As the lacrosse season approaches, players start getting back into the swing of things with wall ball, conditioning, and team practices. One thing that often gets overlooked, however, is the condition of your stick. Whether you’re a boy or girl, your stick takes a lot of wear throughout the year, and small issues can affect passing, catching, and shooting. Before the season starts, it’s a good idea to check your stick and replace any worn parts so everything feels consistent once games begin.
Check Your Pocket
For men’s sticks, the mesh can stretch or soften over time. When mesh gets too worn down, the pocket may become inconsistent, causing inaccurate passes or unpredictable releases.
Signs it may be time to replace your mesh include:
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A pocket that feels too baggy
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Inconsistent throwing
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Mesh that feels soft or stretched out
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Top selling meshes that guarantee to last you throughout the season are ECD Hero 4 and Throne APX/FPX
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Pro Tip: Check out our online customizer to explore all variations of mesh, strings, heads, and dyes you can unveil this season!
For women’s sticks, pockets are typically strung with different variations of runners, which can loosen or shift with use. If the pocket starts losing its structure, the ball may not sit correctly.
Women’s players should check for:
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Loose runners or sidewall strings
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Uneven pocket channels
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Strings that have stretched out over time
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The best in the game trust the STX Lock Pocket, Valkyrie Runners, Flex Mesh, and Hex Pockets!
Restringing your pocket before the season can dramatically improve stick control.
Stick Tape
Tape is one of the easiest upgrades you can make before the season. Over time, tape can wear down and lose the tacky feel that helps with stick control. Many players start the season with fresh tape or a new grip so their stick feels secure in their hands during ground balls, dodges, and checks. Even a quick retape can make your stick feel brand new.
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The best tape out on the market is the new Tac Tape from Throne Lacrosse! Available in white or spark yellow, this tape is game changing for keeping your feel consistent throughout a game.
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If your looking to add some color or pop to your stick, we recommend throwing some Lizard Skins on your stick this season!
Your Head
Heads can slowly wear down after a full season of use. For men’s players, repeated checks and ground balls can cause the plastic to soften or warp. Women’s heads can also lose shape over time, especially if the stick has been used heavily for training in the offseason.
Consider replacing your head if:
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You notice cracks near the scoop or sidewalls
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The head feels more flexible than it used to
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The shape has slightly warped
A fresh head helps maintain accuracy and durability throughout the season.
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For a full breakdown on what head fits you best, head into your local LU and talk to one of our professional stick doctors! They will be able to get in the perfect setup for your style of play.
Your Shaft
For men’s players, your shaft is another important piece to check before the season begins. Shafts can dent, bend, or loosen after a year of play, especially for defenders and midfielders who take a lot of contact.
Look for:
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Dents affecting grip
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Small bends in the metal
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Loose connections between the head and shaft
Starting the season with a reliable shaft ensures your stick can handle physical play.
Women’s shafts will begin to wear off as well. The constant contact and checks they absorb allow them to weaken over time. There is no worse feeling than breaking your shaft mid game! Make sure your shaft is nice and sturdy heading into the 2026 season!
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Check our full assortment of women’s handles right here!
Taking a few minutes to refresh your stick before the season begins can make a big difference once games start. Whether it’s new mesh, restrung pockets, or updated tape, small upgrades help your stick perform consistently. If you’re unsure what needs to be replaced, the experts at Lacrosse Unlimited can help check your stick and recommend the best setup for both men’s and women’s players. A properly tuned stick helps you focus on what matters most; playing your best when the season begins.
