Breaking Down Lacrosse Shaft Materials: Which One Suits You?
Choosing a lacrosse handle these days can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
This article is intended to give you a look at the different options and materials used in lacrosse shafts on the market and hopefully give you some helpful advice in making sure you make the best decision for you.
Carbon Composite Shafts:
Carbon composite shafts have gained immense popularity in recent years for their unique blend of lightweight performance and flexibility. They are the preferred choice for players seeking enhanced agility, quicker movements, and added power to their shots and passes. However, it's essential to consider their tendency to break catastrophically vs. denting or bending like metal shafts. Despite this drawback, high-quality carbon composite shafts, such as Primo's offerings, are engineered to withstand intense gameplay without compromising on performance.
Things To Watch Out For When Shopping For Carbon Composite Shafts:
When considering carbon composite shafts, it's essential to be aware of some common pitfalls found in cheaper options on the market. Some manufacturers cut corners by using lower-grade materials such as fiberglass to reduce costs. These cheaper materials may result in shafts that lack the desired strength and durability required for intense gameplay.
Additionally, the choice of resin system used in the manufacturing process significantly impacts the overall quality of the shaft. Cheaper resin systems may be less durable, leading to a higher likelihood of breakage during play.
When seeking a shaft to optimize your performance on the field, it's crucial to invest in a carbon composite shaft that offers a perfect balance of lightweight performance and exceptional durability. A well-designed and high-quality carbon composite shaft will elevate your game and withstand the demands of competitive play.
Carbon Composite Shafts: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight: Typically lighter then metal shafts, offering enhanced agility and quicker movements.
- Flex: Have flexible properties that add power and snap to your shots and passes.
- Bend & Dent Free: Do not bend or flex like metal shafts.
- Finish Options: More versatile finish options vs. Metal Shafts (i.e. Raised Texture, Speciality Paint - grip, sand paper textures), eliminating the need for excessive tape.
- Excellent Vibration Dampening: Carbon composite shafts minimize impact vibrations and providing a smoother, more comfortable playing experience.
Cons:
- Catastrophic Failure: Prone to breaking catastrophically vs. denting/bending like metal shafts.
- Paint Chipping: Paint tends to chip over time and use.
Examples of “Elite” Carbon Composite Shafts:
Examples of “Value” Carbon Composite Shafts:
6000 Series and 7000 Series Alloys:
Metal shafts have long been a staple in the lacrosse world, providing players with robust and durable options. Among the metal shafts, two primary alloy types stand out: the 6000 series and the 7000 series.
6000 Series Alloy Shaft Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Affordable: Ideal for beginners or players on a budget, 6000 series alloy shafts offer good strength and durability for younger levels of play.
Cons:
- Heavy: Tend to be heavier compared to other materials, potentially impacting a player's feel and control on the field.
- Feel: Additionally, the increased vibrations upon ball impact may affect player comfort during intense gameplay.
Examples of 6000 alloy shafts:
7000 Series Alloy Shaft Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Durability: Good strength-to-weight ratio, making them the go-to choice for players seeking durability and lightweight performance.
- Cost: More budget friendly than high-end alloys.
Cons:
- Flex: Players may find them stiffer compared to some other materials, slightly impacting the overall feel of the shaft.
- Limited Finish Options: Most 7000 alloy shafts come with a standard sandblasted finish, which doesn’t provide much grip when playing.
Examples of 7000 Alloy Shafts:
8000 Series Alloys:
In the world of lacrosse shafts, the 8000 series is a bit of an oddity with not many lacrosse brands incorporating. While the exact composition is not fully known, this alloy combines various elements, including silicon, iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, and boron.
At the time of this writing, Maverik’s Range shaft is the only shaft on the market that claims to use an 8000 series alloy. The Maverik Range claims to deliver “an elite strength-to-weight ratio at an ultimate value.”
While these claims are not fully measurable based on the limited info provide, they are at least priced on the lower end ($69.99) and could be a good option for those that prefer a metal shaft.
8000 Alloy Shaft Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Potential Performance Benefits: 8000 series alloys, which are made with slightly different ingredients than regular aluminum, might be able to withstand stress and pressure better. This could mean that the shafts made with these alloys could last longer and stay in good shape even after lots of use on the lacrosse field.
- Priced for Value: At only $69.99 the Maverik Range shaft won’t break the bank and could be worth experimenting with for those that prefer a metal shaft.
Cons:
- Limited Information: Unlike well-established alloys, there is not much publicly available information about the exact composition and performance of 8000 series alloy shafts. As a result, players might feel uncertain about their characteristics and long-term durability.
- Relatively New: Being a relatively new material, players might be hesitant to adopt 8000 alloy shafts until more research and real-world testing confirm their reliability and benefits.
- Less Prevalent: As 8000 series alloy shafts are still gaining traction in the market, they might not be as widely available as more traditional aluminum and composite shafts, limiting the range of options for players.
9000 Series Alloys:
Similar to the 8000 series, the 9000 series alloy used in lacrosse shafts is a bit of a mystery. Unlike other known alloys, we don't have much information about its exact composition and performance. It's like an uncharted territory in the world of lacrosse shaft materials. While it might sound exciting to try something new and cutting-edge, some players might prefer sticking to what they know and understand better. As more research is done, we might uncover its full potential, but for now, it's a bit unknown and may not be the first choice for players who want a more well-established option.
Also like the 8000 series, while the 9000 series alloy is relatively unknown in the world of lacrosse shafts, Maverik is a primary brand that claims to use it in their shafts.
The Maverik Wonderboy, which incorporates the 9000 series alloy, has been a staple in Maverik's lineup and remains a popular choice among players. While the alloy's specific performance is not well-documented, its association with a reputable brand makes it an intriguing option for players looking to try something new. However, some players may prefer more established materials with known characteristics until further research unveils the full potential of the 9000 series alloy.
9000 Series Alloy Shaft Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Possibility of Unique Performance: The unknown composition could lead to unique characteristics, providing players with a different feel and performance on the field.
- Maverik's Wonderboy Shaft: Maverik, a reputable lacrosse brand, has embraced the 9000 series alloy in their Wonderboy shaft. This means that players can trust a well-established brand when trying out this material.
Cons:
- Limited Information:The lack of detailed information about the exact composition and performance of the 9000 series alloy may leave players uncertain about its specific characteristics and benefits.
- Preference for Familiar Materials: Some players might prefer to stick with well-established alloys, like the 6000 and 7000 series, that they are familiar with and have a proven track record.
- Risk of Disappointment: Since the full potential of the 9000 series alloy is still unknown, players might find that it doesn't meet their expectations or perform as well as more established options.
In conclusion, the 9000 series alloy used in lacrosse shafts holds both excitement and uncertainty. While it presents the opportunity for groundbreaking advancements in shaft technology, it also comes with the risk of unknown performance. Players who are eager to explore new possibilities and trust Maverik's Wonderboy shaft might find it an appealing choice. However, those seeking a more proven and well-established option may prefer to stick with traditional materials until more research sheds light on the full potential of the 9000 series alloy.
Titanium Shafts:
Titanium shafts are known for their unparalleled durability and ability to withstand high-impact collisions. Their robust construction makes them the go-to choice for players seeking gear that can endure the toughest challenges. However, the trade-off is their weight, as titanium shafts tend to be heavier, which may affect a player's maneuverability on the field.
Titanium shafts used to dominate the lacrosse world, when Warrior introduced them in the early ninety’s. However, true titanium shafts are an oddity in today’s market and no one appears to be producing a true titanium shaft in the market anymore.
There are plenty of shafts on the market that utilize titanium in the name, such as STX’s Sc-Ti line and Savage X Lacrosse’s Titanium 7, but these shafts are predominantly made out of alloy with very little titanium included (less than 1%).
Warrior did do a limited release of their Titan Classic handle a couple of years ago, but even with that new release these are pretty difficult to find and if you do find one, expect to pay a pretty penny.
Your best chances to find these are sites like Sideline Swap, ebay, and scouring your local craigslist postings.
Below is a list of some the classic true titanium handles that are no longer in production today. If you do come across one, we highly recommend picking one up because are very much an oddity and can become a collectors item.
- Brine Ultra Ti
- STX Titanium
- Warrior Levitation
- Warrior Titan Classic
- Brine Power Grip Ti
- Brine Ti Flip-Grip
- Warrior Titan Pro Kevlar
- Warrior Titan Pro
Titanium Shafts: Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Superior Durability: Titanium shafts are renowned for their exceptional strength and ability to withstand high-impact collisions. They can endure the toughest challenges on the lacrosse field.
- Collectors' Item: “True” titanium shafts, like the ones produced by Warrior in the early '90s, are now rare and sought after, making them a unique find for collectors.
Cons:
- Heavier Weight: One of the main trade-offs of titanium shafts is their weight. They tend to be heavier compared to other materials, which can potentially impact a player's maneuverability during games.
- Limited Availability: True titanium shafts are no longer commonly produced in the market. While some shafts may carry the "titanium" name, they are predominantly made from other materials with very little titanium content (less than 1%).
- High Cost: If you manage to find a true titanium shaft, be prepared to pay a premium, as their rarity and collectors' value contribute to their higher price.
Scandium Titanium Alloy Shafts:
The marriage of scandium and titanium in lacrosse shafts creates lightweight powerhouses that enhance a player's speed and agility. Scandium's exceptional lightness combines with titanium's outstanding strength-to-weight ratio, resulting in a shaft that can withstand intense gameplay while being incredibly light. However, the higher cost compared to traditional alloy shafts and the limited selection of brands offering scandium titanium alloys might be factors to consider for budget-conscious players.
Scandium Titanium Alloy Shaft Pros:
- Lightweight: Scandium titanium alloy shafts are generally on the lighter side, making them ideal for lacrosse players seeking a shaft that enhances their speed and agility on the field.
- Good Strength: Despite its low weight, the scandium titanium alloy offers impressive strength and durability, ensuring the shaft can withstand intense gameplay and challenging conditions.
Titanium Scandium Shaft Cons:
- Cost: Scandium titanium alloy lacrosse shafts can be significantly more expensive than traditional alloy shafts, which might be a deterrent for budget-conscious players.
- Limited Selection: At this time there are only a handful major brands offering Scandium Titanium lacrosse shafts (STX , True, Maverick).
- Feel: As with all metal shafts, you are limited on the type of texture and coating you can apply, most options on the market feature a “sandblasted finish” which has a slight texture feel, but with the slickness of metal this can make it more challenging to get a good grip on the shaft without adding tape.
Examples of Scandium Titanium Shafts:
Scandium Alloy Shafts:
Scandium alloy shafts strike a balance between weight and strength, making them comparable to titanium in both aspects. These shafts are an excellent choice for players seeking lightweight and durable options at a more affordable price.
Pros:
- Durability: Good strength-to-weight ratio: Comparable to titanium.
- Cost: More affordable than scandium titanium alloy shafts, accessible to a broader range of players.
Cons:
- Limited Selection: Not many brands offering scandium alloy shafts.
- Grip/Finish: Slightly challenging to grip without adding tape due to the slickness of metal.
Examples of Scandium Shafts:
Choosing a Shaft Based on Position:
When selecting a lacrosse shaft, it's essential to consider the specific demands of your playing position. Different positions in both field lacrosse and box lacrosse require unique characteristics in a shaft to optimize your performance on the field.
Field Lacrosse:
Attackman & Offensive Middies:
- Players in offensive positions benefit from lighter shafts that offer enhanced maneuverability for quick dodges and accurate shots. Look for shafts with a good balance of strength and weight to maximize your agility while maintaining durability.
Two-Way Middies:
- Two-way midfielders need versatility in their shafts to excel in both offensive and defensive plays. A well-rounded shaft with a balanced weight and durability is ideal for players who transition between roles on the field.
D-Middies:
- Defensive midfielders require sturdy and durable shafts to withstand aggressive checks and ground battles. Look for shafts with exceptional strength and resilience to handle defensive duties effectively.
Long Stick Midfielders:
- Long stick midfielders have a unique skill set, as they can play both defensively and contribute to offensive plays. Look for shafts that offer a balance of strength, weight, and versatility, allowing you to excel in both roles. A sturdy and durable shaft is crucial for defensive checks and ground battles, while a shaft with enough maneuverability is advantageous when participating in offensive transitions.
Close Defensemen:
- Close defensemen need shafts with superior strength and durability to handle aggressive defensive play and checks. Look for heavy-duty shafts that can withstand intense physical contact without compromising performance.
Box Lacrosse:
Forwards:
- Box lacrosse forwards require shafts that deliver quick and powerful shots. Opt for shafts with a good balance of strength and weight to generate maximum power while maneuvering through tight spaces in the box.
Transition:
- Transition players need versatile shafts that allow quick switches between offensive and defensive roles. A shaft with moderate weight and strength provides the flexibility needed to excel in fast-paced transition plays.
Defense:
- Box lacrosse defensemen need shafts with exceptional durability and strength to handle the physical nature of the game. Look for heavy-duty shafts that can endure checks and body contact without compromising performance.
- In box lacrosse, defensive players have the opportunity to use a stick that is between 40” and 46” in length. To maximize your defensive capabilities and enhance your reach on the field, consider opting for a longer shaft, typically ranging from 32” to 36” inches in length. A longer shaft allows you to dislodge the ball more effectively and gain an advantage in crucial defensive situations. Emphasizing the right shaft length can make a significant difference in your defensive performance during intense box lacrosse matches.
Remember that personal preferences and playing style may influence your choice of shaft, regardless of your position. Testing different shafts and finding the one that best suits your unique needs can significantly impact your overall performance on the lacrosse field.
Additionally, consider the material, grip, and customizability options available in each shaft to find the perfect fit for your playing style and position.
Why Choose Primo:
Primo Sports Company stands apart as a brand driven by passion, quality, and innovation. Here are the reasons why we are the ultimate choice for lacrosse players:
1. Quality & Affordability:
Our carbon composite shafts offer top-notch performance at a fraction of the cost of traditional brands, ensuring that high-quality gear is accessible to all players
2. Innovative Design:
Led by a skilled lacrosse players with business and engineering backgrounds, our product development team consistently delivers innovative gear to enhance your gameplay.
3. Customer Focus:
As a small business, we prioritize superior customer service, and you can directly reach our CEO, Dave Monroe, for any inquiries or assistance call or text at 734-474-1338 or email dave@primosportsco.com.
4. Customization:
We offer the ability to customize lacrosse shafts for your team or program, providing a unique look and feel tailored to your preferences. Contact us dave@primosportsco.com for free mock ups and quote on custom shafts.
5. Environmental Commitment:
As part of 1% for the Planet, we are deeply committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability. While our current shafts are not produced sustainably, we have taken the responsibility of the 1% for the Planet Membership seriously. To demonstrate our dedication, we donate 1% of our sales to environmental causes. Simultaneously, we are actively researching and developing innovative ways to make high-quality lacrosse shafts in a more environmentally-friendly manner. Our goal is to align our products with our values and contribute positively to the planet we all share.
Why Primo Might Not Be for You:
While Primo Sports Company offers high-quality lacrosse shafts and prides itself on being a customer-focused brand, there are a few reasons why someone might choose not to go with Primo:
1. Specific Shaft Preferences:
Lacrosse players can have unique preferences when it comes to shaft design, grip, texture, and coating. If Primo's current offerings don't align perfectly with their desired specifications, they might explore other brands that offer a closer match.
2. Material Preferences:
While Primo specializes in carbon composite shafts, some players might have a strong preference for metal or other material options like true titanium or scandium-titanium blends, which Primo does not currently offer.
3. Budget Constraints:
While Primo offers high-quality products at competitive prices, some players might have stricter budget constraints and opt for more budget-friendly options from other brands.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, choosing the right lacrosse shaft is pivotal for enhancing your performance on the field. From carbon composite to metal and alloy options, each shaft type offers unique advantages and drawbacks. Primo Sports Company stands out as a brand dedicated to quality, affordability, and innovation. Whether you seek lightweight agility, ultimate durability, or a perfect balance of strength and weight, Primo's lacrosse shafts are designed to elevate your game. Join us on our mission to challenge the status quo and provide every lacrosse player with top-notch gear that enables them to excel in the sport they love.