Lacrosse is considered one of the fastest growing games worldwide, with an estimated half-million players. Yet there are many who have never even heard of the game. Since the mid 1900’s, the game of lacrosse has expanded to include  school-age kids, high-school leagues, elite college programs and a professional sports league.

To win, one team scores more goals than their opponent. The ball movement – throwing and catching the hardened lacrosse ball is done with the lacrosse stick up and down the field - similar to soccer or football. 

How would one value a lacrosse stick?

Ultimately, the value of any lacrosse stick is never the same, because their inherent value is contingent on a player’s size, age, gender and competitiveness level. Frankly, there is no one stick that could be legitimately considered ideal for every player, however each player can design their most kick-ass stick - just the way they want. As such, any premium value associated with a lacrosse stick is calculated upon the intrinsic value of the lacrosse stick that you have created for yourself.  

While the game of Lacrosse might appear to be a new field game; its really just a ‘stickball’ game invented by Native Americans. US Lacrosse

Native Americans crafted lacrosse sticks from wood, while modern lacrosse players play with high-tech sticks. Each lacrosse stick is constructed of several parts which can either be purchased separately – to create your best piece of equipment; or bought finished, ready for action. In the digital age, wooden sticks are a rarity and, they are not allowed by most lacrosse associations.

The Shaft Material

The type of shaft you want is contingent upon the position of the player, or the player's  style.  Commonly used materials include:

  1. Aluminum – This is the most often used material. It is lightweight, and somewhat durable, but not strong enough for attack positions.
  2. Titanium – Titanium is an ideal choice however, however, the player's position will determine which titanium blend is best.
  3. Composite – This shaft is made of carbon graphite, which creates a flexible, yet durable shaft for midfielders or attackers.  Be careful, extreme cold makes carbon graphite brittle and difficult to play with.

The Head

The head of the stick is a fundamental part too. The options for lacrosse stick heads are plentiful. Be sure the head you purchase meets the sizing specifications dictated by the school or league you intend to play in.  

  1. The Offset – This determines how the head will line up with the shaft. 
  2. The Pinch – This is related to the lacrosse head’s width. The perfect pinch is directly related to the position being played. 

Conclusion

Traditional lacrosse sticks were made of wood that had been bent to define the stick head. The more modern equipment are finely tuned instruments measured by computer programs. 

If the only way you can perceive value is by looking at the stick's price tag, check out the Warrior Evo Warp S w/ Dolomite Shaft. It will set a buyer back $420. However, the reality is that the most valuable lacrosse stick you can own is the one that feels like an extension of your arm/hand when fighting for a win against a rival lacrosse team.