Lacrosse Talk
These companies make the sticks. A lacrosse stick is comprised of a shaft and head.
The head is where you pass and catch. It has a mesh ‘pocket’ Most sticks in the NW will be strung with mesh. The shaft is the handle usually made of aluminum.
STX (Baltimore)
Brine (Boston) owned by New balance /Warrior
Nike- Nike is now in the market. Nike sticks and equipment are made by STX
Warrior ( Detroit) owned by New Balance
DeBeer ( Gait by Debeer)
Harrow
Mohawk
We recommend that you string your stick with ‘hard mesh’ Once you break it in it will stay consistent in the Oregon weather. If you use traditional (leathers) you are subject to constant maintenance and an inconsistent stick depending on the weather. The leathers will also break and restringing is a nightmare.
Most shafts are made of aluminum. With the advent of Titanium the shafts became lighter and stronger. They also became very expensive.
Beginning players should use an aluminum shaft until they are proficient and know they will stay with the sport. An aluminum shaft will cost $20 or so.
Many of these companies also make pads, gloves, etc..
STX- Gloves, shoulder pad, arm pads, rib pads
Brine – Helmets, Gloves, shoulder pads, arm pads, rib pads
Warrior – Helmets, Gloves, shoulder pads, arm pads, rib pads
DeBeer – Gait helmets, Gloves, shoulder pads, arm pads, rib pads.
Harrow – Gloves, arm pads, Shoulder Pads
Cascade – Helmets (the top seller)
Riddell - Helmets
*** If you are thinking of making an investment in a top of the line stick or equipment please consult with Coach Flood.
We have had many parents buy kids sticks that the player was not ready to use. Many of the highly advertised sticks have features like ‘ pinched’ that will not help your son get better it may actually make it harder to catch the ball.
Your son can’t pass or shoot unless he is able to catch the ball or pick it up off the ground. Some of the newer more expensive sticks are designed for players at a very high level. Just because Casey Powell may play with a certain stick does not mean it is the best one for your son.
THE POCKET
The depth of the pocket has a lot to do with how well you can pass, catch and shoot.
DEEP POCKET
GOOD – better ball retention, easier to cradle and make stick fakes.
BAD - more whip and harder to throw accurate passes. Forces inexperienced player to push to pass rather than push pull (the normal throwing motion). Passes and shots will go low and/or into the ground
SHALLOW POCKET
GOOD - Very quick release when passing or shooting. More consistent with aim.
BAD – Harder to cradle, ball may drop out of stick. Can’t shoot as hard as you need to release ball quicker and stick is harder to handle.
It is very important that you get your stick strung so you are comfortable with the pocket. Too often we see a new player that is playing with a stick strung too tightly and they struggle or strung too loose and they keep throwing or shooting into the ground.
SOMETHING IN BETWEEN A DEEP OR SHALLOW POCKET IS GOOD.
If you need a stick strung to your specifications you can contact 2 folks locally
Adam lopez (503) 804-6665
Adam does an excellent job. The service is not free as it takes a lot of time.
Contact Coach Flood and he will put you in touch with one of them
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