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If you play any type of sport, you know just how important it is to show up at the court, ice, or field with the right equipment. If you don’t have everything you need, you’re not going to be able to play. For basketball, you need a leather ball. For baseball, you need a glove, bat, and baseball.
If you’re a lacrosse player, you know that you need a wide variety of equipment, including gloves to maintain your grip and protect your hands, a ball that is used to score goals and win the game, and of course, one of the most important pieces, a lacrosse stick.
See: The 10 Best Lacrosse Sticks of 2018
| Picture | Name | Brand | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Warrior Rabil Next 2 Complete | Warrior | $$$ | 4.8 |
 | STX Lacrosse Stallion 200 U | STX | $$ | 4.8 |
 | Brine Blueprint X Complete | Brine | $$ | 4.7 |
 | Maverik Lacrosse Charger Complete | Maverik Lacrosse | $$$ | 4.6 |
 | Warrior Swarm Attack Lacrosse Head-X | Warrior | $$$ | 4.6 |
 | STX FiddleSTX | STX | $$ | 4.5 |
 | Brine Women's Dynasty Rise Complete | Brine | $$ | 4.5 |
 | POOF Pro Gold | POOF | $ | 4.5 |
 | Under Armour Strategy Complete | Under Armour | $$ | 4.5 |
 | Tron Pro Attack | Tron | $$ | 4.5 |
| Picture | Name | Brand | Price | Rating |
Smart Buyer’s Guide: What are Lacrosse Sticks?
Contents
Lacrosse sticks are a crucial piece of equipment in this sport. This is what is used to pass the ball and try to score a goal. The entire piece you need for gameplay consists of a long stick with a lacrosse head, which has a net. This net is used to catch the ball, pass it, and shoot. While most sticks remain the same with the exception of the size and color, the heads are what really differentiate them, as some are curved, while others are straight or offset.
What are the Advantages?
The primary advantage of lacrosse sticks are that they allow you to play the game. You can’t participate if you don’t have a stick. These are used for practices, regular and off-season games, and championship games or tournaments. Without a stick, you won’t be able to pass the ball to your teammates, catch it when it is passed over to you, or shoot it. Without a stick, you just can’t play.
What are the Different Types?
Whether you’re replacing an old stick or you need one so you can begin playing for the first time, you need to know what types are on the market. You want to be completely satisfied with your purchase, so the first step is identifying the different types and picking the one that best fits your needs.
Handles
You can purchase a handle and add your own head to it. This is ideal if you’d rather have a more customized stick that is the right size and customized to your playing style. However, the drawback is that purchasing each piece separately may end up being much more expensive. With these handles, you can switch heads if needed.
Complete stick
These sticks have both the handle and the head. These may be less expensive, and you don’t have to worry about buying separate pieces. However, these are not customized and often, you won’t be able to switch out the head.
Youth sticks
These are much smaller and more lightweight than sticks made for adults. These are designed for younger players and come in multiple styles, colors, and sizes appropriate for toddlers, school-age kids, preteens, and teens.
Which Products are the Best on the Market?
Brine Blueprint X Complete – This stick is just right for first-time players, boasting softer materials that make the learning process easier, while still being durable enough for game play. Best of all, this is a very affordable option, so it’s a great choice for parents on a budget.
STX Lacrosse Stallion 200 U – This has a true offset design and a design that’s perfect for first time players, including a flatter scoop for picking up ground balls and an Ultra Mesh pocket that is easy to break in. This is a good choice for younger players who are still learning the skills needed to be successful in this sport.
Warrior Rabil Next 2 – This stick combines your choice of fun color for style with a great design that makes it easier to cradle, pass, and pick up balls. The stick is lightweight, has a head that breaks in easily, and provides quality and durability at a fair price.
Features to Evaluate
Instead of purchasing a stick that doesn’t quite work for you or your child, why not do your research first to find one that you will enjoy using all season long? To get started, look out for these four features. Decide what’s most important to you so that you end up with a product you enjoy using that also provides you with the performance you expect.
Price
A basic stick for a beginner may cost less than $50, but a professional-quality product for a serious player can easily cost hundreds of dollars. If you or your child is new to the sport, there’s no point in dropping hundreds of dollars on a stick before you even know what type works best for you. Beginners should balance quality with a budget-friendly price, while those who play professionally or in a serious league may want to invest a bit more in a stick that is higher quality.
Type
As mentioned, you can purchase a complete stick, or you can purchase the head and shaft separately. For a more customized playing experience, you may want to purchase each piece separately. If you’re just getting started or you only play for fun, a complete stick that is durable and fits within your budget is a good choice.
Colors
The color of your stick is a way that you can show off your style on the field. Pick your favorite bright color, stick with a neutral, or choose one that complements your uniform and team colors to really stand out while you’re practicing or playing a game.
Recommended Age Range
If you purchase an adult stick for a child, it will be way too big and heavy. If you purchase one designed for youth play for an adult, it’s going to be far too small. You want to make sure that you purchase the correct size so that it doesn’t negatively impact your game.
Price
STX Stinger
This unit is an affordable option for the budget-conscious consumer.
STX Lacrosse Stallion 200 U
This is another affordable option that will only set you back only a bit more than the Stinger.
Warrior Rabil Next 2
This model sports a great price for a high-value stick.
Type
STX Stinger
This is a complete stick that comes with the shaft and strung head.
STX Lacrosse Stallion 200 U
This is a complete stick that comes with the shaft and head that is already strung, so it’s ready to use immediately.
Warrior Rabil Next 2
This complete stick comes with the shaft and head that is already strung and ready for use.
Colors
STX Stinger
This stick comes equipped with either a white or neon green head.
STX Lacrosse Stallion 200 U
This unit is available in both black and platinum.
Warrior Rabil Next 2
You’ll have your choice of colors, including black, chrome, light blue, red, and royal blue.
Recommended Age Range
STX Stinger
This is a starter stick designed for younger children from around age 6 all the way up to about 13.
STX Lacrosse Stallion 200 U
This stick is designed up to high school use. It cannot be used by adults.
Warrior Rabil Next 2
This is a great entry-level stick that has the perfect design for younger players.
In Conclusion: See Our Lacrosse Stick Reviews
Best Cheap: Brine Blueprint X Complete
Kids that are just showing an interest in lacrosse need equipment, but parents don’t want to spend a fortune until they are sure that the child wants to continue to play. As far as entry-level sticks, this one is top-notch, and parents will love the price tag. This affordable stick is complete and comes with both the shaft and a strung head with mesh pocket.
This is designed for use by younger school-aged players, as well as younger teens. This unit is equipped with a soft mesh pocket that is easy to maintain. The flat scoop design makes it easier to learn how to pick up ground balls, and the softer materials give it more response, ideal for someone who is learning the sport.
Pros:
- It is very affordable
- It is a good choice for first-year players
- The softer materials make it more forgiving and easier to learn with
- It has a wide face for easier catching
- The pocket is easy to maintain
- It is easy for younger players to handle this stick
- It is easy to break in
Cons:
- This stick has a larger head, so it might be hard for some too handle
Best for the Money: STX Lacrosse Stallion 200 U
Younger players, high school players, and beginners will enjoy using this stick, and parents will like the price, which is under $50. Despite its price, this stick isn’t just a cheap piece of junk. In fact, you’ll be surprised by the quality of this stick, and your child will enjoy playing with it since it boasts a lot of features that makes learning and mastering the sport easier than ever.
This model comes with a true offset head design that lowers the pocket and makes it easier to learn how to cradle. It has a flatter scoop design that makes picking up ground balls easier, so that newer players can learn the right techniques. The stick comes with a head that is already strung with a mesh that retains its shape and breaks in quickly.
Pros:
- Designed to improve the technique of younger players
- Can be used in high school games
- Can also be used by younger children
- It is not too heavy
- It is very affordable
- The head breaks in easily
- The head is made with flexible materials that make it easier to learn proper techniques
- It feels very durable
Cons:
- It is not recommended for use by professionals or adults.
Best Lacrosse Stick Overall: Warrior Rabil Next 2
If you’ve mastered a stick designed for beginners, this is a good entry-level stick that takes your game to the next level. It boasts a lot of great features that make it easy to learn more about the techniques required to become great at this sport.
Standout features of this stick include improved cradling and catching, recessed lace channels to make your strings more durable and prevent constant restringing. It offers moderate travel and has a moderate ez scoop design. The offset head provides superior control, and this stick is priced accordingly when looking at the overall quality of the product.
Pros:
- It is a good stick for beginners
- It has features that make it easier to control the ball
- The design helps improve and teach the techniques of cradling and catching
- The shaft is lightweight and not too heavy, but it still feels very durable
- It comes in multiple fun colors
Cons:
- The plastic that holds the head in place feels a bit cheap
Closing Thoughts
You can’t practice or play a game of lacrosse without a stick, and you want to make sure that you choose one that improves your game and feels good in your hands. If you’re looking for a high-quality entry-level stick that has a lot of features that can help you improve your skills, the Warrior Rabil Next 2 Complete Stick is definitely worth checking out. Our pick for best lacrosse stick, it is good enough for entry-level players, as well as seasoned veterans.
This stick is durable, comes complete with everything you need to play, and makes it easier than ever to learn new skills out on the field.