JustBeginning
Beginner's guide

So you're getting into lacrosse

Lacrosse is having a moment. Once a boarding-school niche, it's now the fastest-growing team sport in the US, with adult rec leagues in nearly every major city. The gear list is specific but the total is manageable: $150-350 to get fully equipped, with a few real decisions to make along the way.

By Colin B. · Published June 12, 2026 · Last reviewed June 12, 2026
lacrosse players on sports field

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The 60-second version

If you only buy 3 things to start:

  1. STX Stallion 300 A/M Complete Lacrosse Stick — STX Stallion 300: the stick most beginner adult players start on. Complete, correctly strung, and forgiving.
  2. Warrior Matte Evo Lacrosse Helmet — Warrior Matte Evo helmet: NOCSAE-certified, comfortable, and what most rec-league players actually own.
  3. STX Stallion 300 Lacrosse Gloves — STX Stallion 300 gloves: protect your hands without making your stick feel like a foreign object.
Budget total
$150
Typical total
$260
Lacrosse requires full protective gear (stick, helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, arm guards, cleats) but none of it needs to be premium to start. Helmet is the one area where you should not cut corners: get NOCSAE-certified gear from Cascade or Warrior.

We earn commission on qualifying Amazon purchases — see our affiliate disclosure. Price tiers and budget totals shown above are editorial estimates; actual Amazon prices vary.

At a glance

Our top pick in each category

The fastest path through this guide — each best-starter pick by category. Scroll for the budget and upgrade alternatives.

CategoryTop pickPriceWhere to buy
Complete SticksSTXSTX Stallion 300 A/M Complete Lacrosse Stick$$ See on Amazon →
HelmetWarriorWarrior Matte Evo Lacrosse Helmet$$ See on Amazon →
GlovesSTXSTX Stallion 300 Lacrosse Gloves$$ See on Amazon →
Protective PadsSTXSTX Cell VI Shoulder Pads$$ See on Amazon →
CleatsNikeNike Alpha Menace 3 Shark Football Cleats$$ See on Amazon →
Before you buy anything

A few things worth knowing first

Buy a complete stick (head already strung onto shaft), not components separately. As a beginner, the mesh type and pocket depth won't matter to you yet, and the complete stick will be good enough for your first season.

Know your position before you buy. Attack and midfield sticks run 40-42 inches total; defense poles run 52-72 inches. Most rec-league beginners play attack or midfield, so the shorter length is the default. If you're not sure, buy the short one.

Don't skip the helmet budget. This is not where you save money. A $60 no-name helmet that moves around on your head is genuinely dangerous. Spend at least $80 on a Cascade or Warrior and fit it properly in person if you can.

The gear

What you actually need

people holding lacrosse sticks

Photo by Jeffrey F Lin on Unsplash

Complete Sticks

Your stick is the most personal gear choice in lacrosse, and the most confusing. A complete stick (head already strung onto a shaft) takes all the variables off the table for a beginner. Just know one thing before you buy: attack and midfield sticks run 40-42 inches total; defense poles run 52-72 inches. If you don't know your position yet, get the shorter attack/midfield length. You'll develop mesh and pocket preferences after a few months. You don't have them yet.

Complete Sticks — what's the difference?

A few common shapes, each making a different trade.

Attack / Midfield

40-42" total. The default starter length for most beginners.

Total length
40-42"
Shaft length
~30"
Best for
Attack, midfield, most beginners

Best for Any beginner who doesn't know their position yet

Tradeoff Less reach for groundball battles; trades range for ball control

↓ See our pick
Defense / Long Pole

52-72" total. Only buy this if you know you're playing defense.

Total length
52-72"
Shaft length
~60"
Best for
Defensive positions only

Best for Defenders, longstick midfielders

Tradeoff Longer reach is great on defense but awkward for attack and cradling

↓ See our pick
Best starter
STX

STX Stallion 300 A/M Complete Lacrosse Stick

$$

STX is one of the most trusted names in lacrosse, and the Stallion U 300 is their workhorse beginner complete. Comes strung with a mid-pocket that works for most players out of the box. The shaft is aluminum: heavier than carbon but forgiving and nearly unbreakable. This is the stick you'll still see in the gear bag two years in.

What we like

  • Ships fully strung with a competent mid-pocket; playable day one
  • STX build quality: the head will outlast the shaft if you upgrade
  • Aluminum shaft absorbs checks without denting like cheaper alloys

What to know

  • Heavier than carbon sticks; noticeable once you try better options
  • Mid-pocket won't satisfy everyone; re-stringing later is common
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Maverik

Maverik Charger Complete Lacrosse Stick

$

Maverik is Warrior's value sub-brand and they know lacrosse. The Charger complete is under $50 and legitimately playable: the head holds its shape and the pocket is functional. Not the stick you want at six months, but a perfectly honest way in if you're not sure the sport will stick.

What we like

  • Under $50 and from a real lacrosse brand (not a generic import)
  • Good intro to the feel of a stick without overcommitting

What to know

  • Pocket consistency varies; may need a quick adjustment out of the box
  • You'll want to upgrade within a season if you're playing weekly
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
StringKing

StringKing Complete 2 Senior Attack Lacrosse Stick

$$$

StringKing makes some of the best mesh in the game, and the Complete 2 ships with their own Type 4s mesh, a real upgrade over the generic mesh on starter sticks. The head holds its shape under weather changes better than most. When you're ready to spend real money on a stick that won't need a re-string for a season, this is where to go.

What we like

  • Ships with StringKing Type 4s mesh, one of the best starter meshes
  • Head geometry holds its pocket shape through weather and hard use

What to know

  • Online-only brand; can't try it in a store before buying
  • Premium price (~$130) is overkill until you've played 20+ hours
See on Amazon →
man wearing blue shirt

Photo by Jeffrey F Lin on Unsplash

Helmet

This is not the place to save money. Lacrosse helmets are NOCSAE-certified safety equipment, and a poorly fitting helmet that moves on your head during a check is genuinely dangerous. That said, you don't need the $350 flagship model: mid-tier helmets from Cascade and Warrior meet the same certification requirements. The premium options are lighter and more comfortable, not more protective. Fit matters most: the helmet should sit level, two finger-widths above your eyebrows, and not rock side to side.

Best starter
Warrior

Warrior Matte Evo Lacrosse Helmet

$$

The Warrior Evo is the rec-league standard: NOCSAE-certified, solid peripheral vision, and available in most sporting goods stores where you can try it on before you buy. Comfortable over long sessions, durable, and priced right. This is what most adult beginners end up in.

What we like

  • NOCSAE-certified and stocked in physical stores for in-person fitting
  • Wide peripheral vision so you can see cutters and groundballs
  • Passes muster at virtually every adult rec-league level

What to know

  • Heavier than Cascade premium helmets; noticeable in long sessions
  • Sizes run slightly large; erring snug is right, but check the fit
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Cascade

Cascade CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet

$$

Cascade makes the gold-standard lacrosse helmets, and the CPV-R is their entry-level adult option: NOCSAE-certified, well-ventilated, and built around Cascade's precise fit system. Lighter than the Warrior Evo at a similar price. If you have a preference for Cascade fit (many players do), this is the honest starting point.

What we like

  • Cascade's fit system is more precise and consistent than competitors
  • Better ventilation than most helmets in this price range

What to know

  • Sizing runs differently than Warrior; measure head circumference first
  • Harder to find in physical stores for in-person fitting
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Cascade

Cascade CPX-R Lacrosse Helmet

$$$

The CPX-R is what most serious club and rec players upgrade to once they know they're committed. Lighter than any helmet in its class, excellent ventilation, and Cascade's best fit system. If you already know lacrosse is going to be a multi-year thing, skip the mid-tier and start here.

What we like

  • Best weight-to-protection ratio in the game, noticeably lighter
  • Cascade's best fit system; dialed in after five minutes of adjustment

What to know

  • Over $200; only worth it once you know you'll play long-term
  • Premium pricing makes buying used a smarter first move
See on Amazon →

Gloves

Lacrosse gloves protect your hands and wrists from stick checks. For beginners, fit is the main thing to get right: the cuff should protect your wrist without restricting your grip, and the palm should flex enough that cradling doesn't feel foreign. Most beginner gloves are either too stiff or too minimal; mid-tier brands from STX and Warrior hit the right balance. Size by measuring hand circumference at the knuckles.

Best starter
STX

STX Stallion 300 Lacrosse Gloves

$$

STX Stallion 300 gloves are the rec-league standard. Solid padding on the back of the hand and fingers, flexible palm that doesn't fight your cradle, and durable enough to last a season on a budget. The STX name means this is real gear, not import padding in a lacrosse shape.

What we like

  • Flexible palm lets you feel the stick, critical for cradling feel
  • STX build quality: real lacrosse padding, not generic foam
  • Wrist cuff covers the gap between glove and arm guard

What to know

  • Palm stitching wears faster than competitors at this price
  • Limited colorways at this tier
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Warrior

Warrior Evo QX Lacrosse Gloves

$$

When you're playing multiple times a week and your Stallion 300s are worn in, the Warrior Evo QX is the logical step up. Better palm durability, improved flexibility across the knuckles, and Warrior's design has noticeably better grip through sweat. Worth the extra $25-30 over the starter.

What we like

  • Palm durability is a real step up from budget-tier gloves
  • Better knuckle flex for stick work and off-ball movement

What to know

  • Only worth the premium once you're playing weekly
  • Warrior fit runs narrow; size up if you have wide hands
See on Amazon →

Protective Pads

Men's field lacrosse requires shoulder pads and arm/elbow guards. Neither needs to be expensive for beginner rec play: you want coverage, not bulk. Shoulder pads should protect your collarbone and ribs without restricting your throw. Arm guards cover your elbows and forearms. If you're buying both at once, check if the brand sells a matching set; they're usually priced well together and the coverage fits together cleanly.

Best starter
STX

STX Cell VI Shoulder Pads

$$

The Cell VI is what most adult rec players wear on their shoulders: low-profile, doesn't restrict your throw, and covers the collarbone and ribs where checks land. Fits under a jersey without looking oversized. The attachment points are standard STX, which means matching arm guards clip on without fussing.

What we like

  • Low-profile design doesn't restrict throwing motion or arm extension
  • Ribbed chest padding covers where stick checks typically land
  • Standard attachment points work with most arm guard brands

What to know

  • Not enough padding for box lacrosse or heavy-contact leagues
  • Sizing runs small; order one size up from your jersey size
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
Warrior

Warrior Burn Arm Pads

$

Arm/elbow guards are required equipment but often afterthought purchases. Warrior Burn arm pads check all the boxes: protects the elbow joint and forearm, flexible enough not to restrict throwing, and cheap enough that upgrading later is painless. These are what you'll see on most beginners' arms in a typical rec league.

What we like

  • Flexible forearm and elbow coverage at a budget price
  • Stays in place without restricting throwing mechanics

What to know

  • Straps loosen over long games; check fit at halftime
  • Elbow cap padding is minimal; serious players upgrade this first
See on Amazon →
Woman playing lacrosse on a grassy field.

Photo by kari ham on Unsplash

Cleats

Lacrosse is played on natural grass and turf, and cleats are required for both. The good news: football cleats work perfectly for lacrosse and are usually cheaper than lacrosse-specific models. Go with molded cleats (permanent plastic studs) rather than detachable metal cleats; most rec leagues prohibit metal. Low-cut and mid-cut styles both work: low-cut offers more lateral freedom, mid-cut adds ankle support for players who tend to roll ankles.

Best starter
Nike

Nike Alpha Menace 3 Shark Football Cleats

$$

Football cleats are the open secret of rec-league lacrosse: same turf and grass surfaces, same lateral cutting demands, sold everywhere. Nike's Alpha Menace is a reliable molded cleat with good lateral support and a durable outsole that handles grass-to-turf transitions common in lacrosse.

What we like

  • Football and lacrosse demand the same lateral cut movements
  • Molded studs allowed at virtually every rec-league facility
  • Widely available in physical stores for in-person fit

What to know

  • Not lacrosse-branded; some leagues specifically require lacrosse cleats
  • Higher cleat profile than turf shoes; check your facility rules first
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Under Armour

Under Armour Highlight MC Lacrosse Cleats

$$

UA makes an actual lacrosse-specific cleat at a fair price, one of the few brands that does. The Highlight MC is low-cut with molded studs, and UA's upper holds shape over a full season. If you want a lacrosse-labeled cleat for league compliance or preference, this is the honest budget answer.

What we like

  • Actual lacrosse-specific cleat for leagues requiring the label
  • Low-cut design lets you change direction without ankle restriction

What to know

  • Narrow toe box; wide-footed players will be uncomfortable
  • Color selection is limited in most sizes at this price tier
See on Amazon →
Going deeper

Your first season of lacrosse

Lacrosse looks complicated from the sideline. It isn't. Here's what actually happens in your first few months: the skills that click fast, the ones that take longer, and how to get useful by game three.

Read the guide →
Save your money

What you don't need yet

Beginners get pressured to buy a lot of stuff that doesn't help them play better. Here's what we'd skip on day one.

  • A carbon fiber shaft — Carbon is lighter, but it won't improve your catching or cradling while you're still learning the motion. Save the money for a full stick upgrade once your technique is consistent.
  • Custom mesh stringing — The complete stick's factory mesh will be fine for your first season. Custom pocket work costs $15-30 per re-string and only makes sense once you know what you actually want.
  • A rebounder wall target — A concrete or brick wall is a free wall ball partner. Rebounders cost $40-150 and take up storage space. Use an actual wall first.
  • A second stick for a different position — Play your first season with one stick. You don't know your position or preferences well enough yet to justify two sticks at $60+ each.
  • Lacrosse-branded cleats when football cleats exist — Football cleats are the same technology on the same surfaces. Unless your league specifically requires lacrosse-labeled cleats, football cleats work fine and often cost less.
First week

Your first seven days

A short, real plan to get from gear-on-doorstep to actually playing.

  1. Order your complete stick (attack/midfield length unless you specifically know you're playing defense). · Buy
  2. Find your nearest adult rec lacrosse league or club. US Lacrosse has a league finder, and most parks and recreation departments have adult lacrosse in spring and fall. · Action
  3. Practice cradling in your driveway the day the stick arrives. Hold the stick with your top hand loose and use your wrist and forearm to rotate the shaft to keep the ball seated. Five minutes a day for a week before your first practice is worth two full sessions. · Action
  4. Do wall ball: throw and catch against a flat wall for 15 minutes before your first team practice. Accuracy comes from wall ball, not game reps. · Action
  5. Make sure all protective gear fits before game day. Shoulder pads, arm guards, gloves, and helmet should all be on and adjusted before you step on the field. · Action
FAQ

Common questions

How much does it cost to start lacrosse?

A full beginner kit runs $150-350 depending on where you shop. The irreducible list: stick ($45-80), helmet ($80-120), gloves ($30-50), shoulder pads ($25-50), arm guards ($20-35), cleats ($40-70). Helmet is where you should not cut corners on price.

What's the difference between men's and women's lacrosse gear?

They're almost completely different sports for gear purposes. Women's lacrosse uses lighter sticks with shallower pockets (rules restrict pocket depth), requires goggles instead of a full helmet, and contact rules mean much less protective padding is needed. This guide covers men's field lacrosse.

Do I need a complete stick or can I buy the head and shaft separately?

Buy a complete stick. Buying components separately means choosing a head, choosing a shaft, choosing mesh, paying for stringing: four decisions with no experience to guide you. A complete stick from STX or Warrior costs about the same and eliminates all that uncertainty.

Is lacrosse hard to learn as an adult?

Cradling (keeping the ball in the pocket while running) is the only genuinely counterintuitive skill, and it clicks within a few hours of focused practice. Catching on your off hand is humbling for everyone at first. The rules are simpler than most team sports. You'll be functional in a rec league within two or three sessions.

Can I use football cleats for lacrosse?

Yes, in most cases. Football and lacrosse use the same surfaces and the same lateral cutting movements. The main exceptions: some leagues require lacrosse-labeled cleats, and metal cleats are almost universally banned for recreational play. Molded football cleats are the safe answer.

What position should I play as a beginner?

Attack or midfield. Both use the shorter 40-42 inch stick, and both get you involved in the offense, which is more fun while you're learning. Defense requires a 60-inch pole that takes getting used to, and goalie requires a completely different skill set plus expensive dedicated gear.

Going further

Where to next

Related hobbies

Browse by category

Authoritative sources

  • US Lacrosse — The national governing body. Official rules, player registration, league finder, equipment standards. Register here and find organized adult play.
  • US Lacrosse League Finder — Find adult leagues and programs near you. Most major metro areas have multiple club options in spring and fall.
  • Lacrosse All Stars — Best editorial gear coverage in the lacrosse space. Honest reviews with actual play testing. Good for stick and mesh comparisons once you're past beginner stage.
  • StringKing Blog — The best free resource for understanding mesh, pocket depth, and stick customization. Even if you don't buy StringKing, their educational content is the clearest primer on stick tech.
  • Inside Lacrosse — News, rankings, and college coverage. More useful once you're following the sport competitively. Good for staying current on the pro and college game.
Two lacrosse players competing for the ball on a field.

Photo by Peter Zhan on Unsplash

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