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Best Lacrosse Sticks for Beginners (2026): Complete Sticks, Sizes and Prices
Prices updated November 2, 2026.
Buying a first lacrosse stick is confusing. There are heads, shafts, mesh, pockets, youth sticks, intermediate sticks, and complete sticks priced from $30 to over $270. The good news: a beginner needs much less than the marketing suggests. This guide explains exactly what to buy for a new player of any age, how long the stick should be, and which complete sticks we track are good first sticks, with today's prices. Prices in the text were checked on October 28, 2026.
The short answer
Buy a complete stick (head, shaft and pocket already strung and assembled) sized for the player's age and position. For a young child, that's a youth stick like the STX Stallion 50 at $59.99. For a middle schooler or a teen just starting, an intermediate or entry adult complete such as the Warrior Evo Attack ($109.99), ECD Bravo 1 ($124.99), StringKing Complete 2 Intermediate ($129.99) or Maverik Tactik 2.0 Alloy ($134.99) is plenty. Don't buy a custom head and shaft until the player knows what they like.
For backyard practice, a mini stick like the STX Mini Power ($29.99), Nike Mini Lakota ($29.99) or STX Mini Eclipse ($39.99) is a cheap way to build hand skills, but it isn't a game stick.
Why a complete stick
A lacrosse stick has three parts: the head (the plastic part that holds the ball), the shaft (the handle), and the pocket (the mesh or string strung into the head). Experienced players buy each separately and have the pocket strung to their preference. That flexibility is great once you know what you want, but for a beginner it means more money and more chances to get something wrong.
A complete stick comes ready to play, with a pocket strung by the factory. Modern factory pockets are good; they're consistent and legal out of the box. A beginner can learn to throw and catch with one for a season or two before deciding whether to upgrade the head, shaft or pocket.
Price-wise, a complete stick almost always costs less than buying the same head and shaft separately and paying for stringing.
Youth vs intermediate vs adult sticks
Youth sticks are shorter and lighter, sized for young children, roughly ages 5 to 9. They often have a wider head and a softer pocket that make catching easier. The STX Stallion 50 is a typical example.
Intermediate sticks are for older kids and middle schoolers, roughly ages 9 to 13 depending on size. They use near-adult heads on a shorter, lighter shaft. StringKing's Complete 2 Intermediate line is built for this player and comes in attack/middie ($129.99) and defense ($159.99) versions.
Adult complete sticks fit high schoolers and adults. Entry-level adult completes like the Warrior Evo Attack and ECD Bravo 1 are great first sticks for a teen; higher-end completes like the STX Stallion 1K ($164.99), ECD Rebel CF5 ($149.99) and Maverik Tactik 2.0 Carbon ($154.99) add lighter, stiffer shafts. Premium completes such as the THRONE Omen (about $272) are aimed at experienced players.
Age is only a guide. Size the stick to the player's height and strength; a small 12-year-old may be happier with an intermediate stick than a full adult one.
How long should a beginner's stick be?
Field lacrosse rules set stick lengths by position. For boys' and men's play, attack and midfield sticks (often called "short sticks") are typically 40 to 42 inches overall for high school and up, and defensive long poles are much longer. Youth leagues set shorter limits by age group, so check your league's rules, which usually follow USA Lacrosse youth rules.
For a beginner, a short stick is the right first stick regardless of position, because it's the easiest way to learn throwing, catching and cradling. Defense-specific complete sticks like the ECD Bravo 1 Defensive ($174.99), Warrior Evo Complete Defense ($159.99) and StringKing Complete 2 Intermediate Defense ($159.99) make sense once a player is actually playing defense.
Goalies need a goalie-specific stick with a much wider head, like the StringKing Mark 2G Goalie Starter ($179.99), Maverik Krease ($199.99) or STX Eclipse 3 ($199.99). Don't buy a goalie stick unless the player is going to play goalie.
Girls' sticks are different
Girls' and women's lacrosse uses different sticks with shallower pockets and different rules. Everything in this guide is about boys' and men's field sticks. If you're shopping for a girls' player, look specifically for women's complete sticks, and check her league's rules.
What to look for in a first stick
A legal, factory-strung pocket from a major brand. An aluminum or alloy shaft, which is durable and cheap; composite and carbon shafts are lighter but not necessary for a beginner. A head that's not too stiff; flexible heads are fine for new players, while stiffer heads matter more for defenders and experienced players. And a price that leaves room in the budget for the protective gear a beginner actually needs: a helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, arm pads and a mouthguard.
How much to spend
For a child trying lacrosse for the first time: about $30 to $60 (a mini stick for the yard plus a youth complete). For a middle schooler committing to a season: about $110 to $135 for an intermediate or entry adult complete. For a high school beginner: about $110 to $165. Spending more than that on a first stick rarely helps a new player improve faster. Put the money toward a well-fitting helmet and gloves instead.
Caring for a new stick
Factory pockets loosen with use. Learn how to adjust the shooting strings and sidewall strings, or ask a coach or local shop to help. Keep the stick out of hot cars, which can warp plastic heads. Check that the head screw is tight before each practice. If the player loves the sport after a season or two, upgrading the pocket (restringing) is the cheapest way to make a big improvement.
Youth sticks and mini sticks (8)
For the youngest players and backyard practice.
Intermediate and entry adult complete sticks (7)
Great first sticks for middle and high schoolers.
Defense complete sticks (3)
For players who will play defense.
Goalie complete sticks (3)
Only for goalies.
Related buying guides
Buying tips
- Buy a complete stick first; custom heads and stringing can wait.
- Size by height and strength, not just age.
- Start every beginner with a short stick, whatever position they'll play.
- Alloy shafts are fine for beginners.
- Save budget for a helmet and gloves that fit.
Click any product for its full price history and a link to the retailer.