The Best Lacrosse Equipment from STX's Latest Line
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© 2024 USA Lacrosse. All Rights Reserved.
© 2024 USA Lacrosse. All Rights Reserved.
There’s entry-level gear, and then there’s the elite stuff.
If you’re looking for top-of-the-line equipment before the 2025 season, read on.
In the fall, STX and USA Lacrosse surprised the USA Select U18 teams with fresh kits for the Brogden Cup. They proceeded to go undefeated in 16 games against Team Ontario and the Haudenosaunee Nationals.
With thanks to STX for its support of the National Team Development Program, here’s what the future stars brandished while playing on the international stage.
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Available in 36-inch and 42-inch lengths, the STX Challenger has an outside sleeve designed to hold multiple sticks, a large main compartment to fit all gear and a small accessories pocket.
It’s made for midfielders but is perfectly suitable for attackmen. “It’s one of the best heads I’ve ever owned,” said Alex Ponchock, a USA Select, Benjamin School (Fla.) and Prime Time 2025 attackman committed to Navy. “I use a mid to low pocket, which works perfectly for this head. It’s really light, has a quick release and you can string it up a bunch of different ways.”
STX’s latest carbon-fiber shaft uses X-Grip technology to optimize finger and thumb placement for excellent feel and control. “It has a clean look. Lightweight, it feels great,” said Matej Roth, a USA Select team member who plays attack and midfield for Croatan (N.C.). “Quick shooting and just great handles.” There’s currently a limited-edition “Creamstickle” fade design option available for purchase if you’re looking for a more stylish touch.
With gloves you want a comfortable fit, flexibility in the wrists, good airflow and excellent grip. The STX Cell VI Gloves meet all these criteria. “These are fantastic gloves,” said Ryan Buonomo, a USA Select, Upper St. Clair (Pa.) and Old Line Elite 2025 attackman. “They’re nice and comfortable, have really good air flow and they’re really protective as well.”
Meeting the NOCSAE performance standard for chest protection guarding against commotio cordis, the STX Cell VI Shoulder Pad utilizes “stretch zones” for better flexibility. “In the past I’ve used chest pads that are big and bulky because of the new heart rules,” Ponchock said. “This chest pad protects your heart, but it doesn’t get in the way. It’s ideal for an attackman who likes to use his body.”
Class of 2025 standouts Mckenzie Brown (McDonogh, Md./Northwestern), Sierra Chirielson (Trinity, Pa./Syracuse) and Madeline Egan (Buckingham Browne & Nichols, Mass./Dartmouth) all played with the STX Crux Pro at the Brogden Cup.
The composite handle and lightweight head are top of the line, but it’s the Lock Pocket that makes the stick for these USA Select stars.
“It’s incredible with the time you spend breaking in your stick,” Brown said. “It’s not hours, it’s minutes. It comes ready to play.”
Chirielson likes how the pocket holds up in weather.
“Other sticks get bagged out,” she said. “I can play with this in the rain, the snow, pretty much anything and go out the next day without tugging on the strings.”
“For me it’s definitely the hold,” Egan added. “It’s super easy to throw fakes, release quick passes or wind up and rip it from the outside. It’s a pocket that does everything.”
The steel frame provides strength and protection while the double-bar design maximizes visibility. “They’re super lightweight and easy to see out of,” Chirielson said.
“I absolutely love these,” Brown added. “I play with the Focus-S on an everyday basis. Getting another pair is great.”
