Best Women's Lacrosse Sticks Reviewed: Advanced, Budget & Beginner
15 women's and girls' complete sticks for elite, intermediate and beginner players, including the best for midfield, offense, defense and draws, plus how to choose and what's in stock at BattleLax.
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Your stick is the most important piece of gear in the women's game. You use it to carry, pass, shoot, check and more.
With so many sticks out there, plus new stick tech like mesh pockets, it can be tough to decide which is best for you. To help, I researched the market to find the best options for elite players, intermediate players and beginners.
Coach's note: I've watched the girls' game explode, from upstate New York clinics to the Virginia Beach club scene to field programs popping up all over Ontario. The players who stand out aren't the ones with the most expensive stick. They're the ones whose pocket is dialed in and who hit the wall every day. Pick a stick that fits your level and position, then put the reps in.
Heads up: BattleLax doesn't carry the specific sticks reviewed here, so under each one I point you to the closest women's stick they stock. You'll find the full list below.
Our top picks
- Best overall: STX Crux Pro Elite
- Best for midfielders (tied): Maverik Ascent Plus and STX Exult Pro Elite
- Best for offense: ECD Infinity Pro
- Best for deeper pockets: Epoch Purpose
- Best for whip: Gait Whip
- Best for defense: STX Fortress 700
- Most versatile: Nike Lunar Fly
- Best for draws: STX Axxis Draw
| Stick | Level | Drip | BattleLax |
|---|---|---|---|
| STX Crux Pro Elite Complete Stick | Advanced | 5/5 | Alt |
| Maverik Ascent Plus Women's Complete Stick | Advanced | 4.9/5 | Alt |
| STX Exult Pro Elite Complete Stick | Advanced | 4.9/5 | Alt |
| ECD Infinity Pro Stick | Advanced | 4.8/5 | Alt |
| Epoch Purpose Complete Stick | Advanced | 4.8/5 | Alt |
| Gait Whip Women's Complete Stick | Advanced | 4.8/5 | Alt |
| STX Fortress 700 Complete Stick | Advanced | 4.8/5 | Alt |
| Nike Lunar Fly Women's Stick | Advanced | 4.6/5 | Alt |
| STX Axxis Draw Complete Stick | Advanced | 4.6/5 | Alt |
| Maverik Erupt Complete Stick | Intermediate | 4.4/5 | Alt |
| STX Crux 400 Women's Complete Stick | Intermediate | 4.4/5 | Alt |
| STX Exult 400 Women's Complete Stick | Intermediate | 4.4/5 | Alt |
| Maverik Erupt ST Girls Beginner Stick | Beginner | 4.6/5 | Alt |
| STX Lilly Beginner Lacrosse Stick | Beginner | 4.2/5 | Alt |
| Brine Dynasty Warp Jr Girls Complete Stick | Beginner | 4/5 | Alt |
"Alt" goes to the closest women's stick BattleLax has in stock.
Best women's lacrosse sticks (advanced)
First up, the best sticks for advanced players, like high school and college players. All of these push the limits of stick tech to give you every advantage on the field.
They cost a little more, but they'll help you excel with more accurate passes and shots, more control carrying the ball, and the strength and durability you need.
1. STX Crux Pro Elite Complete Stick Best overall
- Drip level5/5
- Best forAny position
The STX Crux Pro Elite comes in at #1 thanks to its great face shape, light weight, offset and durability.
It's a true elite stick used by pros and college players across the country. It works at any position and comes with a full mesh or traditional pocket.
STX also gave it the patented Speed Scoop, one of the most popular scoops in the men's game, which makes ground balls a breeze at any angle.
It comes on a light, ⅝" Crux Pro handle with Shaft Lock tech to keep the head from rattling and a built-in end cap.
Overall, it's an amazing stick. It's light, lasts multiple seasons and gives you as much control as any stick out there, if not more.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Crux Pro Elite Complete Stick. For an elite women's complete stick for any position, go with the Warrior Anthem Pro Women's Complete Stick ($299.99).
2. Maverik Ascent Plus Women's Complete Stick Best for midfielders
- Drip level4.9/5
- Best forMidfielders
The Ascent Plus, an upgrade on the original Ascent, comes in next thanks to its aggressive release angle, tight face, light weight and great shaft.
The 22° release angle makes it especially good for middies, with unmatched hold and great outside shots. The tight face and stiffness also make it good on the draw.
The ⅝" Ascent+ carbon fiber shaft has a concave shape that feels great in your hands, a clean design and a molded butt end. It also has Maverik's soft-touch grip finish, which feels amazing.
Overall, it's a great option for every player, but especially middies. The aggressive offset adds power on shots and top-notch ball control.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax carries Maverik's newest Ascent. Grab the Maverik Ascent Pro Women's Complete Stick ($274.99).
3. STX Exult Pro Elite Complete Stick Lightest midfield stick
- Drip level4.9/5
- Best forMidfielders
The STX Exult Pro Elite is the best stick STX has made in the Exult line by far. It's the lightest Exult ever and has a lot of new features that make it arguably the best women's midfield stick out there.
It's very, very light. Unlike some elite sticks that use bulkier materials, it's built for minimal weight without giving up durability.
The head uses DropRail tech to drive the ball to the sweet spot. In our testing, the ball always sat right where we wanted it, with a smooth, consistent release. It also has the Speed Scoop and a ton of stringing holes for all kinds of pockets.
It has "shoulders" near the scoop that are meant to help grab the ball on the draw. We haven't tested it on draws yet, but they look like they'd work well. Since it's so light, though, it might not be stiff enough for players who take most of their team's draws.
There's not much to complain about with the handle. STX's 3D Grip feels great in any weather, Shaft Lock eliminates head rattle and a molded end cap gives you a smooth transition to the butt end.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Exult Pro Elite Complete Stick. For a light, elite midfield stick, go with the Gait Air 3 Women's Complete Stick ($299.99).
4. ECD Infinity Pro Stick Best for offense
- Drip level4.8/5
- Best forOffense
The ECD Infinity Pro is another great option for advanced players at any position. It replaced the older Infinity Elite.
The big difference is the new head, made with ECD's Diamond plastic, which is 10% lighter than ECD's standard plastic. Even so, it's one of the stiffest heads we've tested and is built to stay stiff on hot summer days.
Like other heads here, it has a dramatic offset that drives the ball into the sweet spot for more control and accuracy.
One of my favorite things is the string job ECD includes. Players say the pocket is more forgiving on catches and holds better than other options.
It comes on the Infinity Pro carbon fiber shaft, with a soft-touch matte finish and extra grip down low. It's ⅝" for most of the length and flares to 1" at the top where the head plugs in.
Overall, it's an amazing stick for advanced players: light, dependable and one of the best in the game.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the ECD Infinity Pro Stick. BattleLax carries ECD's newer women's stick. Grab the ECD Halo Elite Women's Complete Stick ($299.99), with ECD's Valkyrie pocket.
5. Epoch Purpose Complete Stick Best for deeper pockets
- Drip level4.8/5
- Best forDeeper pockets
Epoch changed the women's head game when it released the Purpose. The patented 15° bottom rail allows a deeper pocket and drives the ball to the sweet spot for more control and a more consistent release. That's much more dramatic than the typical 10° bottom rail.
UNC women's lacrosse signed on with Epoch as its exclusive equipment supplier, a huge vote of confidence.
Along with the Purpose head, it comes on a 1" aluminum shaft that's light but strong.
It's a great option for advanced players who want to push the limits of stick tech. The 15° rail may take some getting used to, but once you do, I think you'll find it's a big boost to your game.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Epoch Purpose Complete Stick. For an elite women's stick with a deep, ball-locking pocket, go with the Maverik Sonar Women's Complete Stick ($284.99).
6. Gait Whip Women's Complete Stick Best for whip
- Drip level4.8/5
- Best forHigh whip
If you like a lot of whip, the Gait Whip (as the name says) is a great option.
Its main feature is the Curved Offset, which creates a deep pocket and sweet spot with a whippier release for more power and more hold when you carry.
We really like how easy it is to pick up ground balls, even when you can't get your butt end close to the ground.
The biggest downside is the lack of stringing holes. Each sidewall only has 8, which makes some pockets hard to string. The standard soft-touch composite shaft feels good, is light and seems durable.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax carries the newer version. Grab the Gait Whip 2 Flex Mesh Complete Stick (From $299.99).
7. STX Fortress 700 Complete Stick Best for defense
- Drip level4.8/5
- Best forDefense
If you play D, look no further than the STX Fortress 700. The stiff head and light shaft are both built for defense.
The head is fairly wide toward the scoop, which makes it easier to pick off passes and throw checks, but it pinches pretty narrow at the throat for better control when you carry. It also has STX's Speed Scoop.
The strong 1" composite shaft has a 10° offset and extra grip down low for more control on checks.
Overall, the Fortress 700 is one of the best options, if not the best, for women's defenders. It's stiff, light and has the ideal face shape for D.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Fortress 700 Complete Stick. For a women's stick built for defense, go with the Gait Air D Women's Complete Stick ($299.99).
8. Nike Lunar Fly Women's Stick Most versatile
- Drip level4.6/5
- Best forVersatility
The Nike Lunar Fly is another great option for intermediate to advanced players at any position.
Compared to other elite heads here, it has a slightly lower offset, which gives it more of a mid pocket than a high pocket if that's what you like.
The aggressive face shape stays pretty pinched through most of the head, then opens toward the scoop. Channel tabs near the scoop push the ball toward the center sweet spot.
It comes on Nike's composite Lunar shaft, strong and light, with the 10° offset a lot of elite players love.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Nike Lunar Fly Women's Stick. For a versatile, flex-mesh complete stick, go with the Gait Apex 2 Flex Mesh Composite Complete Stick ($299.99).
9. STX Axxis Draw Complete Stick Best for draws
- Drip level4.6/5
- Best forDraws
STX released the Axxis as the first draw-specific women's stick, and it's become the top choice for players who take the draw, for good reason.
The narrow pinch through most of the head lets it fit inside your opponent's head for more control, and the Draw Claw tabs on the outside can hook the ball for even more.
It's also very stiff, so it won't bend on draws, and it has STX's Speed Scoop for ground balls.
The shaft is built for the draw too. Along with STX's 10° offset, it has extra grip at the top and bottom where you need it most. It has a teardrop shape up top for ideal hand placement and a rigid shape down low for control.
If you specialize in draws, the Axxis is a no-brainer and the best draw head out there by far. If you play a lot of offense too, you may want a second stick, since it doesn't have the same features as offensive heads.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Axxis Draw Complete Stick. For a draw-specific stick at BattleLax, check the Gait Draw-M Women's Complete Stick ($299.99).
Best intermediate and budget women's lacrosse sticks
If you want to save on a complete stick or need one built for intermediate players, these three are great options.
1. Maverik Erupt Complete Stick Best intermediate
- Drip level4.4/5
- Best forIntermediate players
The Maverik Erupt is built for intermediate players moving from a beginner stick to an advanced one.
It has a fairly wide face for easier catching and a great scoop. Its mesh runner pocket gives you good hold and a consistent, accurate release.
The composite shaft is pretty light, stiff and durable and should hold up for multiple seasons.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Maverik Erupt Complete Stick. For an affordable step-up stick, go with the Maverik Aim Women's Complete Stick ($199.99).
2. STX Crux 400 Women's Complete Stick Best budget attack
- Drip level4.4/5
- Best forIntermediate attackers
Next is the little sibling of our #1 overall stick, the STX Crux 400.
It's built for attackers, with a face shape similar to the Crux Pro, especially the narrow throat for great control, but a wider scoop for easier catching.
It has a less aggressive offset than the elite sticks above, but the sidewall height just meets the minimum, so you can string the deepest legal pocket if you do it right.
Overall, it's an awesome option for attackers moving up from the youth game or just starting out. It has a lot of elite features while still putting development first.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Crux 400 Women's Complete Stick. For a budget women's complete stick, go with the Maverik Ascent Alloy Complete Stick ($69.99).
3. STX Exult 400 Women's Complete Stick Best budget midfield
- Drip level4.4/5
- Best forIntermediate midfielders
The STX Exult 400 is another great complete stick for intermediate players or anyone saving money. Modeled after the Exult 600, it's built for middies. It's pretty stiff and has reinforced corner ledges that help grab the ball on draws.
The head has a medium offset that helps players get used to the shape of more advanced heads, and the all-mesh pocket gives a consistent, accurate release that's easy to adjust.
The 7075 alloy shaft is basic but strong and light enough for most players.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Exult 400 Women's Complete Stick. For an affordable midfield stick, go with the Maverik Aim Women's Complete Stick ($199.99).
Best beginner girls' lacrosse sticks
Just starting out? These sticks have wider faces for easier catching, forgiving pockets and lighter, thinner shafts that are easier for young players to handle.
1. Maverik Erupt ST Girls Beginner Stick Best beginner stick
- Drip level4.6/5
- Best forBeginners
The Maverik Erupt ST is one of the most popular beginner girls' sticks out there. It has a wide face for easier catching, a mesh runner pocket for good control and an accurate release, and a thinner metal shaft that's easier to handle than a full-width shaft.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Maverik Erupt ST Girls Beginner Stick. For a beginner girls' stick from Maverik, go with the Maverik Ascent ST Complete Stick ($49.99).
2. STX Lilly Beginner Lacrosse Stick Best first stick
- Drip level4.2/5
- Best forYoung beginners
The STX Lilly is often one of the first sticks girls use, thanks to its beginner-friendly design. The wide head makes catching easier, and unlike a lot of beginner sticks, it comes with a decent pocket. The shorter ⅝" shaft is easier to control than a full-size shaft, which is great for young players with smaller hands.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Lilly Beginner Lacrosse Stick. For a beginner girls' stick, go with the Maverik Ascent ST Complete Stick ($49.99).
3. Brine Dynasty Warp Jr Girls Complete Stick No-maintenance pocket
- Drip level4/5
- Best forBeginners
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. Unlike some beginner sticks, it also has a decent offset, which helps beginners move up to intermediate and advanced sticks later.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Brine Dynasty Warp Jr Girls Complete Stick. For a budget girls' complete stick, go with the Maverik Ascent Alloy Complete Stick ($69.99).
Read more: Best youth and beginner lacrosse sticks
How to decide which girls' lacrosse stick to buy
Still not sure? Here's what to think about.
1. Complete stick vs. head and shaft
Every stick in this guide comes with a head and a shaft, but you can also buy them separately. Unlike men's complete sticks, which are usually aimed at beginners, women's complete sticks often come with a top-tier head and shaft. So there's no wrong answer.
Beginners and intermediate players may want a complete stick to save money and time. Advanced players, or anyone who already has a few sticks, may want separate parts to mix brands (like an STX head on a Maverik shaft) or upgrade just one piece. If you go that route, make sure the head and shaft are compatible. Check whether the head is built for a 10° shaft (like the Crux Pro Elite above) or a straight shaft.
2. Face shape and offset
Face shape is exactly what it sounds like: how the front of your head is shaped. Beginner heads are usually wider for easier catching, and advanced heads are more pinched for more control. Defense heads are wider for checking and picking off passes, while offensive heads are more pinched for control and accuracy.
Then there's offset. Most advanced offensive heads slope down gradually for most of the head, then cant sharply forward near the scoop. That allows a deeper pocket and drives the ball to the sweet spot, maximizing hold and giving you a quicker, more accurate release. That sharp offset takes some getting used to, which is why a lot of beginner sticks are flatter.
3. Head stiffness and durability
With women's heads, stiffer is usually better. A stiff head won't bend on ground balls and checks and lasts longer. Defenders and draw specialists especially should look for ultra-stiff heads. Read reviews (like we did for this guide) to see how heads hold up, since some start stiff but noodle out in the heat or after a lot of use.
4. Mesh vs. traditional pocket
Starting in 2018, women's heads were allowed to use mesh pockets instead of just traditional pockets (leather and strings). That was a big move, since a lot of players, parents and coaches found traditional pockets hard and expensive to keep up.
Now you can choose a traditional pocket, a mesh runner (a strip of mesh in the middle with strings on the sides), a full mesh pocket and more. No one option is the "best," but mesh is much easier to maintain and cheaper to replace. Beginners and younger players may want mesh unless they're committed to learning to string and tweak their sticks. Need a new runner? Try the ECD Venom Women's Mesh Runner ($19.99).
5. Shaft
In my opinion, the head is the most important part of a women's stick. Shafts are mostly the same shape and size and have less impact on your play. That doesn't mean you should grab the cheapest one. Shafts can ding, bend and break, and really cheap ones can be a lot heavier, slowing you down.
Make sure the shaft feels good in your hands, isn't too heavy and balances well with the head. Most shafts come in ⅝" or 1" diameters. Try a few of your teammates' shafts to see what feels best.
6. Weight
A heavy stick makes it harder to shoot, dodge, throw checks and move. Most sticks won't slow you down much, but a few ounces here and there can give you an edge or just feel more natural. Look for advanced head materials (like STX's Enduraform plastic) and carbon fiber or composite shafts.
How we choose the best women's lacrosse sticks
We take our ratings seriously and only recommend gear we'd use ourselves. To rate each stick, we test it ourselves whenever we can, dig into the specs (weight, materials and so on), and read reviews and talk to players we know who use it.
When we test women's sticks, our resident women's player, Emily, takes them to the field and tests passing, catching, shooting, ground balls and checking. When we can't fully test a stick, we spend extra time talking to players who've used it for a while. If you have feedback or want us to add a stick, let us know!
Gear to buy with your stick
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned vet, these will help take your game to the next level.
- Goggles: Unlike the men's game, girls are only required to wear goggles and a mouthguard and carry a stick. Try the Brine Halo Women's Goggles ($69.99) or see our best women's lacrosse goggles. Want optional headgear? There's the Cascade LXP Women's Headgear ($174.99).
- Cleats: We analyzed the women's cleat market for youth and adults. See the best girls' lacrosse cleats.
- Balls: A stick isn't much use without balls. Grab Pearl X Lacrosse Balls (3-pack) ($19.99) or see the best lacrosse balls.
- Lacrosse bag: You need something to carry your stick and gear. See the best lacrosse bags.
- Lacrosse backpack: Lots of backpacks have straps for your stick. See our favorite lacrosse backpacks.
- Rebounder: Wall ball is the fastest way to build stick skills, and a rebounder is just as good as a wall, if not better. See the best rebounders.
- Goal: Once you've got passing and catching down, it's time to shoot. See our favorite lacrosse goals.
- Backstop: If you get a goal, a backstop keeps misses from breaking a window or flying 50 yards away. See the best backstops.
Women's sticks and gear in stock at BattleLax
Want a stick you can order today? These are the women's and girls' sticks and gear BattleLax carries right now.
| Product | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Warrior Anthem Pro Women's Complete Stick | Elite complete stick | $299.99 |
| Maverik Ascent Pro Women's Complete Stick | Elite complete stick | $274.99 |
| Gait Air 3 Women's Complete Stick | Elite complete stick | $299.99 |
| ECD Halo Elite Women's Complete Stick | Elite complete stick | $299.99 |
| Maverik Sonar Women's Complete Stick | Elite complete stick | $284.99 |
| Gait Whip 2 Flex Mesh Complete Stick | Elite complete stick | From $299.99 |
| Gait Apex 2 Flex Mesh Composite Complete Stick | Elite complete stick | $299.99 |
| Gait Air D Women's Complete Stick | Defense stick | $299.99 |
| Gait Draw-M Women's Complete Stick | Draw stick | $299.99 |
| Maverik Aim Women's Complete Stick | Intermediate stick | $199.99 |
| Maverik Ascent Alloy Complete Stick | Budget stick | $69.99 |
| Maverik Ascent ST Complete Stick | Beginner stick | $49.99 |
| Brine Halo Women's Goggles | Goggles | $69.99 |
| Cascade LXP Women's Headgear | Headgear | $174.99 |
| ECD Venom Women's Mesh Runner | Mesh runner | $19.99 |
Prices and stock change, so check the product page before you order.
People also ask
What is the best brand for women's lacrosse sticks?
STX is widely considered a top brand for women's sticks, known for high-quality, innovative designs used by elite players. Maverik, Gait and ECD also make elite women's sticks, and BattleLax carries all three.
What makes a good girls' lacrosse stick?
A well-balanced head and shaft, the right stiffness, a pocket type that fits you (mesh or traditional) and features that boost control, accuracy and durability.
Are all girls' lacrosse sticks the same?
No. They vary in design, materials and features for different skill levels, positions and playing styles.
Why are girls' lacrosse sticks so expensive?
Elite sticks use advanced materials, new tech and precise engineering to boost performance and durability. Intermediate and beginner sticks cost a lot less.
