Lacrosse Shaft Comparisons

The shaft or handle is an important component of any lacrosse stick and can have a tremendous effect on your game. When choosing a shaft, your goal should be to choose the right shaft for your playing style, one that balances weight, feel, strength and durability and that’s also within your budget. Making comparisons based on these factors ultimately will help you decide which shaft is right for you.

  1. Strength

    • The stronger a shaft is, the less likely it is to break during a game. For many years, players used wooden shafts exclusively, but aluminum shafts took over the market in the 1980s. These days, shafts are virtually unbreakable, though aluminum shafts do tend to get more banged up than stronger shafts made from carbon fiber, titanium alloy or scandium.

    Weight

    • Weight is an important factor to consider when comparing lacrosse shafts because it can affect your overall game immensely. A heavy stick can slow you down and make throwing and shooting more cumbersome. Aluminum is the heaviest of the metals used to make lacrosse shafts, while mixed metal alloy shafts made from vanadium, C405, an aluminum alloy; and other mixed metals are usually considered the lightest.

    Feel

    • Lacrosse shafts also differ quite a bit in terms of their feel. If you prefer smooth, soft metals, you’ll probably want to choose an alloy or titanium shaft. Many players prefer composite shafts because they have a rough texture that’s easy to grip, so there’s no need for grip tape. There’s nothing worse than having a stick that slips out of your hand during game play.

    Shape

    • Shape is another point of comparison between lacrosse shafts. Most shafts are hexagonal or octagonal, while some shafts on the market, composite shafts in particular, are cylindrical. Handle a bunch of different sticks in the store before you buy to figure out which one works the best for you. Be sure to do this with a pair of lacrosse gloves on. Also, some shafts curve backwards just before the head, which some players claim allows them to scoop up ground balls better.

    Price

    • Prices vary a lot among different lacrosse shafts. A basic aluminum shaft can cost as low as $15 to $25, while a top of the line scandium or composite shaft will set you back as much as $175. As a general rule, you get what you pay for with lacrosse shafts, and the more you spend, the lighter and stronger your shaft will ultimately be. If you plan to play lacrosse for many years, an expensive shaft may be a good investment.