Best Lacrosse Sticks for 2025

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 2024’s Best Complete Lacrosse Sticks will guide beginners and elite players alike, identifying and defining what comprises top 10 lacrosse sticks.

If 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 2024, 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

1. StringKing Complete 2 Senior Attack Lacrosse Stick Strung with Type 3 Mesh - A 155 Shaft

2. Maverik Tactik 2 Carbon Complete Stick

3. STX Stallion 700 Complete Attack Lacrosse Stick - Fiber Shaft

4. StringKing Complete 2 Senior Defense Lacrosse Stick Strung with Type 3 Mesh - A 380 Defensive Shaft

5. Skip to the beginning of the images gallery STX X10 Complete Defense Lacrosse Stick Strung with Dry Mesh - Hammer 7000 Shaft

6. Nike Surge LT Complete 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 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:

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

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

• 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

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.

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.