Best Youth & Beginner Lacrosse Sticks for Boys & Girls
10 youth and beginner complete sticks for boys and girls, plus a buying guide, a youth stick size chart and what's in stock at BattleLax.
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There's nothing quite as intimidating as stepping onto a lacrosse field for the first time. The equipment, the movement, the concepts: it can all overwhelm new players, especially since so many start as young as 5 to 8.
To make it easier, many brands make functional, affordable complete sticks for kids and older beginners.
This guide covers those options and what to look for in a beginner stick so you can find the perfect fit for you or your child.
Coach's note: I've run youth clinics from upstate New York to Virginia Beach and helped out with little-guy box programs in Ontario, and the kids who fall in love with the game are the ones who catch the ball early and often. Get them a stick they can actually handle, a wide face and a light shaft, then put a wall in front of them. The fancy gear can wait.
Heads up: BattleLax doesn't carry most of the specific sticks reviewed here, so under each one I point you to the closest youth or beginner stick they stock. You'll find the full list below.
Our top picks
- Best boys' youth stick: StringKing Complete Junior
- Best budget boys' stick: STX Stallion 50
- Best no-maintenance pocket: Warrior Evo Warp Next
- Best girls' beginner stick: Maverik Erupt ST
- Most popular girls' stick: STX Lilly
- Best for girls' defense: STX Fortress 100
| Stick | For | Drip | BattleLax |
|---|---|---|---|
| StringKing Complete Junior Boys' Youth Stick | Boys | 5/5 | Alt |
| STX Stallion 50 Youth Complete Stick | Boys | 4.4/5 | Alt |
| TRUE Temper Youth Cadet Junior Boys' Stick | Boys | 4.4/5 | Alt |
| Warrior Evo Warp Next Stick | Boys | 4.4/5 | Alt |
| Warrior Burn Jr. Plus Stick | Boys | 4.2/5 | Alt |
| Maverik Erupt ST Girls' Beginner Stick | Girls | 4.6/5 | Alt |
| STX Lilly Beginner Stick | Girls | 4.2/5 | Alt |
| Brine Dynasty Warp Jr. Girls' Complete Stick | Girls | 4/5 | Alt |
| STX Fortress 100 Complete Stick | Girls | 4/5 | Alt |
| STX Crux 100 Complete Stick | Girls | 4/5 | Alt |
"Alt" goes to the closest youth or beginner stick BattleLax has in stock.
Best boys' youth lacrosse sticks
As always here at LaxDrip, we research every product we cover, looking at design, price and player feedback to find the best options out there.
Below are the best youth and beginner sticks for boys right now. They're good options for players anywhere from 5 to 8 years old.
1. StringKing Complete Junior Boys' Youth Stick Best overall
- Drip level5/5
- HeadMark Jr.
- ShaftA7150 Jr.
Key features:
- Designed for a beginner's skill level and size
- Wide head for easy catching
- Thin, light shaft
- Weight distribution of a full-size stick
- Comes with a good, ready-to-play pocket
If I had a kid just starting out, I'd go with the StringKing Complete Junior.
StringKing is a younger company, but it quickly caught up to the top brands in head and shaft quality.
This stick has a wide head for easier catching and a narrower, lighter shaft for young players' smaller hands and lower strength.
And even with the narrower, lighter shaft, StringKing adjusted the head's weight so the overall balance matches a full-size stick.
- Easy for young players to handle
- Great head to learn with
- Overwhelmingly positive reviews
- May not hold up in advanced play
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the StringKing Complete Junior Boys' Youth Stick. For a youth stick built for players 10 and under, go with the Warrior Evo Jr. 27" Complete Stick ($44.99), with a wide face and a pocket strung for hold.
2. STX Stallion 50 Youth Complete Stick Best budget
- Drip level4.4/5
- HeadStallion 50
- ShaftStallion 50
Key features:
- Designed for a beginner's skill level and size
- Wide head for easy catching
- Thin, light shaft
- Affordable compared to alternatives
Like the StringKing stick above, this STX complete stick is built for younger players. It has a wide head and a thin, light shaft so smaller kids can handle it.
If you're on a tight budget, it's a solid, very affordable option. It works at every position except goalie, including attack, middie and defense.
One of the biggest downsides is the inconsistent factory string job. Some customers said the pocket was great for throwing and catching, while others said it was so deep or narrow the ball wouldn't even come out.
- Thinner, lighter shaft is easier to control
- Affordable
- Wide head makes catching easier
- Not legal for high school play
- Pre-strung pocket may need adjusting
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Stallion 50 Youth Complete Stick. For an affordable complete stick that works at attack, middie or D, go with the Maverik Optik 2 Alloy Complete Stick ($99.99). For the smallest players, the Warrior Evo Jr. 27" ($44.99) is lighter and shorter.
3. TRUE Temper Youth Cadet Junior Boys' Stick Best for 10U
- Drip level4.4/5
- HeadCadet
- ShaftCadet
Key features:
- 2" shorter than a standard stick
- PowerFlex technology for durability and velocity
- Low scoop angle for easier ground balls
TRUE has carved out a niche making quality, specialized gear for under-served corners of the sport, and the Cadet complete stick is no exception.
It's a great first stick because it packs intermediate design into an accessible package, shrinking certain parts to make it easier for young players to handle.
The Cadet's scoop makes ground balls especially easy, and the wide face is great for learning to catch. The shaft is 2" shorter than a full-size shaft, so it's easier for young players to control.
The rub is that the shorter length limits it to the youngest levels, mainly 10U and under. It's not a stick to grow into for high school or college. It's also relatively new, so there isn't a lot of performance feedback yet.
- Designed specifically for youth players
- Intermediate-level head
- Good all-around stick
- Not legal beyond the youth level
- Not much player feedback yet
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the TRUE Temper Youth Cadet Junior Boys' Stick. For a short, light youth stick for 10U, go with the Warrior Evo Jr. 27" Complete Stick ($44.99), which comes on a 27" handle.
4. Warrior Evo Warp Next Stick No-maintenance pocket
- Drip level4.4/5
- HeadEvo Warp Next
- ShaftKryptolyte
Key features:
- Warp pocket stays consistent and needs no maintenance
- Light handle for younger, smaller players
- Wide-angle scoop for easy ground balls
Warrior tackles one of the toughest parts of youth development with the Evo Warp Next: not having to worry about the pocket.
The Warp pocket is built into the head and stays consistent over time and in bad weather. It's also better than a lot of factory-strung heads with "tennis racket" pockets.
The downside is that your kid can't start learning to string a stick or even adjust the pocket. That's not crucial early on, but it's always good to know in case something happens to your strings in the middle of a game.
Beyond the pocket, it's a great stick for new youth players, especially smaller ones, since it's extremely light. The wide-angle scoop also makes ground balls easier.
- Warp pocket needs very little maintenance
- Designed for youth development
- Legal through high school
- Can't learn to string or adjust the pocket
- Harder to catch with for some
- Some durability concerns
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Warrior Evo Warp Next Stick. For a Warrior complete stick your player can grow into, go with the Warrior EVO Complete Stick 2026 ($109.99).
5. Warrior Burn Jr. Plus Stick Best for confidence
- Drip level4.2/5
- HeadBurn Jr. Plus
- Shaft6000 Alloy
Key features:
- EZ-Scoop and TruOffset head design
- Light alloy handle
- Pro-strung head with a good pocket out of the box
Warrior's Burn Jr. Plus takes the "Junior" in its name seriously. It's built specifically for players 10 and under.
The 6000 Alloy handle is light and easy to control. The EZ-Scoop head helps on ground balls, and the pro-strung pocket makes it easier to hold onto the ball.
The main knock is cosmetic: buyers say the shaft and head colors don't always match what they ordered online. There are also some reports of durability issues at more physical levels.
Overall, it's a great first stick for a very young player to build confidence with before moving up.
- Helps ball retention and throwing accuracy
- Meets USA Lacrosse 10U specs
- Light and easy to handle
- Some customers got the wrong color
- May not hold up in advanced play
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Warrior Burn Jr. Plus Stick. For Warrior's current youth stick for players 10 and under, go with the Warrior Evo Jr. 27" Complete Stick ($44.99).
Best girls' youth lacrosse sticks
The girls' game has different rules than the boys' game, so the equipment requirements are different too, sticks included.
Girls' sticks can't have pockets as deep as boys' sticks, so the heads are often shaped differently to hold the ball better. They also often come with "traditional" pockets that use leathers and more string instead of mesh.
Here are some great beginner girls' sticks worth a look:
1. Maverik Erupt ST Girls' Beginner Stick Best overall
- Drip level4.6/5
- HeadErupt ST
- PocketMesh runner
- Shaft28" Erupt aluminum
Key features:
- Thinner shaft is easier to control
- Wide face helps with catching
- Mesh runner pocket gives a consistent release
The Maverik Erupt ST is one of the most popular beginner girls' sticks on the market.
It has a wide face for catching, a mesh runner pocket for good control and an accurate release, and a thinner metal shaft that's easier to control than a full-width shaft.
It meets USA Lacrosse U10 rules, which makes it a great stick for young players to grow with.
One big difference from other beginner girls' sticks is the aggressive head shape. There's a dramatic offset toward the top of the head, like more advanced heads have.
That's great for getting used to the style of stick girls will use long term, but it may take a bit longer to get used to than other options.
- Built for beginners but works for intermediate play
- Pre-strung with a great pocket
- Great scoop
- More aggressive head shape than most beginner sticks
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Maverik Erupt ST Girls' Beginner Stick. BattleLax carries Maverik's current beginner girls' stick. Grab the Maverik Ascent ST Complete Stick ($49.99).
2. STX Lilly Beginner Stick Most popular
- Drip level4.2/5
- HeadLilly
- PocketMesh runner
- ShaftShortened, ⅝" diameter
Key features:
- One of the most popular beginner sticks
- Wide face makes catching easier
- Shorter shaft is easier to control
The STX Lilly is one of the first sticks a lot of girls use, thanks to its beginner-friendly design.
The wide head makes catching easier, and unlike many beginner sticks, it actually comes with a decent pocket.
The shortened ⅝" shaft is easier to control than a full-size shaft, which makes it great for younger girls with smaller hands.
We recommend the Lilly for girls playing U10 or under. At higher levels, you may want a full-size stick to stay competitive.
- Wide face for easy catching
- Shorter, lighter shaft is easy to control
- Not suited to higher levels
- Some customers got the wrong color
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Lilly Beginner Stick. For a beginner-friendly girls' stick under $50, go with the Maverik Ascent ST Complete Stick ($49.99).
3. Brine Dynasty Warp Jr. Girls' Complete Stick Easiest to maintain
- Drip level4/5
- HeadDynasty Warp Jr.
- PocketWarp pocket
- ShaftBrine Dynasty
Key features:
- Warrior's unique Warp pocket
- Decent offset for good control
- Wide face makes catching easier
The Brine Dynasty Warp Jr. is another great beginner option thanks to its wide face, light weight and unique Warp pocket.
The Warp pocket is built into the head and never needs adjusting. That makes maintenance easy, but it doesn't let girls start learning to string and adjust their pockets.
Unlike some beginner sticks, the Dynasty Warp Jr. has a decent offset, which can help beginners move up to intermediate and advanced sticks later.
It comes in two color schemes: a black head with a black, pink and blue shaft, or a white head with a blue and white shaft.
- Warp pocket is easy to maintain
- Offset helps ball retention and control
- Great scoop for ground balls
- Can't learn to string or adjust the pocket
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Brine Dynasty Warp Jr. Girls' Complete Stick. For a light, affordable girls' complete stick, go with the Maverik Ascent Alloy Complete Stick ($69.99).
4. STX Fortress 100 Complete Stick Best for defense
- Drip level4/5
- HeadAva
- PocketMesh
- Shaft6000 Alloy
Key features:
- Full mesh pocket is easier to maintain
- Flat scoop for ground balls
- Wide head for easy catching
The STX Fortress 100 is a great option for any beginner who has her eye on defense.
The wide face makes it a vacuum in the air and on the ground. The Crux mesh pocket is responsive on throws and catches without the "racket effect" you often get with beginner sticks.
That strength is also a liability, though, since the pocket is prone to wearing down. The top strings especially tend to tear because they're exposed, and the pocket can drift out of legal specs after extended use.
If you go with this stick, be ready to adjust the pocket over time (much easier with mesh than a traditional pocket) or keep a friend who strings on speed dial.
- Designed for beginners
- Mesh pocket makes throwing and catching easier
- Easier to maintain than traditional pockets
- Exposed top string wears out
- Pocket can wear out of legality
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Fortress 100 Complete Stick. For a beginner girls' stick you can order today, go with the Maverik Ascent Alloy Complete Stick ($69.99).
5. STX Crux 100 Complete Stick Best for offense
- Drip level4/5
- HeadNova
- PocketMesh
- Shaft6000 Alloy
Key features:
- Flexible scoop for ground balls
- Raised ball stop for retention
- Precision pocket for throwing accuracy
STX makes the list again with the Crux 100, an attack-minded stick that puts throwing accuracy first.
It's ultra light, with reduced weight in the Nova sidewall design and the 6000 Alloy handle.
The Crux mesh pocket also meets World Lacrosse (formerly FIL) specs, with the same give the Fortress 100 is known for.
As with the Fortress 100, the pocket does wear with extended use, so check it from time to time and tighten it up if needed.
- Light beginner stick
- Attack-minded, with a focus on accurate shooting
- Precision pocket meets World Lacrosse specs
- Pocket can wear out of legality
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Crux 100 Complete Stick. For a girls' stick your player can grow into on offense, go with the Maverik Aim Women's Complete Stick ($199.99). On a tighter budget, the Maverik Ascent Alloy ($69.99) is a great beginner option.
Beginner lacrosse stick buying guide
We hate to limit you to just the sticks on our list, so as always, here are some tools and things to think about when you buy a beginner stick.
1. Girls' vs. boys' sticks
Girls' and boys' lacrosse might look the same at first glance, but there are differences, mainly in the head, that fit separate rules and equipment specs.
Girls' sticks have much shallower pockets that don't hold the ball as well as boys' pockets, since there's less checking allowed. Boys' sticks use a baggier pocket and tend to have a heavier, more durable shaft to handle the contact.
Because of those differences, sticks aren't interchangeable between the girls' and boys' games.
2. Head shape
Beginner heads tend to be wider, which makes catching much easier. They also often have scoops that make ground balls easy. Those are two of the hardest skills for young players to learn, so a good head shape is crucial.
As a player gets more comfortable with both, heads get narrower for better hold and accuracy, giving up some catching surface.
3. Shaft length
Youth shafts are a bit shorter (26" to 30") than standard shafts (30" to 32") and a bit thinner. That lets young players with shorter arms and smaller hands control the stick more easily.
At the youngest levels of boys' lacrosse, players at every position usually use short sticks before defensemen move to long poles. The general rule of thumb: the stick shouldn't be longer than the player is tall.
4. Stick weight
Younger players aren't as strong as older players, so they need a lighter stick. The lighter the stick, the more control your player has.
Look for a stick light enough for your child to carry and move through the air easily. Just remember that less weight usually means a less durable shaft.
5. Pocket type
The pocket is the netting that holds the ball in the head.
Virtually all boys' sticks today come with mesh pockets. They're easy to maintain and usually consistent. You can move to a traditional pocket later, but mesh is great for building fundamentals. If your factory pocket isn't great, restring it with something like the ECD Hero 4.0 Semi-Hard Mesh ($24.99).
For girls, there's more variety at the beginner level. There are traditional pockets (leather and strings), mesh pockets (like boys' pockets, just shallower) and mesh runner pockets (a mix of the two).
I generally recommend a full mesh pocket for youth girls. It's easier to maintain for someone new to the game and is getting more and more popular at older levels.
6. Customer reviews
Always check customer reviews and player feedback before you buy. Some of the sticks on this list are fairly new, so there isn't a ton of feedback yet.
Check and double-check retail sites and other reviews (like we did for this guide) for pros and cons. Do your own research, because a first stick is an investment you shouldn't take lightly.
And as always, pay it forward. Leave your own feedback on gear you buy, and update it as you use it more.
Youth lacrosse stick size guide
This table gives the length range each type of stick should aim for, depending on whether it's for the boys' or girls' game and for offense or defense.
| Type | Total length |
|---|---|
| Boys' youth offense stick | 36" to 42" |
| Boys' youth defense stick | 36" to 72" |
| Girls' youth stick | 35.5" to 43.25" |
When it makes sense to upgrade from a youth stick
First and foremost: comfort.
Your player should be comfortable with the fundamentals (throwing, catching and cradling) and strong enough that the extra weight and length aren't hard to control.
There may be a learning curve at first, but as long as your player isn't clearly struggling with the bigger stick, they'll get used to it quickly.
Also keep in mind that the wider heads on beginner sticks are great for learning to catch and scoop, but they make it easier to lose the ball and aren't built for advanced shooting. Once your player catches and scoops consistently, developing their throw will take an upgrade to a narrower, more advanced head, like the one on the Warrior EVO Complete Stick 2026 ($109.99) or, for girls, the Maverik Aim Women's Complete Stick ($199.99).
Products to consider alongside your stick
When you're new to lacrosse, practice is the key to getting comfortable. Here are some products that can help take your game to the next level:
- Starter set: If you or your child is brand new and needs all the required gear, a starter set is a convenient way to get it all at once. Try the Evo Rise CS-R Youth Bundle (From $284.96).
- Balls: A stick isn't much use without balls. They're all fairly similar, but we have our favorites. Grab Union Lacrosse Balls (From $5.00) or see the best lacrosse balls.
- Mesh and stringing kits: If your complete stick comes with a poor factory string job, you may want to restring it. In my opinion, it's worth buying a new stringing kit instead of reusing the mesh that came with your stick. See the best lacrosse mesh.
- Lacrosse bag: You'll need something to carry your stick and gear. Most have stick holders and separate pockets for wet gear. See the best lacrosse bags.
- Lacrosse backpack: Many backpacks have straps for your stick and room for your gear. See our favorite lacrosse backpacks.
- Rebounder: Wall ball is the best way to build stick skills fast. If you don't have a brick or concrete wall to throw against, a rebounder like the Maverik Lacrosse Rebounder ($204.99) is just as good, if not better. See the best rebounders.
- Goal: Once passing and catching are down, shooting is the next step for offensive players. And what do you need to shoot besides a stick? A goal! See my favorite lacrosse goals.
- Backstop: If you get a goal, think about a backstop to keep misses from hitting a window or flying 50 yards away. See the best backstops.
- Helmet: A helmet is a good idea when you're starting out, even before you join a team. It protects your head if you miss the ball or it deflects off your stick. Try the Cascade CS-R Youth Lacrosse Helmet ($129.99) or see the best lacrosse helmets.
- Girls' lacrosse goggles: Girls don't wear a full helmet, but goggles are required. Try the Brine Halo Women's Goggles ($69.99) or see our best girls' lacrosse goggles.
Youth sticks and gear in stock at BattleLax
Want a stick you can order today? These are the youth and beginner sticks and starter gear BattleLax carries right now.
| Product | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Warrior Evo Jr. 27" Complete Stick | Boys' youth stick (10U) | $44.99 |
| Maverik Optik 2 Alloy Complete Stick | Boys' complete stick | $99.99 |
| Warrior EVO Complete Stick 2026 | Boys' complete stick | $109.99 |
| Maverik Ascent ST Complete Stick | Girls' beginner stick | $49.99 |
| Maverik Ascent Alloy Complete Stick | Girls' beginner stick | $69.99 |
| Maverik Aim Women's Complete Stick | Girls' intermediate stick | $199.99 |
| Evo Rise CS-R Youth Bundle | Youth starter bundle | From $284.96 |
| Cascade CS-R Youth Lacrosse Helmet | Youth helmet | $129.99 |
| Brine Halo Women's Goggles | Girls' goggles | $69.99 |
| Union Lacrosse Balls | Balls | From $5.00 |
| ECD Hero 4.0 Semi-Hard Mesh | Mesh | $24.99 |
| Maverik Lacrosse Rebounder | Rebounder | $204.99 |
Prices and stock change, so check the product page before you order.
People also ask
What is the best lacrosse stick for a beginner?
For boys, the StringKing Complete Junior is our top pick. For girls, it's the Maverik Erupt ST. At BattleLax, the Warrior Evo Jr. 27" and the Maverik Ascent ST are great first sticks.
What size lacrosse stick does my child need?
Youth boys' offense sticks run about 36" to 42", youth defense sticks 36" to 72", and youth girls' sticks 35.5" to 43.25". As a rule of thumb, the stick shouldn't be longer than the player is tall.
Can girls use a boys' lacrosse stick?
No. Girls' sticks have much shallower pockets to fit the girls' rules, so boys' and girls' sticks aren't interchangeable.
When should my child upgrade from a youth stick?
When they're comfortable throwing, catching and cradling and can easily handle a longer, heavier stick.
