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As women’s lacrosse heads have made a massive leap forward in recent years, shafts have been keeping pace with stronger, lighter materials and specific designs to fit the growing offset trend.
Keeping up-to-date with the shaft market is as important as upgrading your head every few years. Shaving a few ounces here and there or investing in more durable options will pay dividends to your game.
This guide goes over the best women’s lacrosse shafts on the market and what you should consider when choosing one.
Best Women’s Lacrosse Shafts
We scoured the girls' lacrosse shaft market to find the best options available. We researched specifications, checked customer reviews, and traveled to local sporting goods stores to feel them in our own hands.
Best women’s lacrosse shafts currently available:
- Best Lightweight Shaft: TRUE Helios Composite Women’s Shaft
- Best 1” Shaft w/ No Offset: StringKing Composite Pro Women’s Shaft
- Best Grip & Feel: ECD Infinity Pro Women’s Lacrosse Shaft
- Best for Defenders: STX Fortress 700 Lacrosse Shaft
- Best for 10° Offset Heads: STX Crux Pro Handle
- Best for 10° Offset Heads: STX Exult Pro Handle
- Best Straight Shaft: Maverik Ascent+ Women’s Shaft
- Best Hollow Carbon Fiber Option: Brine Warp Pro Minimus Carbon Handle
1) TRUE Helios Composite Women’s Shaft
Details
- Material: Composite
- Diameter: ⅞”
- Offset: None
- Colors: White/Gold
- Warranty: 6 months
TRUE released their lightest composite handle in the Helios at only 3.5 oz, and they take it a step further by calling this the lightest shaft available without sacrificing strength.
POWERFLX technology at play provides extra velocity with each shot and pass by flexing with the natural motion of the ball. This tech also increases the absorption of the shaft to incoming checks.
Soft Touch texture along the shaft provides increased grip to avoid the need for any additional taping (which adds weight).
This is a great shaft worth consideration for offensive players normally at the center of the chaos—ready to shoot at any moment but durable even under constant duress.
Buying Options
2) StringKing Composite Pro Women’s Shaft
Details
- Material: Composite
- Diameter: 1”
- Offset: None
- Colors:
- White
- Black
- Warranty: 6 months
StringKing enters the fray with their Composite Pro shaft—an ultra-stiff, ultra-durable option for any player in a high intensity, high impact position.
The Composite Pro is unique in that it provides you with an option to choose your weight to fit your strength and needs. The heavier the shaft, the more durable and consistent it proves to be and consistency is the name of the game here.
Additionally, the Composite Pro comes with five drill holes providing an insane amount of options for heads to pair it with.
What’s even better is that this is a cheaper shaft in comparison to the others on our list and well worthy of your consideration.
3) STX Fortress 700 Women’s Lacrosse Shaft
Details
- Material: Composite
- Diameter: 1”
- Offset: 10°
- Colors:
- Black/Gold
- White/Black
- Warranty: 6 months
STX makes its first appearance on our list with their upgrade to the Fortress 600 in their new 700 model.
The Fortress 700 is built for elite defenders looking for the perfect stick to turn defense into offense. The 700 features a GRIP coating at the base of the handle giving extra stability for laying checks.
The 10° offset pairs well with the Crux Pro, Fortress, or any other head with a 10° offset. The offset is an invaluable tool for making more accurate outlet passes to get your team in transition before your opponent even knows what hit them.
Of course, as with the previous two shafts, be cognizant of the offset to make sure you are picking a handle and head that fit together. Otherwise, be mindful that the 700 does carry some extra weight thanks to its wider profile and added grip.
Buying Options
4) ECD Infinity Pro Women’s Lacrosse Shaft
Details
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Diameter: ⅞”
- Offset: None
- Colors:
- White
- Black
- Warranty: 6 months
Don’t sleep on ECD as they come in with their Infinity Pro shaft, predicated on the goal of optimizing “feel” from end to end.
The progressive shape through the shaft couples with a soft-touch coating and subtle, raised texturing that provide unmatched control, perfect for any player who relies on quick stick movement and stable checking for success.
The advanced carbon fiber design makes this lightweight to keep it competitive with other composite women’s shafts on the market. The high kick point to the design provides a quick, snappy release that matches the shaft’s ease of maneuverability.
Buying Options
5) STX Crux Pro Handle
Details
- Material: Composite
- Diameter: 1” to ⅞” flare
- Offset: 10°
- Colors:
- Black/Gold
- Black/Graphite
- Black/White
- White/Gold
- Warranty: 6 months
STX builds upon its popular Crux 600 line with the Crux Pro shaft—a lightweight, composite shaft made for its Crux Pro head and other 10° heads.
It also has a gradually flared design with the diameter narrowing from 1” at the throat to ⅞” for most of the handle as you move towards the butt end of the stick. This allows for a unique, natural feel to the shaft that isn’t available in most other shafts.
Even with its lightweight design, the Crux Pro bears reinforcement in key impact zones making this a durable option and a worthy investment for multiple seasons.
Before you click purchase, keep in mind that this handle is specifically made for 10° offset heads and therefore should only be considered as an option for such heads.
Buying Options
6) STX Exult Pro Handle
Details
- Material: Composite
- Diameter: 1” to ⅞” flare
- Offset: 10°
- Colors:
- Black/Gold
- White/Silver
- White/Gold
- Warranty: 6 months
Just like the STX has a Crux Pro head and an Exult Pro head, they also offer shafts in both of their elite women's equipment lines.
Like the Crux Pro handle, the Exult Pro also has a gradual flare from 1” at the throat to ⅞” for most of the handle as you move towards the butt end of the stick. In addition, it also has the 10° angle to fit its STX head counterparts.
The Exult Pro uses 3D GRIP technology that we've found to give a great grip of the shaft no matter the weather. In addition, the molded end cap allows you to seamlessly move your hands down the shaft without having to worry about a separate end cap getting in the way.
While the Exult Pro head is designed specifically for midfielders, we like the Exult Pro handle for any position. It is lightweight, strong, and has an amazing feel.
Buying Options
7) Maverik Ascent+ Women’s Shaft
Details
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Diameter: ⅞”
- Offset: None
- Colors:
- Black
- White
- Warranty: 6 months
Maverik recently released the updated version of their popular Ascent shaft—the Ascent+.
If you are looking for a head that can be used with a straight shaft, the Ascent+ is a great option. It is lightweight, yet strong, and should last for multiple seasons.
The Maverik Ascent+ includes a soft-touch, matte finish and molded butt-end cap that feels great in your hands. In addition, the 7/8″ diameter gives great control and leverage without sacrificing durability.
All of the girls we've talked to that use the Ascent+ handle have said it's held up well for them with there being no problems with breaking or anything else besides some minor dings.
Overall, the Maverik Ascent+ is an awesome pairing for any straight women's head and can be used for any position.
Buying Options
8) Brine Warp Pro Minimus Carbon Handle
Details
- Material: Carbon Composite
- Diameter: ⅞”
- Offset: None
- Colors:
- White
- Black
- Warranty: 6 months
Brine, now operating under the Warrior banner, brings us the Warp Pro Minimus, the lightest women’s lacrosse shaft in their lineup.
The Warp Pro Minimus is built upon the principles of durability. Its carbon composite weave is strong enough to withstand high contact play but light enough to keep the shaft maneuverable in tight corners.
The flex principles at play keep the shaft moving in unison with the ball to provide some extra whip and power to shots, making this a great option for an offense-minded player.
The one noted drawback to the shaft is the potential gap between the top of the shaft and the bottom of certain heads that could result in the need to supplement the fit to avoid rattling.
Buying Options
Girls Lacrosse Shaft Buying Guide
As always, you are far from limited to the 7 girls lacrosse shafts highlighted above. To help you navigate the shaft market beyond this list, here are some things worth considering before settling on your preferred shaft of choice.
1) Offset
The women’s game has embraced the advancement of offset sticks to provide more control since deep pockets aren’t allowed.
An offset stick helps the ball settle into a sweet spot in your head, providing more control and accuracy. This can make an otherwise shallow pocket feel like you’re playing with a men’s head.
If you are looking at offset shafts, keep in mind that these need to be paired with an equally offset head. This is especially important if you already have your head picked out or if you are operating on a budget.
For example, if your head has a 10° offset, you will need to pair it with a shaft that is designed specifically for 10° offset heads.
2) Diameter
The normal shaft diameter in the women’s game falls between ⅞” and 1” with some options employing a progressive shaft design (a thinner handle into a wider throat).
Shaft diameter is an important trait to consider as a source of optimizing the weight and durability of your stick. The wider the diameter, typically the heavier the shaft and the more durable it will prove to be in the long run.
Conversely, the more narrow the shaft, the lighter and easier it should be to maneuver. This is typically more beneficial to offensive-minded players.
If you are unsure of your preference in diameter, it is always worth trying both out if you are able to. It is after all the only way to know what best works for you.
3) Material
Yet another source for weight and durability, it is not worth sleeping on the material used to make the shaft.
Most often, women’s lacrosse shafts are made of some sort of carbon fiber composite material. There are also some metal options, though these are becoming less common with elite women’s shafts. Carbon fiber alone is lightweight and durable, making it a big step up from the aluminum shafts of yesteryear.
The lightest and strongest girls shafts on the market employ carbon fiber or other composite construction to maximize every bit of potential in the shaft but strip down all of the unnecessary elements that weigh you down.
4) Weight & Strength
This leads us into weight and strength naturally…
It is important to find a good balance of both when looking for a shaft that meets the needs of productivity and consistency of a long-term investment.
The heavier the shaft, likely the more durable/stronger it will prove to be. Such an option is much more appetizing to someone normally on the defensive side of the ball where a quick shot isn’t exactly a necessity.
Conversely, companies have been making leaps and bounds forward with composite products that provide great strength-to-weight ratios. It’s possible to find a considerably strong and lightweight shaft nowadays.
5) Customer Reviews
It goes without saying, but always consider the customer reviews and player feedback available for a product before buying. Many of the options on this list are new and lack the amount of feedback you may be accustomed to.
Still, be sure to check and double-check retail sites for customer feedback and pointers on the pros and cons of the product. Do your own research and look for feedback wherever you can because a shaft is an investment not to take lightly…
And as always, be sure to pay it forward—leave your own feedback for purchased gear, and don’t be afraid to amend it as you use it more and more.
6) Budget
Sticking to a budget when purchasing a women’s lacrosse shaft is easier said than done. Shafts are a pricey investment even on the affordable end of the spectrum.
Because of this, a shaft is not really a good place to nickel and dime your budget; what seems like a reasonable price now may double if a shaft were to break way too soon in its shelf life.
Pricier shafts can easily make themselves a worthy investment thanks to their durability that can be measured in multiple seasons.
How We Rate Girls' Lacrosse Shafts
We take our ratings seriously and only recommend products that we would use ourselves.
To come up with our ratings for each product, we test the product ourselves whenever possible, review product specifications (weight, strength, material, grip, etc.), and read customer reviews/talk to lacrosse players we know that use the product.
When testing lacrosse shafts, specifically, we feel the shape of the shaft as well as the texture of the finish, shoot with them to understand how they flex, check them with another stick to see how they hold up, and dump water on them to see how rain would affect their grip.
When it's not possible to extensively test a product ourselves, we spend extra time talking to real customers who have used the product for a while themselves.
If you ever have any feedback for any of the products listed on this page or have a recommended addition, please contact us and let us know!
Other Women's Lacrosse Gear Guides
Here are some of our other popular women's lacrosse gear guides that you may be interested in:
Photo credit: Flickr
