Types of Lacrosse Sticks
Men's, women's, goalie and youth sticks explained, with the parts of a stick, how each type differs, and complete sticks for every position.
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Walk into any lax shop today and the wall is packed with different kinds of sticks. It wasn't always that way. Through the 1960s and long before, Native American tribes played the game with wooden sticks with woven netting. There were no separate heads and shafts, and no plastic sticks until the 1970s.
As the game grew, STX and Brine led the way in making plastic sticks. USA Lacrosse has a great piece on how much sticks have changed since then.
Before we get into the types of sticks, it helps to understand the parts of a stick.
Coach's note: Every season I see kids in upstate New York, Virginia Beach and the box leagues up in Ontario show up with the wrong stick for their position, like a middie with a pole that's too long or a young attackman with a stiff pro head he can't catch with. Get the right type of stick first. Then worry about the brand.
Parts of a lacrosse stick
STX experimented with different designs and materials and was the first to split the lacrosse stick into two parts: a head and a shaft.
The head is a plastic frame with mesh or netting that lets you catch, cradle, pass and shoot. The sidewalls and scoop have stringing holes for the mesh, and the throat at the bottom connects to the shaft.
The shaft can be made of aluminum alloy, carbon, titanium, scandium, composite or other materials, with an end cap on the bottom.
Lacrosse has different positions, like attack, midfield, defense and goalie, and each one needs a different type of stick to fit how it plays. Let's get into them.
Overview of the sticks in this guide
| # | Stick | Type | BattleLax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Maverik Kinetik Carbon Attack Stick | Men's attack | Alt |
| 02 | Nike Vapor Pro Attack | Men's attack | Alt |
| 03 | STX Stallion 1K Elite Stick | Men's midfield | Alt |
| 04 | Maverik Critik Alloy | Men's midfield | Alt |
| 05 | STX X10 Defense | Men's defense | Alt |
| 06 | StringKing 2 Intermediate Defense | Men's defense | Alt |
| 07 | Maverik Ascent Pro Women's | Women's attack | Buy |
| 08 | Brine Dynasty Warp Pro Dynasty Next Composite Women's Stick | Women's attack | Alt |
| 09 | StringKing 2 Pro Midfield Composite Women's | Women's midfield | Alt |
| 10 | ECD Infinity Women's | Women's midfield | Alt |
| 11 | STX Fortress 700 Defense Stick | Women's defense | Alt |
| 12 | StringKing Women's 2 Pro Defense | Women's defense | Alt |
| 13 | Nike Prime Elite Goalie | Goalie | Alt |
| 14 | Warrior Nemesis 3 Goalie | Goalie | Alt |
| 15 | Epoch ID Vision Jr Youth | Youth | Alt |
| 16 | Maverik Ascent ST Youth Girl's | Youth | Buy |
A price goes to the stick on BattleLax. "Alt" goes to the closest stick BattleLax has in stock.
Men's lacrosse sticks
Let's start with men's sticks. Short sticks for attack and midfield measure 40 to 42 inches total, and long poles for defense and LSMs run 52 to 72 inches. Men's lacrosse is a contact game and more aggressive than the women's game, so men's heads have a narrower face and a deeper pocket to protect the ball through checks.
Here's how the attributes break down.
Want more than the basics? I've got a couple of recommendations for each position below. Read more: Our review of the best lacrosse sticks.
Men's attack sticks
1. Maverik Kinetik Carbon Attack Stick
It's one of the best sticks for elite and college players who want a carbon shaft. The Maverik Kinetik head has a narrow face and a short throat, so you get great shot speed and accurate catches. The end cap takes a little adjusting, but the ridged shaft gives you an excellent grip.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Maverik Kinetik Carbon. For a carbon Maverik complete stick they stock, go with the Maverik Tactik 2 Carbon Complete Stick ($149.99).
2. Nike Vapor Pro Complete Attack Lacrosse Stick
The Nike Vapor Pro attack stick pairs a Nike Vapor Pro head with an aluminum alloy shaft. It's strung with semi-hard mesh, and the narrow face helps you protect the ball when you're dodging poles. The aggressive scoop picks up ground balls without any wasted time. It's a durable, affordable stick for attack.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Nike Vapor Pro. For a durable, affordable attack complete stick they stock, go with the Warrior EVO Attack/Midfield Complete Stick 2026 ($109.99).
Men's midfield sticks
3. STX Stallion 1K Elite Complete Stick
The Stallion 1K Elite comes with a composite carbon shaft. The tough head has a short throat for easy ground balls and smooth cradling, and the mid-high pocket made catching and feeding feel comfortable.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Stallion 1K Elite. For a middie complete stick they stock, go with the Maverik Optik 2 Alloy Complete Stick ($99.99).
4. Maverik Critik Alloy Complete Lacrosse Stick
The Maverik Critik is a solid complete stick for middies. It has a 7000-series alloy shaft and semi-hard mesh strung with a mid-low pocket. I don't love a mid-low pocket, so I restrung it mid-high, and it played better for me. Otherwise, the narrow face was perfect for dodging.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Maverik Critik Alloy. For an alloy complete stick for middies they stock, go with the ECD Bravo 1 Complete Stick ($124.99).
Men's defense sticks
5. STX X10 Complete Defense Lacrosse Stick
The STX X10 has a wider head built to pick off passes, block shots and throw checks without any trouble. The 7000 alloy shaft gave me a strong grip, and the adjustable end cap let me set my bottom hand where I wanted it. It's light, but the head has some flex, so it's not for poles who want a stiff head.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX X10. For a complete D pole they stock, go with the Warrior Burn Next Complete Defense Stick ($84.99).
6. StringKing Complete 2 Intermediate Defense Lacrosse Stick
This is a go-to stick for high school and advanced defensemen. It's pricier, but the durable alloy shaft and semi-hard mesh give you great ground ball control. The solid sidewalls throw strong checks without much effort, and the wider head is great for stopping middies and scooping ground balls.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the StringKing. For a complete D pole they stock, go with the Warrior Burn Next Complete Defense Stick ($84.99).
Women's lacrosse sticks
Women's sticks are longer than men's short sticks, with thinner shafts, and lighter. Field player sticks measure 35.5 to 43.25 inches. They have a shallower pocket, and the top of the ball should stay above the sidewall when you hold the stick sideways. With much less checking in the women's game, the heads also have a wider face.
Read more: Our review of the best women's lacrosse sticks.
Women's attack sticks
7. Maverik Ascent Pro Complete Women's Lacrosse Stick
The Maverik Ascent Pro is one of the best women's sticks for attack. It has a light carbon fiber shaft and a wide head that isn't overly stiff, so you get plenty of whip. It's a little pricier, but the woven mesh pocket, durability and ball control are worth it.
At BattleLax: In stock now. Grab the Maverik Ascent Pro Women's Complete Stick ($274.99) straight from BattleLax.
8. Brine Dynasty Warp Pro Dynasty Next Composite Complete Women's Stick
The Brine Dynasty Warp Pro is another top pick for attackers. It pairs a composite shaft with a stiff head. The angled, tapered sidewalls, high Warp pocket and narrow channel give you solid ball control, and the textured shaft grips really well.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Brine Dynasty Warp Pro Dynasty Next Composite. For a high-end women's attack stick they stock, go with the Warrior Anthem Pro Women's Complete Stick ($299.99).
Women's midfield sticks
9. StringKing Complete 2 Pro Midfield Composite Women's Lacrosse Stick
The StringKing Complete 2 Pro Midfield is a versatile stick for young middies who like to play center. The light carbon shaft, moderately wide head and angled throat give you fast shots with very little spread. The mesh is strung with a mid pocket for controlled cradling and accurate feeds.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the StringKing. For a women's midfield complete stick they stock, go with the Gait Air 3 Women's Complete Stick ($299.99).
10. ECD Infinity Women's Complete Lacrosse Stick
The ECD Infinity puts together the Infinity head, Infinity mesh and a light carbon fiber shaft. It's a premium stick for offensive middies at the high school and college level who need to catch and go in transition. The flex in the wider head also helps on the draw.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the ECD Infinity Women's. For ECD's premium women's complete stick they stock, go with the ECD Halo Elite Women's Complete Stick ($299.99).
Women's defense sticks
11. STX Fortress 700 Complete Defense Stick
STX built the Fortress 700 with a high-quality composite shaft and a pinched-face head. I recommend it to defenders who play all year because the strike plates grip great. The twisted sidewalls, longer throat and wider scoop also help you cradle without losing the ball.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Fortress 700. For a women's defense complete stick they stock, go with the Gait Air D Women's Complete Stick ($299.99).
12. StringKing Women's Complete 2 Pro Defense Lacrosse Stick
The StringKing Complete 2 Pro Defense is a reliable stick for defenders who are tired of their head bending. The stiff, wide head throws stronger checks and helps you knock the ball loose, and the carbon fiber shaft grips well even though it's smooth.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the StringKing Women's. For a women's defense complete stick they stock, go with the Gait Air D Women's Complete Stick ($299.99).
Goalie lacrosse sticks
Goalie sticks are their own type and are used in both men's and women's lacrosse. A men's goalie stick measures 40 to 72 inches. The head is much wider than a field player's, up to 12 inches across, and the pocket can be two or three balls deep to help control shots.
13. Nike Prime Elite Complete Goalie Lacrosse Stick
The octagonal shaft and wide head make this one of the best goalie setups out there. The wide face makes it easy to stop shots, and the deep pocket gives you accurate outlets. The mesh is on the softer side, but it's a long-lasting, durable stick.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Nike Prime Elite. For a complete goalie stick they stock, go with the Maverik Krease Complete Goalie Stick ($199.99).
14. Warrior Nemesis 3 Complete Goalie Lacrosse Stick
The Warrior Nemesis 3 pairs a composite shaft and a wide face with flexible mesh. It's an elite goalie stick that soaks up the impact of shots really well, so if you're a beginner who struggles with the sting of shots, it's a great fit. It's light, too, which helps on long outlet passes.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Nemesis 3 complete stick, but they do sell the head pre-strung: the Custom Pre-Strung Warrior Nemesis 3 Goalie Head ($139.99). Pair it with your shaft of choice, or grab the Maverik Krease complete stick ($199.99).
Youth lacrosse sticks
Youth sticks are lighter and shorter, usually around 37 to 42 inches. A good rule of thumb is a shaft that's about the length of the player's arm. They're built for young players' size and skill level, with wider heads for easier catching and softer mesh for better ball control.
15. Epoch ID Vision Jr Complete Youth Lacrosse Stick
The Epoch ID Vision Jr is a light, durable youth stick with a 27-inch shaft that has ridges for better control. The head has a wide face, a short throat and a mid-low pocket that makes learning easier.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Epoch ID Vision Jr. For a youth complete stick they stock, go with the Warrior Evo Jr. 27" Complete Stick ($44.99).
16. Maverik Ascent ST Complete Youth Girl's Lacrosse Stick
The Maverik Ascent ST puts a light head on a durable aluminum shaft. It's youth-length, so it's easy for young players to handle as they try different positions. The flexible head makes cradling easy and gives you great whip when you're dodging.
At BattleLax: In stock now. Grab the Maverik Ascent ST Complete Stick ($49.99) straight from BattleLax.
Read more: Our review of the best youth lacrosse sticks
Complete sticks in stock at BattleLax
Want a stick you can order today? These are the complete sticks from this guide, or their closest match, that BattleLax carries right now.
| Stick | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Maverik Tactik 2 Carbon Complete Stick | Men's attack/middie | $149.99 |
| Warrior EVO Attack/Midfield Complete Stick 2026 | Men's attack/middie | $109.99 |
| Maverik Optik 2 Alloy Complete Stick | Men's attack/middie | $99.99 |
| ECD Bravo 1 Complete Stick | Men's attack/middie | $124.99 |
| Warrior Burn Next Complete Defense Stick | Men's defense | $84.99 |
| Maverik Ascent Pro Women's Complete Stick | Women's | $274.99 |
| Warrior Anthem Pro Women's Complete Stick | Women's | $299.99 |
| Gait Air 3 Women's Complete Stick | Women's | $299.99 |
| ECD Halo Elite Women's Complete Stick | Women's | $299.99 |
| Gait Air D Women's Complete Stick | Women's defense | $299.99 |
| Maverik Krease Complete Goalie Stick | Goalie | $199.99 |
| Custom Pre-Strung Warrior Nemesis 3 Goalie Head | Goalie head | $139.99 |
| Warrior Evo Jr. 27" Complete Stick | Youth | $44.99 |
| Maverik Ascent ST Complete Stick | Youth girls | $49.99 |
| Maverik Ascent Alloy Complete Stick | Girls / beginner | $69.99 |
Prices and stock change, so check the product page before you order. See all women's complete sticks.
People also ask
How many types of lacrosse sticks are there?
There are four main types by position: attack, midfield, defense and goalie sticks. Men's, women's and youth versions are built differently on top of that.
What are the 4 types of lacrosse sticks?
Attack sticks, midfield sticks, defense sticks and goalie sticks. They differ in length, face shape and pocket depth to fit what each position needs.
How do I choose a lacrosse stick?
Start with your position, skill level and what feels right in your hands. Look at length, weight and face shape. Attackmen usually like a narrower face, while defenders want a wider head for picking off passes.
What size lacrosse stick does a 13-year-old girl need?
A girls' stick for a 13-year-old field player should measure about 35.5 to 43.25 inches. Girls' sticks are lighter and have a thinner shaft than men's sticks.
What is the difference between men's and women's lacrosse sticks?
Men's sticks have deeper pockets and narrower heads built for a contact game, and long poles go up to 72 inches. Women's sticks are lighter, with shallower pockets and wider heads made for a less physical, finesse-based game.
Final thoughts
The type of stick you need depends on the rules for your level, your position and what feels comfortable. You can shorten your stick, pick a different face shape and string a low, mid or high pocket to fit your game. Just make sure your stick still meets the NFHS or NCAA rules for your level.
