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A complete stick from STX’s Crux line. Fully strung. About $150.
Check Price on Amazon →In This Guide
Last Updated: August 2026 | By LPT
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Quick Answer: The STX Crux 400 Aline is the best women’s lacrosse stick overall, fully strung, about $150. Best value: STX Exult Rise. Best beginner stick: STX Fortress 300.
Quick Picks: Best Women’s Lacrosse Sticks 2026
| Stick | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| STX Crux 400 Aline Complete | Best overall, attack/midfield | Check Price → |
| STX Exult Rise Complete | All-around play, great value | Check Price → |
| STX Fortress 300 | Beginners and youth players | Check Price → |
| STX Crux Core Girls Complete | About $150 | Check Price → |
Women’s vs. Men’s Lacrosse Sticks: What’s Different
⚠️ You Cannot Use a Men’s Stick in Women’s Lacrosse
Women’s lacrosse has specific pocket depth rules: the ball must sit at or above the bottom edge of the sidewall. Men’s sticks have much deeper pockets and don’t meet women’s legal requirements. Officials check pockets before games, using an illegal stick results in mandatory restringing or equipment swap before you can play.
Women’s lacrosse sticks have a shallower pocket than men’s sticks, this is a rule, not a preference. This makes catching and cradling technique more important than in the men’s game. Women’s sticks are also slightly longer overall (35.5″-43.25″ including head) and the heads are slightly wider on average.
Complete Sticks vs. Building Your Own
For beginners, a complete stick (head + shaft + stringing already done) is the right move. It’s cheaper, legal, and you can focus on learning the game instead of debating pocket depth. Once you’ve played a full season and know your position and style, it makes sense to buy a head and shaft separately and have the pocket custom-strung.
The one to buy
If you are past your first season and want one stick for the year, buy this one. It ships fully strung, so there is nothing to string and nothing else to buy. Buying for a first-year player instead? Do not overspend, go to the Fortress 300 below.
STX Crux 400 Aline
Best overall Attack and midfield Fully strung
$150
A complete stick from STX’s Crux line, fully strung out of the box, at about $150. If you are a midfielder or attackwoman who wants one stick for the season, this is the pick.
Check Price on Amazon- Good. Ships fully strung, no restringing needed
- Good. One purchase, no separate head and shaft to buy
- Trade off. Premium price, not a beginner investment
The other two
Tap a row to check its price on Amazon, or open the note to see who the stick is for and where it gives something up.
STX Exult Rise
~$50-80
Best value All-around play Complete stick
Why this one
The best bang-for-buck women’s complete stick. The head is durable, the pocket is easy to break in, and the shaft has enough stiffness for solid passing. If you are buying for a player who is committed but not ready to drop about $150 on a Crux, this is the call.
- Good. Easy break-in, playable quickly out of the box
- Good. Durable for a full season of hard use
- Trade off. Slightly heavier shaft
STX Fortress 300
~$50-70
Beginners Widest face Fully strung
Why this one
Designed for new players. Cheaper than the Crux but still legal, and it comes fully strung. The wider face makes catching easier while you are still developing mechanics. Once you outgrow it in a season or two, sell it and upgrade.
- Good. Widest catching face, most forgiving for new players
- Good. Legal out of the box, no restringing needed
- Trade off. Entry-level quality, plan to upgrade after 1-2 seasons
Choosing by Position
Women’s Lacrosse Position Guide
Attack: Lighter, stiffer sticks for quick cradling and shooting.
Midfield: Durability for ground balls and transition, the STX Exult Rise handles this well.
Defense: Longer, stiffer shaft to match checking style, same heads work, prioritize shaft stiffness.
Goalie: Requires a specific goalie head with a wider face. This guide covers field player sticks, goalies should look at a dedicated goalie stick.
FAQ: Women’s Lacrosse Sticks
What is the difference between women’s and men’s lacrosse sticks?
Women’s lacrosse heads have a shallower, more open pocket as required by rules, the ball sits higher and more exposed. Women’s heads are also typically lighter. Men’s sticks have deeper pockets and more offset. Women’s and men’s sticks are not interchangeable, women’s rules specifically require women’s-legal heads and pocket depth.
What length stick do women’s lacrosse players use?
Women’s lacrosse sticks are 35.5-43.25 inches overall for field players. Goalies may use sticks 35.5-52 inches. Unlike men’s, women don’t use long poles, all field players use the same length range. Most adult women players play with sticks in the 40-42 inch range.
What mesh type is best for a women’s lacrosse stick?
Women’s rules require a specific pocket depth, so mesh type affects legality as much as performance. 6-diamond or 8-diamond mesh is common in women’s sticks. Most beginners do best with hard mesh, it holds pocket shape and depth better, reducing the chance of going illegal mid-season.
Can a beginner use any women’s lacrosse stick?
Any WLAX-legal stick works, but lighter pre-strung complete sticks from STX or Maverik are the most user-friendly starting points. Avoid heads strung with ultra-tight defensive pockets, beginners need an easier catching surface. The STX Fortress 300 and STX Exult Rise are frequently recommended by coaches for first-year players.
How do I know if my women’s lacrosse pocket is legal?
Place the ball in the pocket and hold the stick vertically. If the top of the ball sits at or above the bottom edge of the sidewall, the pocket is legal. If the ball drops below the sidewall, it’s too deep and illegal. Officials check this regularly at games, an illegal pocket means you must restring or swap equipment before playing.
Key Takeaways
📋 Key Takeaways
- The STX Crux 400 Aline is the best women’s lacrosse stick here for experienced players. Fully strung, about $150. Worth the premium for any player past their first year.
- Mid-tier player? The STX Exult Rise is the best value. Durable, solid for ground balls and transition play.
- Beginners: start with the STX Fortress 300 and upgrade after a season. Wide face makes catching forgiving. Don’t overspend until you know your position and style.
- You cannot use a men’s stick in women’s lacrosse. Pocket depth rules are different and officials check. Always use a women’s-legal head with a legal pocket depth.
- Pocket legality is your ongoing responsibility. Know the test, ball at or above the bottom sidewall edge when held vertically. Check regularly, especially after mesh stretches in.
📖 Related Guides
Looking to expand your gear knowledge? Our guides to the best lacrosse sticks for beginners and best lacrosse gloves cover everything you need. For carrying your gear, check our picks for the best lacrosse bags.
