STX Stallion 50 vs Maverik Charger: Best Beginner Lacrosse Stick? (2026)
Winner: STX Stallion 50
Better pocket shape and balance for beginners — our pick over the Maverik Charger.
Check Price on Amazon →Top Pick: STX Stallion 50
★★★★½
Best all-around beginner stick. Better head shape for developing proper mechanics, widely available, and backed by one of lacrosse’s most trusted brands.
In This Guide
STX Stallion 50 vs Maverik Charger: Best Beginner Lacrosse Stick? (2026)
Last Updated: June 2026 | By LPT
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
When a parent asks what to buy for a brand-new lacrosse player, the STX Stallion 50 and Maverik Charger are almost always the two names that come up. Both are purpose-built complete sticks designed for beginners: forgiving pocket, durable shaft, game-legal mesh, available in youth and adult sizes. The question of which one to buy comes down to subtle differences in feel, availability, and head shape philosophy.
⚡ Quick Answer
- Buy the STX Stallion 50 if you want the most widely recommended beginner complete stick — best head shape for developing mechanics, proven, available everywhere.
- Buy the Maverik Charger if your child is Under 10 and needs maximum catching forgiveness, or if the Stallion 50 is out of stock.
- Honest truth: Both are excellent beginner options — you will not go wrong with either. The Stallion 50 is our first recommendation for most players.
STX Stallion 50 vs Maverik Charger: Side-by-Side Specs
| Spec | STX Stallion 50 | Maverik Charger |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$60–80 | ~$55–75 |
| Head Face Shape | Medium-wide (forgiving) | Wide (very forgiving) |
| Shaft Material | Aluminum alloy | Aluminum alloy |
| Shaft Length (adult) | 30″ (attack/mid) | 30″ (attack/mid) |
| Youth Sizing | Yes | Yes |
| Mesh Type | 9-diamond traditional | 6-diamond mesh |
| Pocket Depth | Mid-low (forgiving, consistent) | Mid (wide, easy catches) |
| NOCSAE Approved | Yes | Yes |
| Brand Reputation | Very High | High |
STX Stallion 50 Review
The STX Stallion 50 is the complete stick recommended to virtually every first-time lacrosse player. STX is one of the two or three most respected brands in lacrosse, and the Stallion 50 distills their expertise into an entry-level package that does not compromise on the things that matter: head shape, shaft durability, and mesh consistency.
The medium-wide face shape gives beginners a forgiving catching surface without being so wide that it becomes a crutch that teaches bad habits. The shaft is standard alloy that handles two or three seasons of wall ball, ground ball scooping, and accidental shaft-to-ground contact without bending. The 9-diamond mesh holds a pocket and is easy to re-string when the time comes to upgrade.
It is available on Amazon with Prime shipping in almost every size. That availability matters more than people realize — when a parent is ordering the night before their kid’s first practice, the Stallion 50 ships.
✅ Stallion 50 is the right call when
- Your player is 11 and up — the medium-wide head teaches better catching mechanics than the very wide Charger
- You want the most trusted brand name in youth lacrosse
- You want the stick available in every size, shipping quickly
- Your player is undecided on position — this head works for everyone
Check Price: STX Stallion 50 →
Maverik Charger Review
The Maverik Charger is a legitimate alternative that should not be dismissed. Maverik has built a strong reputation in the intermediate-to-advanced head market, and that engineering competence carries down to their beginner line. The Charger’s wider face shape is more forgiving than the Stallion 50 — for a very young beginner still developing catching mechanics, the extra face width provides a more generous target.
The tradeoff is that the very wide face is less instructive for players developing proper technique at 11 and up. For players Under 10, the extra width is a genuine feature. For everyone 11 and older, the Stallion 50’s more refined shape is more appropriate for skill development.
✅ Maverik Charger is the right call when
- Your child is Under 10 — maximum catching forgiveness is the priority
- The Stallion 50 is out of stock in the right size
- You find the Charger significantly cheaper at the time of purchase
- Your child’s team or coach uses Maverik gear
Check Price: Maverik Charger →
Head-to-Head by Category
| Category | STX Stallion 50 | Maverik Charger | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technique Development | 9/10 — medium-wide teaches proper form | 7/10 — very wide is forgiving but less instructive | Stallion 50 |
| Forgiveness (U10) | 8/10 — very forgiving | 9/10 — widest face, easiest catches | Charger (U10 only) |
| Shaft Durability | 8/10 — standard alloy, handles abuse | 8/10 — similar alloy durability | Tie |
| Availability | 9/10 — almost always in stock | 7/10 — less widely stocked | Stallion 50 |
| Brand Recognition | 9/10 — coaches know and trust STX | 7/10 — strong but smaller market share | Stallion 50 |
| Price | 8/10 — good value | 9/10 — often slightly cheaper | Charger (slight edge) |
FAQ: STX Stallion 50 vs Maverik Charger
Is the STX Stallion 50 good for high school lacrosse?
The Stallion 50 is a beginner stick — it will get a new high school player through their first season, but most HS players upgrade to a separate head and shaft after year one. It is an excellent starting point, not a long-term stick.
What size Stallion 50 should I buy for a 12-year-old?
For players 12 and up, the standard (adult) size is appropriate. The shaft length is typically 30 inches for attack/midfield. Check the youth version if your child is Under 10 or on the smaller side of 10–11 years old.
Can the STX Stallion 50 head be re-strung?
Yes. The Stallion 50 head accepts standard mesh and can be re-strung when the original mesh wears out or when the player is ready for performance mesh. Re-stringing is a common upgrade in year two of play — typically $15–25 at a lacrosse shop.
Is the Maverik Charger legal for middle school lacrosse?
Yes. The Maverik Charger is NOCSAE approved and legal for middle school and youth lacrosse. Always confirm equipment rules with your specific league before purchasing.
What shaft length should a beginner use?
Attack and midfield players use a short shaft (30 inches). Defense players use a long shaft (60 inches). If buying a complete stick for a beginner who has not chosen a position yet, the standard 30-inch attack/mid shaft is the right choice — most beginners start there. See our Beginner Lacrosse Sticks guide for more on position sizing.
How long do these sticks last?
Both sticks last 1–2 seasons with normal use for youth players. As players develop and get stronger, they’ll typically outgrow the complete stick setup and benefit from upgrading to a separate head and performance shaft. Neither is designed as a multi-year long-term investment.
Can I replace just the head or shaft separately later?
Yes — both use standard sizing. When your player outgrows the setup, you can replace just the head or just the shaft. The Stallion 50 head paired with a new shaft is a common second-year upgrade path.
Key Takeaways
📋 Key Takeaways
- For most beginners (age 11+): buy the STX Stallion 50. Better head shape for developing catching and throwing mechanics, more widely available, stronger brand recognition.
- For players Under 10: the Maverik Charger is a real option. The extra-wide face gives maximum catching forgiveness at an age where success matters more than technique.
- Both sticks are ready to play out of the box. No assembly, no re-stringing needed for the first season.
- Neither is a long-term stick. Both are designed for years 1–2. Expect to upgrade to a separate head and shaft once position and skill level are established.
- Price difference is minimal ($5–15 typically). Don’t choose the Charger over the Stallion 50 purely on price — the performance difference matters more than the slight cost gap.
Final Verdict
The STX Stallion 50 is the better first stick for most players. The head shape is more instructive for developing proper catching mechanics, the brand recognition is higher, and it is more consistently available. For players Under 10 who need maximum catching forgiveness, the Charger’s wider face is a legitimate advantage — but for everyone 11 and up, go with the Stallion 50.
Our Pick: STX Stallion 50
Best beginner lacrosse stick. Better head shape, wider availability, proven brand. The right first stick for players 11 and up.
