Choosing a Lacrosse Stick

Based in Annapolis, Maryland, Tom Cole serves as the president of BBPC, a real estate and land development consulting company. Outside of his work with the Annapolis-headquartered consultancy, Tom Cole pursues a diverse range of hobbies that includes lacrosse.

A sport rooted in the Native American game of stickball, lacrosse is one of America’s oldest sporting pastimes. Unlike baseball and basketball, lacrosse is not a game that many people in the United States learn to play as children. As a result, lacrosse may seem intimidating to new players, especially the process of buying lacrosse equipment.

The lacrosse stick consists of two parts, the shaft and the head. The shaft, sometimes called the “handle,” is usually composed of a lightweight metal such as titanium or aluminum. Choosing the material of the shaft depends on the comfort level and position of the player. While titanium shafts are usually the strongest, aluminum shafts are often lighter.

The shaft connects to the head, which consists of a scoop strung with mesh that acts as a pocket. The player uses the head to catch and throw the lacrosse ball. Traditionally, the mesh is made of nylon laces and leather straps, though other options depend on the player’s experience and skillset.

Lacrosse players also must decide on the shaft and head size. The shaft can range anywhere from 40 to 72 inches, with attackers often preferring the agility of short sticks and defensive players often preferring longer sticks. 

The mesh pocket can also vary in size and shape. Deep pockets provide more control of the ball, while shallow pockets allow quick release.