It’s time to get serious about your game. There are many different things you can do to improve your play, but one of the most important is making sure that you have the right equipment. For an attackman, this means having a great lacrosse shaft. The best lacrosse shafts for attackmen will vary depending on how they like to play and what their skill level is at.
We break down some of the best options for shafts that can help you get there. Some of these are even made specifically for the game! Which one will work best for you? Find out here!
Best 6 Attack Lacrosse Shafts
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1. Epoch Dragonfly Select Attack/Midfield Concave Lacrosse Shaft
Epoch Dragonfly Select Attack/Midfield Concave Lacrosse Shaft is probably one of the lightest attack shafts available in the market. Do you love taking a shot while on the move? Well, in that case, you opt for this Epoch Dragonfly Select Attack/Midfield Concave Lacrosse Shaft. No matter what the conditions of the weather are, you will enjoy a solid and comfortable grip.
The best thing about this Epoch Dragonfly Select Attack/Midfield Concave Lacrosse Shaft is that it is highly flexible yet durable at the same time. It can be bent easily and effortlessly. Offering maximum control, this lacrosse attack shaft is making good use of HD Resin that has dramatically improved the performance of this shaft.
2. RipWood Solid Wood (Ash) Attack Lacrosse Shaft
RipWood Solid Wood (Ash) Attack Lacrosse Shaft is well balanced and super durable. It has got a signature design and its stylish look and feel will help the player stand out from the rest. Your friends will go green with envy whenever you enter the lacrosse field with this amazing lacrosse shaft. RipWood Solid Wood (Ash) Attack Lacrosse Shaft will help you hold the ball more consistently while on the move and the shaft does not shake that much which is a big plus.
RipWood Solid Wood (Ash) Attack Lacrosse Shaft is hand made. To give this shaft a glossy finish, it has been heat treated. Since this attack shaft is made in the USA, you would not have to worry about its performance.
3. Brine Alias Fade Attack Handle
Compared to other traditional attack shafts that are available in the market, Brine Alias Fade Attack Handle is slightly on the heavier side. At this price point, Brine Alias Fade Attack Handle is definitely a steal. Though this shaft is primarily designed for the attacking lacrosse players, midfielders can also use it. This shaft is made from premium quality 6000-grade aluminum alloy and it is extremely lightweight.
4. String King Metal 2 Attack Lacrosse Shaft
Available in 5 different attack weight, String King Metal 2 Attack Lacrosse Shaft can easily match your playing style no matter what. String King Metal 2 Attack Lacrosse Shaft is going to allow you to pick the right lacrosse shaft based on a number of factors like strength and speed.
Military-grade alloy is used in the making of this String King Metal 2 Attack Lacrosse Shaft. This is the reason why this lacrosse attack shaft is much stronger and lighter than other traditional lacrosse sticks that are commonly available in the market. The impact points if this String King Metal 2 Attack Lacrosse Shaft are designed in such a way that they can help you improve your game at the most crucial junctions of the game. Interestingly, this attack lacrosse shaft comes with a 6-month warranty.
5. Brine Vintage Attack Handle
Brine Vintage Attack Handle looks stunning with a refreshingly new graphics. It is a bit heavy but that should not be an issue because it does not affect your style of playing in one way or the other. Brine Vintage Attack Handle is contrasted with a 6000-grade aluminum alloy that adds to its impressive strength and durability. Easy to maneuver, Brine Vintage Attack Handle can be used by either midfielders or attackers.
6. Epoch Dragonfly iD Attack/Midfield Lacrosse Shaft
Epoch Dragonfly iD Attack/Midfield Lacrosse Shaft is made from carbon fiber that has added to its superior strength and durability. In order to improve the mechanical “locking” compatibility of the stick, this shaft has undergone a chemical surface treatment process. The compatibility between matrix resin and the fiber is maintained by this innovative chemical surface treatment process.
To offer consistent grip, Epoch Dragonfly iD Attack/Midfield Lacrosse Shaft is applied with “gritty” textured topcoat. If you are looking for a lightweight shaft that offers more whip on shots, just put your trust on this lacrosse shaft and you will not feel disappointed.
Lacrosse Shafts: What Are They?
Lacrosse shaft is the part of the lacrosse stick that connects to the head. Recognized as a long rod and often known as handles, Lacrosse shafts need to be comfortable and suitable as per the player’s game style and position.
Modern Lacrosse shafts are made from metal alloys which is the reason why they promise good strength and are lightweight. Different game positions might require different lengths depending on the preferences of the player and the requirements of the game.
What Position Do You Play?
Whether you are looking to play in the midfield position, attacking position, defensive position or any other position for that matter, you will need shaft. Depending on the position you play, the length of a lacrosse shaft varies. Attackers and middies in the game can compromise on the same lax shafts and it all depends on the feel, grip and shape of the shaft. You will need a long pole if you are playing as midfielders or defensive player. Middies shafts and attack shafts require the same length – 30’’. Goalie Lacrosse shafts are somewhere around 40’’ whereas long poles are almost 60’’ in length.
Shafts for Attacks and Middies
Lacrosse shafts for the attack and middies positions may vary in length and it also depends on whether you are planning to play in the NCAA or high school lacrosse tournament. For the youth level, the Lacrosse stick needs to be around 37 inches to 42 inches. The Lacrosse shaft for the attack at NCAA or high school level should be somewhere between 30-32 inches in length. You might also face a penalty in case your Lacrosse shaft is longer or shorter than the desired length.
Defensive Lacrosse Shaft
Shafts for the defensive positions are considerably the longest of all. If you are planning to participate in youth league, your defense shafts need to be between 42 and 62 inches. Most of the defenders are found using Lacrosse shafts that are not less than 60 inches in length. These requirements for the defense shafts in Lacrosse hold true for college and high school levels too.
Lacrosse Goalie Shaft
Goalie shaft is usually longer than an attacking shaft and shorter than a defensive lacrosse shaft. As per the rules of the game, lacrosse goalie shaft should not be shorter than 40 inches and it should not be longer than 52 inches.
What Is Your Preference for Grip, Style, and Shape?
Now that you are aware of the shaft size requirements as per the game and playing position, you need to analyze the shape, material, grip and type you require for your game.
You need to continue researching the different kinds of shafts in order to make a perfect choice or maybe guide other players too. Lacrosse shafts are available in different textures and give you a different feeling with gloves. You also get them in different shapes with an improved level of handling and they are commonly made from materials like carbon fiber, titanium, scandium, etc. For a better purchase, you can try a few of them to know how different they feel to be held. You will surely find the one that matches your game position.
Attackers usually go for the kind of shafts that provide them better flex and grip so that they can always feel the ball coming to their stick more effectively or can play extra whip kind of shots. Middies usually turn to the types of shafts that can hold up well to checks and respond nicely to ground balls. These kinds of shafts should be able to play well in all types of weather.
Lacrosse Shafts: Understanding Common Terminologies
You will most certainly come across a few common words like “slick”, “grip” and “traditional” while shopping for lacrosse shaft. You must get yourself properly acquainted with these terminologies before you start shopping for suitable shafts. Sandpaper coating or grip will prevent gloves from slipping off even when it is heavily raining.
The slick grip is a kind of rubber coating on shafts that won’t make it feel gritty but might just feel stickier on the gloves. On the other hand, traditional coating with respect to shafts is a kind of smooth finishing that can even get much slippery when it’s all wet.
Materials
Lacrosse shafts are made of different kinds of materials and therefore, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of using them before making the final decision. Traditional wooden kinds of shafts are no more commonly used but if the last decades are to see, few brands like Warrior, Brine shafts, Epoch and STX have been designing shafts from carbon fiber and the composite ones with scandium and titanium have been on their list. The shafts made from these materials are highly recommended as they are known for being lightweight and strong.
Types of Grips
In order to create that desired grip, you will need to put Lacrosse tape or grip spray on your smooth shafts. However, most of the Lacrosse shafts that are available in the market today are pre-designed with suitable grip material. Your Lacrosse shafts are available with butt/end cap or drill hole.
When it comes to grips for shafts in Lacrosse, there are three types that are most common today.
Sandpaper
Sandpaper grip prevents lax shafts from slipping off.
Rubberized
Specifically designed to feel much sticky, rubberized shafts rather prevent any kind of slipping making it perfect for rough weather conditions.
Smooth
In this case, none of the gripping styles is added to shafts.
Shapes
Most of the professional Lacrosse players want to stick to a particular circumference and shape when it comes to their shafts. The change in shape can definitely affect the feeling of grip. Traditional shafts are more commonly made in circular or plain oval shapes. However, the most common shaft shape is an octagon. The shape of the shaft may not be a bigger deal when compared with the grip and material that it is made up of. Like most Lacrosse players, you might soon start to shift your preference to a particular kind of shape over the others.
Shafts for Beginners, Youth, and Advanced Players
If you are a youth player, a beginner or intermediate, you can simply opt for a decent shaft that won’t be much expensive. Higher-end shafts will naturally respond well to the stronger checks and this is one thing which may not be seen in youth or beginners’ game. However, you can always opt for a kind of shaft that you feel is suitable for your age and game style which means not every beginner needs to stick to the factory shafts. They can definitely develop their shafts’ preference as they develop their game.
Shafts and Game Positions
Shafts in Lacrosse for different positions may have different kinds of features and if you are into the game, you need to know them. Attack, defense, and goal are believed to be the three major roles in the game of Lacrosse and such equipment is also made as per the requirements of specific players.
Here are the different kinds of requirements for the different roles and positions.
Goalie
Goalies need speed and hence they usually opt for a much-balanced kind of stick that is also lightweight and sturdy. Shafts lengths can vary from 42 to 72 inches also depending on the player preferences.
Defense
Such game positions require more durability and strength in shafts that can also cover a larger area. There is a need for longer shafts with a length of anything between 52 and 72 inches.
Attack
This position requires sticks to be flexible, lightweight and precise. Such players commonly use shafts that are anything between 40-42 inches which means it should be short.
Variations can be seen in Lacrosse sticks used for men and women. Men can use either longer or shorter shafts but women commonly get shorter sticks that are 40-43 inches in length. This is the reason why women shafts are usually lighter when compared with men’s shafts.
Few Facts On Lacrosse Stick Shafts
- Modern shafts, also recognized as “handles” are commonly made of hollow metals.
- Most of the Lacrosse shafts that are available today are made of titanium, aluminum, alloys, scandium, Carbon fiber, etc.
- Few of Lacrosse shafts are available with a kind of texture that allows better grip but they are usually octagonal.
- Open-end of any hollow Lacrosse shaft needs to be covered with an end cap (made of rubber) or tape.
- Head of the Lacrosse stick and shaft are connected with the help of a screw to keep things in place.
- The choice of Lacrosse shafts depends much on personal preference.
- While Aluminum shafts are lightweight and tend to promise more durability, titanium shafts are considered the strongest. On the same note, scandium shafts can provide a smart balance between both types.
- Composite Lacrosse shafts are capable of staying at a consistent temperature in outdoors.
While purchasing your perfect Lacrosse shaft, you must primarily consider its easy cleaning factor, appearance, use, grip positions and shaft design (its holding edge) as these features of your Lacrosse shaft can confidently help you play a winning match.