Best Women's Lacrosse Sticks
Women's lacrosse uses a fundamentally different stick from men's — narrower head, shallower pocket (per rulebook), and a different shaft that's typically thinner. If you're buying a women's lacrosse stick for the first time or upgrading from an entry-level complete stick, here's what to understand before you shop.
Women's vs. men's lacrosse sticks: the key differences
| Women's | Men's | |
|---|---|---|
| Head shape | Narrower, more rounded, shallower pocket | Wider, more varied shapes, deeper pockets allowed |
| Pocket depth rules | Ball must sit above the sidewall at all times; very shallow by rule | Ball can sit below the top of the sidewall; deeper pockets legal |
| Shaft | Typically 7/8" diameter, usually 42" length | Typically 1" diameter, length varies by position |
| Level of play | US Lacrosse rules apply at most youth/HS levels | US Lacrosse/NFHS rules vary by level |
Complete sticks vs. head + shaft separately
For beginners and youth players, a complete stick (head pre-strung on a shaft) is the right starting point — they're ready to play, sized for beginners, and significantly cheaper than buying components separately. Players at the JV/varsity or club level often prefer buying a head and shaft separately to get their preferred pocket setup and shaft material, but this adds complexity and cost.
Best women's complete stick for beginners
STX Lacrosse Crux 300 Complete Stick
STX is one of the most established women's lacrosse brands. The Crux line runs from entry-level (200 series) through high-performance (600 series). The Crux 300 is the recommended starting point for middle school through early high school players — it has a good feel for the price, comes with a legal mesh pocket, and the shaft is an appropriate weight for developing players. The Crux 200 is cheaper but notably more plastic-feeling; the 300 is where the quality becomes worth it.
Best for: middle school beginners, first lacrosse stick, players who want a ready-to-play option without custom stringing.
Check Price on AmazonBest women's stick for serious high school players
ECD Carbon 3.0 Women's Head
East Coast Dyes (ECD) makes some of the most praised women's lacrosse heads for experienced players. The Carbon 3.0 is designed for fast release and consistent pocket performance under the shallow-pocket rules — the head shape supports good cradle mechanics and control. At this level, buying a head separately and choosing your own shaft and stringing is standard; this head is what most club coaches would point you toward.
You'll need to add a shaft (see below) and have it strung — some players string it themselves, others pay a shop. The ECD mesh kits are a natural pairing.
Best for: JV through college players who are ready to customize; buy separately from shaft.
Check Price on AmazonShaft pick: Maverik Reign Shaft
Maverik Reign Women's Shaft
Maverik's women's shafts are consistently recommended for their balance of light weight and durability. A good women's shaft should feel comfortable at the 7/8" diameter, have good grip texture, and be stiff enough not to flex noticeably during passing and shooting. The Reign line is a safe, well-regarded choice at the intermediate-to-advanced level.
Best for: players buying a head and shaft separately.
Check Price on AmazonPocket rules matter — check before stringing
Women's lacrosse has strict legal pocket depth requirements enforced at stick checks during games. Before getting a custom pocket strung, make sure the stringer knows the current US Lacrosse rules and the specific rules for your league level (youth, high school, and collegiate levels can have slightly different enforcement standards). An illegal pocket will get you pulled from a game.
Related guides
New to the sport? Our Youth Lacrosse Gear Guide for Parents covers everything a new player needs and what the rules say about required equipment. For position-specific advice, see ourLacrosse Positions Guide.