Best Lacrosse Shafts for 2023: All Positions

Lacrosse isn’t a sport played by the faint of heart. It requires determination, skill and passion every step of the way. Whether you are a brand new player or an elite athlete, tips in choosing the best equipment can allow you to focus on developing your game. Your lacrosse shaft is a direct extension of you while being the link between you and the game. Use this guide to choose your best lacrosse shaft.

Best Lacrosse Shafts for Attackers, Middies and Defenders

Two components define the best shaft for a lacrosse player: position and level of play. While level of play is traditionally thought to include whether a player is competing in the Youth, High School or National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), when choosing the optimal lacrosse shaft you must also include skill set.

Attack Players typically utilize a shaft that is lighter and allows for greater speed and accuracy.

At the youth level of play, shaft length must be 28-30”
High school or NCAA must have a shaft length of 30"

Midfielders utilize the same length shaft as attackmen, however, the best lacrosse shafts for middies find a balance between lightweight for speed on attack and strength for defensive plays.

Defenders have the long shafts, requiring focus and durability to withstand powerful checks.

Typically 60” but can range from 32-60” across all levels of play
Occasionally, a midfielder will chose a longer shaft, playing LSM (Long-Stick Middie) as a strategic decision in more advanced levels of play

Goalies have 40” shafts to combine durability with maneuverability.

This guide outlines the top 10 lacrosse shafts for 2023 utilizing four key components: strength-to-weight ratio, durability, value, and versatility across multiple levels of play.

Best Attack Lacrosse Shafts

1. TRUE Temper Dynamic Attack Lacrosse Shaft

Overview:

Ultra Light! This True Temper Dynamic premium composite attack handle features an ultralight composite technology. The Dynamic shaft is 15% is lighter than True Temper's Comp 4 composite shaft. This shaft's weight makes your stick speed faster, your dodges faster, and your shots faster.

Key Features:

PowerFLX
Fine texture
Constrictor Grip

Best Midfield Lacrosse Shafts

1. ECD Carbon 3.0 Attack Lacrosse Shaft

OvervIew:

East Coast Dyes and their Carbon 3.0 Lacrosse shaft continues to be a fan favorite in the lacrosse world. The Carbon 3.0 is made with high-quality carbon fiber for an excellent grip on the stick while being very light to help you feel the ball while it is on the stick. While being light you will not lose the durability with ECD’s Impact+ technology, it allows you to eat checks when carrying the ball.

Key Features:

Impact+ Technology
Flex5
Sliding Butt End

2. Warrior Evo QX Carbon Attack Lacrosse Shaft

Overview:

Warrior continues to be an absolute staple in the game of lacrosse. Warrior created the QX Carbon is one of the lightest shafts on the market while also being Warrior’s stiffest carbon fiber shafts due to its lateral and transverse makeup. The tactical grip limits tearing of the gloves while providing a superior feel.

Key Features:

Tactical Grip
Only 130 Grams
Carbon Fiber

3. Epoch Dragonfly Elite Attack Lacrosse Stick - '22 Model

OvervIew:

Epoch’s Dragonfly line of shafts are beloved by lacrosse players and they hit out of the park again with the Dragonfly Elite lacrosse shaft. Features like the Progressive Weave, Dual Micro Grip, and their Reactive Technology puts a lacrosse player in the best position to be successful on the lacrosse field. The Progressive Weave is woven throughout the shaft and changes size from being wider at the bottom of the shaft to tighter at the top of the stick. The Reactive Technology allows energy to be transferred through the shaft to make passes quick and catapult shots at the net. The Dual Micro Grip gives you a smooth matte feel allowing your hands to slide freely when passing and shooting.

Key Features:

Progressive Weave
Reactive Technology
Dual Micro Grip

Best Defense Lacrosse Shafts

1. Nike Vapor Elite 22 SCTI Defense Lacrosse Shaft

Overview:

The Vapor Elite is Nike’s best shaft on the market and you can feel it as soon as you pick it up if the weight of the shaft doesn’t grab your attention. The shape and texture will. Whether you are playing or coaching this stick just feels right when it is in your hands.

Key Features:

Assertive Shape
Low Profile End Cap
Scandium Titanium

2. StringKing Composite 2 Pro 400 Defense Lacrosse Shaft

Overview:

StringKing changed the game when they joined the market. StringKing’s shafts are light, stiff, and strong when you play. The sleek colors and low-profile design makes them as close to the saying “Strictly Business”. Nothing too flashy but a high-quality product. Also, these shafts paired with any of their heads create a feel of the ball that is unmatched in lacrosse.

Key Features:

Smart Taper Technology
Ultra-Stiff
Light Weight

3. Warrior Burn XP Carbon Defense Lacrosse Shaft

Overview:

Warrior made the Burn XP Carbon shaft to generate Xtreme Power when flexing when you throw checks. This shaft puts fear into the players you line up against.

Key Features:

Increased Lateral Stiffness
Dot Matrix Grip
Multiple Butt Ends

Best Goalie Shafts

1. StringKing Composite 2 Pro 162 Goalie Lacrosse Shaft

Overview:

The StringKing Composite 2 Pro 162 Goalie shaft is designed for the elite shot stopper who likes to throw dimes with their outlet passes. The lightweight shaft contributes to increased hand speed and allows you to make some of the toughest saves.

Key Features:

Carbon Fiber
Advance Taper Design
162 Grams

2. Maverik A1 Goalie Lacrosse Shaft - ‘22 Model

Overview:

Maverik revamped their A1 shaft! The speed shape of the allows you to slide your hands with ease when making outlet passes but also helps with the grip of the stick especially when you add the GritGrip that allows your grip to stay strong to make saves in any type of weather.

Key Features:

Scandium Alloy
Grit Grip
ABE+ 3 Adjustable Butt-End

3. Warrior Nemesis 3 Kryptolyte Pro Goalie Lacrosse Shaft

Overview:

At Approximately 170 grams the Warrior Nemesis 3 Kryptolye Pro is one of the lightest goalie shafts that Warrior has ever created!

Key Features:

30 Inches in length
Lightest Krypto Pro Material

Best Face Off Shaft

1. StringKing Composite 2 Pro 175 Face Off Lacrosse Shaft

Overview:

The StringKing Composite 2 Pro Faceoff lacrosse shaft features a unique grip designed to give you more speed, more power, and more control to help you dominate the faceoff X. StringKing reworked their carbon fiber shafts by identifying areas that needed extra strength, and then reinforced them using a smarter design and new, cutting-edge manufacturing.

Key Features