STX Stallion 50 Complete Stick
Best beginner complete stick — ready out of the box, coach-recommended, no setup needed.
Check Price on Amazon →Top Pick: STX Stallion 50 Complete Stick
★★★★½
The most forgiving beginner stick on the market. Wide head, consistent pocket, multi-season durability — everything a new player needs in one box.
In This Guide
Best Lacrosse Sticks for Beginners (2026): Complete Guide
Last Updated: June 2026 | By LPT
You’re buying a lacrosse stick for the first time — or buying one for your kid — and you have no idea where to start. The price range runs from $30 to $300. The terminology is confusing. And every brand claims their product is the best.
Here’s the honest answer: as a beginner, you don’t need to spend more than $60–$75. A complete lacrosse stick — head, shaft, and stringing sold together, ready to play out of the box — is almost always the right first purchase. Below is everything you need to know to make the right call, explained from scratch.
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
⚡ Quick Picks: Best Beginner Lacrosse Sticks
| Best Overall STX Stallion 50 Complete | Check Price → |
| Best Value Maverik Charger Complete | Check Price → |
| Best for Youth (U13) StringKing Complete 2 Junior | Check Price → |
| Best for Attack Players Warrior Burn Jr Complete | Check Price → |
| Best Budget STX Shield 300 Complete | Check Price → |
What Is a Lacrosse Stick? (For Complete Beginners)
If you’re new to lacrosse, start here. A lacrosse stick has three main components — and understanding what each one does will make every buying decision easier.
🥍 The 3 Parts of a Lacrosse Stick
- The Head — The plastic frame at the top of the stick. It holds the mesh and forms the “pocket” where the ball sits. The shape and width of the head affect how easy it is to catch, how accurately you can pass, and how well you can shoot. Wider heads are more forgiving for beginners. Narrower heads give experienced players better ball control.
- The Shaft — The handle. Most beginner shafts are aluminum alloy: heavier than premium options but durable and inexpensive. Higher-end shafts are titanium or carbon fiber — lighter and stiffer, but unnecessary and expensive for a first-year player.
- The Pocket (Mesh) — The mesh netting strung inside the head. This is where the ball sits while you run, pass, and shoot. The pocket depth affects “hold” (how long the ball stays in before releasing) and “release” (how cleanly it comes out when you throw). For beginners, every complete stick comes pre-strung to a legal, playable depth — you don’t need to think about this until year two.
Why does this matter? Because when you see terms like “offset,” “channel,” “whip,” or “scoop angle” on product pages, those describe specific characteristics of the head and pocket. You don’t need to master them before buying your first stick — but knowing the three basic parts means you won’t be lost when shopping.
Complete Stick vs. Buying Separately — What Beginners Should Know
Complete sticks: Head, shaft, and mesh sold together, already assembled and strung. Take it out of the box and play. This is what every beginner should buy.
Separate head + shaft: You choose each component independently, then string the head yourself or pay a shop to do it. Experienced players do this for full control over their setup — but it adds cost, complexity, and decisions that don’t matter in year one.
Why complete sticks win for beginners:
- No assembly — ready the day it arrives
- No stringing decisions — pre-set to a legal, playable pocket depth
- Lower total cost — bundled pricing beats buying parts separately at this quality tier
- Good enough for JV and recreational play — these sticks are used by real players in real leagues
Best Complete Lacrosse Sticks for Beginners: Full Reviews
1. STX Stallion 50 Complete Stick — Best Overall
Price: ~$45–$60 | Best For: First-time players at any position
If you only read one recommendation from this guide, let it be this: buy the STX Stallion 50. It is the most widely recommended beginner stick by coaches, experienced players, and parents who’ve been through this process — and for good reason.
The Stallion head has a wide face and a mid-high pocket. Wide face means the opening at the top of the head is larger, giving you more margin when catching a ball that’s slightly off-target — which happens constantly when you’re learning. Mid-high pocket means the ball sits higher in the head, making it easier to control while cradling (the motion of swinging the stick to keep the ball in while running). These two features combine to mean fewer drops and faster skill development in the first weeks of play.
The shaft — STX 7000 aluminum alloy — is lightweight for aluminum, which matters for younger players holding and swinging a stick through hours of practice. It’s not carbon fiber, but carbon shafts cost $100+ and offer no meaningful advantage until you’re playing at a genuinely high level.
Who should avoid it: Players who already know they’re playing attack and want to develop position-specific mechanics from day one. The Maverik Charger or Warrior Burn Jr is a better fit. For everyone else, this is the answer.
Pros
- Widest, most forgiving head for new catchers
- Consistent factory stringing — plays as advertised out of the box
- Lightweight alloy shaft — easier for younger players
- Multi-season durability at this price
- STX is trusted at every level of the sport
Cons
- You’ll want to upgrade once you know your position
- Mesh loosens faster in wet conditions
- Not position-specific — a deliberate trade-off, not a flaw
2. Maverik Charger Complete Lacrosse Stick — Best Value
Price: ~$50–$65 | Best For: Attackmen and midfielders who pick up the game quickly
Maverik is one of the two or three most respected brands in lacrosse — their heads are used by professional and college players. The Charger complete stick carries that brand’s DNA: slightly more aggressive than the Stallion, with more channel depth and a bit of offset.
What does “offset” mean? The offset angle on a lacrosse head tilts the face slightly toward you when you hold the stick. This helps hold the ball more securely in the pocket during dodges and checks. Most beginner-to-intermediate heads have some offset. The Charger’s is moderate — not punishing for beginners, but rewards players who develop quickly.
Who this is best for: Players who’ve been told they’re attackmen or midfielders, or who pick up catching and throwing fast in their first few practices. If your kid is still dropping balls consistently after two weeks, the Stallion 50’s wider head is more appropriate.
Pros
- Maverik brand quality at a beginner price
- Good channel for developing ground ball skills early
- Built-in grip texture on shaft
- Transitions well toward attack/midfield play
Cons
- Less forgiving than the Stallion for pure beginners
- Moderate offset requires slightly more developed mechanics
3. StringKing Complete 2 Junior — Best for Youth Players (U13 and Under)
Price: ~$60–$75 | Best For: Youth players ages 8–13
StringKing earned its reputation entirely on mesh quality. Their Type 2s mesh — which comes factory-strung in the Complete 2 Junior — holds its shape in wet weather, breaks in more predictably, and maintains pocket depth longer than standard soft mesh. For a beginner playing through spring rain and summer humidity, this matters.
But the most important thing about the Complete 2 Junior isn’t the mesh — it’s the sizing. Youth-sized sticks are shorter and have narrower heads designed for smaller hands and bodies. Using a full-length adult stick on a 9-year-old creates real problems: too heavy to swing properly, too long to cradle correctly, and it forces bad mechanics that become habits. What happens if you get the wrong size? A stick that’s too long causes young players to grip it near the middle rather than the base, shortening their reach and control. A stick that’s too heavy causes them to drop their hands when throwing. These habits take months to unlearn. Proper sizing from the start prevents all of it.
Pros
- Best factory mesh of any complete stick at this price
- Correctly sized for U10–U13 — prevents bad mechanics from forming
- Weather-resistant mesh holds up through a full spring season
Cons
- Youth sizing only — not for high school players
- Slightly more expensive than bare-minimum options
4. Warrior Burn Jr Complete Stick — Best for Beginning Attackmen
Price: ~$55–$70 | Best For: New players who know they’re playing attack
The Warrior Burn is one of the most iconic attack heads in lacrosse. Players from high school to professional level have used Burn-family heads for decades. The Burn Jr complete stick takes the core design philosophy — narrow face, high offset, tight channel — and packages it for beginning players on an entry-level shaft.
Why does a narrow head matter for attack? Attack players need to cradle through defensive checks, shoot from tight angles, and make quick releases. A narrow head with a tight channel develops exactly those mechanics — the ball stays put when you’re being checked, and releases cleanly when you shoot. Starting on a narrow attack head means the skills you develop from day one transfer directly to the gear you’ll use for years. Starting on a forgiving wide head and then switching creates a readjustment period.
Honest caveat: The Burn Jr is less forgiving for catching than the Stallion 50. New players will drop more balls early. If your kid is playing attack but struggling to catch consistently in their first month, the Stallion 50 is still the safer choice for year one — they can switch to a position head after one season.
Pros
- Position-specific head design builds attack mechanics from day one
- Warrior brand credibility — a name that scales with the player
- Narrow channel develops ball control under pressure
Cons
- Less forgiving for catching — more drops while learning
- Wrong choice for midfield, defense, or undecided players
5. STX Shield 300 Complete Stick — Best Budget Option
Price: ~$35–$45 | Best For: Testing the sport before fully committing
Sometimes you’re not sure a kid will stick with lacrosse after the first practice. That’s a fair concern. The STX Shield 300 is the answer for a “let’s see” purchase from a brand that actually knows lacrosse.
Why STX for a budget stick instead of a no-name brand? No-name “lacrosse sticks” from marketplace sellers frequently ship with illegal pockets (too deep for organized play), heads that crack in cold weather, and shafts that bend on first contact. The STX Shield 300 is a real lacrosse stick, legal for organized play, with STX’s consistent manufacturing behind it. The Shield 300’s shaft is heavier than the Stallion 50 — which makes the stick feel slower and tires younger players out faster. The mesh is lower quality and will need replacing sooner. But for a first month of clinics or a trial season, it’s the responsible minimum.
Pros
- Lowest responsible price for a legitimate lacrosse stick
- STX manufacturing — consistent quality, legal pocket out of the box
- Fine for clinics, tryouts, or a trial season
Cons
- Heavier shaft slows swing speed development
- Lower-quality mesh needs replacing sooner
- Upgrade to the Stallion 50 if they commit to a full season
What Position Are You Playing? (It Affects Your Stick Choice)
If you’re completely new to lacrosse, here’s a 60-second position overview that will make your gear decision much easier:
⚡ Lacrosse Positions — What You Need to Know
- Attack (3 players): Stay near the opponent’s goal. Your job is to score. You need a short stick with a tight pocket for accurate shooting and ball security through checks. Best picks: Maverik Charger or Warrior Burn Jr.
- Midfield (3 players): Run the full field. Play both offense and defense. You need a versatile stick — not too narrow, not too wide. Best pick: STX Stallion 50 or Maverik Charger.
- Defense (3 players): Guard the goal. Defense players use a long pole — a 60-inch shaft instead of the standard 30-inch. Long poles are NOT sold as complete sticks. See our Best Lacrosse Heads guide for defensive head options.
- Goalie (1 player): Requires a specialized wide-face goalie head. Not covered in this guide.
- Don’t know yet? Buy the STX Stallion 50. It’s the most position-neutral beginner stick available. Position gets figured out after a season.
Comparison Table: Best Beginner Lacrosse Sticks
| Stick | Price | Best For | Head Style | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STX Stallion 50 | ~$50 | All beginners | Wide, forgiving | 🏆 Best Overall |
| Maverik Charger | ~$55 | Attack / Midfield | Moderate offset, channel | Best Value |
| StringKing Complete 2 Jr | ~$65 | Youth U10–U13 | Youth-sized, best mesh | Best for Youth |
| Warrior Burn Jr | ~$60 | Attackmen | Narrow, high offset | Best for Attack |
| STX Shield 300 | ~$40 | Trial / first month | Wide, legal pocket | Best Budget |
How to Pick the Right Beginner Stick
Step 1: Know the Age and Size
This is the most important decision and the most often overlooked.
- Under 13 (U10, U12, U13 leagues): Get a youth-sized complete stick. The StringKing Complete 2 Junior is the best option.
- High School Attack and Midfield: Standard complete stick, 40–42 inches total. The Stallion 50 or Maverik Charger.
- High School Defense: Long pole — a different product not covered by complete sticks. See our lacrosse heads guide.
Step 2: Know (or Guess) the Position
If your kid’s coach has assigned a position, use the position guide above. If they haven’t been assigned yet — common in U10 and recreational leagues — buy the STX Stallion 50. It won’t hold them back at the beginner level regardless of where they end up playing.
Step 3: Don’t Overthink the Mesh
Every complete stick on this list ships with a pre-strung, game-legal pocket. The mesh loosens slightly over the first few weeks as it breaks in — that’s normal. If you notice significant pocket problems after 3–6 months, a local lacrosse shop can restring a head for $15–$25.
What to Avoid
Avoid no-name complete sticks sold on marketplaces for under $25. Many ship with pockets that are illegal for organized play, heads that crack in cold weather, and shafts that bend on first contact. The STX Shield 300 at $35–$40 is the legitimate floor.
What Else Does a Beginner Need?
A stick is just the start. For organized lacrosse play, here’s the minimum gear required — most leagues enforce all of this:
✅ Beginner Lacrosse Gear Checklist (Men’s/Boys’)
- Helmet — NOCSAE-certified, required for all sanctioned play. Non-negotiable. See our Best Lacrosse Helmets guide — the Cascade CS-R is the right call for most players.
- Gloves — Protect hands from stick checks. See our Best Lacrosse Gloves guide.
- Arm Pads — Cover forearms from checks. Required in most youth and high school leagues.
- Shoulder Pads — Protect shoulders and chest. Required at most levels.
- Mouthguard — Required in all sanctioned play. A basic $5 mouthguard is fine to start.
- Cleats — Football or soccer cleats work. Lacrosse-specific cleats aren’t necessary in year one. See our Best Lacrosse Cleats guide.
- Athletic Cup — Required at most levels for boys.
Total beginner gear budget: Expect $150–$250 for everything including the stick. The helmet is the most expensive single item (budget $120–$150 for a Cascade CS-R). Everything else is manageable.
FAQ: Beginner Lacrosse Sticks
What is the best lacrosse stick for a first-year player?
The STX Stallion 50 Complete Stick for most players — wide head, forgiving pocket, durable shaft, priced right. For players under 13, get the StringKing Complete 2 Junior for proper youth sizing.
What does “complete stick” mean in lacrosse?
A complete stick means the head, shaft, and mesh are sold together, pre-assembled and ready to play. It’s the right choice for beginners because it removes all decisions about pocket depth, mesh type, and shaft compatibility that don’t matter in year one.
How much should I spend on a first lacrosse stick?
$45–$65 is the right range. Below $35 you’re into no-name territory that often ships with illegal pockets or gear that breaks within a month. Above $75 for a complete stick, you’re paying for features a beginner can’t feel or benefit from yet.
Do I need to restring the mesh when I buy a new stick?
No. Factory stringing on STX, Maverik, StringKing, and Warrior complete sticks is solid for beginner play. Leave it alone until you have a specific problem. Then consult a local shop or experienced player.
Is there a difference between boys’ and girls’ lacrosse sticks?
Yes — significant. Women’s lacrosse rules require a much shallower pocket depth than men’s rules. A pocket legal for boys’ play would be illegal in a girls’ game. All sticks in this guide are for men’s/boys’ lacrosse. Women’s players need a different category of stick entirely.
My kid is playing defense — what stick do they need?
Defense players use a “long pole” — a 60-inch shaft paired with a defensive head. Not sold as complete sticks. See our Best Lacrosse Heads guide for defensive recommendations.
When should a beginner upgrade from a complete stick?
After one to two seasons, once the player knows their position and has developed enough skill to feel the difference between gear. The STX Stallion 50 won’t hold a developing player back — it’s limited only when skill level genuinely outpaces what it can offer.
Key Takeaways
📋 Key Takeaways
- Buy a complete stick. Head, shaft, and mesh together — no assembly, no extra decisions, no hidden costs. Always the right call for year one.
- The STX Stallion 50 is the default answer for most beginners. Wide head, forgiving pocket, proven durability.
- If your kid is under 13, size matters more than brand. Get the StringKing Complete 2 Junior — proper youth sizing prevents bad mechanics from forming.
- If your kid is playing attack, consider the Maverik Charger or Warrior Burn Jr to start building position-specific mechanics earlier.
- Defense players need a long pole — a completely different product. Don’t buy a complete stick for a defensive player.
- Don’t spend more than $65 on a first stick. The difference between $65 and $150 is imperceptible to a beginning player.
- The stick is just the start. Budget $150–$250 total for all required gear including helmet, gloves, arm pads, and shoulder pads.
Final Verdict
For 90% of beginning lacrosse players, the decision is simple: buy the STX Stallion 50 Complete Stick. It’s the most forgiving beginner head on the market, made by the most trusted name in lacrosse, at the right price for a first-year purchase.
If your player is under 13, get the StringKing Complete 2 Junior — proper sizing beats every other consideration at that age. If they’re definitely playing attack and want to build position mechanics from day one, the Warrior Burn Jr Complete is the right call. If you’re on a pure budget or testing the waters, the STX Shield 300 is the legitimate minimum.
One rule applies to all of it: don’t buy an uncertified stick or a no-name brand to save $15. Inconsistent pocket depths create bad throwing habits, and cheap heads crack within weeks. The sticks on this list are the floor for responsible beginner purchases.
Our Top Pick for Beginners
STX Stallion 50 Complete Lacrosse Stick — Most forgiving head, consistent factory pocket, multi-season durability.
