Over time, lacrosse sticks have changed significantly. In my opinion they were improved. We want to get to the bottom of the question: How are lacrosse sticks produced? Or how were they produced? The new materials make the sticks lighter, stronger, easier to grip and have better ball control. Only the design has remained pretty much the same. Here you will learn, what happens in the manufacturing process.
Traditional method of embroidery production
Mostly hickory was used for the shaft and then raw skin as a net. Hickory wood is hard, but not too heavy and also malleable, which of course was very important as the sticks used to be one piece.
The working process starts quite originally with the tree. The trunk is separated along the grain, creating sticks about 2 inches wide. Then to form the wood, one end is softened with steam and then bent over a post. Finally, a wire is tied around the end to maintain this crooked shape as the wood dries and then becomes firm again.
After about three months, it is time for the back bend, which is made just above the stick. This means more steam, bending, clamping and drying. A few weeks pass to harden the shaft, then the wood is sanded and the holes are drilled. It is important that the stick is rubbed with linseed oil to stop the wood from drying out. Then decals are added. The shaft is finished now, only the net is missing.
The side wall is first, then leather skids are added below the back bend and threaded through the holes at the top. The skids are woven with nylon cord to form the net. This net is then stretched over a shaper to form the pocket that will later hold the ball.
Modern production
How are lacrosse sticks produced today? Today, the lacrosse stick is no longer one, but two parts: the head, where nylon strings are stretched as a net and the shaft. The heads are predominantly made of advanced plastic, which yields a little on impact, so that the head does not break directly. It also reduces shock feeling and makes groundballs easier.
The head is then mounted on a hollow metal stick. Aluminium is the standard metal that is used, but also titanium or scandium is used, but then forms rather the premium area in the stick manufacturing. Advantages of these metals are their light weight, strength and longevity. An octagonal shaft facilitates gripping.
This is the answer to the question: How are lacrosse sticks produced? For centuries lacrossers played very well with the traditional method of shaft production, but they are always looking for a new “advantage” or progress, which they have found to this day especially in the advanced materials and modern manufacturing methods. Some players still prefer the traditional method, in the spirit of “back to the roots”. What is your favorite?
