Choosing the right lacrosse stick matters whether you’re introducing a child to the sport, looking for a durable backyard toy, or picking a realistic youth stick for skill development. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, technical comparison, and a review of expert and user feedback to find options that suit different budgets and goals.
How we tested and chose
We combined hands-on testing with research to identify lacrosse sticks that work best in real life. Our approach included:
- Real-world play: backyard, pool, and beginner-practice use to assess durability, feel, and ease of catching.
- Technical checks: shaft length, head/pocket design, materials, and assembly.
- Expert input: coaching guides and youth-lacrosse recommendations for proper sizing and progression.
- Consumer feedback: synthesis of common praise/complaints from buyers to identify reliability issues and standout benefits.
We prioritized safety for younger players (soft balls, padded grips), value (features per dollar), and progression (how well a stick prepares a child for organized play).
32-Inch Beginner Stick
A lightweight 32" starter lacrosse stick designed for kids. It pairs a thin ABS shaft with a deep pocket, making catching and throwing easier for smaller hands. Affordable and durable for backyard practice and skill-building without a big investment.
32-Inch Beginner Stick — Best Budget Pick
This compact 32" kit is the most wallet-friendly way to introduce kids to lacrosse fundamentals. Key strengths:
- Design: Lightweight ABS construction with a thin shaft and a deep pocket that forgivingly holds the ball.
- Performance: Great for cradling, catching and early throwing skills; forgiving pocket reduces dropped passes.
- Durability: Sturdy enough for backyard and park use, though not intended for heavy competitive play.
Pros: Very affordable, easy handling for small hands, good learning pocket. Cons: Basic materials and limited longevity under heavy use; not a step-up stick for competitive leagues.
Who it's for: Parents who want a safe, low-cost starter stick for backyard practice and early skill development.
STX Crux Jr. Stick
A premium youth complete stick built for girls under seven. The STX Crux Jr. features a 24" alloy handle and Lock Pocket Jr. for a consistent, low-maintenance pocket shape. Designed to offer durable, pro-inspired performance for early organized play.
STX Crux Jr. Stick — Premium Choice
STX brings pro-level design to the youngest players with this purpose-built junior stick. Highlights:
- Technical details: 24" alloy handle sized for small hands and Lock Pocket Jr. that maintains consistent pocket shape with minimal maintenance.
- Feel and control: Shorter length and optimized head geometry let kids cradle and pass with confidence while learning proper mechanics.
- Build quality: Superior materials and finish compared with cheap backyard toys — it's built to last through seasons.
Pros: Excellent fit for very young players, low maintenance pocket, genuine STX performance. Cons: Higher price than toy sets; length specific to very young children (not for older kids).
Who it's for: Families ready to invest in a high-quality starter stick for girls under seven, or those planning early enrollment in organized programs.
Adjustable Kids Stick
A telescoping, travel-friendly lacrosse stick with a soft foam handle and full-size basket. Extends 18"–23", includes a floating water ball and mesh bag. Versatile for yard, pool, and travel — good for hand-eye coordination and easy storage.
Adjustable Kids Stick — Best Value for Money
This adjustable set offers a lot of features for a modest price, making it a practical pick for families who want versatility:
- Features: Retractable shaft (18"–23"), foldable design, soft foam grip, full-size basket for easier catches, floating water ball and mesh storage bag.
- Versatility: Works in backyards, pools and at the beach — the floating ball is especially handy to avoid losing it during water play.
- Usability: The larger basket and lightweight ball accelerate early learning and reduce frustration for beginners.
Pros: Highly portable, feature-rich kit, great for mixed environments (water/land). Cons: Telescoping mechanisms can be less rigid than one-piece sticks; long-term competitive use is limited.
Who it's for: Parents seeking a multi-environment, travel-ready stick that teaches basics and keeps kids active without buying specialized equipment.
Franklin Mini Pro
A pro-style 34" youth lacrosse stick with a deep, strung pocket to simulate a realistic playing experience. Thinner ABS shaft enhances stick handling and control — a top choice for kids ready to practice proper fundamentals.
Franklin Mini Pro — Editors Choice
This Franklin mini pro-style stick offers an authentic progression from toy to sport-ready equipment. Standouts include:
- Pro-style netting: A strung head with a deep pocket that behaves more like a field stick, helping players learn proper ball control and release.
- Specifications: 34" youth-length stick with a thinner ABS shaft for easier manipulation by young hands.
- Practicality: Durable enough for sustained practice while remaining affordable relative to full field gear.
Pros: Realistic feel for skill development, great teaching tool for coaches and parents, solid build. Cons: Slightly higher price than basic toy sets; not certified for competitive high-school/college play.
Who it's for: Kids and parents who want a realistic, coach-friendly practice stick that prepares players for organized lacrosse.
Quick Comparison
- Editors Choice — Franklin Mini Pro (34"): Most realistic feel for developing proper fundamentals; best overall for kids who will progress to organized lacrosse.
- Premium Choice — STX Crux Jr. (24"): Best build quality and low-maintenance pocket for very young athletes, especially girls under seven.
- Best Value — Adjustable Kids Stick: Telescoping, floatable ball and mesh bag deliver the strongest feature set per dollar for mixed water/land play.
- Best Budget — 32-Inch Beginner Stick: Cheapest way to get started; forgiving pocket and lightweight construction make learning easier.
Which is best overall: Franklin Mini Pro. It balances realistic performance, durability, and price to help kids transition from play to structured training.
Alternatives for specific needs:
- Want a premium, long-lasting junior stick specifically for very young girls? Choose STX Crux Jr.
- Need a travel/pool-friendly toy with lots of extras? The Adjustable Kids Stick is the best pick.
- Just testing interest without spending much? The 32-Inch Beginner Stick is the safest low-cost bet.
Final recommendation
After hands-on evaluation and cross-referencing expert and consumer feedback, the Franklin Mini Pro stands out as the best overall lacrosse stick for youth players ready to learn proper technique. For families focused on durability and a premium feel for very young players, the STX Crux Jr. is an excellent investment. If you want maximum versatility (pool, beach, backyard) at a moderate price, the adjustable telescoping set delivers outstanding value. And if budget is the main consideration, the 32" beginner stick reliably teaches the basics without a big upfront cost.
These recommendations reflect field testing, technical checks, and aggregated user experiences; pick the stick that best matches your child’s age, commitment level, and where they’ll play most often.