Every year, Lax.com combs through all the lacrosse gear in the world, rips it apart and chooses only the best for its leading e-commerce operation and warehouse in Norwalk, Connecticut.
Founded in 2000, the online retailer boasts an experienced staff and a deep roster of athletes — real lacrosse players and coaches — who review the latest lacrosse equipment and accessories.
We tapped into their expertise to identify what products will be top sellers in 2022 and why you should budget for them next season.
WARRIOR BURN XP-O HEAD
Price: $99.99 on Lax.com
The Burn XP line dropped Oct. 1. It includes three new heads (offense, defense and faceoff), carbon fiber shafts and protective gear. Ryan Brown used the XP-O this summer with the PLL’s Waterdogs. He’s the best shooter in the world. Don’t overthink this.
WARRIOR EVO SHOULDER PADS
Price: $119.99 on Lax.com
Meeting the NOCSAE performance standard ND200 for commotio cordis, the Evo pads feature a compression-molded sternum to reduce weight and add protection, adjustable straps and removable bicep guards.
WARRIOR BURN GLOVES
Price: $99.99 on Lax.com
There’s a Burn Pro option ($149.99) and the newly released Burn XP, but the standard Burn is perfectly suitable. The newly designed cuff features improved flexibility. With a low profile and mesh inserts at the palms, the Burn gloves protect your hands but let them breathe.
WARRIOR BURN XP-O SHAFT
Price: $139.99 on Lax.com
Increased flex and lateral stiffness, glove-preserving grip and two endcap options (shot leverage vs. light weight) are just some of the features of the 30-inch carbon fiber handle. There’s a 60-inch version for defensemen.
MAVERIK OPTIK 3 HEAD
Price: $99.99 on Lax.com
A lightweight attack head, the Optik 3 is wider and stiffer than its predecessor, but still comes in at just 4.8 ounces. Maverik shortened the throat for better tophand control and added sidewall holes (now 20) for additional stringing options.
MAVERIK HYPERDRIVE SHAFT
Price: $129.99 on Lax.com
The newest carbon shaft from Maverik can hold up playing both offense and defense. Perfect for the two-way middie, especially those who prefer a head like the Tactik 2.0..
MAVERIK UNION SHAFT
Price: $129.99 on Lax.com
In the race to create the lightest handle with the most durability — strength-to-weight ratio in industry terms — Maverik wins with its blend of scandium and titanium. Lax.com athlete Asher Nolting is still using the Union he got in 2020. He says it’s the preferred shaft for most High Point players.
MAVERIK M5 EKG SHOULDER/SPEED PADS
Price: $149.99 on Lax.com / $124.99 on Lax.com
With field players now required to wear shoulder pads or liners (no bicep guards) that meet the NOCSAE ND200 performance standard for commotio cordis, Will Bowen was wary of the added bulk. But the Lax.com athlete and Georgetown defenseman says he noticed no additional weight with the M5 and liked how the pads fit around his midsection.
MAVERIK M5 GLOVES
Price: $129.99 on Lax.com
Released just this year, the M5 includes much of the same technology that made the M4 such a popular glove — including the Shark Gel material along the thumb that hardens on impact and the adjustable cuff offering close fit for more protection or flared fit for better range of motion. The mesh palm and vent on the back of the hand will keep those silky mitts of yours cool.
MAVERIK ASCENT +
Price: $249.99 on Lax.com
The Ascent was Lax.com’s best-selling women’s stick in 2020 and rivaled the Gait line in 2021. Like the original, the Ascent Plus has the 22-degree offset, but improves release angle and optimizes control. Comes complete with full mesh or hybrid pocket.
BRINE EDGE PRO
Price: $249.99 on Lax.com
Lax.com's Vanessa Budd calls the Edge Pro shaft the lightest she has ever held in her life. The pre-knit pocket is not for everyone, but those who use the stick like its consistency, mid-size channel and designated sweet spot.
STX CRUX PRO ELITE
Price: $299.99 on Lax.com
STX loyalists love the upgrades to the legendary Crux line. The new Pro Form pocket performs as well as the Rail Elite with its pre-stretched premium leather. The low-profile composite handle has targeted strength in high-impact areas.
WARRIOR ISO WARP MESH
Price: $29.99 on Lax.com
ISO Warp Mesh can be strung into all lacrosse heads just as easily as any other piece of mesh on the market. Stringers will notice the larger, stretched out diamonds in the middle of the mesh. This is the “sweet spot,” the place where the ball sits in your pocket no matter your preference (low, mid-low, mid, mid-high or high).
GAIT APEX
Price: $249.99 on Lax.com
Players at all levels are gravitating toward the Gait Apex complete with Flex Mesh, though it’s also available in traditional Rail Elite. The offset head allows for a deeper pocket. The Apex combines the best elements of the Air and the Whip. It’s super light, can be used by any position player and has just enough angle on the head to get the ball off your shooting strings quicker.
ECD INFINITY PRO
Price: $249.99 on Lax.com
ECD is gaining steam in the women’s game with mesh. Lax.com athlete Megan Carney used to have ECD string her sticks with hard wax mesh for fun. Now it’s legal for play. If you want a mesh stick that performs right off the wall, this is the one.
CASCADE XRS HELMET
Price: $299.99 on Lax.com
Cascade extended the peripheral vision, added ventilation and redesigned the interior with what they’re calling a 360-degree fit — an accurate description for the snuggest, comfiest Cascade helmet yet. There are no pressure points. No youth version yet.
ECD SHOOTING TARGET
Price: $39.99 on Lax.com
Sold individually, the ECD targets are built to take a beating. Loyola uses them, and Lax.com athlete Kevin Lindley said they’ve survived multiple seasons of shooting sessions. If it’s good enough for Ridley Athletic Complex, it’s good enough for your yard.
NIKE VAPOR ELITE SHOULDER PAD LINER
Price: $129.99 on Lax.com
You’ll barely notice the commotio cordis protector. It has a low profile that sits across your chest with the pad on the inside. Plastic clips secure the pads around the midsection.
NIKE L3 HEAD
Price: $99.99 on Lax.com
Lakota fans must have been licking their chops when they saw Michael Sowers playing with the L3 at Duke and then Lyle Thompson rocking it in the PLL. Midfielders can dodge and shoot with it. Attackmen can string up a low pocket, cradle one-handed and finish inside. “If the [Maverik] Optik 3 and [STX] Stallion 900 had a baby, you’re looking at that,” Lax.com’s Mike Barrett said. The L3 is lighter than the Lakota 2 without sacrificing stiffness.
STX DUEL 3 HEAD
Price: $99.99 on Lax.com
An expected best seller in 2022, this top-of-the-line faceoff head is used by Joe Nardella of the PLL’s Whipsnakes. It’s designed for specialists who stay on the field, the perfect blend of strength and flex.
STX SURGEON LTZ GLOVES
Price: $99.99 (Coming soon to Lax.com)
Inspired by the RZR line, the LTZ gloves are made (and priced) for the intermediate player. Great value, comfort and durability, with minimum weight on your hands. Available in a range of colors to match your team’s look.
STX HYPER POWER HEAD
Price: $99.99 on Lax.com
It’s the ultimate shooter’s head, the weapon of choice for step-down snipers like Sergio Perkovic of the PLL’s Redwoods. The stiffness and upgraded power ramp turn the ball into a heat-seeking missile. STX has simplified stringing with its interlock technology.
STX CELL 5 SHOULDER PADS / LINER
Price: $139.99 on Lax.com / $114.99 on Lax.com
All the STX schools — Duke, UNC, Princeton, etc. — are using the Cell 5s. Like the Max EKG and the Vapor Elite, these NOCSAE ND200-approved products have clips rather than Velcro in the midsection. Bonus.
STX MULTI-POSITION REBOUNDER
Price: $144.99 on Lax.com
If you don’t want to break the bank on the All Ball Pro Stinger X ($899.99), this is the lacrosse training rebounder to purchase. The adjustable frame allows for varied rebound angles. There’s a 3-by-4 foot nylon net area and sturdy steel frame.
ELEVATE SPORTS TRAINING SET
Price: $44.99 on Lax.com
This set comes with a 15-foot agility ladder and eight speed cones, stakes to anchor the ladder into the ground, a custom carry bag and a training drill chart with QR codes to videos. There is no setup time. Just drop it and go.
MAVERIK MAX EKG SHOULDER/SPEED PADS
Price: $154.99 on Lax.com / $134.99 on Lax.com
If there’s one thing to take away from this guide, it’s this: Every player who takes the field in 2022 must have chest protection that meets the NOCSAE performance standard ND200. There are no exceptions — and you don’t mess with commotio cordis. The Max takes you to the absolute top of the line in both its full shoulder pad (with bicep protection) and liner versions.
ECD CARBON 3.0 SHAFT
Price: $99.99 (30') on Lax.com / $159.99 (60') on Lax.com
Lax.com can’t keep enough ECD shafts in stock. They sell out. The ECD 3 has a cleaner look and improved strength. The flex point is good if you’re just getting introduced to carbon fiber shafts.
YOU COMPLETE ME
Pro-grade sticks for the developing player — at a price point parents will love.
MAVERIK TACTIK 2
Price: $129.99 (Alloy) on Lax.com / $149.99 (Carbon) on Lax.com
Beginners should look at the Critik ($99.99) or Critik ST ($69.99 for 10U), but if you’re looking for that next stick in the Maverik line of completes, the Tactik includes options for an alloy or carbon handle and comes with a semi-hard mesh mid-pocket for ideal hold.
STX STALLION 300
Price: $69.99 on Lax.com
STX set out to create a playable factory-strung pocket. The Stallion 300 features its new Pocket Sync technology, replacing the top and sidewall strings with recessed teeth and cleats, respectively, to secure the mesh within the scoop and along the sidewall. The lightweight 7000 alloy handle also is an upgrade.
ECD BRAVO 1 ELITE
Price: $99.99 on Lax.com
ECD Lacrosse’s evolution from niche supplier of wax mesh, pockets and hard goods for elite players to global brand took another step with this readymade stick for players age 11-16. The lower-pocket bottom rail, rounded face shape and ground ball-friendly scoop will keep your fundamentals sound.
SWOOSH APPEAL
Why Nike still sets the standard for swag.
NIKE APPAREL
Price: Miscellaneous on Lax.com
Sure, Nike does hard goods, but the company’s predominance in apparel and footwear stands out especially in lacrosse. The Dri-Fit tees and Therma/Club Fleece hoodies are among the most popular apparel products. Toss on a Campus cap and you’re set. Lax.com carries limited products from the USA Lacrosse and Iroquois Nationals lines.
NIKE FACE-OFF BACKPACK
Price: $89.99 on Lax.com
You can’t go wrong with any of the Nike bags. The Face-Off is the top of the line after the Brasilia ($45) and Zone ($59.99). With a side stick storage slot, exterior zippered pockets and an insulated water bottle, it securely stores all your gear and keeps you organized as you head to your next game or practice. And there’s a separate compartment for your sweaty shoes.
NIKE HUARACHE 8 CLEATS
Price: $99.99 (Pro) on Lax.com / $129.99 (Elite) on Lax.com
No need to break these babies in. They’re ready for game play right off the shelf. The lightweight durable foam provides comfort beneath your feet and the X system at the back of the heel provides the stability you want when changing directions on the field. There’s no slip tongue on the top. Just slip on the cleats with a tapered sleeve of sorts for your ankles. Nike dominates the lacrosse footwear sphere for a reason. The simple but sleek white colorway with green and pink accent options make the H8s pop.
HOUSE CALL
For the stick doctor in your family.
LAX.COM CUSTOM STRINGING
Price: $14.99-$89.99 on Lax.com.
Sixty-five percent of customers who buy unstrung heads from Lax.com choose to utilize its custom stringing service. The online customizer allows you to see what the head and pocket will look like in real time. Located in Norwalk, Connecticut, Lax.com is the stringer of choice for much of Fairfield County, knows and executes the setup for several pros and recently fulfilled a full custom stringing order for the Marquette women’s lacrosse team.
ECD HERO 3.0 SEMI-SOFT MESH/KIT
Price: $24.99 on Lax.com / $32.99 on Lax.com
The most popular mesh product made by the most popular lacrosse mesh developer in the country. Longevity, consistency, weather resistance and ease of stringing — Hero mesh covers everything. This version is 10 times more water repellant than its predecessor and has added texture for a better feel.
STRINGKING TYPE 4S MESH/KIT
Price: $24.99 on Lax.com / $34.99 on Lax.com
Right there with ECD in terms of brand loyalty, StringKing rewarded its customers with a new technology called Tri-Twist which weaves the semi-soft mesh tighter than previous versions. Best if you want to feel a bit of a bag on your stick when cradling but want non-stretch performance when you let shots rip, it tends to be favored by long poles.