Best Lacrosse Sticks
The best lacrosse stick depends on your position, level of play, and whether you want a complete stick or build your own. This guide covers the top picks for attack, defense, midfield, goalie, beginners, and every age group — men’s, women’s, and youth.
Women’s Lacrosse Sticks
Women’s lacrosse sticks are built for the women’s field game — lighter construction, stricter pocket depth rules, and position-specific head shapes for attack, midfield, defense, draw, and goalie. Every guide below covers the best complete sticks for each position.
- Women’s Attack Sticks
- Women’s Midfield
- Women’s Defense
- Women’s Draw Sticks
- Women’s Goalie
- Most Expensive Sticks
Boys & Youth Lacrosse Sticks
Youth and boys lacrosse sticks are sized differently from adult sticks — shorter shafts, lighter heads, and age-appropriate complete setups. The boys youth guide is one of the most-visited pages on the site. Girls sticks follow the women’s rules and sizing.
- Boys Youth Lacrosse Stick Guide
- Boys Defense Lacrosse Sticks
- Youth Lacrosse Sticks
- Girls Lacrosse Sticks
Men’s Lacrosse Sticks
Men’s lacrosse sticks vary significantly by position — attack heads are narrow with tight pockets, defensive poles are long with wide heads, midfield sticks balance both. Goalie sticks use specialized wide mesh. Every guide below covers position-specific picks from beginner to varsity.
Lacrosse Stick Buying Guide
Choosing the right lacrosse stick comes down to your position, gender, level of play, and budget. Here’s everything you need to know before you buy — from materials and sizing to pocket rules and safety.
Price
Lacrosse sticks span a wide range — from budget-friendly beginner setups to premium high-end builds. Brand reputation, shaft material, head design, and pocket quality all factor into cost.
Shaft Material
Alloy is the most common budget material — it works but breaks more easily. Composite and carbon fiber sit in the middle: lightweight, stiff, and durable. Titanium and titanium blends are the strongest.
Weight
Attackers favor lighter sticks for quick ball handling. Defenders often prefer heavier sticks for stability and power.
Head Width
Men’s heads must be between 6.5 and 10 inches wide. Women’s heads should fall between 7 and 9 inches.
Stick Sizing
Men’s Lacrosse
- Attack / Midfield complete: 40–42 inches
- Long pole defenders: 52–72 inches
- Goalies: 40–72 inches
Women’s Lacrosse
- Attack / Midfield / Defense complete: 35½–53¼ inches
- Goalie sticks: Up to 52 inches
Pocket Rules
Men’s lacrosse: the top of the ball should not sit below the bottom of the sidewall when held horizontally. Women’s lacrosse: the ball must be visible above the sidewall when viewed from the side.
Complete vs. Custom
A complete stick — head and shaft sold together — is the right call for most beginners and intermediate players.
Mesh & Stringing
Today’s players choose between soft performance mesh and hard performance mesh — soft mesh is the most popular choice.
Safety
Prioritize safety when using your stick. Intentional hits are fouls that can result in penalties or ejections.
The Right Stick Is the One You Use.
Choosing the right lacrosse stick comes down to your position, playing style, and budget — but the most important thing is picking one you’ll actually practice with every day.