Lacrosse sticks are comprised of a head, which is the top part of a stick, and the bottom part known as the shaft. Complete sticks feature both a strung head and the shaft.
The cost of a lacrosse stick can vary depending on the quality and customization. Depending on your needs, there are various factors that come into play when considering which lacrosse stick to purchase such as position, level of play, and stick quality. Typically beginner lacrosse sticks start near $100 and can range up to custom sticks costing upwards of $250 to $300.
There are three different types of lacrosse sticks that vary in length, shape, and depth depending on their function. The attack/midfield short stick has a short shaft and high pocket depth; the defensive long stick has a longer shaft and shallower pocket; and the goalie stick is an oversized head with a wide face. These important differences allow players to better play their specific roles on the lacrosse field.
Yes, in the NCAA wooden lacrosse sticks are legal as the rules state that "the crosse shall be made of wood, laminated wood or synthetic material, with the head approximately perpendicular to the handle.”
The length of your stick depends on what position you play. Goalies, defensemen and attackmen/middies all need different stick lengths to help them play their positions to the best of their ability. For attackmen and middies, a shorter shaft is best -- usually around 30 inches. A complete stick (meaning the combined length of your head and shaft) for these more offense-focused positions usually falls within the 40-42 inch range. Longpoles are usually reserved for defensemen and long-stick middies (LSMs). The combined length for a longpole stick is usually between 52-72 inches, with an average shaft length of 60 inches. Goalies have the most freedom here, with some preferring shorter sticks closer to the length that a middie might use, while others could prefer a 72 inch stick that resembles a defenseman longpole.
