movement independent of your head.
You should be able to fit one finger snugly between the strap and your chin. If not, the strap may be too tight.
Confirm Fit With Padding
Add any additional helmet pads you’ll wear for games and practices. Reconfirm a secure fit with pads on before finalizing your green helmet size selection.
Maverik, Cascade and other leading brands offer replacement eco-pads to optimize fit as needed.
Consider Growing Room
For younger players, allow some growing room in helmet sizing. You can remove pad inserts later as their head grows to extend the helmet’s fit range.
Buying slightly big is preferred to small for safety, as long as padding is added to maintain snugness initially.
Taking the time to properly size your green lacrosse helmet is crucial. A correct fit enhances protection and prevents injury. Follow these tips to maximize sustainability without sacrificing safety.
Green Lacrosse Arm Pads Importance
Lacrosse arm pads provide vital protection from checks, slashes and errant shots. Eco-friendly pads allow you to guard your arms sustainably.
Here’s an overview on the importance of green lacrosse arm pads:
Prevent Injuries
Green arm pads shield your arms from bruising and lacerations. Tough checks and uncontrolled follow-throughs can badly contuse unprotected arms.
Quality pads from brands like Maverik and STX offer padding over the wrist, forearm and elbows. This protects all high injury risk areas against blows.
Absorb Impact Forces
Lacrosse shots and checks generate tremendous force. Green arm pad foam disperses and absorbs these impact energies to reduce injury.
Multi-layer padding systems with materials like D30 further optimize protection. Proper arm guards help prevent fractures or dislocations from big collisions.
Protect Against Slashing
Ill-advised or overly aggressive stick checks often lead to arm slashes. Arm pads shield against painful welts from fellow sticks.
Covering the wrist and forearm area protects against standard slashing motions. Quality green pads from Warrior and Cascade offer full arm protection.
Comfort and Flexibility
Green lacrosse arm pads utilize recycled lightweight foams and fabrics for unrestricted mobility. Ventilated construction prevents overheating.
Flexible pads won’t hinder your athletic movements or feel bulky. Leading brands optimize eco-designs for total comfort and freedom.
Moisture Wicking
Green arm pads incorporate technical fabrics that draw sweat away from the skin. This keeps you cool and dry even on hot days.
Warrior uses moisture-wicking Dri-Lex liners in its Regulator pads. While Cascade and Maverik also employ advanced venting in their eco pads.
Secure Fit
Snug-fitting green arm pads stay positioned better during intense play. Proper adjustment enhances protection and prevents slippage.
Adjustable closures like velcro straps allow customization for a personalized fit. Ensuring pads perform optimally once the whistle blows.
In summary, quality green lacrosse arm pads provide indispensable injury prevention and impact absorption. Protecting your arms boosts confidence to give 100% effort every game.
Green Lacrosse Shoulder Pads Fitting
Achieving an ideal fit is crucial for lacrosse shoulder pad performance and protection. Here are tips for properly fitting eco-friendly shoulder pads.
Measure Chest
First, measure the circumference of your chest right at the armpits. Compare this to the brand’s sizing chart to identify your proper pad size range.
Adult chest sizes typically start around 34 inches for smalls. Youth sizes can be as little as 22 inches around for extra small shoulder pads.
Evaluate Pad Width
With your shoulder pads on, assess the overall width. Wider body shields provide more chest and rib protection. The pad width should match your frame without limiting mobility.
Some green pads from STX and Maverik feature adjustable sternum pieces to fine tune width as needed.
Check Shoulder Cap Depth
The shoulder caps should sit flush on the fronts and tops of your shoulders without obstructing motion. There should be no gap between the front/top of your shoulder and the pad cap.
If the caps ride too high or low, try sizing up or down or adjusting elastic strapping if available to improve shoulder coverage.
Confirm Arm Hole Positioning
With your elbows bent, check elbow pad positioning through the shoulder pad arm holes. Your elbow pads should sit centered in the shoulder pad holes.
If the holes are off, this indicates the shoulder pads are either too narrow or too wide relative to your frame. Try a pad width better matched to your dimensions.
Verify Spine Protection
Bend forward and look in a mirror to check the back/spine pad coverage. The back plate should run full length down your spine without exposing gaps along the sides or bottom.
If the back pad sits too high or low, first try tightening adjustment straps. If coverage remains insufficient, a better fitting size is needed.
Test Mobility
Lacrosse requires extensive mobility. Jog and move your arms in all directions to ensure no tightness or range of motion restrictions.
The pad should move with you without impeding athletic motions. Refine fit until full mobility is achieved.
Taking time to dial in an optimal lacrosse shoulder pad fit enhances protection and minimizes injury risk. Follow these tips to maximize coverage and flexibility from your eco-friendly pads.
Green Lacrosse Cleats for Traction
Quality lacrosse cleats provide the traction required for quick cuts, accelerations and change of direction. Eco-friendly cleats allow you to grip the turf sustainably.
Here are the top green lacrosse cleats for optimal traction:
New Balance Freeze Lacrosse
The New Balance Freeze lacrosse cleat utilizes recycled rubber in the outsole. This provides responsive traction on synthetic or natural grass surfaces.
The Freeze’s recycled rubber studs are also replaceable. Allowing worn studs to be switched out to extend the cleat’s lifespan.
Warrior Regicide Lacrosse
Warrior’s Regicide cleat incorporates high grade recycled rubber in the outsole. The angled triangular studs provide excellent grip for accelerating and cutting.
The Regicide also allows the replacement of individual studs as they wear down. Maximizing the sustainable traction.
Under Armour Highlight MC
Under Armour’s Highlight MC lacrosse cleat includes recycled rubber in the outsole compound. Rotational traction pods grip for multi-directional movements.
The upper also utilizes a durable threadborne recycled polyester for lightweight support and breathability.
Nike Vapor Lax 3
Nike incorporates recycled rubber into the Vapor Lax 3’s outsole. The aggressive edge studs supply responsive acceleration traction from the perimeter.
Nike Grind rubber takes upcycled manufacturing materials to provide top-notch green traction.
Adidas Adilift 2
adidas boosts sustainability in the Adilift 2 with recycled rubber on the outsole. A rotational traction layout grips for quick cuts and direction changes.
The upper also features recycled polyester mesh for lightweight breathability and support.
Maverik Speed MP
Maverik utilizes Atlas Cold Black rubber for traction in the Speed MP. The sticky rubber compound grips both artificial and natural grass surfaces.
A compression mesh upper contains recycled nylon for flexible, sustainable support.
Today’s green lacrosse cleats fuse high performance traction with environmental responsibility. Brands like New Balance, Under Armour and Warrior prove you don’t have to sacrifice grip to go green.
Green Lacrosse Bags for Carrying Gear
A quality lacrosse bag easily transports your equipment to and from the field. Eco-friendly bags allow you to stay organized sustainably.
Here are the top green lacrosse gear bags on the market:
Maverik Independence Lacrosse Bag
Maverik’s Independence bag combines ample storage with recycled materials. The main compartment and exterior pockets store helmets, pads and cleats securely.
The Independence is made using recycled polyester. Keeping used plastics out of landfills while making a durable gear bag.
Warrior Nemesis Lacrosse Backpack
Warrior’s Nemesis lacrosse backpack integrates recycled fabrics in its construction. Dual main compartments and zippered side pockets provide plenty of equipment organization.
The Nemesis’ recycled polyester shell is also water resistant. Keeping gear protected from the elements during transport.
STX Super Powerpack 2.0 Backpack
The Super Powerpack 2.0 from STX is a lightweight lacrosse backpack made sustainably. Recycled synthetic fabrics provide the outer shell strength and water resistance.
Integrated external carry straps allow transport of lacrosse sticks along with equipment inside the dual main compartments.
Epoch Navigator Lacrosse Bag
Epoch constructs the Navigator duffel and backpack bags using recycled plastics and nylon. Spacious main compartments store full equipment loads with organization.
Ventilated zippered side compartments also protect helmets and footwear in transit while airing them out.
Stringking Diablo Lacrosse Bag
Stringking’s Diablo lacrosse bag incorporates industry leading recycled fabrics. An enormous main storage area carries all gear securely.
Front zippered pockets and removable shoulder straps make packing and transporting equipment a breeze.
Today’s green lacrosse bags keep you organized while benefitting the environment. With recycled fabrics and smart storage from top brands, transporting your gear just got more eco-friendly.
Completing Your Green Lacrosse Starter Set
Getting started in lacrosse requires key protective gear along with your stick. Building an eco-friendly starter set allows you to be game ready sustainably.
Here are the essential items to complete your green lacrosse starter set:
Stick
Your green lacrosse stick is the foundation. Brands like Epoch, StringKing and Warrior offer excellent sustainable sticks for all positions and playing levels.
Look for eco-materials like bamboo shafts combined with pocket mesh containing recycled nylon or plastic fibers.
Gloves
Lacrosse gloves improve grip and protect hands from checks and shots. Many brands now engineer gloves with recycled synthetic leathers and upcycled materials.
Padding made from reclaimed foam or plant fibers like AEmoba provide eco-friendly options for palm protection.
Helmet
A lacrosse helmet is mandatory for safely playing organized games and practices. Leading companies like Cascade offer helmets with recycled ABS plastic shells.
Ensure proper fit and add sustainable helmet pads if needed to customize fit. Chin straps with recycled nylon straps also provide green options.
Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads are crucial for protecting collar bones, ribs and chest. Look for padding made from recycled polymers rather than virgin plastics.
Adjustability features help dial in proper fit. STX, Maverik and Warrior offer quality eco-friendly pads options.
Arm Guards
Solid arm pads help shield against checks and slashes. Many companies now engineer pads using sustainable padding materials inside recycled synthetic sleeves.
Light, breathable designs with adjustable straps enable freedom of movement while protecting the arms.
Cleats
Specialized lacrosse cleats provide essential traction for the field surface. Leading brands incorporate recycled rubber into outsoles for sticky, sustainable grip.
Options with replaceable rubber studs extend cleat life by allowing worn stud replacement over time.
Athletic Cup
For male players, an athletic cup protects the groin area from errant checks and shots.Breathable designs with flexible fits enhance comfort during play.
Warrior, Shock Doctor and Nutty Buddy offer excellent cup options made sustainably.
Building a green starter lacrosse set provides the essential equipment for getting in the game sustainably. Seek out recycled and eco-conscious materials to gain a competitive edge.