Imagine your young athlete on the field, cradling the ball with confidence, making pinpoint passes, and scoring that game-winning goal. What’s the secret weapon behind their success? Often, it’s the right lacrosse stick! But for parents and young players alike, navigating the world of youth lacrosse sticks can feel like trying to catch a fast-moving ball with a net full of holes. Where do you even begin?
The truth is, choosing the perfect youth lacrosse stick isn’t as simple as picking the prettiest color. There are important things to consider, like the player’s age, size, and skill level. Getting it wrong can lead to frustration on the field, wasted money, and a less enjoyable experience for everyone. You want a stick that feels like an extension of your child’s arm, not a bulky burden.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’re here to break down all the confusing jargon and help you understand exactly what makes a great youth lacrosse stick. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know how to pick a stick that fits your child perfectly, boosts their confidence, and sets them up for a season of fun and improvement. Let’s dive in and find that game-changing stick!
Our Top 5 Youth Lacrosse Stick Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Youth Lacrosse Stick Detailed Reviews
1. STX Lacrosse Stallion 200 A/M Boys Complete Stick
Rating: 8.5/10
The STX Stallion 200 A/M Boys Complete Stick in Black is a fantastic choice for young lacrosse players just starting out. It’s built to help boys learn the basics of the game the right way. This stick borrows cool features from some of STX’s top sticks, making it feel really advanced for a beginner model. It’s perfect for any young player who wants to get better at catching and controlling the ball.
What We Like:
- It’s inspired by the elite STX Stallion U550 head, which is a big deal!
- The soft mesh stringing makes catching the ball super easy.
- It comes as a complete stick, ready to play right away.
- The new STX 6000 series alloy handle is strong and looks cool with its “memory marker” graphics.
- It’s designed for easy catching and ball control, which is key for new players.
- The stick meets all the important NCAA and NFHS rules.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a complete stick designed for beginners, it might not have all the advanced customization options that older players look for.
- While durable, more advanced players might eventually want a lighter or stiffer shaft as their skills grow.
This STX Stallion 200 is an excellent starter stick that sets young players up for success. It offers a great balance of beginner-friendly features and hints of elite performance.
2. STX Lacrosse Girls Crux Jr. Complete Stick
Rating: 9.3/10
Introducing the STX Lacrosse Girls Crux Jr. Complete Stick in vibrant green! This stick is built for the youngest lacrosse enthusiasts, ages seven and under. It’s designed to give them a fantastic start in the sport.
What We Like:
- PERFECT FOR YOUNG ATHLETES: It’s made just for girls under seven, making it a great first lacrosse stick.
- INSPIRED BY THE BEST: It borrows from the popular Crux line, so young players get top quality and performance.
- CONSISTENT PERFORMANCE: The Lock Pocket Jr. keeps the ball secure and the pocket just right, with hardly any fuss.
- IDEAL FOR SMALL HANDS: The 24″ alloy handle is the perfect size for little hands, making it easy to hold and control.
- START THEIR JOURNEY: It helps young players learn, grow, and have fun as they discover lacrosse.
What Could Be Improved:
- The color green might not be everyone’s favorite, though it’s a bright, energetic choice.
- As a beginner stick, it might not have all the advanced features of sticks for older players.
This stick truly helps young girls begin their lacrosse adventure with confidence and ease. It’s a smart choice for any parent looking to introduce their child to the exciting world of lacrosse.
3. CHAMPRO LRX7 Youth Lacrosse Stick
Rating: 8.6/10
The CHAMPRO LRX7 Youth Lacrosse Stick is designed to help young players learn and grow their lacrosse skills. It’s a great starter stick that can guide a player from beginner to potentially elite status. This stick focuses on making the early stages of learning fun and effective.
What We Like:
- The molded nylon head offers a really good response when catching and throwing the ball. It’s better than many other complete sticks out there.
- The soft mesh is ideal for young players. It helps them get used to handling the ball and prepares them for tougher mesh at higher levels.
- Its shorter 24.5″ length and thinner shaft are perfectly sized for youth players. This makes it easier for them to handle and control.
- The aluminum shaft has a cool glossy finish with clean white graphics. It looks good and feels sturdy.
- This stick is built to help beginners develop fundamental skills effectively.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for beginners, players who advance very quickly might eventually need a stick with more advanced features.
- The soft mesh, while good for learning, might not hold up as well to very aggressive play as a stiffer mesh.
The CHAMPRO LRX7 is an excellent choice for any young player just starting out in lacrosse. It provides the right tools to build a strong foundation and enjoy the game.
4. STX Lacrosse Stallion 50 Youth Lacrosse Complete Stick
Rating: 9.3/10
The STX Stallion 50 Youth Lacrosse Complete Stick is designed to help young players learn the game of lacrosse. It takes inspiration from a more advanced stick, the Stallion 550 head. This makes it easier for beginners to catch and control the ball. The stick is also built with a softer material in the head. This gives players a more forgiving feel when they catch the ball. It is a great option for kids just starting out in lacrosse.
What We Like:
- The head is made with softer material for a forgiving feel.
- It has a shorter and thinner handle, which is easier for young players to hold and control.
- The soft mesh stringing makes catching the ball simpler.
- It’s perfect for learning the basics of catching and ball control.
- This stick helps beginners develop good fundamental skills.
What Could Be Improved:
- This stick is not suitable for older or more experienced players, like those in college or high school.
For any young athlete eager to start their lacrosse journey, the STX Stallion 50 is an excellent starting point. It focuses on making the game accessible and fun for beginners.
5. Franklin Sports Future Champs 2 Player Youth Lacrosse Sticks + Ball Set – Kids 32″ Inch Beginner Backyard Practice Lax Sticks + Lightweight Soft Lacrosse Ball – Toy Kids Lax Set – Green and White
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready for some backyard fun with the Franklin Sports Future Champs 2 Player Youth Lacrosse Sticks + Ball Set! This set is designed to introduce young athletes to the exciting game of lacrosse. It’s perfect for beginners who are just starting out and want to learn the basics.
What We Like:
- The 32-inch sticks are a great size for smaller hands, making them easy to handle.
- The lightweight ABS construction and thinner shafts help kids learn stick handling skills.
- The deep pocket on the lacrosse head makes catching and throwing the ball much easier.
- The vibrant graphic wraps on the sticks add a fun and colorful element to playtime.
- This set is ideal for first-time players and backyard practice sessions.
- It includes two sticks and a soft practice ball, so kids can start playing right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- While perfect for beginners, more experienced young players might outgrow the 32-inch size quickly.
- The soft rubber ball is good for safety but might not offer the same feel as a regulation ball for advanced practice.
This Franklin Sports lacrosse set is a fantastic way to get kids active and engaged in a new sport. It provides everything needed to start learning and enjoying the game of lacrosse.
Choosing the Right Youth Lacrosse Stick: A Winning Guide
Picking the perfect youth lacrosse stick makes a big difference for young players. It helps them catch, throw, and scoop the ball better. This guide will help parents and young athletes find a stick that’s just right.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at lacrosse sticks for kids, a few things stand out.
The Head
- Width: A wider head is more forgiving for beginners. It makes catching easier.
- Scoop Angle: A good scoop angle helps players pick up ground balls quickly. This is super important in the game.
- Stringing: The strings inside the head hold the ball. Some sticks come pre-strung. Others let you choose your own stringing for a custom feel.
The Shaft
- Length: The shaft connects to the head. Its length should match the player’s height and age. Shorter shafts are easier to control.
- Grip: A good grip helps players hold the stick firmly. Some shafts have textured grips.
Weight
- A lighter stick is easier to swing and control. Young players need sticks that don’t feel too heavy.
Important Materials
The materials used in a lacrosse stick affect its durability and performance.
Head Materials
- Plastic: Most youth lacrosse heads are made of strong plastic. This plastic needs to be tough enough to handle hits. It shouldn’t crack easily.
Shaft Materials
- Aluminum: This is a common and affordable material for shafts. It’s lightweight and durable.
- Composite: Composite shafts are often lighter than aluminum. They can also be stronger. They offer a good balance of weight and strength.
- Alloy: Some shafts use alloys, which are mixtures of metals. These can offer extra strength and durability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a stick great or not so great.
Improving Quality
- Durability: A high-quality stick lasts a long time. It can handle being dropped or bumped.
- Lightweight Design: A lighter stick makes a player faster and more agile. They can move the stick more easily.
- Good Stringing: Well-strung pockets help players control the ball. They make it easier to throw and catch accurately.
- Ergonomics: A stick that feels comfortable in the hands improves play. Good grip and balance help a lot.
Reducing Quality
- Heavy Weight: A stick that’s too heavy tires out young players. It makes them play slower.
- Brittle Plastic: If the head cracks easily, it’s poor quality. This can happen if the plastic isn’t strong.
- Poor Stringing: Loose or poorly placed strings make catching and throwing difficult. The ball might fall out.
- Cheap Materials: Using low-grade plastic or metal can make a stick break sooner.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good youth lacrosse stick makes playing fun.
For Beginners
- Beginners need a forgiving stick. This means it’s easier to catch and throw. A wider head and good stringing help a lot. A lighter stick is also a must. They use it for basic drills, learning to catch, and throwing.
For Developing Players
- As players get better, they might want a stick that offers more control. They still need a lightweight stick. They use it for more advanced passes, shots, and scooping ground balls in games.
For All Young Players
- The most important thing is that the stick feels good. A player who feels confident with their stick will play better. They will enjoy the game more. The stick is used in practice, games, and just messing around with friends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best age to start using a lacrosse stick?
A: Many kids start playing lacrosse around age 6 or 7. At this age, they can begin learning the basics with a youth-sized stick.
Q: How do I know what size stick my child needs?
A: Stick size depends on age and height. Most youth leagues have rules about stick length for different age groups. Always check your league’s regulations.
Q: Should I buy a pre-strung stick or one that needs to be strung?
A: For beginners, a pre-strung stick is usually best. It’s ready to go right away. As players improve, they might want to try custom stringing.
Q: What’s the difference between a men’s and a women’s lacrosse stick?
A: Men’s sticks have a wider head and are used for checking and physical play. Women’s sticks have a narrower head and are designed for quick passes and stick skills without checking.
Q: How important is the weight of the stick?
A: Weight is very important for young players. A lighter stick is easier to control, swing, and use for longer periods without getting tired.
Q: Can my child use an adult stick?
A: Generally, no. Adult sticks are too long and heavy for most young players. Using the correct size stick helps with development and prevents injury.
Q: How do I clean a lacrosse stick?
A: You can wipe down the shaft and head with a damp cloth. For the strings, avoid getting them too wet. Let the stick air dry if it gets wet.
Q: What is a “pocket” in a lacrosse stick?
A: The pocket is the strung area in the head of the stick. It’s where the ball sits. A good pocket helps cradle, catch, and throw the ball.
Q: How often should I replace a youth lacrosse stick?
A: A good quality stick can last a few seasons. Replace it if the head cracks, the shaft bends, or the strings are worn out.
Q: Where can I buy a youth lacrosse stick?
A: You can buy youth lacrosse sticks at sporting goods stores, online retailers, and sometimes directly from lacrosse equipment websites.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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