Please check out our Lacrosse Rebounder on Amazon. It is designed and sourced by a laxer for laxer's. It is $100, much cheaper than every other comparable rebounder on the market.
This lacrosse shafts buying guide is one of a kind.
We're not kidding.
It's jam-packed with all of the tips and tricks you need to know in order to buy the best lacrosse shafts for sale.
Listen Up:
Too many times before laxers have paid $100 or more for a lacrosse shaft that breaks in half…in their first game.
We're here to help you pick the best lacrosse shafts (that won't break)
So read on, and whether you play middie, attack, defense, or goalie take note on the best Brine, Warrior, Epoch, and top brands we recommend for your position.
The BEST Lax Shafts of 2020:
Best Offense: East Cost Dies
Best Defense: Warrior Burn Diamond
(Girls — here's your buying guide)
Related Posts:
3 (Easy) Questions to Choosing the Best Lacrosse Shafts in 2020
This lacrosse shaft buying guide will give you an idea of the best lax shaft you can get for your money, based on your preferences. Not all lacrosse shafts are created equal, and some are better for players in certain positions and looking to do different things on the field. Once you narrow down the specifications you’re looking for, you’ll be able to pick out the shaft that is right for you and right for your wallet.
Next Up: Lacrosse Heads Buying Guide
1. Choose your Position – This will determine the size of lacrosse shaft you need
2. Choose your Material, Grip, and Shape – Here you will get to choose your lax shaft preferences
3. Choose your Lacrosse Shaft – Based on your age and position, we list the best lax shafts ever for…
1. What Position Are you Playing?
Similarly to choosing your next lacrosse head, you are going to want a different lacrosse shaft whether you play defense, attack, middie, LSM, FOGO, or goalie. According to Wikipedia's Lacrosse Stick Page, the main comparison between lacrosse shafts based on your position will be the length.
Middies and attackers can get away with using the majority of the same lax shafts, and it comes down to grip, feel and shape. If you’re a defensemen or a long-pole middie, you’re going to need just that; a long pole. Attacker and middie shafts are the same length, at 30”. Goalie lacrosse shafts are between attackers/middies and long poles at 40”. Long poles are 60” long.
Attack and Middie Lacrosse Shafts
Lacrosse attack and middie shaft lengths vary depending on whether you play youth lacrosse, or highschool and NCAA lacrosse. At the youth lacrosse level, the lacrosse stick must be 37 inches – 42 inches long. At the high school or NCAA lacrosse level, the attack lacrosse shaft must be between 30 inches -32 inches long. You will get a penalty if your lacrosse stick is any shorter or longer!
Defensive Lacrosse Shafts
Lacrosse defense shafts are the longest lacrosse shaft of them all. If your youth lacrosse league allows it, your defense lacrosse shafts should be between 42 inches -62 inches. Almost all defenders use a shaft that is 60 inches long. The same defense lacrosse shaft length requirements are true for both high school and college lacrosse.
Goalie Lacrosse Shafts
Lacrosse goalie shafts are in between the length of attack and defensive lacrosse shafts. Although the official lacrosse rules states your lacrosse goalie shaft can be between 40 inches – 52 inches, all goalies use a lacrosse goalie shaft which is 40 inches long!
2. What Shape, Grip & Style Do you Prefer?
Alright, now that you know the lacrosse shaft size based on your position, it's time to determine the type of material, shape, and grip will best fit your lacrosse shaft needs.
Without knowing a lot about lacrosse shafts, you might not realize that they come in different textures for different feel in gloves, different shapes for better handling, and can be made from different materials like scandium, titanium, carbon fiber, etc. Try out a few of your team mates sticks and you’ll notice how each lacrosse shaft offers a little bit of a different hold or feel. You can definitely get the one that is best for your position! Attackers usually prefer a shaft that offers grip and flex, so they can feel the ball in their stick and also get that little extra whip off of shots. Middies prefer shafts that hold up to checks, ground balls, and offer feel in all types of weather.
In the buying guides below, you’ll see words like “grit,” “slick,” and “traditional.” Different grips will allow you to feel the stick differently. Grit, or sandpaper coating on the shaft, will allow almost no slippage in gloves, especially on rainy days. Slick grip is a rubberized coating that doesn’t feel gritty, but feels stickier in gloves, offering feel but not too much. Traditional coating is a smooth finish that can get pretty slippery when wet.
Lacrosse Shaft Materials
There are a few different types of lacrosse materials that lacrosse shafts are made of. The traditional wooden lacrosse shafts aren't commonly used anymore. But over the last decade, brands like Brine shafts, Warrior, STX, and Epoch have technologically designed lacrosse shafts out of carbon fiber and composite lacrosse shafts alloys like titanium and scandium. We highly recommend buying a carbon fiber lacrosse shaft or titanium lacrosse shaft, as they are more lightweight, stronger, and have better grips!
Lacrosse Shaft Grips
There are three main types of grips for lacrosse shafts. Traditionally, you'd have to use lacrosse tape or grip spray on a smooth lacrosse shaft to create your desired grip. Nowadays, lots of lacrosse shafts come with a pre-designed grip material on the lacrosse shaft. Also, keep in mind your shaft comes with a drill hole and butt/end cap.
- Sandpaper – Creates a sandpaper lacrosse grip feeling, ensuring your lax shaft won't slip at all
- Rubberized – This grip is designed to feel sticky, and will make sure no slipping occurs
- Smooth – No grip added to the shaft
Lacrosse Shaft Shapes
For a lot of lacrosse players, they like their lacrosse shafts circumference to be a certain shape. The shape of the lacrosse shaft can change the feeling it has on your grip and cradling. The traditional lacrosse shafts diameter are made of a plain oval or circular shape. But the most common lacrosse shaft shape is usually an octagon. Even some new lacrosse shafts include more extreme versions. The shape of your lacrosse shaft isn't as big of a deal as the grip and material it's made of. But keep in mind that you may prefer one shape over the other as you begin playing.
Beginner, Youth & Advanced Lacrosse Shafts:
Youth players, beginners, and even some intermediate players can get away with a decent shaft that won’t put a dent in your wallet. Higher end shafts hold up to strong checks and lots of play, something that you might not see at a youth or beginner level. You don’t have to be stuck with a factory shaft, you can definitely pick a shaft that is right for your age and play style.
The 10 Best Lacrosse Shafts for 2020:
Below we have complete lacrosse shaft reviews of the top brands with how to buy. If your lax shaft breaks, most manufacturers offer warranties, unless you buy used shafts or bulk from China. To really swag up your shaft design, you can add shaft decals, skinz, or dye paint your lacrosse shaft. In addition you'll find lacrosse shaft pictures. Thankfully, most of the shafts below are on clearance, discount, on sale or good deal at Amazon!
- Length – Attack and Middies want 30 inch shafts. Defense want 60 inch shafts
- Weight – For your lacrosse shaft, you will want it to be lightweight. Having a lighter lacrosse stick will allow you to cradle better, move quicker, and shoot faster.
- Material – The lightest materials for lacrosse shafts are carbon fiber and alloys made of titanium and scandium lacrosse shaft. Many of these materials have flex tests now, which helps with shot speed
- Grip – You can either buy a lacrosse shaft which has slippery grip, so you can add your own tape job to improve grip. Or, you an buy a lacrosse shaft that comes with a grip.
- Shape – The traditional hexagon shape of the lacrosse shaft works great for all players
Best Middie and Attack Lacrosse Shafts Out There
- Price: $60-140
- Material: Composite Alloy or Carbon Fiber
- Ages: 10+
East Coast Dyes (ECD) Carbon Shaft
Depending on the color you choose, these shafts are priced from $100-$160. The carbon shaft is designed with the FLEX 5 technology, which offers the shooter more flex when releasing the ball. The carbon fibers flex with the stick, offering more whip and velocity on hard passes and accurate shots.
This East Coast Dyes lacrosse shaft is produced with sandpaper grip, which is becoming more and more popular. It offers feel in all kinds of weather and if it breaks on you in the first 6 months you’ve had it, you can get a free replacement.
Epoch Lacrosse 6th Generation Dragonfly Carbon Fiber Shaft
Probably the most technologically advanced shaft on the market, the Dragonfly lacrosse shaft can be chosen in a variety of flexes, some better for box lacrosse, faceoffs, and field lacrosse players. Allowing different stiffness within the shaft gives you the ability to choose a shaft that feels right on shots, ground balls, and checks.
Less flex is ideal form the enforcing middie who throws checks, or for the box lacrosse player. More flex is better for the elite attacker, giving them the best feel with the ball on shots and feeds. Priced from $99-140, this is one of the best attack/middie shaft for the elite player.
East Coast Dyes Carbon PRO Shaft
Offered on Amazon in only black, the East Coast Dyes Carbon PRO is the next step up from the Carbon lacrosse shaft. Structured with the same FLEX 5 technology, the Carbon PRO is designed with composite materials and processes that allow it to be light and strong to withstand checks.
The PRO is designed with REACT technology, which allows the shaft to flex with accelerations in speed. The grip is kept the same as the Carbon shaft, with a sandpaper grit that provides all weather feel. A reliable choice for the high level player.
Epoch Dragonfly 7th Generation Shaft
Piggybacking off the 6th generation Dragonfly, the 7th generation shaft comes with all the bells and whistles. The flexes stay the same, easily chosen by you based on your position and flex preference. The ergonomic shape allows the shaft to fit comfortably in your hands without feeling bulky or offset. The sleek design is still resistant to dents or breaks, and is the lightest shaft that Epoch Lacrosse has produced. The 7th generation is more unique than the 6th generation in hat the intelligent weave technology of the carbon fibers within the shaft push release energy to the head of the stick.
Maverik Hyperlite Lacrosse Shaft
This traditional shaped shaft developed by Maverik gives the attacker or middie the smooth finish to feel more natural in the player’s hands. Developed to feel light and make the transition between a factory shaft to a specialized shaft smoother, the shape and grip offer finesse to the attacker.
Depending on the color you are looking to get, the price can range from around $140 and is one of the premier lacrosse shafts to own this season!
Maverik Wonderboy Lacrosse Shaft
Maverik created a very good product in the Wonderboy shaft. Getting 5 star reviews, the WOnderboy lacrosse shaft is designed with 9000 series alloy and tactilegrip technology to resist bends, dents, and to feel light in your hands while offering grip in any kind of weather.
This lacrosse shaft has gotten great reviews both for price and quality, and it’s one of those shafts that will definitely fit your budget and your style. Can be found from $75-85.
Best Lacrosse Defense Shafts You Can Buy
- Price: $60-200
- Material: Composite Alloy or Carbon Fiber
- Ages: 10+
Alright so here we have the best lacrosse LSM and defense shafts you can get on the market. There are plenty of other ones out there like the wood lacrosse shaft known as the BAMshaft, which is a totally bamboo lacrosse shaft. Long Stick Middies (LSM) and defenders alike should love these shafts…. and love these deals!
Warrior Burn Diamond PRO Defense
The Warrior Burn Pro shaft was created with the intention of being the lightest Warrior shaft produced. Made with Krypto Pro Alloy, this shaft is equal parts strength and light in your hands.
Priced at only $80 for the silver shaft, it’s a steal for most intermediate and advanced players, especially if you are used to the Warrior Burn line of products. Warrior has a great reputation for making quality products for much less than some of the newer brands on the market.
Epoch Dragonfly Defense Gen 7 C60
Epoch lacrosse has been changing the lax shaft game forever. For both attackman and defenders alike, the Epoch Gen7 lacrosse shafts are an awesome option. Incredibly strong, yet lightweight, these defenders shafts are built using space age materials and technology.
The signature “FLEX” created by Epoch makes the Dragonfly perfect for slashes and checks. Developed with 100% carbon fiber, you'll love the composition and feel of this shaft's fibers and grip. Although pricey ($200) you won't regret buying one!
Maverik Caliber Defense Lacrosse Shaft
The Maverik Caliber lacrosse shaft is highly sought after from intermediate and advanced players alike. A little pricier at $125, the Caliber is ultra-light and strong.
The Caliber is made from Scandium and Titanium and has a thinner profile along the shaft hand for precise finger and thumb placement. Players say the shaft is noticeably thinner, which can be important for increased feel, but also can lead to easier breaking if it hits the right spot. It is a tad bit pricey for the midfielder who will end up throwing some checks, but for an attacker, the thinner feel might be right on the money.
Best Goalie Lacrosse Shafts You Can Buy
- Price: $60-100
- Material: Composite Alloy or Carbon Fiber
- Ages: 10+
Now that you know exactly what to look for when buying a goalie lacrosse shaft, let's look at the top 10 lacrosse shafts you can buy as a goalie. Some goalies do prefer a wooden goalie shaft, so we recommend peaking at those too. Totally personal preference!
East Coast Dyes Carbon Shaft
5 star ratings here! East Coast Dyes is most notably known for their amazing lacrosse mesh, but their ECD carbon lacrosse shaft is their first lacrosse shaft launch ever. And we’re not going to lie, the East Coast Dyes dragonfly shaft is pretty dope! In a world where carbon fiber lacrosse shafts are starting to become king, and companies like Epoch have launched the Dragonfly lacrosse shaft, you either join the club or get left behind.
Maverik A1 Goalie Shaft
The Maverik A1 has the feel of an ICE handle with a slightly gritty grip. Advanced lacrosse goalies everywhere are discovering the super light feel which combines attributes of the best selling Warrior shafts Diamond Grip series. We love Maverik lacrosse shafts because there are no flashy designs or colors….Nothing but the best technology the lacrosse world has to offer.
Warrior Krpytolye 11 Goalie Shaft
Let me give you numbers (don’t worry, no calculus necessary). Warrior claims that of the new KryptoPro series, they are both 24% stronger and 8% lighter than their Kryptolyte standard series of shafts. Wow! This shaft is also one of the lighter lax shaft available. This shaft comes engineered with the very high-end KPro superlight alloy to give you strength without surrendering lightness. And lastly, with all the Warrior lacrosse shafts, they've adde the new “cut through” graphics to keep you looking flashly on the field. Scoop it up soon!
Best Youth Lacrosse Shafts for Kids
- Price: $20-40
- Material: Composite Alloy or Wood
- Ages: 6-12
These youth lacrosse shafts for kids are made for those junior laxers who are still learning the game. They are prices at around $20 to $40, and are an awesome starter lacrosse shaft. Most are comprised of a basic 7075 titanium alloy material that shouldn't break at the elementary or middle school age!
Burd Wood Hickory Lacrosse Shaft
We are seeing an increasing number of wooden lacrosse shafts flood the market. Traditionally, mostly defenders would use a wooden lax shaft, but now even attackman and youth players are rocking them. Hand-picked hickory makes this shaft a must have quality item. Hex-cut means this shaft will fit all lacrosse heads with a lacrosse screw. The natural brown hickory color comes with a natural stain and paint finish of polyurethane to preserve the wood to last longer!
Brine 6000 Kids Lacrosse Shaft (cheap)
Buying a cheap lacrosse shaft is the way to go if you don't need an expensive shaft. Well with this Brine 6000 lacrosse shaft you get 30 inches of high-end, strong, durbable aluminum.
Perfect for new players, this Brine 6000 aluminum shaft is your best bet for a new attack or middie shaft. Comes stock with the cool Brine King signature graphics.
Conclusion: Lacrosse Shafts Buying Guide
Most lacrosse shafts are designed to withstand breaking, but it happens. Luckily manufacturer’s commonly offer a warranty that will replace the broken shaft should it happen. When picking out a new shaft, you really want to narrow your focus on the questions above. Keep in mind your level of play. If you’re playing advanced levels of lacrosse, you’re probably going to want a shaft that is made of stronger materials, like carbon fiber. Carbon fiber lacrosse shafts won’t bend like some metal shafts. However, some stronger metal shafts can be lighter than carbon fiber shafts, so the choice is really yours. Either way, before purchasing your shaft, make sure it will fit your head. With the different shapes that shafts are designed in, many heads are only designed for a few different shapes, usually within the same product or brand family.
And there you have it! Did we miss anything on our buying guide? Do you agree with all of recommended lacrosse shafts by category? Let us know in the comments below.
Please check out our Lacrosse Rebounder on Amazon. It is designed and sourced by a laxer for laxer's. It is $100, much cheaper than every other comparable rebounder on the market.
No Comments