Cheap Lacrosse Shafts
Nine budget attack, defense and goalie shafts rated by Drip Level, the affordable handles you can order today from Battle Lax, and where going cheap actually makes sense.
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There's no way to sugarcoat it: lacrosse is an expensive sport. So if you're looking to cut costs, it's important to know where going cheap won't make you pay for it on the field.
When it comes to your stick, a cheaper shaft is a lot less of a risk than pinching pennies on your head. Shafts stick (no pun intended) to the same general design and similar weights, so the jump from a budget handle to a top-tier one is smaller than you'd think.
The best lacrosse heads tend to be lighter, stiffer and more durable than cheap lacrosse heads, and that creates a noticeable gap between elite and budget products. Those differences can hurt your play and send you reaching for your wallet again and again and again. I've coached enough youth seasons, from Virginia Beach rec leagues to upstate New York travel teams, to tell you plenty of parents learn that one the hard way.
If you're looking to save money on your stick, here are the cheap shafts worth a look.
The 9 best cheap lacrosse shafts
- Epoch iD Vision C30
- Brine Triumph
- Brine 6000 Shaft
- STX Hammer 7000 Defense
- Warrior Burn Kryptolyte Defense
- STX 6000 Defense
- STX Outlet Goalie Shaft
- ECD Carbon Goalie Shaft
- Warrior Analog A6 6000 Goalie
Compare all 9
| # | Shaft | Position | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Epoch iD Vision | Attack | 4.2/5 | Alt |
| 02 | Brine Triumph | Attack | 3.4/5 | Alt |
| 03 | Brine 6000 | Attack | 3/5 | Alt |
| 04 | STX Hammer 7000 | Defense | 4.4/5 | Alt |
| 05 | Warrior Kryptolyte | Defense | 4.4/5 | Alt |
| 06 | STX 6000 | Defense | 3.4/5 | Alt |
| 07 | STX Outlet | Goalie | 3.8/5 | Alt |
| 08 | ECD Carbon Goalie | Goalie | 3.8/5 | Alt |
| 09 | Warrior A6 6000 | Goalie | 3.4/5 | Alt |
Cheap attack lacrosse shafts
Short sticks first. These three handles will get a new attackman or middie through a season of wall ball and youth games without emptying the wallet.
1) Epoch iD Vision C30 Top pick
A durable, balanced first shaft with a grip that feels like the high-end stuff.
Details:
- Material: Alloy
- Weight: 4.6 oz
- Shape: Concave
- Grip/finish: Textured (anodized finish)
- Colors: Black, Space Grey
- Warranty: 60 days
The Epoch iD Vision is a great entry-level shaft for players new to the game, at a friendly price point for a first stick. It's a durable, balanced shaft, perfect for finding your natural passing and shooting motion.
The grip is the highlight. An anodized finish gives you a textured handle, and the concave geometry adds even more control. The grip spares none of the frills, and the feel is familiar to more elite-level shafts.
The major drawback is the alloy build. It's lightweight and durable in its own right, but it doesn't have quite the same sturdiness as Epoch's composite shafts.
Epoch has a growing footprint in the sport, and with the Vision it has made a terrific first shaft for younger and new players.
- Textured anodized grip with concave shape
- Light and well balanced
- Feels like a higher-end shaft
- Alloy isn't as sturdy as Epoch's composites
- Short 60-day warranty
Who it's for: New attackmen and middies buying their first real shaft.
At Battle Lax: the Epoch iD Vision C30 isn't sold at Battle Lax. Our closest budget pick there is the Maverik A7 175 Lacrosse Attack Shaft ($99.99).
2) Brine Triumph
A rock-bottom price with raised rubber grip, so you can skip the tape.
Details:
- Material: Alloy
- Weight: N/A
- Shape: Octagonal
- Grip/finish: Raised rubber
- Colors: Royal/Black
- Warranty: 6 months
Brine has always prided itself on a steady lineup of affordable shafts, and the Triumph is an extremely low-priced addition to that family of handles.
Raised rubber sidings replace the need to tape up, and the alloy build gives the Triumph a lightweight, traditional feel that helps a new player get comfortable without breaking the bank.
Still, you get what you pay for. Durability is a real question, not just for the body but for the handle texturing. A season of solid checks and steady use will wear this handle down.
Also keep the warranty in mind. Since Brine joined the Warrior Lacrosse family, handle coverage has gotten a bit muddled, so double-check the warranty length with Brine/Warrior before you buy, as it can change without notice.
- Very low price
- Raised rubber grip means no tape needed
- Light, traditional feel
- Body and grip wear down with heavy use
- Unclear warranty coverage
Who it's for: Brand-new players and families testing the waters.
At Battle Lax: the Brine Triumph isn't sold at Battle Lax. Our closest budget pick there is the Maverik F7 175 Lacrosse Attack Shaft ($99.99).
3) Brine 6000 Shaft
One of the cheapest shafts out there, made for a kid who is just trying the game.
Details:
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: N/A
- Shape: Octagonal
- Grip/finish: None
- Colors: Chrome/Black
- Warranty: None
Another entry-level stick from Brine, the 6000 might look familiar if you've walked through a big-box sporting goods store lately. It's one of the cheapest shafts on the market, so temper your expectations for long-term use.
The Brine 6000 doesn't have any standout features. It's an aluminum octagonal body with no built-in grip, so be ready to tape up if you like more grip. The aluminum also leaves this handle open to dings and dents, which may be why there's no warranty on this shaft.
Still, the 6000 is great for a prospective player who might get cold feet about sticking with the sport. It's a cheap way to put the feel of a lacrosse stick in a newbie's hands.
- About as cheap as it gets
- Easy to find
- No grip, so you'll need tape
- Dents and dings easily
- No warranty
Who it's for: First-timers who may not stick with the game.
At Battle Lax: the Brine 6000 Shaft isn't sold at Battle Lax. Our closest budget pick there is the Maverik A7 175 Lacrosse Attack Shaft ($99.99).
Read more: Best attack lacrosse shafts
Cheap defense lacrosse shafts
Now the poles. A D-pole takes more abuse than any other handle on the field, so budget matters here, but so does a shaft that won't fold on the first good slap check.
1) STX Hammer 7000 Defense
STX's budget D-pole with a concave shape that keeps pace with the high-end Hammers.
Details:
- Material: Alloy
- Weight: 15.1 oz
- Shape: Concave
- Grip/finish: Mild sandblast
- Colors: Platinum, Black
- Warranty: 6 months
STX finally gets in the cheap lacrosse shaft game with the Hammer 7000. The lightweight alloy and concave octagonal design help it keep pace with the more elite shafts in the STX family tree.
A mild sandblasted finish at the main grip points gives this long pole better handling without the added weight of tape.
The major drawback is weight. It carries a bit heavier than other shafts at a similar price. That weight does buy some extra durability, though, and gives the Hammer 7000 a longer shelf life for most players.
The Hammer 7000 is a worthy stick for entry-level D-poles trying not to break the bank out of the gate, and it's a decent stepping stone to STX's more elite (and more expensive) Hammer 700.
- Concave octagonal shape
- Sandblast grip at key spots
- Extra weight adds durability
- Heavier than others at this price
Who it's for: First-year long poles who want a proven STX handle.
At Battle Lax: the STX Hammer 7000 Defense isn't sold at Battle Lax. Our closest budget pick there is the Maverik A7 350 Lacrosse Defense Shaft ($129.99).
2) Warrior Burn Kryptolyte Defense
Extremely light for a pole, and tough enough for a steady diet of slap checks.
Details:
- Material: Alloy
- Weight: 14 oz
- Shape: Concave
- Grip/finish: Diamond grip
- Colors: Black, Silver
- Warranty: 6 months
Full disclosure: I have a soft spot for the Warrior Kryptolyte line, since it was the first long pole I bought. That also means you can trust me when I say it's easily one of the best sticks I've ever bought.
The Burn Kryptolyte is extremely lightweight for a pole but doesn't give up much in durability, thanks to a concave design built from sturdy alloy. This handle can take a steady stream of slap checks, which makes it worth every penny.
The only real drawback is the lack of a true finish for extra grip, if that's your thing. You can always add tape.
The Burn Kryptolyte is a great first stick for any new long pole, especially younger players, given the lighter weight.
- Very light for a D-pole
- Holds up to slap checks
- Concave shape for control
- No real grip finish
Who it's for: Younger and newer poles who need a light handle.
At Battle Lax: the Warrior Burn Kryptolyte Defense isn't sold at Battle Lax. Our closest budget pick there is the Maverik A7 350 Lacrosse Defense Shaft ($129.99).
3) STX 6000 Defense
A cheap retail pole for trying out life as a long stick, not for game days.
Details:
- Material: Alloy
- Weight: 17.8 oz
- Shape: Octagonal
- Grip/finish: Smooth (non-slip finish)
- Colors: Platinum
- Warranty: None
We're back in the sporting goods store aisle with the STX 6000, another shaft you can find at your local retail store. It's built for entry-level players, not high-level use.
The best thing about this stick is the price. It's cheap for a fairly traditional grip and feel, which makes it a fine way to get used to life as a long pole.
Otherwise, weight and durability are both major issues. At 17.8 ounces, it's the heaviest pole on our list by a wide margin. All that weight doesn't add up to durability, either, since some users have bent this shaft with barely any use. That may be why STX doesn't cover the 6000 under warranty.
The STX 6000 is a decent first stick if you're curious about playing long pole in a non-competitive setting, but we'd find an alternative for higher levels of play.
- Low price
- Traditional feel
- Heavy at 17.8 oz
- Bends easily
- No warranty
Who it's for: Kids curious about trying long pole in the backyard.
At Battle Lax: the STX 6000 Defense isn't sold at Battle Lax. Our closest budget pick there is the Maverik F7 360 Lacrosse Defense Shaft ($144.99).
Read more: Best defense lacrosse shafts
Cheap goalie lacrosse shafts
I bet you thought we'd forget about the goalies. Not a chance. We're starting off strong between the pipes.
1) STX Outlet Goalie Shaft
A teardrop shape built for goalies, with texture where your hands go.
Details:
- Material: 7075 alloy
- Weight: 8.4 oz
- Shape: Teardrop
- Grip/finish: Textured
- Colors: Platinum
- Length: 34"
- Warranty: 6 months
The STX Outlet fires on all cylinders for a goalie's needs. The teardrop shape is made for an ergonomic feel and full control over stick spin and position.
Texturing at the main grip areas means you don't need extra tape, which keeps the stick light in a goalie's hands. STX really thought of every need here in terms of feel and play.
The main drawback is the 34-inch length. Some older, more experienced goalies like a longer shaft to extend their save range. If you're fine with 34 inches or shorter, though, the Outlet is one of the best budget options available.
- Goalie-specific teardrop shape
- Textured grip, no tape needed
- Light 7075 alloy
- 34" may be short for older goalies
Who it's for: Young goalies and keepers who like a shorter stick.
At Battle Lax: the STX Outlet Goalie Shaft isn't sold at Battle Lax. Browse their goalie sticks for current goalie options.
2) ECD Carbon Goalie Shaft
Carbon fiber for keepers at a price that won't make your parents wince.
Details:
- Material: Carbon fiber
- Weight: 8.5 oz
- Shape: Concave
- Grip/finish: Textured
- Colors: Black, White, Grey, Neon Yellow
- Warranty: 6 months
ECD's goalie version of its Carbon shaft is a worthy affordable stick. It has all the positives of the ECD Carbon attack shaft, including a textured, concave body of very durable carbon fiber.
Like the attack shaft, the Carbon may not fit every goalie head on the market, so check compatibility with your preferred head before you buy.
The body is cut from the same shape as its attack and defensive counterparts, so there are no goalie-specific features beyond the length.
Overall, the ECD Carbon is a high-quality option among cheaper goalie shafts and is worth a look, especially if you prefer a carbon fiber handle.
- Durable carbon fiber
- Textured, concave grip
- Four color options
- May not fit every goalie head
- No goalie-specific shaping
Who it's for: Goalies who want carbon without paying top dollar.
At Battle Lax: the ECD Carbon Goalie Shaft isn't sold at Battle Lax. Our closest budget pick there is the ECD Carbon 4.0 Attack/Midfield Shaft ($124.99).
3) Warrior Analog A6 6000 Goalie
A very cheap goalie handle with a straight-edge feel.
Details:
- Material: Alloy
- Weight: N/A
- Shape: Straight edge
- Grip/finish: Smooth
- Colors: Chrome
- Warranty: None
The Warrior Analog A6 6000 is another entry from the alloy family, a metal that has already shown up in our short stick and long pole sections.
The 6000 stands out for its straight-edge shape, which gives it a different feel from most shafts these days with their concave grips.
But like the Brine and STX entries, the Warrior 6000 goalie stick is a soft metal with a smooth finish, which leaves it open to denting and bending.
Its greatest asset is the very cheap price. That makes it a solid stick for new goalies who want to take some shots in net outside of competition.
- Very cheap
- Unique straight-edge feel
- Dents and bends easily
- Smooth finish, no grip
- No warranty
Who it's for: New goalies taking shots in the backyard.
At Battle Lax: the Warrior Analog A6 6000 Goalie isn't sold at Battle Lax. Browse their goalie sticks for current goalie options.
Read more: Best goalie lacrosse shafts
Cheap lacrosse shafts in stock at Battle Lax
Most of the big-box shafts above aren't sold at Battle Lax. Here are the most affordable shafts you can order from Battle Lax today, all from brands you'll see at the high school and college level:
Maverik A7 175 Lacrosse Attack Shaft
Our favorite budget attack shaft at Battle Lax.
At $99.99, the A7 175 is one of the most affordable attack shafts Battle Lax carries from a top brand, a big step up in durability from the big-box alloy handles above.
Maverik F7 175 Lacrosse Attack Shaft
Another sub-$100 Maverik attack handle.
Maverik's F7 175 is also $99.99, a solid first real shaft for a player graduating from a starter stick.
Maverik Mag 165 Lacrosse Attack Shaft
A small step up in price for a lighter feel.
For $114.99, the Mag 165 is a good middle ground if you want to stay budget-minded but get closer to a high-end feel.
ECD Carbon 4.0 Attack/Midfield Shaft
Carbon fiber at $124.99.
If you want carbon like the ECD Carbon Goalie above, the ECD Carbon 4.0 brings the same durable, textured carbon build to attack and midfield.
Maverik A7 350 Lacrosse Defense Shaft
A budget-friendly D-pole.
At $129.99, the A7 350 is one of the most affordable defense shafts Battle Lax carries, a smart first pole for a new long stick.
Maverik F7 360 Lacrosse Defense Shaft
A step-up pole that won't break the bank.
At $144.99, the F7 360 is the next step for a pole who has outgrown an entry-level handle.
Who should consider buying a cheap lacrosse shaft?
Beyond cutting costs, there are certain types of players for whom a cheaper shaft makes sense and fits their needs perfectly.
Strong shafts aren't really needed
Young players are the most likely users of cheap shafts, and for good reason. Youth leagues don't have the intensity or physicality of higher levels, so a cheaper stick has a much better chance of surviving a season than it would in high school or college.
New players may decide they don't like lacrosse
Younger players may not be in the sport long-term and are more likely to get cold feet about sticking with lacrosse. That makes a cheap shaft the perfect stepping stone to a more elite handle once they mature physically and in their love and understanding of the game. Save the splurge on a shaft for high school, and put the money into a solid beginner stick setup and a bucket of lacrosse balls for wall ball instead.
Older players who just want to play around
Another solid group for cheap shafts is the older crowd: the over-the-hill competitive players who may not take the field anymore but still want to pick up a stick for a game of catch or to teach a younger player the game.
Rule of thumb: the lower the price, the lower the life expectancy of the shaft, and the more you'll want to keep it out of competitive play.
Differences between expensive and cheap shafts
Here are the key differences between expensive and cheap shafts in three areas: durability, weight and grip.
Durability
This one's a no-brainer: the more expensive the shaft, the more durable it likely is.
Most of the cheaper options above use an alloy body. Alloy is strong and light in its own right, but it's a softer, more malleable metal than what's used in high-end shafts, so it's more open to dents and bending. That leaves your shaft very vulnerable at the higher, more physical levels of lacrosse, and it could send you digging into your pocket for a replacement very quickly.
The best lacrosse shafts are typically made of carbon fiber, a titanium or scandium alloy, or another more advanced metal that boosts durability.
Weight
It's pretty much the exact opposite of what the blood-sucking lawyer in Jurassic Park says: if it's heavy, it's probably cheap, and you may want to put it back.
Alloys and other materials on the cheap shaft market tend to run noticeably heavier than their more expensive counterparts. That matters if you plan to use a cheaper shaft in games, because a couple of ounces here or there can change your stick speed when passing, shooting, checking or just moving around. (If weight is your top priority, see our list of the lightest lacrosse heads and shafts.)
Less weight also means less awkwardness and strain carrying the shaft over the miles you run in a game. That means fresher legs and arms when it counts: crunch time in the fourth quarter.
Grip
Last but not least is grip. Luckily, we've given you some solid options above with at least some texture and concave shaping to mimic more expensive shafts.
Still, across the board, cheaper shafts pay less attention to the little details that pay big dividends in stick control. You may get some texture, but it may not last like it does on a pricier shaft. You may get concave sides, but at such a slight angle that they may as well be flat.
A great grip isn't the most important thing in the world, since you can always tape your stick. But tape adds weight, which, as we talked about above, can slow you down.
Lacrosse shaft FAQs
1) Will my head fit onto this shaft?
Most heads fit onto any shaft, even if they're different brands. At most, you may have to drill a new screw hole in the shaft, but that's usually it.
The one caveat is a head with a throat plug. If you're using a solid (not hollow) composite shaft, you may want to find a hollow shaft (or a head without a throat plug) to make sure they fit. Shopping for a head too? Start with our best lacrosse heads guide.
2) Can I cut down a D-pole to an attack or goalie shaft length?
Yes. As long as you cut your metal shaft down to a legal length (30 inches for attack, or 30 to 40 inches for goalie), it's perfectly legal to cut down a D-pole.
We bolded metal for a reason: you definitely shouldn't cut down a carbon fiber shaft. It will splinter and be unusable.
One of the great benefits of cutting a defensive shaft down to attack length is that you can get two shafts out of it, since a D-pole is typically 60 inches long.
3) What is the standard shaft length?
Here's the breakdown of typical lacrosse shaft lengths:
- Attack: 30 inches
- Goalie: 30 to 40 inches
- Defense: 60 inches
Some shafts built for younger players are a few inches shorter for better control, and you can cut D-poles to shorter lengths if you prefer. For the full breakdown by position and age, see our lacrosse shaft lengths guide and our check of what makes a lacrosse stick illegal.
