As a lacrosse player or parent you might ask, which is better - a carbon fiber lacrosse shaft or a metal lacrosse shaft? Watch our video as our Product Manager, Brandon Butler explains the main points of difference between a men's metal lacrosse shaft and a composite lacrosse shaft.
BEST CARBON COMPOSITE LACROSSE SHAFTS 2020
To start, let's break down the carbon composite lacrosse handle market. The majority of these handles are advanced carbon-fiber technology that delivers superior strength to weight ratio and can perform in almost any weather condition. These are some of the biggest players in the carbon composite lacrosse shaft market and these shafts are some of our Lax.com Pro's favorites:
EPOCH LACROSSE
ECD LACROSSE
NIKE LACROSSE
Epoch lacrosse was a leader in producing carbon men's lacrosse shafts and is one of our best selling brands for men's carbon composite lacrosse shafts because of the technology that they include in their product. Epoch has developed the Epoch Dragonfly in different types of lacrosse shafts for different types of players. IQ9 was made for the advancing youth; IQ5 is for all levels of a player shooting between 70-90 MPH, and IQ2 was designed for HS & College players shooting over 90 MPH. The “C ” the shape is the most popular shaft shape since it is a traditional concave. To see our full selection of Epoch lacrosse shafts click here.
SHOP EPOCH DRAGONFLY
EPOCH DRAGONFLY PRO
ECD Lacrosse offers an extensive line of carbon shaft choices and are top choices for all types of players. Our Pro's favorite is the ECD Carbon Pro 2.0, which comes in differnt types based off your playing style. First off the "speed" is for attackmen and middies that like a high flex to help them inprove their shot speed. The "power" is a stiffer carbon shaft for D-middies looking for a little more strength on the defensive side of the field and step-down shooters looking for a low flex-point on the shaft. The ECD Carbon Pro 2.0 lacrosse shaft features kick point technology which allows the shooter to have a little extra pop at the end of the shot. The ECD Carbon 2.0 is a good value, and a good choice for advancing youth players that want a light carbon shaft to improve their shooting abilities. See all the ECD lacrosse shafts by clicking here.
SHOP ECD CARBON PRO 2.0
SHOP ECD CARBON 2.0
The Nike Vapor carbon composite men's lacrosse shaft is a lightweight option that has a slightly gritty textured grip. This shaft comes in both attack and defense and is perfect for any level of player. These shafts are made light enough so that even younger players, who are learning to grow their game can improve and benefit from the flex technology. You can purchase either version by visiting Lax.com.
SHOP NIKE SHAFTS
BEST METAL LACROSSE SHAFTS 2020
Metal lacrosse shafts come in 4 basic configurations with regards to their mixtures of metals which include: Alloy, Titanium, Scandium, & Krypto Alloy. The manufacturers essentially mix many of these metals to achieve different strength to weight ratios, as well as price points. The shafts that have the most expensive materials, like titanium and scandium, deliver the best in class weight and strength that elite level players demand. Some of the other aluminum mixes come out a bit heavier and are suitable for newer players who don't want to invest in a metal shaft until they are sure they like the feel of it. As a general rule, ask any coach or serious player, and they will advise you to get the LIGHTEST POSSIBLE SHAFT YOU CAN AFFORD THAT WILL STAND UP TO THE LEVEL OF PLAY FOR YOUR AGE AND ABILITY. This rule holds true, especially for advancing youth players. You want the entire stick to be as light as possible to foster easier ball handling, and that always starts with the shaft. The good news is that in recent years, many manufacturers have come out with a host of ultra-light shafts that won’t break the bank. Here is a list of our Pro's picks for some of the best metal lacrosse shafts.
MAVERIK LACROSSE
STX LACROSSE
STRINGKING LACROSSE
Maverik makes some of the best metal options available. They use some of the best materials in the game, Scandium-Titanium alloy to make their signature Military Grade strength. One of our Pro's favorites is the Apollo lacrosse shaft. This is the lightest shaft in the Maverik family and delivers maximum shot velocity. Another Pro favorite is the Maverik A1 lacrosse shaft. This shaft is an offensive weapon and is made with Scandium alloy and has a thinner wall thickness for an extremely lightweight feel. You really can't go wrong with any of the metal lacrosse shafts in the Maverik family. They are all time tested and Pro approved.
SHOP MAVERIK METAL SHAFTS
The STX Sc-Ti S alloy lacrosse shaft is primarily coveted by attackmen and youth/high school 2-way middies that want the lightest feeling shaft on the market but can take the punishment. The new S-Grip profile provides two grip profiles on the shaft for stronger cradling and better feel. Likely the best strength to weight ratio in the game, this shaft is designed to stand up to the punishment of advanced youth and high school play as well as compete at the top end of the game. Super simple graphics and no-frills design let your play do the talking. The STX Sc-Ti alloy shaft series is the real deal and Sc-Ti technology has been a proven winner year in and year out. Our Pro's like the S-Grip profile which optimizes any style of grip, so you will have excellent feel and control of the stick. The Max sandblast provides a non-slip surface, ideal for all conditions. The new Elite End Cap is lightweight and a durable alternative to tape.
SHOP STX SC-TI SHAFTS
OFFENSE 30in
DEFENSE 60in
StringKing metal lacrosse shafts are designed for every type of player. Our Pro's really like the StringKing Metal 3 PRO lacrosse shaft for advancing youth and players just starting out in the game. StringKing makes their shafts in different weights which are specific to age and style of play. You can choose a lacrosse shaft that is best for you based off your height and weight.
SHOP STRINGKING METAL 3 PRO SHAFTS
So the question is carbon composite or metal? Our Lax Pro's believe that most advancing youth players will benefit from the light-weight consistency of metal shafts. Once you start to shoot over 80 MPH, its time to explore carbon composite and see if it fits your game. Most defensive players opt for the strength and stiffness of metal, but those who tend to bend a lot of metal poles will revert to carbon as it does not bend, it only snaps. Questions? Talk to a Pro, 855-255-5294.
