At Lacrosse Unlimited, every stick tells a story. From the moment a head is unstrung to the final wrap of tape on the handle, the process of building a custom stick blends skill, creativity, and performance. Whether you’re a beginner buying your first setup or a seasoned player looking for the perfect game-day setup, here’s a peek behind the curtain at how our stringers and staff bring custom sticks to life.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Head
The head is the foundation of every stick. Attackmen often look for heads with a tighter pinch to maximize ball control, while defenders prefer wider faces for checks and ground balls. Midfielders tend to land somewhere in between. Defensemen look for a wider head with more rigidity to maintain checks throughout the course of the season and be able to intercept passes. Face Off guys are a beast of their own. With almost every manufacturer making FO heads, it comes down to personal preference on flex points and kick back.
Pro Tip from our stringers: “Don’t just pick a head because your favorite college player uses it. Think about how you play, your position, and your strengths. The right head should fit your game, not the other way around.”
Step 2: Stringing a Pocket That Fits Your Game
Stringing is where personality and performance collide. A mid-pocket might give you balance for feeding and shooting, while a high pocket adds quick release for attackmen. Defensemen often prefer a lower pocket for control on clears.
Our LU stringers are artists in their own right. From Pocket Pros by Clem to Sidewall Jedi, Dandy Dyes, and Hudson Valley Strings, each has their own flavor and expertise when it comes to pocket styles.
“Every time we string up a head, we’re not just stringing to string; we’re building confidence for that player. When your pocket feels right, everything about your game feels better.”
Step 3: Picking the Shaft
The shaft is about more than just weight; it’s about balance, feel, and durability. Aluminum, scandium, carbon, and alloy-They each offer their own advantage. Attackmen often favor lightweight shafts for quick dodges, while defenders lean toward strength and durability.
At LU, two of the hottest shafts right now are the STX Sc Ti and the ECD Carbon Pro 3. The Sc Ti brings strength and speed while the Carbon brings Flex and Finesse!
Step 4: Wrapping It Up with Tape
The final touch is often the most personal. Some players go with a simple butt-end wrap, while others craft intricate grips along the handle. Tape is more than just added feel. Tape can add a unique look stick that reflects your game and how you play. Whether it’s colored or plain white, tape can add a little extra pop on every players stick!
Pro Tip: Experiment with different tape patterns in practice. Once you find what feels best, stick with it for game day (pun intended).
Why Custom Matters
A stick isn’t just a piece of equipment; it’s your opportunity as a lacrosse player to express yourself and your game play through your equipment! When your head, pocket, and shaft come together perfectly, it creates confidence on the field. At Lacrosse Unlimited, we take pride in helping every player find (and build) their perfect setup. Head over to your local LU and ask our experts what they think will be the best fit for your style of play!
