Best Lacrosse Sticks for 2023: Top Rated Reviews | LacrosseMonkey

For years, complete lacrosse sticks were simply an economical option for beginners just learning the game. Companies such as Warrior Sports and StringKing have advanced the playing field, providing complete stick options with sophisticated technology. Our list of 2023’s Best Complete Lacrosse Sticks will guide beginners and elite players alike, identifying and defining what comprises top 10 lacrosse sticks.

Best Lacrosse Sticks for Attackers, Midfielders, Defenders and Beginners

3If you’re looking for the best complete lacrosse sticks, you’re likely looking to advance your game. To identify the best stick, many factors come into play, including position and skill level. When we comprised our list of the Best Lacrosse Sticks for 2023, we evaluated complete sticks based upon factors such as age, position, playing style and value. We even took into account other lacrosse stick reviews. We’ve put it all together for you, making it simple to choose the best stick to enhance your game.

Each position in lacrosse has different needs when it comes to lacrosse sticks. Below we identify what a player in each of the three key positions should consider when choosing a stick.

Attack:

  • Lightweight
  • Mid to low pocket
  • Tight throat
  • 30” shaft

Midfield:

  • Lightweight yet durable material
  • 30” shaft
  • Mid pocket most often, yet individualized

Defense:

  • Durable material
  • Wide head
  • High pocket
  • 60” shaft

Overview:

StringKing changed the game when they came into the lacrosse equipment market. Not only did they do it by making mesh that changed the game. They designed heads that were a stringer’s delight with the insane amount of sidewall holes that allow a stringer’s imagination to run wild when stringing a stick. Then the biggest impact they made is when they made a focus to improve the youth and complete sticks. You can walk into any store grab a stick and you can play like a pro. Very high quality product with great stringing when the youth and complete sticks in the past almost hindered the improvement of a lacrosse player.

Key Features:

  • StringKing’s Type 3S Mesh Pocket (Semi-Soft Mesh)
  • Legend Senior Head w/ Mid Pocket
  • StringKing’s A155 Attack Shaft
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Overview:

The True Temper Roc is designed for defenders that want to take their game to the next level. Featuring an exclusive Roc 60” composite shaft, you’ll be able to throw faster checks. The Roc head is made to be ultra stiff and durable enough to last multiple seasons. Strung with True temper’s premium mesh, This complete stick is game ready right out of the box.

Key Features:

  • Composite Shaft
  • Defense Specific Head
  • Premium Mesh
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Overview:

The Maverik Kinetik Alloy is a perfect option for an intermediate level attackman. Featuring a lightweight alloy shaft, you’ll be able to get shots and passes off before the competition can touch you. With a tight face shape and a higher pocket, the Kinetik is a great option for an outside shooter or an in-tight finisher. Strung with premium mesh, the Maverik Kinetik Alloy will offer reliable results right out of the box.

Key Features:

  • 7000 Alloy Shaft
  • Attack Specific Head
  • Mid/High Pocket
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Overview:

The STX X10 complete is designed for the intermediate defender. Featuring a 7000 Alloy shaft, the X10 offers quick strike speed combined with reliable durability. The X10 head has been updated to be wider and stiffer, this will make groundballs and catching easier, as well as making poke and slap checks more efficient. Strung with semi-hard STX mesh, the X10 is game ready right out of the box.

Key Features:

  • 7000 Alloy Shaft
  • X10 Defensive Head
  • Mid/High Pocket
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Overview:

Warrior’s Warp technology changed the way we looked at lacrosse heads forever. While there are a lot of opinions about lacrosse players liking it or disliking it. The one thing that is true is that if you are new or still learning lacrosse and figuring out what you like about how the way your stick throws and why it is throwing the way it is. The warp gives you a game-ready consistent option on a complete stick. As a coach, I think every player who is new to lacrosse and just beginning to play the game should start playing with one of the many Warrior’s Warp heads. Especially when it comes to defenders who are not only learning to play the game but also navigating the game with a giant six-foot pole.

Key Features:

  • Warp Mid Pocket With Large Diamonds
  • Diamond Textured Shafts
  • Extremely Lightweight at 140 Grams
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Overview:

Warrior’s Warp technology changed the way we looked at lacrosse heads forever. While there are a lot of opinions about lacrosse players liking it or disliking it. The one thing that is true is that if you are new or still learning lacrosse and figuring out what you like about how the way your stick throws and why it is throwing the way it is. The warp gives you a game-ready consistent option on a complete stick. As a coach, I think every player who is new to lacrosse and just beginning to play the game should start playing with one of the many Warrior’s Warp heads. This fifth generation of Warrior’s warp pocket is upgraded with brand new knit advancements to promote hold and feel. Even allows you to choose the amount of whip you want that would increase shot speed and accuracy when shooting from farther away from the goal.

Key Features:

  • Symflex Technology
  • Therma-Loc
  • Minimus Carbon Fiber Shaft
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Overview:

True Temper is known for its impressive golf and hockey equipment. They decided to make a big push into lacrosse equipment and they wanted to make a big splash. Their equipment is top of the line and when they started making complete sticks, you knew it would be top tier. The True Cadet Defense Complete Stick is game ready as you walk out of the store! Using PowerFlex technology, the flexible design improves durability, and the flex gives players more velocity on shots. This is done by moving with the natural motion of the ball in the pocket and absorbing checks in mid-impact areas. The Low Scoop Angle has a scoop angle of 0-20 degrees. This scoop orientation is ideal for sharper angles of picking up the ball and is much more forgiving than a flat scoop.

Key Features:

  • PowerFlex Technology
  • Low Scoop Angle (0-20 Degrees)
  • ⅞” Diameter Alloy Shaft & 60 Inches Long
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Overview:

Warrior’s Warp technology changed the way we looked at lacrosse heads forever. While there are a lot of opinions about lacrosse players liking it or disliking it. The one thing that is true is that if you are new or still learning lacrosse and figuring out what you like about how the way your stick throws and why it is throwing the way it is. The warp gives you a game-ready consistent option on a complete stick. As a coach, I think every player who is new to lacrosse and just beginning to play the game should start playing with one of the many Warrior’s Warp heads. Warp pocket requires no adjustment and comes game ready with an unchanging, weather-resistant pocket that is hassle and maintenance-free.

Key Features:

  • Meets All Men’s Field Specifications
  • Low Whip More Smooth & Accurate Release
  • Lite Carbon Handle With Diamond Grip
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Overview:

True Temper is known for its impressive golf and hockey equipment. They decided to make a big push into lacrosse equipment and they wanted to make a big splash. Their equipment is top of the line and when they started making complete sticks, you knew it would be top tier. True Temper’s Cadet Complete lacrosse stick was designed for the all-around lacrosse player whether your game is feeding your teammates to score or scoring the rock yourself, this stick is ready for you as soon as you walk out of a MonkeySports store. Using PowerFlex technology, the flexible design improves durability, and the flex gives players more velocity on shots. This is done by moving with the natural motion of the ball in the pocket and absorbing checks in mid-impact areas. The Low Scoop Angle has a scoop angle of 0-20 degrees. This scoop orientation is ideal for sharper angles of picking up the ball and is much more forgiving than a flat scoop.

Key Features:

  • PowerFlex Technology
  • Low Scoop Angle (0-20 Degrees)
  • ⅞” Diameter Alloy Shaft & 60 Inches Long
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Overview:

Maverik has been a huge part of the lacrosse equipment world for a very long time. Their sticks and shafts are some lacrosse players’ religious beliefs that Maverik’s heads and shafts are the best products on the market. The Charger Complete is a high-performing beginner lacrosse stick that makes the game easier to learn. Maverik updated the Charger with a new semi-soft mesh that gives a player more feel and improves a player’s accuracy. Its level 3 Bottom Rail creates a perfect balance of hold and release when carrying the ball. The open face shape makes it easier to catch and the narrow throat makes life easier when controlling the ball.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight Speed Shape 6000 Series Alloy Shaft
  • Semi-Soft Mesh
  • Bigger Face Shape and Narrow Throat
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Considerations for Finding the Best Lacrosse Stick

Finding the best lacrosse stick may seem challenging. Breaking it down into individual components is the best way to ensure a great selection and targeted purchasing for a player’s individualized requirements. Our guide has already helped you narrow it by position. Now, you need to evaluate your needs by skill level – both ability and level of play, playing style and value. Use the links for more refined information regarding the individual evaluation of lacrosse’s best heads and shafts.

Skill Level

Skill level is the vital starting point for evaluating a lacrosse stick after position is determined. Skill level refers to both a player’s ability as well as his or her level of game play, usually youth, high school or NCAA. Different levels of play have different rules related to the components of a lacrosse stick. A player’s ability is relevant because a stick for beginners will have different qualities than that of an elite player. In general, look towards these ability differences:

Beginner:

  • Flexible mesh pocket for easier ball handling
  • Lightweight and possibly thinner shaft
  • Wide scoop

Intermediate:

  • Semi soft to semi hard mesh for improved power
  • Narrower head for ball control
  • Possibility of some customizable options

Advanced:

  • Durable materials for shaft and head to withstand harder play
  • Stiffer pockets and head for improved power and accuracy
  • More customizable options such as stringing and grip positioning for intricate adjustments

Style

Playing style is the component of lacrosse play that best describes your individual strengths and weaknesses. For example, some Midfielders choose to play with a longer shaft, known as LSM or Long Stick Middie. These midfielders tend to have a defensive mindset and choose the longer shaft to deliver punishing checks and blocks. The longer shaft, however, is not ideal for an attack or midfielder who prefers to shoot up-close and quick. Another common variant is the midfielder who takes faceoffs. Faceoffs require durable yet flexible shafts combined with heads offering improved ball control and ease of ground ball recovery. These heads tend to be narrower in shape and increased pocket area improving ball handling.

Playing style also encompasses how you as a player perform common tasks. Do you shoot from the outside requiring power and durability? If so, choose a firm mid to high pocket to obtain speed and power. If you shoot up close, you no longer require the power to shoot from outside, rather you would require quick release and targeted control. This pocket is high and firm and requires a lightweight shaft for speed. Durability is paramount for a defensive player. They often sacrifice weight for strength; however, there remains a variability in products available letting players choose the most suitable option. A lightweight aluminum shaft will quickly dent and break in the hands of an aggressive block-and-check style defensive player.

The last feature included in playing style describes the conditions of play. The material components of a lacrosse stick vary in their compatibility with various weather conditions. Indoor, controlled climate play doesn’t need to worry about this; however, if a player will be playing in wet and dry as well as cold and hot conditions, even varying conditions in the same game, they must take this into consideration. Mesh pockets are more likely to absorb water and induce variability into stick performance than newer kevlar options. Metal shafts, such as aluminum, can become hot or cold based upon weather conditions. In addition, a shaft’s grip may vary or weaken based upon weather exposure.

Value

While it’s true that value may be in the eye of the beholder, the value of a lacrosse stick considers the price-point of similar sticks as well as quality and durability. Durability is a key component simply because it helps determine the lifespan of the stick. A new player’s stick that costs hundreds of dollars but won’t allow them to advance in play level has poor value. Yet, a stick costing hundreds of dollars individualized for an elite player who will use it for years, has a higher value.

Stick Length Chart

 

This article was originally published on April 29, 2020, and has been updated with new information.