| Vinca S
January 13, 2014 9:07:54 AM
Entry #: 4110450
| Hello Everyone!
Great to meet the board and some of the players over the past couple of weeks.
I mentioned to a couple of parents that I would send out a list of my recommendations on sticks, so here we go! It's best to go with a stick that is built for a full time lacrosse player. New players at the high school level (0-1 season of experience) will quickly outgrow any youth or beginner stick within a season, and the following sticks listed below can last for at least a few seasons depending on how much the player uses the stick.
There are of course others that are perfectly great that are not on this list I just list these because I know a little bit about them. I picked these because I’ve tried them out or I’ve seen them put to good use by both high school and collegiate players. The best policy is for the player to try out their teammates’ sticks and get a feel for what they are comfortable with.
SHAFTS As far as what kind of shaft to get, that is a personal preference, but I can give some pointers here: If you’re just starting out, the factory aluminium shaft is fine for about 2 weeks, then get something that will not bend or dent from a check or so much as an evil eye, and one that is not freezing to touch during colder, wetter weather. If you have said aluminium shaft, use athletic tape to make it more grippy and not so cold to the touch. You don’t have to tape the entire shaft, we can show you how to do it.
Be sure to buy a shaft with some coating on it, these are not so freezing to touch and they provide some grip.
Some players like the narrower shaft and others prefer the thicker in diameter shaft. This is that personal preference thing I’m talking about. The thicker shaft has become more popular, I think because the women’s game has gotten more exposure, and this is not a delicate sport for women any more. A thicker shaft is more durable. The men’s lacrosse section has more variety, but be sure to get the proper length - don’t buy a long stick shaft.
STICKS Brine Amonte 2 http://www.sportstop.com/Standard/Brine-Amonte-2-Womens-Lacrosse-Head This is an excellent all around stick. Great for shooting, tough enough for midfield rides, and put a thicker shaft on it, and you have a great defensive stick. Be sure to look at the Amonte 2.
Brine Mantra 2 http://www.sportstop.com/Standard/Brine-Mantra-2-Complete-Womens-Lacrosse-Stick I’ve seen this stick used a lot in the midfield. It’s got great control and all around usability.
STX Exult 10 http://www.longstreth.com/STX-Exult-10-Complete-Lacrosse-Stick/productinfo/LASE10CS/ This is a great stick for a more experienced midfield and/or attack player. This is has a 10 degree tilt, so make sure the player has tried a tilt stick before purchasing.
STX Crux http://www.longstreth.com/STX-Crux-10-Complete-Lacrosse-Stick-with-Lever-10-Handle/productinfo/LASC10LCS/ This also accommodates a 10 degree tilt shaft, so be sure the player has tried this stick out before purchasing. This is an attacker’s stick. It’s meant for quick short passes and for shots that come off the head fast.
I’ve used both online stores, Longstreth and SportsStop, and they are good. SportsStop has an online chat feature for questions, and both you can call to get further information on what you’re looking for.
Hope this helps, and feel free to ask me any question/concerns about gear. Best, Vinca
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