To begin, let's have a look at the carbon composite handles. The majority of these handles are advanced carbon-fiber technology that delivers superior strength to weight ratio and can perform in almost any weather condition. Many companies manufacturer carbon handles these days, with the likes of True, Epoch, ECD, STX and Nike all offering high end carbon handles. Buying your first carbon handle can be a little confusing with many different weights, profiles, flex and flex points.
Over the last few years True has been on of the most consistent sellers of carbon handles here in Europe with their Comp 4.0 Handle. With a great value carbon handle giving many player the ability to try a carbon handle not only is it simplifies things. By offering the handle in a couple of colors, but only one profile and one flex, it makes thing much easier for a new player to make the transition to carbon.
True Comp 4.0 Handle
Epoch lacrosse is a leader in producing carbon men's lacrosse handles and is one of the top end manufacturers of carbon handles because of the technology that they include in their product. Epoch has developed the Epoch Dragonfly in different types of lacrosse shafts for different types of players. IQ9 was made for the advancing youth; IQ5 is for all levels of a player shooting between 70-90 MPH, and IQ2 was designed for HS & College players shooting over 90 MPH. The “C” the shape is the most popular shaft shape since it is a traditional concave. Epoch also cover the intermediate level player with their Integra line of handles with fewer profiles and flex points. More recently Epoch have begun to push the boundary with carbon box handles designed to take all the punishment that the NLL has to offer.
Epoch Dragonfly Elite X30 iQ:5
ECD Lacrosse offers an wide range of carbon handles and are top choices for all types of players. Our favorite is the ECD Carbon Pro 2.0 which comes in different types based off your playing style. First off the "speed" is for attack men and middies that like a high flex to help them improve their shot speed. The "power" is a stiffer carbon shaft for D-middies looking for a little more strength on the defensive side of the field and step-down shooters looking for a low flex-point on the shaft. The ECD Carbon Pro 2.0 lacrosse shaft features kick point technology which allows the shooter to have a little extra pop at the end of the shot. The ECD Carbon 2.0 is a good value, and a good choice for advancing youth players that want a light carbon shaft to improve their shooting abilities. One of the main advantages of the ECD carbon handles is that they have a removable plug that allows face-off guys to use heads with a throat insert which is a great move, allowing for all players to use their handles.
ECD Carbon Pro 2.0 Speed
STX and Nike, both offer Carbon handles with Nike, offering the Vapor composite handle, which is a lightweight option that has a slightly gritty textured grip. This shaft comes in both attack and defense and is perfect for any level of player. These shafts are made light enough so that even younger players, who are learning to grow their game can improve and benefit from the flex technology. STX offers the Alliance attack handle range which comes in a few profiles, allowing player to cater for their own game. On the defensive end STX offer the Hammer 700. Designed for the elite defensive player, the Hammer 700 d-pole boasts a new carbon construction, designed to enhance durability and feel. The raised 3D grip at the bottom of the shaft provides enhanced control, eliminating the use of tape and added weight. Comes with a standard concave octagon shape profile.
STX Alliance VFT Attack Lacrosse Handle
Metal lacrosse shafts come in 3 basic configurations with regards to their mixtures of metals which include: Alloy, Titanium & Scandium The shafts that have the most expensive materials, like titanium and scandium, deliver the best in class weight and strength that elite level players demand. Some of the other aluminum mixes come out a bit heavier and are suitable for newer players who don't want to invest in a metal shaft until they are sure they like the feel of it. As a general rule, ask any coach or serious player, and they will advise you to get the lightest handle that you can afford that will stand up the your playing style. This rule holds true, especially for advancing youth players.
Maverik makes some of the best metal options available. They use some of the best materials in the game, Scandium-Titanium alloy to make their signature Military Grade strength. One of our favorites is the Apollo lacrosse shaft, this is the lightest shaft from Maverik. Another favorite is the Maverik A1 lacrosse shaft, made with Scandium alloy and has a thinner wall thickness for an extremely lightweight feel. You really can't go wrong with any of the metal lacrosse shafts from Maverik.
Maverik Apollo Attack Lacrosse Handle
STX recently updated their SC-Ti handles and are available in both attack and defense length. Coming in three profiles (S, X & R) that each have a different weight and strength allowing you to choose the right handle for your style of play. The STX Sc-Ti alloy shaft series is the real deal and Sc-Ti technology has been a proven winner year in and year out. We like the S-Grip profile which optimizes any style of grip, so you will have excellent feel and control of the stick. The Max sandblast provides a non-slip surface, ideal for all conditions. The new Elite End Cap is lightweight and a durable alternative to tape.
STX Sc-Ti S Handle
Finally, StringKing metal lacrosse shafts are designed for every type of player coming in Attack, defense and goalie length. The Stringking Metal 3 PRO lacrosse shaft for players just starting out in the game and for the elite player. By making their shafts in different weights which are specific to age and style of play. You can choose a lacrosse shaft that is best for you based off your height and weight.
Stringking Metal 3 Pro
So the question is carbon composite or metal? Most believe that youth players will benefit from the light-weight consistency of metal shafts. Once you start to shooting harder, its time to explore carbon and see if it fits your game. Most defensive players opt for the strength and stiffness of metal, but those who tend to bend a lot of metal poles will revert to carbon as it does not bend, it only snaps.