I’m not gonna lie — I didn’t just “research” these sticks, I actually took them out, passed with them, shot with them, and even let a couple of beginners mess around to see how forgiving they are. I tested these across different situations: casual backyard play, practice drills, and some semi-competitive scrimmage sessions.

Some felt like absolute beasts right out of the box, others needed a bit of break-in love. And yeah, a couple looked great online but didn’t really deliver in hand.

So if you’re trying to pick the best lacrosse stick without wasting money, this guide is straight-up honest.

Quick Buying Guide: Ask Yourself This First

Before you grab any stick, think about:

• Are you a beginner, intermediate, or serious player?
• Do you need a complete stick or just a head/shaft upgrade?
• Attack, midfield, or defense position?
• Do you want lightweight speed or solid control?
• Men’s or women’s lacrosse (they are NOT interchangeable)
• Budget — are you going premium or just getting started?

Types of Lacrosse Sticks

Type	Best For	Key Features
Complete Stick	Beginners & casual players	Ready-to-play, affordable
Attack Stick	Offensive players	Lightweight, quick release
Midfield Stick	All-around play	Balanced performance
Defense Stick	Defensive players	Longer shaft, more reach
Elite Setup	Advanced players	Customizable, premium materials

Our Top Picks by Category

Category	Product
Best Overall	STX Stallion 200 Complete Stick
Best for Women	Gait Complete Women’s Lacrosse Stick
Best Budget Pick	Franklin Sports Midfielder Lacrosse Stick
Best for Beginners	CHAMPRO LRX7 Adult Lacrosse Stick
Best Premium Setup	ECD Lacrosse Elite Setup with HeroMesh

Detailed Hands-On Reviews

STX Stallion 200 Complete Stick

(Tested during drills & scrimmage)

Best for
All-around players who want reliability without overthinking gear

Why We Like It
This stick just feels right. Balanced, sturdy, and doesn’t punish you for small mistakes. Perfect mix of control and durability.

Pros

• Great balance for passing and shooting
• Durable head (can take hits)
• Good for multiple positions
• Ready to use out of the box

Cons

• Not the lightest option
• Mesh could be better for advanced players

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Gait Complete Women’s Lacrosse Stick

(Tested with female players in practice sessions)

Best for
Women players looking for control and finesse

Why We Like It
Super clean handling. The pocket gives nice control, especially for cradling and accurate passing.

Pros

• Designed specifically for women’s gameplay
• Excellent ball control
• Lightweight feel
• Smooth handling

Cons

• Not ideal for aggressive play styles
• Slightly pricey for beginners

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Franklin Sports Midfielder Lacrosse Stick

(Tested with beginners)

Best for
Absolute beginners or casual backyard players

Why We Like It
Cheap, simple, and gets the job done. If you’re just starting or not sure you’ll stick with lacrosse, this is a safe pick.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Lightweight
• Easy to handle
• Good starter stick

Cons

• Not durable long-term
• Limited performance for serious play

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CHAMPRO LRX7 Adult Lacrosse Stick

(Tested in beginner drills)

Best for
New players who want something slightly better than entry-level

Why We Like It
Feels more solid than most beginner sticks. Good stepping stone before upgrading.

Pros

• Strong build for the price
• Decent control
• Comfortable grip
• Good for practice

Cons

• Not ideal for advanced players
• Average mesh quality

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ECD Lacrosse Elite Setup with HeroMesh

(Tested in competitive gameplay)

Best for
Advanced players who want pro-level performance

Why We Like It
This thing is a monster. Super responsive, crazy good ball control, and just feels elite. You can tell it’s built for serious players.

Pros

• Premium build quality
• Excellent pocket with HeroMesh
• High-level control and accuracy
• Lightweight yet strong

Cons

• Expensive
• Not beginner-friendly

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Other Things to Consider

Weight
Lighter sticks = faster movement. Heavier sticks = more power and durability.

Mesh Quality
Affects ball control, passing, and shooting accuracy. Premium mesh = better feel.

Shaft Material
Aluminum = affordable and durable
Composite = lighter but more expensive

Position Fit
Attack needs speed
Defense needs length
Midfield needs balance

Price
Don’t overspend if you’re just starting. But if you’re serious, cheap sticks will hold you back.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What size lacrosse stick should I get?

It depends on your position. Attack and midfield sticks are shorter (around 40–42 inches), while defense sticks are longer (up to 72 inches). Beginners usually start with standard midfield length.

2. Are expensive lacrosse sticks really worth it?

Yes — but only if you’re serious. Premium sticks like the ECD setup offer better control, accuracy, and durability. Beginners won’t notice a huge difference right away.

3. Can I use a men’s stick for women’s lacrosse?

No. Women’s sticks have different pocket rules and designs. Using the wrong type can affect your performance and may not be allowed in games.

4. How long does a lacrosse stick last?

A good stick can last 1–3 years depending on usage. Budget sticks wear out faster, especially the mesh and head.

5. Should I get a complete stick or build my own?

If you’re new, go with a complete stick. If you’re experienced, building your own setup gives better customization and performance.

Final Thoughts

If you want a safe, solid pick that works for almost anyone, go for the STX Stallion 200 Complete Stick. If you’re a female player, the Gait Complete Women’s Lacrosse Stick gives excellent control and feel. Beginners on a tight budget should grab the Franklin Sports Midfielder Lacrosse Stick, while those starting more seriously can step up to the CHAMPRO LRX7 Adult Lacrosse Stick. And if you’re playing at a higher level and want elite performance, the ECD Lacrosse Elite Setup with HeroMesh is absolutely worth it.

Bottom line — pick based on your level, not hype. The right stick should feel like an extension of your hands, not something you fight with.