When I was playing lacrosse in college, the most exciting part of every season was to show off the new gears we got, especially for attackers we compared and tested each other’s shaft. The truth is for an attacker, shaft is an extension of your mind and body that directly translates your skill, read of the game and strength to your performance.
Therefore, to obtain an edge or advantage in a fast-paced and competitive situation, you will need the best lacrosse shaft that enhances your gameplay.
If we take a look at the market, you will probably feel overwhelmed by the abundant options with different designs and qualities that are available. Your feeling is heard and well received!
That’s why I created this buying guide that helps you navigate and select the best lacrosse shaft with confidence based on your playing style and preference.
Without further ado, here are the best lacrosse attack/middie shafts in 2022.
Best Lacrosse Attack/Middie Shafts
Compared to the shafts I used in college, the best shafts today are lighter and more durable with better designs. I read through product pages, gathered customer reviews and personally tested a few in my hands to curate this ultimate list of best lacrosse shafts for attackers/middies.
Hope this review will help you decide which one will be your favorite.
STX Sc-Ti
Sc-Ti is probably the best shaft series out on the market currently. Speaking about the maximum customization, this choice of many professional players comes in with five different profiles and weights: X+, O, X, R, S. The goal is simple, to make an Sc-Ti shaft perfect for every lacrosse player.
They weigh 190 grams, 170 grams, 140 grams, 150 grams and 160 grams respectively. Made of STX proprietary Sc-Ti alloy, they are not only lightweight but also super durable and strong.
By further enhancing the feel of this stick, it’s built with a mild sandblast grip finish that gives a nice firm grip with or without gloves. A great grip allows players to play in all weather conditions without compromising their speed and ball control.
ECD Carbon 3.0
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The newest and exciting release of ECD’s most popular shaft line in October 2021, Carbon 3 offers a lightweight yet a sturdy option that is ideal for attackers and middies. A simple and sleek design features a light sandpaper grip that allows players to comfortably roll in their fingers. The gripping is a great continuation from Carbon 2.0 that players really loved about.
It comes in three different colors, black, white and darker grey with a new sliding end cap. If you are planning to get a super durable carbon fiber shaft that flexes, Carbon 3 is possibly the best option in the league right now.
StringKing Metal 3 Pro
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As the name suggests, StringKing Metal 3 Pro is currently one of the most popular metal shafts on the market. Super durable and high-quality material helps you deliver great and consistent performance. When holding the shaft, you definitely feel the nice and tough metal with a concave shape gripping for optimal hand control.
Another thing I really like about Metal 3 is the options it offers. It not only comes in with two different colors, silver and black but also lets you pick the best option depending on your skill level with four different weights 135 grams, 155 grams, 175 grams and 195 grams.
Epoch Dragonfly Elite II
A brand new release at the end of 2021, Epoch Dragonfly Elite II is a great attack/mid option for skilled and professional lacrosse players. Combining every innovative technology Epoch has ever implemented, Elite is an option you can’t go wrong with. The two biggest improvements come from the all-new Reactive Technology that optimizes energy transfer while maintaining power and reactivity and Dual Micro Grip that provides a smooth matte finish.
Chosen by Tom Schreiber, Matt Rambo and many other professional laxers, Dragonfly Elite II is designed for the highest performance and the greatest competition. I am also a big fan of their shaft design that is subtle with cool touches.
Furthermore, a 1-year warranty really speaks volumes about the quality of their shafts, so if you want a great quality shaft, Dragonfly Elite is worth the price tag.
Maverik Caliber
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Featuring military-grade strength, Maverik Caliber is the most durable and strongest shaft Maverik ever created. Featuring Dual Wall Taper technology, Caliber has a great strength to weight ratio. If you are an aggressive offensive player, consider buying a Caliber that allows you to make power shots and throw hard checks with confidence.
The shaft also features an adjustable butt-end together with a silicone liner that adds stability for more accurate shooting and passing and a bead blasted finish for a nice hand grip.
Maverik Hyperlite
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If you are a metal shaft user and are thinking of switching to a carbon fiber shaft, then the best entry option will be flagship Maverik Hyperlite as it offers a zero-flex design. Like the name suggests, this shaft is as light as a carbon fiber shaft can get, weighing in at just under 5 oz or 138 grams.
Esthetically, this shaft is definitely one of the coolest-looking shafts. It offers two color options, black and white with a checkered pattern on parts of the shaft and a futuristic blue Hyperlite font. On top of that, Hyperlite comes with a smooth matte finish with a concave shape.
If you are concerned about how stiff it is as a carbon fiber shaft, you will be pleasantly surprised by how durable and tough this shaft is. It is designed to provide the best strength to weight ratio.
Also with an adjustable butt end, Hyperlite is built and designed for elite attackers in mind. A solid option!
Warrior EVO QX Attack
Continuing the discussion of the best carbon fiber shafts, EVO QX Attack is one of the newest carbon fiber shafts offered by Warrior for the 2022 season. Despite the fact that this is a hollow shaft, it is still very durable and stiff and offers no flexes. In fact, the EVO QX shaft outcompetes many other carbon shafts when it comes to stiffness and durability.
To win the title of being the lightest Warrior shaft at only 4.59 oz or 130 grams, EVO QX went for a hollow shaft design as attackers and middies are always on the hunt for the best lightweight yet durable option.
This shaft also offers a tactical grip that improves hand control and grip as well as reduces wear and tear on your gloves.
Apart from its great quality and performance, Warrior also put a lot of focus on creating a clean and sleek-looking design to make it the overall best shaft available right now.
Epoch Dragonfly iD Attack
Epoch Dragonfly iD is a popular offense shaft for both professional and young laxers. What makes this shaft unique is by altering the orientation of the carbon fiber material, this shaft is able to achieve the best flex point, meaning it bends to help generate torque on your shots but still stays firm for control and consistency.
It also features compact and lighter carbon materials to enhance durability and increase impact resistance without adding extra weight. Additionally, this shaft offers a gritty grip that provides maximum control, consistent gripping and freehand motion in all conditions.
All in all, this is an ideal and versatile carbon fiber shaft for players looking for optimal passing and shooting speed.
Maverik Apollo
Across all Maverik’s shafts, Apollo is one of the lightest shafts ever created. It is made of military grade Scandium Titanium alloy blend that makes this shaft very lightweight yet very strong and durable, which is a perfect combination that every attacker and midfielder needs.
A release in 2015, Maverick Apollo has stood the test of time with its dynamic wall taper technology along with the speed shape grip for great hand control and feel.
This shaft also provides the feature of an adjustable butt end, enabling the player to adjust the shaft accordingly to the desired length. Chosen by an all-star PLL player, Joey Sankey, Maverik Apollo is a choice that you can’t really go wrong with.
Nike Vandal
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If you are looking for a budgeted option, Nike Vandal lacrosse shaft is the best affordable option for both attackers and midfielders. It’s made of lightweight and durable alloy materials that ensure optimal shooting and passing speed and quick stick movements.
Featuring a special Vandal graphic design, this shaft adds a cool personality and elevates your overall gear esthetic.
In addition, it features a textured surface grip that offers an amazing hand feel. By comparing all the shafts together, this is a great choice at a great price for many players as this shaft offers superior strength to weight ratio.
Overall, Nike Vandal shaft is good for players of all skill levels and ages.
How To Choose A Great Attack Shaft
Now we have explored the best lacrosse shafts for attackers and midfielders. You might still feel troubled with what qualities and features that actually make these options better than the others.
Moreover, although I am trying to be as subject as possible when it comes to “the best”, the goal is to give you a list of great products, so you can pick the best shaft for yourself.
Weight
On a scale of 1-10, being lightweight is a 9 or 10, a.k.a the most important heuristic offense player like yourself looks for. If you have been using a heavy shaft that is heavier than 6 oz and feeling short on your shots, it’s time to invest in a lightweight shaft.
As offensive shafts continuously evolved, brands are making lighter and lighter shafts as attackers’ ability to make faster shots and ability to do quick offensive movements are getting better.
Any shafts mentioned above are well under 6 oz and some are even a touch lighter than 4.5 oz. Although it’s common to go for the lightest shaft possible, you want to consider its durability and stiffness at the same time. It’s always about finding that happy medium.
Durability
Speaking of durability, it’s the next important quality you want to evaluate. A lightweight shaft without a tough and impact resistance feature only meets 50% of the standard.
One most common concern for an attacker of a midfielder is how strong is the shaft or how easily does it get bent. Some players are even willing to choose a slightly heavier shaft for the sake of having a better stiffness. Again, it comes down to your preference and your offensive style.
Most shafts in the previous section have a 6 or 12-month warranty, which is a positive sign that the manufacturers are confident in the quality. Conversely, if you don’t see any warranty mentioned on the product page of a shaft, it’s safe to say it’s probably not that durable. So if you are ever in doubt, checking the warranty is definitely a smart move.
Personalizations
Attackers have different needs and playing styles so similar to buying heads and shafts seperately, elite players are always looking for personalizations that allow them to play to their strengths.
Because of that, the best attack shafts often provide a variety of options in shapes and in flexes. Most popular shapes are the concave octagon and striaght sides octagon.
Depending on whether you are a speed attacker or power middie, a higher flex point allows for quick releases whereas a lower flex point is great for power shots.
Length
If you are an attacker or a middie, then you are required to have a shaft that is no shorter than 30”. Most attack shafts come in 30’’, but some could be a little longer than that. So if you are a player looking for easier ball control and more nimble movements, you could also consider cutting the shaft a tiny bit off to maximize your performance.
One important note: you can only cut metal shafts, not carbon shafts.
Material
We touched on the material used in every product simply because it’s very important to know what alloy or carbon they use. To learn more about metal alloy vs. carbon fiber, I wrote a in-depth comparison between metal vs. carbon fiber in this post.
Here is a high-level summary:
Not until recently, we started seeing more carbon fiber shafts available on the market as carbon fiber improves flex and maintains durability while reducing weight.People who are used to metal shafts, also continue to choose metal shafts as they are stronger and are better at absorbing impacts. Metal shafts are more easily to be dent but last longer than carbon fiber shafts.
Bottom Line
If you are a frequent reader here, you know I am a fan of customer reviews. There is no better and more reliable source of information than learning what real customers think about the products.
So if you aren’t used to reading reviews yet, definitely recommend checking out multiple reviews before deciding your pick.
Difference Between Attack/Middie And Defense Shafts
If I am an attacker, does that mean I can’t use a defense shaft, or what exactly are the differences between an attack and defense shaft?
Right off the bat, we know d-poles are longer, coming in anywhere between 52’’ to 72’’. Inevitably, d-poles are heavier due to the added length to make them strong and stiff enough for checks.
Long pole midfielders will generally have shorter and lighter sticks than defenders as they are more responsible for possession and clearing. Therefore, long pole midfielders tend to choose a similar type of shafts offensive players choose for quick hand and ball movements.
If you want to recycle your old d-pole shaft, try to cut it down to an attack size since a d-pole is often 60’’ long so that you can get two attack shafts.
Conclusion
Wrapping up our discussion, we can conclude that choosing the best lacrosse attack/middie shaft requires both a level of understanding of what is available currently on the market and what you need from a shaft.
To complement this list of the best shafts for 2022, you should also keep in mind all the features and factors we went over so next time you can choose the best shaft for yourself with ease and confidence.
Hope you are now in a better position to make a smart purchase for exactly what you need in 2022. As always, leave a comment to let me know what your pick is for this season and if there are any other options that I didn’t get to include.
Click here to see best lacrosse shafts for all positions
FAQs
What is the lightest attack Lacrosse Shaft? ›
The Warrior EVO QX carbon attack shaft is one of the lightest and strongest on the market at only 130 grams.
What is the strongest lacrosse shaft? ›Lacrosse shafts are usually made of aluminum, scandium, titanium, or carbon fiber. Titanium shafts are the strongest while aluminum ones are the lightest.
What sticks do PLL players use? ›SHOP STX STALLION 900
You will see PLL, collegiate and elite high school players use this head, but also advancing youth. STX Stallion 900 can be seen in the hands of the best shoot-on-the-run offensive players, LSM's and even defensemen in the country.
THE GOALIE
The position of goalie in lacrosse is probably one of the most intense positions of all sports. Essentially, you must play catch with people at a very high speed. Unfortunately for the goalie, most people don't throw at his stick.
A mid pocket is a pocket that can be used by anyone really. A middie, attack, defenseman can use them. They are the most versatile and perform the best in my opinion. You don't have to worry about taking one hand off the stick or anything like that.
What shaft is best for a fast swing? ›In general, golfers with a fast swing should use a stiff shaft and slowed swings should use a regular flex shaft. To check your swing speed a shot tracking device will be the most accurate method. Based on your swing speeds here are our recommendations: 80-95 mph swing speeds should use regular shafts.
What shaft is best for high swing speed? ›- Best for swing speeds 80-94 mph: Veylix Alpina Black 573.
- Best for swing speeds 95-105 mph: True Temper Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 60.
- Best for swing speeds 106 mph and above: Mitsubishi TENSEI 1K Pro White.
- Best for creating buzz: Autoflex.
- Best for forgiveness: Fujikura Ventus TR.
...
Specifications.
| Weight* | 220g |
|---|---|
| LAX Handle Flex | SmartFLX 5 |
| LAX Handle Concave | Concave |
| Player Type | Box |
| Recommended Age | Adult/HS |
A soft mesh is leveled up much faster than your hard mesh. The soft mesh also has advantages when catching and cradling, which gives you a feeling of better control. On the other hand, the hard mesh has a better durability. In addition to that the hard mesh makes passes and shots a lot faster.
How do I choose a Lacrosse Shaft? ›Typically the total combined length of the long pole should be the same height as the player. If the player is 5'10, then his lacrosse shaft should measure 60 inches with the addition of a 10 inch head that combines for a total of 70 inches.
What is the most used head in the PLL? ›
DNA - This is our most versatile head and has been used in the PLL at almost every field position.
What stick do Midfielders use? ›Attackers and Midfielders typically use a shorter stick, ranging from 40 to 42 inches long. Defensive players or defensive minded Midfielders should use a stick ranging from 52 to 72 inches long. Goalies have more flexibility in their stick length.
What does the average PLL player make? ›On average, a professional lacrosse player in the PLL (Premier Lacrosse League) makes $35,000 a season. That being said, a professional lacrosse player participating in the NLL National Lacrosse League, makes an average of fifteen thousand dollars each year.
What makes a good middie in lacrosse? ›The key to being great at midfield is learning when and how to pass. Of course, every player wants to be the one who scores the goal, but a player who can pass when necessary is worth more to the team. Make sure that your passes have a purpose. You don't want to move the ball just for the sake of passing.
What is the most athletic position in lacrosse? ›MIDFIELD Beginning level midfielders should be taught that they are the horses of the team. There are three midfielders per team in a lacrosse game. They must run up and down the entire field and play both offense and defense. For this reason, midfielders are usually the most athletic players on the lacrosse field.
What is the most important position on a lacrosse team? ›The midfielder is considered by many to be the backbone of the lacrosse team. Good midfielders need speed, stamina, hustle and determination. They are required to play both defense and offense. However, the middies are largely responsible for a key aspect of the game - transition.
What is the strongest lacrosse stick? ›Aluminum lacrosse sticks are the more common ones out there as they are best suited for learners and are lightweight yet durable. Scandium possesses the most reliable strength-to-weight ratio, making it one of the most durable materials out there. It ranks as the top choice for professionals and advanced players.
What is the best shaft for distance? ›- Fujikura Ventus Black.
- The Grafalloy ProLaunch Blue.
- UST Proforce V2 HL.
Most professional golfers use Extra Stiff Flex clubs, so unless you're headed to Augusta National sometime soon, you likely don't need one. But, if your average club head speed is 110 miles per hour or more and you're consistently hitting with a distance of around 270 yards, an Extra Stiff Flex staff could be for you.
Do pros use heavier shafts? ›The faster the club is moving, the farther the ball goes. It is why the most popular weight for driver shaft-weights on the PGA Tour is still in the mid-60-gram range, with some players having tried shafts less than 50 grams.
What happens if shaft flex is too soft? ›
A golfer using a shaft that is too flexible may experience a ball flight that is too high, a ball that spins too much, or a shot pattern that has inconsistent dispersion.
What shaft for 110 mph swing speed? ›A general guideline is that a swing speed of about 95 to 110 is eligible for an S-Flex (stiff shaft). From 110 to 120+ you can consider using an X-Flex (extra stiff) shaft.
What shaft for 115 mph swing speed? ›If you're swinging the driver above 105 mph, it might be time to get some X stiff shafts in your set. Stiff – This range is still considered fast, but you most likely won't be out on Tour anytime soon. If you're between 97 and 104 mph with the driver, you need a stiff flex.
What happens when shaft is too stiff? ›If your driver's shaft is too stiff, the clubhead may not square with the ball at the point of impact, causing slices and fades. If you can't feel the weight of the clubhead loading through the shaft, it's probably too stiff, and can cause errors and issues associated with accuracy such as these.
What happens if your driver shaft is too stiff for your swing speed? ›If your golf shaft is too stiff and your swing speed is too slow, your well-struck shot will be limited on both carry distance and shot trajectory; a too-stiff golf shaft will most often lead to weak fades or slices.
Does a lighter shaft increase swing speed? ›In theory, a golfer should be able to swing a lighter shaft faster than he or she can swing a heavier shaft. But some golfers will not increase their swing speed with a lighter shaft. While it seems to go against the laws of physics, giving a golfer a lighter shaft can actually cause his or her speed to decrease.
What shaft weight is best for me? ›In general, golfers with slower swing speed and tempo can and should play a lighter shaft. Golfers with very fast speeds and tempo should play heavier shafts. Driver shafts typically weigh 55-60 grams for men and 45-50 grams for ladies. Iron shafts can be as light as 55 grams in graphite, and 130 grams in steel.
Is a heavier lacrosse stick better? ›Stick Weight - Lighter heads and shafts add maneuverability and allow you to generate more speed on your shot. This is especially important for players in attack positions. Heavier, thicker shafts increase the strength of your stick which is often preferred by defensive players.
Do carbon lacrosse shafts break easily? ›Carbon fiber, or composite, lacrosse shafts are more resilient than your average metal lacrosse shaft. Dents, bends, and breaks in cold weather are no longer a reality with a carbon fiber lacrosse shaft. This doesn't mean a carbon fiber shaft will last forever, but they have a long playing life.
Should I get semi hard or semi soft mesh? ›The Semi Hard version is best if you prefer a stiffer pocket with smooth release and increased accuracy. Hero Mesh Semi Soft carries a much softer feel allowing the ball to move in your pocket during cradling, passing and shooting for increased control and feel.
What mesh is best for defense in lacrosse? ›
What is the best lacrosse mesh? In a Stringers Society Community survey, 86% of respondents prefer ECD Semi-Soft vs ECD Semi-Hard and 63% of respondents prefer ECD Semi-Soft vs StringKing Type 4s; making ECD Hero 3.0 Semi-Soft the most preferred lacrosse mesh.
How do you break a mesh in lacrosse fast? ›One way to break your stick in is to bring it into the shower with you, and lather the mesh in conditioner while you knead a pocket into your mesh with a lacrosse ball. The conditioner and water soften the mesh to expand and stretch it out.
What is the best material for a lacrosse shaft? ›Scandium. Scandium is becoming the most desired shaft material in the sport of lacrosse. Scandium offers the top strength to weight ratio and it is stronger than the traditional alloy. Scandium is a great shaft for all positions making it an excellent choice.
Does shaft matter lacrosse? ›Choosing the shaft material comes down to personal preference. Titanium shafts are typically the strongest and aluminum shafts usually are the most lightweight. Scandium shafts offer a balance between the two. Composite shafts stay at a consistent temperature outdoors.
What makes a lacrosse shaft illegal? ›During a lacrosse game, an official evaluates a player's stick and discovers that the crosse is less than 40 inches in length. As a result, the crosse is found to be illegal and is removed from the game. The player receives a three-minute non-releasable penalty.
What is the lightest shaft? ›KBS launches lightest ever steel shaft 
Aimed at golfers of all abilities – from junior to elite level, the KBS TOUR LITE conclusively assists to increase swing, control, dispersion and ball speeds with independent testing showing the shaft averaging 9% more distance than its leading competitors.
Weight: 150 grams (5.2 oz) High Kickpoint: High Kick Point provides a quick release.
How much does a Evo QX2 shaft weigh? ›Weighing in at roughly 130 grams makes the new QX2 Carbon one of the lightest performance handles on the market. Updated tactical slide grip covers the full length of the shaft… providing superior feel with no risk of palm abrasion.
How heavy is the Maverik a1 shaft? ›Weight: 5.4 (oz)
Do heavier shafts go farther? ›Mucklow's data also shows that a heavier shaft improves your swing path. For every 10 grams of weight, the club's path—which should come from inside the target line on the downswing—improves by a full degree. Great news for slicers. The longest golfers strike the ball as the driver is ascending—around 3 to 5 degrees.
Should I use a lighter or heavier shaft? ›
The heavier a shaft is, the more likely it is that your golf ball will fly low and with less spin. If it's lighter, the ball will tend to fly higher and spin more. As Briand explains, the weight of a shaft has less impact on swing speed than golfers think, but that lighter shafts could increase the rate of closure.
Does a lighter shaft increase distance? ›Using a lighter shaft allows more weight to be placed in the clubhead through adjustable weights, hotmelt, etc. without increasing the total weight of the club. This “redistribution” of shaft weight into the clubhead can be one of the last tweaks in a fitting that unlocks more distance off the tee.
How heavy is the carbon MTX? ›Here is a quick info hit on the Carbon MTX: $154.99 for a 30” in exposed Textreme black/carbon only. Ultra stiff Flex1 rating. Around 155 gram weight.
How much does the carbon LTX weight? ›With the DNA head weighing approximately 6.15 ounces or 175 grams, it is going to feel very top heavy. With that weight, that is very similar to if you were to put an STX Hammer on a shorty.
What shaft weight do the pros use? ›Driver shafts typically weigh 55-60 grams for men and 45-50 grams for ladies. Iron shafts can be as light as 55 grams in graphite, and 130 grams in steel. The professional tours offer great examples. LPGA driver shafts are typically 50 to 65 grams while the PGA Tour driver shafts are 60 to 85 grams.
How heavy is the HyperLite shaft? ›Coming in under 5 ounces, the new HyperLite is the lightest shaft on Maverik's line, but with added strength and stiffness, the no flex carbon fiber helps keep consistency from shot to shot.
How much does the Maverik Apollo shaft weight? ›| Spezifikationen | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 160 gr. |
| Length | 30 inch |
| Grip | Yes, Bead Blasted / Polished Finish |
| Shape | Speed Shape |
Weight: 5.5 (oz)
How much does the Maverik Tactik 2.0 weight? ›How much does Tactik 2.0 weigh? This head weighs approximately 5.2 ounces.