Women's Lacrosse Sticks HELP! Crux 400 vs 600

[Anonymous]

I have a 12 year old that has been playing lacrosse on a rec league for 3 years (she just started her 4th season). She has a cheap intro STX Crux 100 stick. She loves lacrosse and is very good at it (at least at a rec level). We think it is time to get her a better stick. We went to a lacrosse store and they told us that since she has been playing with a STX Crux, to upgrade her to a 400 or a 600. The guy was super busy, so I couldn't get my questions in. What is the difference (other than price-$114 vs $174 for the head and shaft) between the sticks? Is durability a difference, is the 600 going to last longer? Is one better to get than the other for a 12 year old girl? If you feel that the 600 is money well spent, could you tell me why? Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Yes, it's probably time for a new stick. What position does she play?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, it's probably time for a new stick. What position does she play?

Mostly attack (90% of the time attack, but she is also a very good defense and if needed the coach has put her there before)

[Anonymous]

Agree that it sounds like it's time for an upgrade. If money is not a primary driver, I'd stick with the Crux and pay up for the 600 - especially as an attacker. Sadly, durability has nothing to do with price - all stick heads will begin to show signs of flex by one year of age - but of course will last longer for playing. It is design, pocket and shaft materials that tend to drive cost. However, the price you mentioned is probably for the "head only" - be aware that the 600 "family" of stx sticks requires a specific stx 10* shaft. IE: the crux 100 shaft will not work. The stock crux 600 comes with a 1" diameter shaft at $220 - you can upgrade to a 7/8 carbon shaft for $70 more. The Launch Pocket comes as standard and is a decent option that is VERY low maintenance. I would play it safe and stay away from "off the shelf" mesh or leather/rail pockets (way too much quality variation on each one produced). Depending on age, playing experience and the stringer - custom pockets are always a great option - but that will bring additional cost. FWIW: Choosing gear can certainly can be overwhelming - smart of you to ask. Best of luck.

[Anonymous]

Really, it is a matter of feel. The high end STX lines are all very good. Mine have played with the older model Crux, Exult (middie but used by a kid who played both on attack and defense), Fortress (defense) and Eclipse 2 (goalie stick). Shafts need not match but must fit. My oldest selected an exult head but fortress shaft. My goalie combined an ECD shaft with the Eclipse 2 head.

I’d also have her play around with various pocket options. Mesh is now a possibility for girls lacrosse that some really like. Personally, we’ve done well with the launch and the runway. Neither of mine have tried mesh (other than in a goalie stick, of course.

[Anonymous]

We recently bought the Crux 400 for my daughter. She had the Crux 500 previously for a few years and it finally broke. We didn't want to spend the money on the Crux 600. She LOVES it!!! She thinks the pocket is better than her 500, and everything else is about the same. I don't know about durability though, we'll have to wait and see. My daughter is in middle school and she plays attack. You daughter will love the 400, specially coming from a 100 intro stick.