8 Best Lacrosse Shafts In 2023 (Attack, Midfield, Defense, Goalie)
When it comes to finding the best lacrosse shafts on the market, it’s best to think in terms of positions. Do you play attack, midfield, defense, faceoff, goalie, or a mix of multiple positions? This helps because gear manufacturers design lacrosse shafts to best suit the needs of each position. For example, offensive shafts tend to be lightweight with great feel for cradling, while defensive shafts are obviously long poles design with optimal strength and flex. But no matter what position you’re playing this season, this guide has everything you need in one place. In this article, we curated the ultimate list of best lacrosse shafts for each position so you can elevate your game with an incredible lacrosse shaft this season.
Best Lacrosse Attack Shafts
Maverik A1 Attack Lacrosse Shaft
The new Maverik A1 Attack shaft is lighter, faster, and stronger than its predecessor. Built with scandium alloy, the A1 has a remarkable lightweight feel combined with GritGrip technology which makes for optimal grip in all weather conditions. The A1 even comes fitted with an adjustable butt end so players can customize the feel of their stick.
The Maverik A1 is a lightweight shaft that allows attackmen to have quick hands and hard shots. Whether you’re a feeder from “X” or a step down shooter from the wing, every attackmen needs a lightweight shaft that can withstand heavy checks from defenders. The Maverik A1 balances everything an attackman needs to shoot from multiple release points and bury the ball in the back of the net.
STX Sci-Ti S
The STX Sci-Ti S is an alloy shaft that is universally loved by offensive lacrosse players. It is strong, sturdy and durable, while simultaneously remaining lightweight. The S-Grip profile is a unique grip design optimized for stronger cradling and better feel. Lastly, it is touched up with a max sandblast finish that provides a non-slip grip in all weather conditions.
Every offensive player needs this shaft. The STX Sci Ti revolutionized the lacrosse shaft game by making a product that is sturdy, durable, and lightweight. Its strength to weight ratio is top of the line. You can instantly feel the sturdiness of this shaft the minute you hold it in your hands. The S-Grip is a favorite amongst attackmen because of how incredible it feels when cradling. We highly recommend the STX Sci Ti shaft for attackmen looking to elevate the offensive aspects of their game.
To see more options (such as the Warrior Burn Lite and Maverik Hyperlite), check out our list of best lacrosse shafts for attack.
Best Lacrosse Shafts For Middies
ECD Carbon MTX
This shaft is designed specifically for two-way midfielders who need a durable, lightweight shaft that won’t break. It includes high-end Textreme technology, which is an ultra-light, strong carbon fiber material.
While there are plenty of lacrosse shafts designed for attackmen, defenders, and goalies, you won’t find too many shafts specifically built for midfielders. The ECD Carbon MTX is one of those rare exceptions. It is lightweight, yet extremely strong and durable, which is fantastic for midfielders who play physical defense, and take big step-down shots on offense. If you’re looking for the best of the best for middies, the Carbon MTX is for you.
Epoch Dragonfly Elite II C30 IQ5 Lacrosse Shaft
The Epoch Dragonfly Elite II is showcased by professional midfielders like Tom Schreiber, Jules Heningburg, and Connor Fields. Its intelligent weave technology is designed to stabilize the hands and push energy towards the head of the stick when passing or shooting. Epoch designs their shafts along a flex iQ range of 1 to 10 (stiff to soft). This iQ5 shaft provides a hybrid flex to versatile players who need to get up and down field and play multiple roles for their team.
The Epoch Dragonfly Elite II is constructed for two-way midfielders who like to D up opponents on defense and take hard step-down shots on offense. Due to the versatility of this shaft, it is the preferred weapon of choice for elite two-way midfielders at the high school, college, and pro level. Physical midfielders need a durable shaft they can rely on. Bottom line. But it also has to be relatively lightweight to perform well on offense. Epoch blends the best of both worlds with the Dragonfly Elite II.
To see more options, check out our list of best lacrosse shafts for midfield.
Best Lacrosse Defense Shafts
ECD Carbon 3 Defense
After receiving years of player feedback, ECD optimized their long pole design and created the most popular defensive lacrosse shaft on the market today, the ECD Carbon 3.0. It is built with strength and flex in all the right places.
The adjustable sliding end cap allows players to slide their butt end cap into different places on the bottom of the stick. This is helpful because every defender has a different height and wingspan, so now you can effectively adjust the end length of your stick to fit your style. ECD (East Coast Dyes) is also one of the best modern lacrosse equipment manufacturers in the industry. If you are looking for the best overall defense lacrosse shaft, the ECD Carbon 3.0 is top of the food chain.
Epoch Dragonfly Elite II C60 IQ8 Defense Lacrosse Shaft
Epoch’s Dragonfly II model is brilliantly engineered for defensive performance. You can throw precise checks, push in transition with speed, and it includes soft enough flex to whip the ball down the field. This carbon fiber pole bolsters its toughness with an additional layer of surface veil tech. You’ll see plenty of pro level defenders sporting this shaft in the PLL because of its high performance. If you’re looking for a defense lacrosse shaft that is without a doubt used by the best lacrosse defenders, the Epoch Dragonfly II is an elite weapon of choice.
To see more options (such as the StringKing composite shaft), check out our list of best lacrosse shafts for defense.
Best Lacrosse Goalie Shafts
Maverik A1 Goalie Shaft
The Maverik A1 Goalie shaft is a 40″ shaft composed of extremely lightweight scandium alloy. Its weather-proof grip and adjustable butt-end keep the shaft durable and customizable for all playing conditions. The 2022 model of the Maverik A1 is the premiere, most well-rounded, goalie shaft on the market.
Maverik Hyperlite Goalie Shaft
The Maverik Hyperlite is a close #2 on this list. It’s a 40″ shaft composed of carbon fiber and a matte finish grip. Similar to the Maverik A1, the Hyperlite has an adjustable butt-end that locks into place. The main difference between the two shafts are the strength to weight ratio. The Hyperlite is a bit stronger and the A1 is a bit lighter. If you prefer a stronger shaft that holds up against shots and checks, the Hyperlite is the shaft for you.
To see more options, check out our list of best lacrosse sticks for goalies.
