Types of Lacrosse Sticks

Nowadays, sports shops are flooded with different types of lacrosse sticks. In the 1960s and well before, Native American tribes played lacrosse with a wooden stick with woven netting. There were no separate heads and shafts and no concept of plastic sticks until the 1970s. 

Later STX and Brine became pioneer manufacturers of plastic-made lacrosse sticks encouraged by the popularity of lacrosse.

Before I discuss the lacrosse stick types, it’s important to understand the components of the lacrosse stick.

Components Of Lacrosse Stick

STX experimented with different designs and materials to improve lacrosse sticks and was the first to divide the lacrosse stick into two components: a head and a shaft. 

A head is a plastic frame with mesh netting to drive the ball in different directions. Its side rails and front scoop have several stringing holes to string the mesh, and the bottom has a strut to attach the shaft. 

A lacrosse shaft can be of aluminum, carbon, titanium, scandium, aluminum alloy, composite, or plastic stick with an end cap over the end. 

Types Of Lacrosse Sticks

Lacrosse has different player positions like attack, defense, midfield, and goalies. Hence, each player needs a different type of lacrosse stick to suit their playing style and favor the position in the game.

So, let’s move on to learn about the various types of lacrosse sticks.

Men’s Lacrosse Sticks

Let’s start with the men’s sticks, these types of lacrosse sticks are usually 40 to 60+ inches long with a deeper pocket. Men’s lacrosse is a contact game and is more aggressive than women’s. Therefore, men’s lacrosse heads are designed with less surface are

Let’s understand the attributes in detail. 

Position Attack and Midfield Defense and D-Pole
Length 40 – 42 inches 52-70 inches
Face Shape Narrow face width 6-7 inches Slightly wider shape width of 7-10 inches
Weight Over 8 oz but depends on the material Over 8 oz but depends on the material
Shaft diameter 1 inch 1-1.2 inch
Pocket One ball depth (The top of the ball should not be below the bottom of the sidewall when kept horizontally) One ball depth 

If you’re looking for more subjective knowledge, I have a couple of recommendations for men’s attack, defense, and middie lacrosse stick. 

Read More: Review of the Best Lacrosse Sticks

Men’s Lacrosse Attack Sticks

Maverik Kinetik Carbon Attack Stick

Maverik Kinetik Carbon Attack Stick

 

Maverik Kinetik Carbon Attack Stick (https://laxdrip.com)

It’s one of the best lacrosse sticks for elite college players with a carbon fiber shaft. Its Maverik 2.0 lacrosse head has a narrow face profile and shorter throat. It provides an amazing shooting speed and catching accuracy. Although the end cap needs adjustment the rigged shaft allows excellent grip. 

Nike Vapor Pro Complete Attack Lacrosse Stick

 

Nike Vapor Pro Complete Attack Lacrosse Stick (https://laxdrip.com)

The Nike Vapor Pro attack stick combines a Nike Vapor Pro lacrosse head and an aluminum alloy shaft. Stringed with a semi-hard elite mesh, this stick has a narrow face profile for dodging defenders. The aggressive scoop is perfect for picking ground balls without any delay. It’s a durable and affordable stick for attack. 

Men’s Lacrosse Midfield Sticks

STX Stallion 1K Elite Complete Stick For Midfielders

STX Stallion 1K Elite Complete Stick

 

STX Stallion 1K Elite Complete Stick (https://laxdrip.com)

Stallion 1K Elite complete stick has a standard composite carbon shaft. Endurafoam’s strong, durable head with a shorter throat allows easy ground ball pick-ups and smooth cradling. The mid-high pocket gave me a comfortable catching and feeding. 

 

Maverik Critik Alloy Complete Lacrosse Stick For Midfielders

Maverik Critik Alloy Complete Lacrosse Stick

 

Maverik Critik Alloy Complete Lacrosse Stick (https://laxdrip.com)

Maverik Citrick lacrosse stick is a suitable shaft for long stick midfielders. It has a 7000 series alloy shaft attached to a level 2 Bottom Rail. Besides, the semi-hard mesh is stringed to form a mid-low pocket. Since I don’t prefer a mid-low pocket I strung a mid-high pocket for better performance. Otherwise, the narrow face profile was perfect for dodging defenders. 

Men’s Lacrosse Defense Sticks

STX X10 Complete Defense Lacrosse Stick

STX X10 Complete Defense Lacrosse Stick

 

STX X10 Complete Defense Lacrosse Stick (https://laxdrip.com)

STX X10 has a wider head, designed to intercept passes, block shots, and perform checks without any trouble. The 7000 alloy shaft offered a strong grip. Whereas, the adjustable end cap provided me with a comfortable hand placement. Although it’s a lightweight stick, it’s not for those who prefer a less flexible head. 

StringKing Complete 2 Intermediate Defense Lacrosse Stick

StringKing Complete 2 Intermediate Defense Lacrosse Stick

 

StringKing Complete 2 Intermediate Defense Lacrosse Stick (https://laxdrip.com)

This is a go-to lacrosse stick for all high-school and elite defense players. Although it’s expensive, the durable alloy shaft and semi-hard mesh allow perfect ground ball control. The solid side rails deliver powerful checks with minimal strength. Also, the wider head is perfect for blocking middies and snatching ground balls. 

Women’s Lacrosse Stick

Moving on to women’s lacrosse, their sticks are longer, thinner, and lighter. They are around 35 to 53 inches long and have a 0.8 – 0.9 inch diameter. These types of lacrosse sticks usually have a shallow pocket, and the ball should be visible above the sidewall when held sideways. It also has a wider face profile, as there is very minimal checking. 

Read More: Review of Women’s Lacrosse Sticks

Women’s Lacrosse Attack Sticks

Maverik Ascent Pro Complete Women’s Lacrosse Stick

Maverik Ascent Pro Complete Women's Lacrosse Stick

 

Maverik Ascent Pro Complete Women’s Lacrosse Stick (https://laxdrip.com)

Maverik Ascent Pro is one of the best women’s lacrosse sticks for attack position. It features a lightweight carbon fiber shaft and a wide-shaped head. The head is not extremely stiff and provides optimal whip. The complete stick is slightly pricier, but the woven mesh pocket, durability, and ball control are worth the investment. 

Brine Dynasty WARP PRO Dynasty Next Composite Complete Women’s Lacrosse Stick

Brine Dynasty WARP PRO Dynasty Next Composite Complete

 

Brine Dynasty WARP PRO Dynasty Next Composite Complete (https://laxdrip.com)

WARP PRO Dynasty is another most recommended lacrosse stick for attacking women. The Brine Dynasty Warp Pro is a combination of a composite shaft and a stiff head. Its angular tapered sidewalls with its high Warp pocket and narrow channel deliver solid ball control. Moreover, the textured shaft provides excellent grip. 

Women’s Lacrosse Midfield Sticks

StringKing Complete 2 Pro Midfield Composite Women’s Lacrosse Stick

StringKing Complete 2 Pro Midfield Composite Women's Lacrosse Stick

 

StringKing Complete 2 Pro Midfield Composite Women’s Lacrosse Stick (https://laxdrip.com/)

StringKing is a versatile lacrosse stick for young midfielders who like to play center forward. The lightweight carbon shaft, a moderately wide head, and an angled throat provide high-speed shooting with minimal spread. Its type 4 level mesh is strung into a mid-pocket design for controlled cradling and feeding accuracy. 

ECD Infinity Women’s Complete Lacrosse Stick

ECD Infinity Women's Complete Lacrosse Stick

 

ECD Infinity Women’s Complete Lacrosse Stick (https://laxdrip.com)

ECD infinity is the set of infinity mesh, infinity’s lightweight carbon fiber shaft, and infinity head. It’s a premium-quality lacrosse stick for offensive middies. It’s a durable stick for high-school and advanced-level college players that supports get-and-go situations without any miss. Besides, the flexibility of a wider head is perfect for winning face-off battles. 

Women’s Lacrosse Defense Sticks

STX Fortress 700™ Complete Defense Stick

STX Fortress 700™ Complete Defense Stick

 

STX Fortress 700™ Complete Defense Stick (https://laxdrip.com)

STX has designed Fortress 700 with a high-quality composite shaft and a well-designed pinched face head. I recommend it to all-season women defenders for its amazing grip due to its advanced strike plates. Besides, the inside twisted sidewalls, longer throat, and wider scoop allow fine cradling without unwanted ball miss. 

StringKing Women’s Complete 2 Pro Defense Lacrosse Stick

StringKing Women's Complete 2 Pro Defense Lacrosse Stick

 

StringKing Women’s Complete 2 Pro Defense Lacrosse Stick (https://laxdrip.com)

StringKing 2 pro lacrosse stick is a reliable stick for defensive players who are tired of head bending. Its stiff head and wider profile provide stronger checks and snatch the ball from the opponent. The longer carbon fiber shaft provides a very strong grip despite the smooth surface. 

Goalies Lacrosse Stick

Goalie lacrosse sticks are different types of lacrosse sticks used in both men’s and women’s lacrosse. Its length is between 40-72 inches. Besides, a goalie’s head is 3- 4 inches wider than the standard heads. It also has two to three balls deep pockets to help control the ball off shots. 

Nike Prime Elite Complete Goalie Lacrosse Stick

Nike Prime Elite Complete Goalie Lacrosse Stick

 

Nike Prime Elite Complete Goalie Lacrosse Stick (https://laxdrip.com)

The octagonal shaft and a wide head are the combination of one of the best goalie lacrosse heads. The wider face width easily intercepts goals, while a deep pocket delivers accurate throws. Although the mesh is softer, it’s a long-lasting and durable stick. 

Warrior Nemesis 3 Complete Goalie Lacrosse Stick

Warrior Nemesis 3 Complete Goalie Lacrosse Stick

 

Warrior Nemesis 3 Complete Goalie Lacrosse Stick (https://laxdrip.com)

Warrior Nemesis 3 has a 30-inch composite shaft, a 12-inch wider face profile, and a flexible mesh. It’s an elite goalie stick that absorbs impact very well. So, if you are a beginner who struggles with shot-impact, it’s a perfect stick for you. Besides, the lightweight design supports easier throws to distant players. 

Youth Lacrosse Sticks

Youth lacrosse sticks are usually lightweight and 37 to 42 inches in length. Legally, the shaft matches the size of your arm (from your shoulder to fingertip). These types of lacrosse sticks are designed specifically for young lacrosse players based on their skill level and build. Furthermore, you also get a wider head for easier catching and a softer mesh for better ball control. 

Epoch ID Vision Jr Complete Youth Lacrosse Stick

Epoch ID Vision Jr Complete Youth Lacrosse Stick

 

Epoch ID Vision Jr Complete Youth Lacrosse Stick (https://laxdrip.com)

Epoch ID Vision Jr is a lightweight and durable youth lacrosse stick. It is a 27-inch long with an 8-inch shaft diameter featuring ridges for optimal control. The head features a wider face, a shorter throat, and a zone 2 mid/low pocket for a better learning curve. 

Maverik Ascent ST Complete Youth Girl’s Lacrosse Stick

Maverik Ascent ST Complete Youth Girl's Lacrosse Stick

 

Maverik Ascent ST Complete Youth Girl’s Lacrosse Stick (https://laxdrip.com)

Maverik Ascent ST youth stick holds a lightweight head over a durable aluminum shaft. This 28-inch-long stick provides easy handling for easy practice in different lacrosse positions. The flexible head allows easy cradling and amazing whip when dodging defenders. 

Read More: Review of the Youth Lacrosse Sticks

People Also Ask

How Many Types of Sticks Are There in Lacrosse?

There are four main types of lacrosse sticks: attack, midfield, defense, and goalie sticks. Each is designed to fit specific positions and playing styles, ensuring optimal performance on the field.

What Are the 4 Types of Lacrosse?

The four types of lacrosse sticks include attack sticks, midfield sticks, defense sticks, and goalie sticks. These sticks differ in length, face shape, and pocket depth to suit the unique demands of each position.

How to Choose a Lacrosse Stick?

Choosing a lacrosse stick depends on your position, skill level, and preferences. Consider the stick’s length, weight, and face shape. Attackers prefer narrow faces, while defenders need wider heads for intercepting passes.

What Size Lacrosse Stick for a 13-Year-Old Girl?

For a 13-year-old girl, a lacrosse stick should be between 35 to 43 inches in length. Girls’ lacrosse sticks are typically lighter and have a thinner diameter compared to men’s sticks.

What Is the Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse Sticks?

Men’s lacrosse sticks are longer and have deeper pockets for aggressive play. Women’s sticks are lighter, with shallower pockets and wider heads, designed for less physical contact and a more finesse-based style.

Types of lacrosse sticks vary depending upon the NCCA rules, playing position, and players’ comfort. You can even shorten your stick, get a different face shape, and string a mid, high, or low pocket to adjust your playing style. However, the attributes must meet NCCA guidelines. 

Read More: What Makes a Lacrosse Stick Illegal?

About Author

Picture of Connor Stifel

Connor Stifel

As a lifelong lacrosse enthusiast, I've had the privilege of playing the sport from a young age, honing my skills on the field and developing a deep appreciation for the game's speed, strategy, and camaraderie. With a decade of experience under my belt, from childhood to high school, I've carried that passion with me into adulthood, always eager to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

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