The Difference Between Ten Degree and Straight Women's Lacrosse Shafts

10 Degree technology for women's lacrosse shafts was introduced a few years ago.  10 Degree refers to a sharp 10-degree bend in the angle of the shaft where it fits on to a women’s lacrosse head.  (NOTE: ONLY 10 DEGREE SHAFTS WILL FIT ON 10 DEGREE HEADS AND VICE VERSA).  This has the effect of tilting the head slightly backwards.  When a ball is then placed in the head, the ball will naturally roll to a “sweet spot” up towards the scoop/top of the head where it nestles against the top throw strings.   The 10 Degree sweet spot is also where the ball naturally ends up when the player is cradling, as opposed to the ball being carried much lower in the pocket by the throat of the shaft, which is the case with a straight stick.  

Essentially 10 Degree technology moves the ball up in the women’s pocket and straight technology holds the ball much lower in the pocket.  Since 10 Degree technology was introduced, by STX with the Crux 600, many manufacturers have come out with different variations of "tilt technology".   Maverik introduced the Maverik Ascent Complete Stick which has a 22 degree release.  Epoch introduced the Epoch Prupose 15 Degree Complete Stick which has a 15 degree release.  Nike has the Lunar Elite 2 which also had 10 degree technology.  

So what does tilt technology provide?   When more advanced players are dodging, feeding and shooting - they want the quickest release possible. Also, newer players will immediately feel the difference in these softer, tilt technology pockets as their game develops.  So the ball sitting up in the top of the pocket, right against the throw strings allows players to simply flick their wrists and get the ball out much quicker and faster than having the ball travel all the way up the runway of a straight pocket and then releasing.  

This small adjustment has literally changed the game of women’s lacrosse in the last 3 years.   Because of this technology, the college and high school girls have nearly as much control as the boys do.  The tilt technology in women's lacrosse shafts and heads has dramatically increased shot speeds, decreased the time it takes to get the ball out of the pocket and allowed the girls to dodge and move through traffic like the boys.  For advancing youth, it is this simple, if you are playing without tilt technology you are at a SEVERE disadvantage to the other girls.  There really is no middle ground.  The good news is that once you invest in one of these sticks, newer players usually get 2 full seasons of play before they need a new one.  Buying a cheaper complete stick may save you $30-$40 today, but your player will certainly thank you later if you get  tilt technology to start with.   A younger players skills will develop much,  much faster when the ball is seated higher in that softer, more forgiving, yet faster pocket.  

If you have any questions about women's complete lacrosse sticks, give one of our collegiate pros a call at 855.255.5294 or email us a questions@lax.com. 

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