Composite or Metal Lacrosse Shaft: Which Is Best for You?
Lacrosse shafts come in two materials: metal, made from aluminum alloy, and composite, made from carbon fiber. Neither is better for every player. They feel different, they wear differently, and they come in different weights. Here's how to choose.
Side by Side
| Metal | Composite | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum alloy | Carbon fiber |
| Feel | Stiff and crisp | Light, with a textured finish on our men's shafts |
| Weight choices | Men's Metal 3 Pro Attack: 135, 155, 175 or 195 g. A Series: 135, 155 or 175 g. | Men's Composite 3 Pro Attack: 135, 155, 175 or 195 g. Composite 3: 155 or 175 g. |
| How it wears | A hard check can dent it | It won't dent, but a heavy blow can crack it |
| Price | Our lowest-priced shafts are metal | Costs more than our value metal shafts |
| Warranty | 6 months | 6 months |
Choose Metal If…
• You like a stiff, crisp feel.
• You want the lowest price. Our value shafts are metal.
• You're buying a first shaft or a backup.
Choose Composite If…
• You don't want dents in your shaft.
• You want a textured grip, on our men's shafts.
• On the women's side, you want a shaft balanced to sit naturally in your hands.
Men's · Best composite
Composite 3 Pro Attack
Light carbon fiber with a textured grip, in four weights.
Men's · Value composite
Composite 3 Attack
Carbon fiber at a lower price, in 155 or 175 grams.
Women's · Best composite
Women's Composite 2 Pro
Light carbon fiber, balanced for smooth cradling. 130 grams.
By Position
For position, weight matters more than material. Players who give and take a lot of checks, like defensemen and LSMs, should pick a heavier shaft in either material. Attackers and midfielders who want quicker hands can go lighter.
Faceoff players: our faceoff shafts are composite, with two textured grip zones. Goalies: we make goalie shafts in both metal and composite.
Men's Shafts by Material
| Shaft | Material | Attack weights |
|---|---|---|
| Metal 3 Pro | Performance alloy | 135–195 g |
| A Series | Aluminum alloy | 135–175 g |
| Starter | Alloy | 155 g |
| Composite 3 Pro | Performance carbon fiber | 135–195 g |
| Composite 3 | Carbon fiber | 155–175 g |
More in our men's shaft guide.
Women's Shafts by Material
| Shaft | Material | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Women's Metal 3 Pro | Performance alloy | 130 g |
| Women's Metal 2 | Aluminum alloy | 130 g |
| Women's Starter Shaft | Alloy | 140 g |
| Women's Composite 2 Pro | Carbon fiber | 130 g |
| Women's Composite 2 | Carbon fiber | 160 g |
More in our women's shaft guide.
Questions
Is composite better than metal?
Not for everyone. Composite won't dent and, on our men's shafts, has a textured grip. Metal feels stiffer, and our value metal shafts cost less. Pick the one that feels better in your hands.
Which lasts longer?
It depends on how you play. Metal can dent from a hard check. Composite won't dent, but a heavy blow can crack it. In both materials, a heavier shaft holds up better.
Which is better for a beginner?
A metal Starter or A Series shaft. They cost the least, and a new player can move to a lighter or composite shaft later.
Can I see one in person before I buy?
Yes. Use our store locator to find a shop near you that carries StringKing.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Every StringKing shaft comes with a 6-month warranty.
Find Your Shaft
Every StringKing shaft comes with a 6-month warranty.
Shop men's shafts · Shop women's shafts
Updated October 2026