Every parent hits the same wall: your kid just started lacrosse, or just moved up an age group, and now you need a stick before the first practice. You Google “best lacrosse stick under $100” and get buried in options that all claim to be the one. I’ve been through this from both sides — as a player who started on a cheap stick and as someone who’s watched plenty of teammates get talked into gear that didn’t fit their game or their budget.
The good news: under $100 is not the compromise tier anymore. STX and StringKing both build complete sticks at this price specifically for players who are learning, not competing for a varsity starting spot — and for that job, they’re genuinely good.
We checked stock, pricing, and specs on the complete sticks worth buying right now and narrowed it down to five, each built for a slightly different situation: full-size vs. junior, true beginner vs. a kid who already knows they play attack. Whether you’re outfitting a first-timer or replacing a stick your player has outgrown, one of these fits.
⚡ Quick Picks — Best Lacrosse Sticks Under $100
🥇 Best Overall: STX Stallion 50 — Check Price on Amazon →
🏟️ Best Full-Size Stick: STX Stallion 200 A/M — Check Price on Amazon →
🎯 Best Factory Pocket (Attack): StringKing Boy’s Starter Attack — Check Price on Amazon →
💰 Best Junior Budget Pick: STX Stallion 300 Junior — Check Price on Amazon →
🌱 Best for 10U / Smallest Players: StringKing Boy’s Starter Junior — Check Price on Amazon →
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At a Glance — Best Lacrosse Sticks Under $100
| Stick | Best For | Size | Strength | Weakness | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STX Stallion 50 | True beginners, any position | 39″ full-size | Cheapest, forgiving, easy to learn on | Soft head won’t hold an advanced pocket | $ | View → |
| STX Stallion 200 A/M | Attack/mid, first real season | Full-size | Elite-inspired head, NCAA/NFHS legal | Alloy handle is heavier than composite | $ | View → |
| StringKing Starter Attack | Beginner attack players | Full-size | Elite factory pocket, no break-in | Priciest pick on this list | $$ | View → |
| STX Stallion 300 Junior | 10U trial players | Junior only | Pocket Sync keeps pocket consistent | Junior-sized — gets outgrown | $–$$ | View → |
| StringKing Starter Junior | 10U, smallest players | 28″ shaft | Built specifically for small hands/frames | Shaft is too short once they grow | $$ | View → |
$ = under $50–55 | $$ = $65–100. Amazon pricing on complete sticks moves a lot — the Stallion 300 Junior in particular has swung between roughly $50 and $72 in recent weeks. Always check the live price on the link before buying.
How We Chose These Lacrosse Sticks
We evaluated each complete stick on five criteria: build quality at the price, how forgiving the head and pocket are for a new player, size fit by age group, whether it’s NCAA/NFHS rules-legal, and value against sticks costing twice as much. We stuck to two brands — STX and StringKing — because at this price point, off-brand complete sticks are where quality corners get cut hardest. No product paid for its placement here.
The 5 Best Lacrosse Sticks Under $100 in 2026
1. STX Stallion 50 — Best Overall
Best for: A true first-time player, any position
The Stallion 50 is the stick I point parents to first, and it’s not close. It’s the cheapest complete stick on this list, it’s full-size at 39 inches, and it’s built around a soft, forgiving head that’s designed to help a brand-new player catch and cradle instead of fighting the equipment. Soft mesh comes pre-strung, so it’s field-ready out of the box.
This isn’t a stick built to impress anyone at tryouts. It’s built to get a kid through their first season without frustration, and it does that job better than anything else near its price.
- ✅ Cheapest full-size complete stick worth buying — nothing else at this price is as reliable
- ✅ Soft head is genuinely forgiving on catches, which matters more than anything else for a beginner
- ✅ Shorter, thinner handle makes it easier for a smaller player to control
- ⚠️ The soft head material won’t hold a tight, advanced pocket shape — expect to upgrade once your player is actually competing for playing time
- ⚠️ The stock mesh is basic and will need re-stringing sooner than the pricier picks here
Buy this if: Your player is brand new to lacrosse and you don’t yet know if the sport is going to stick.
Skip this if: Your player already has a season under their belt and is developing real stick skills — go with the Stallion 200 instead.
2. STX Stallion 200 A/M — Best Full-Size Stick
Best for: Attack and midfield players heading into their first real season
The Stallion 200 is a step up from the Stallion 50 without leaving the under-$100 bracket. The head design borrows from STX’s elite Stallion U550 — a head players actually pay real money for — and pairs it with a new-generation STX 6000 series alloy handle instead of the more basic hardware you’d find on a true entry-level stick. It’s NCAA and NFHS legal, so there’s no rules risk at any level your player might move up to.
The trade-off for the better head design is weight. Alloy handles are simply heavier than the composite shafts on premium sticks, and a player will feel that after a long practice. For a beginner or intermediate player, that’s a minor issue; for someone chasing every ounce of quickness, it’s the reason to eventually upgrade.
- ✅ Head geometry is inspired by a genuinely elite STX design, not a generic entry-level shape
- ✅ NCAA and NFHS rules-legal — no surprises moving up to school ball
- ✅ Soft mesh stringing means easy catching while skills are still developing
- ⚠️ Alloy handle adds noticeable weight compared to composite shafts on pricier sticks
- ⚠️ Stock availability on this one has been tight — if it’s showing low stock, don’t wait to decide
Buy this if: Your player has played at least a season and needs a full-size stick with a more capable head.
Skip this if: Weight is a priority for a faster, more experienced player — that’s a job for a composite-shaft stick above $100.
3. StringKing Boy’s Starter Attack — Best Factory Pocket
Best for: A beginner who’s already decided they’re playing attack
StringKing built the Starter Attack around one idea: a new player shouldn’t have to think about their stick at all. The head, pocket, and shaft are engineered together as one system rather than assembled from generic parts, and the pocket comes factory-strung and ready to play — no two-week break-in period where every pass sails wide. StringKing also backs it with a real warranty: if it breaks during the warranty period, they replace it.
It sits right at the top of the “under $100” bracket, which is the honest downside. You’re paying close to double what the Stallion 50 costs for a stick that’s still built for a beginner — the difference is pocket consistency, not skill ceiling.
- ✅ Factory pocket performs consistently out of the box — genuinely no break-in needed
- ✅ Head, pocket, and shaft are matched to work together, not just bundled
- ✅ Warranty replacement if the stick breaks — rare at this price
- ⚠️ At just under $100, it’s the most expensive stick on this list by a wide margin
- ⚠️ Built specifically around attack play — not the pick if your player hasn’t settled on a position yet
Buy this if: You want the most consistent out-of-box pocket and your player is committed to attack.
Skip this if: Budget is the main concern, or your player’s position isn’t set yet — the Stallion 50 covers more ground for less money.
4. STX Stallion 300 Junior — Best Junior Budget Pick
Best for: 10U players who are still growing and don’t need a full-size stick yet
The Stallion 300 Junior is built around STX’s Pocket Sync system, which locks the pocket in place so it holds its shape instead of drifting loose the way basic junior mesh often does — a bigger deal than it sounds for a player who’s still learning what a consistent pocket even feels like. The open-face head shape is deliberately simple, built to teach fundamentals rather than reward advanced stick tricks nobody at this age is doing yet.
One thing to check first: this is a junior-length stick, which makes it legal for 10U play but short of the 40-inch minimum that kicks in at 12U. If your player is moving up an age group, see our lacrosse stick size chart by age before buying.
The catch is right there in the name: this is a junior-sized stick. It’s not a scaled-down version of a full-size stick — it’s built for a smaller frame, and a growing 10- or 11-year-old will outgrow it within a season or two. Buy it knowing a full-size replacement is coming.
- ✅ Pocket Sync keeps the pocket consistent with minimal maintenance
- ✅ Open-face head design is genuinely beginner-friendly, not just marketed that way
- ✅ One of the cheapest complete sticks on this entire list
- ⚠️ Junior-sized only — this isn’t a long-term stick for a player who’s still growing
- ⚠️ Alloy handle, so it’s not the lightest option even at junior length
Buy this if: Your 10U player needs an affordable stick to develop on before a full-size upgrade.
Skip this if: Your player is already full-size or close to it — get the Stallion 50 or Stallion 200 instead so you’re not buying twice.
5. StringKing Boy’s Starter Junior — Best for 10U / Smallest Players
Best for: The youngest players just starting out, roughly 10U and under
Most “junior” sticks are just shorter versions of a full-size design. The Starter Junior is built from the ground up for the smallest players on the field, with a 28-inch shaft — noticeably shorter than the standard junior length — so a kid who’s still working on the basics isn’t wrestling a stick that’s too long and too heavy for their frame. Same StringKing approach as the Starter Attack: head, pocket, and shaft engineered as one matched system, factory-strung, and backed by a warranty.
The short shaft is the whole point, but it’s also a hard limit — this stick has a shelf life measured in one or two seasons before your player needs something longer.
- ✅ 28-inch shaft is genuinely sized for the smallest players, not just marketed that way
- ✅ Factory pocket needs no break-in, same as the Starter Attack
- ✅ Warranty replacement if it breaks
- ⚠️ The short shaft means this stick gets outgrown fast — budget for a replacement within a season or two
- ⚠️ More expensive than the Stallion 300 Junior for a similar shelf life
Buy this if: Your player is 10U or smaller and struggling to control a standard-length stick.
Skip this if: Your player is moving up to 12U — at that level only a full-size stick is legal.
How to Choose a Lacrosse Stick Under $100
Size and Age Fit
This is the decision that matters most at this price. Junior sticks (28″–37″ range) are built for smaller frames and get outgrown — often within a season or two of steady growth. Full-size sticks (39″–42″) are the long-term buy once a player has the height and strength for one. Don’t buy full-size “so they’ll grow into it” — an oversized stick is genuinely harder to control and will slow down skill development, not speed it up.
Factory Pocket vs. “You’ll Restring It Eventually”
Every stick on this list comes pre-strung and playable out of the box, but the quality of that stringing varies. StringKing’s Starter series is engineered as a matched system specifically so the factory pocket performs like a hand-strung one — that’s what you’re paying the premium for. The STX picks use simpler stock mesh that works fine for learning but will loosen up and need attention sooner.
Alloy vs. Composite Handles
Every stick under $100 on this list uses an alloy handle, not composite. Alloy is heavier but tougher and cheaper to produce — exactly the right trade-off for a beginner who’s going to drop, whip, and occasionally throw their stick in frustration. Composite shafts get lighter and stiffer as the price climbs past $100, which is a real upgrade once a player’s skill level catches up to needing it.
What Not to Expect at This Price
Be honest about what under-$100 buys you: a solid, rules-legal, learn-the-game stick — not tournament-level channel control or a head that holds an elite pocket shape for years. That’s not a knock on these sticks; it’s exactly what a beginner needs, and paying more before a player knows their position and style is usually money wasted.
Rules Legality
Stick with recognized brands at this price. STX and StringKing complete sticks in this guide meet NCAA and NFHS specifications, so there’s no risk of showing up to a school tryout with illegal equipment. Cheaper off-brand complete sticks are where that guarantee tends to disappear.
Best Lacrosse Stick Under $100 by Player Type
Best for a True Beginner (Any Position): STX Stallion 50 — Check Price →
The cheapest way to find out if the sport is going to stick, without cutting real corners.
Best for an Attack-Focused Beginner: StringKing Boy’s Starter Attack — Check Price →
The factory pocket is the most game-ready of anything on this list.
Best for a Growing 10U Player: STX Stallion 300 Junior — Check Price →
Affordable enough that outgrowing it in a year doesn’t sting.
Best for the Smallest Players (10U): StringKing Boy’s Starter Junior — Check Price →
The short 28″ shaft actually fits a small player instead of overwhelming them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying a full-size stick “to grow into.” An oversized stick is harder to control, not a smart long-term investment. Buy for the player’s current size and plan on a follow-up purchase as they grow — that’s normal, not wasteful.
Assuming a $50 stick should perform like a $200 stick. The head material, mesh quality, and handle weight are all lighter-duty by design at this price. That’s the correct trade-off for a beginner — it becomes a problem only if you expect tournament-level performance from a learning stick.
Ignoring rules legality to save a few dollars. Off-brand complete sticks under $50 sometimes aren’t NCAA/NFHS legal, which means a coach can bench a player over equipment. Sticking with STX or StringKing at this price removes that risk entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best lacrosse stick under $100 for a true beginner?
The STX Stallion 50 is the one we’d start with. It’s the cheapest full-size complete stick worth buying, and the soft head is genuinely built to help a new player catch and cradle instead of fighting the equipment.
Is a junior stick different from a full-size stick, or just shorter?
It’s more than just length. Junior sticks like the Stallion 300 Junior and StringKing Starter Junior use shorter, lighter shafts and are proportioned for a smaller frame — they’re not simply cut-down versions of full-size sticks. A player who’s grown past junior sizing will feel cramped, not just “due for a bigger stick.”
Will a $50 stick hold up for a full season?
Yes, for the use case it’s built for. These sticks are designed for practice reps and rec or youth-league games, not daily elite training. Expect to re-tension or restring the mesh at some point during a full season — that’s normal maintenance, not a sign the stick is failing.
Can I restring a budget complete stick with better mesh later?
Yes. Every stick here uses a standard head that can be restrung once a player outgrows the stock mesh or wants a tighter pocket. It’s a cheap way to extend the life of the STX picks in particular before buying an entirely new stick.
What’s the real difference between the Stallion 50 and Stallion 200?
The Stallion 200’s head design is inspired by STX’s elite Stallion U550, which gives it better shape retention and a more advanced feel than the Stallion 50’s softer, more basic head. For a true first-timer, that difference won’t matter. For a player who’s already played a season, it will.
Our Verdict
For most players just starting out, the STX Stallion 50 is the stick to buy. It’s the cheapest full-size complete stick on this list, it’s forgiving enough for a true beginner, and it’s the same stick we recommend across our other beginner guides for a reason. Check Price on Amazon →
Already know they play attack? The StringKing Boy’s Starter Attack gets you the most game-ready factory pocket in this price range. Check Price →
Buying for a smaller or younger player? Match the size first — the Stallion 300 Junior or StringKing Starter Junior will fit better than any full-size stick. Check Price →
Related Guides
- Best Lacrosse Sticks for Beginners
- Best Youth Lacrosse Sticks
- Best Lacrosse Shafts Under $100
- Complete Lacrosse Gear Checklist
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