Girls lacrosse is a non-contact sport (with rule-defined stick contact and minimal body contact). The equipment is much lighter than boys’. The sticks are not the same, the stringing rules are not the same, and the gear is not interchangeable with boys’ lacrosse.

Ages 5–7 (Starter / Tots)

A youth girls lacrosse stick

Girls sticks are different from boys sticks. Different head shape, different stringing rules. Buy a girls-specific starter stick.

How to choose: 35 to 38 inch length. Beginner pocket (shallow stringing).

Cost range: $40–80.

Eye protection (mandatory)

Girls lacrosse requires goggles. Most leagues require ASTM-certified goggles.

How to choose: goggles should fit snugly without pressing on the cheeks or temples.

Cost range: $30–60.

A mouthpiece

Required.

Cost range: $5–15.

Cleats

Soccer cleats work. Lacrosse cleats are nice but not necessary.

Cost range: $35–70.

That is the entire required kit for girls’ lacrosse at this age. About $110 to $225 to start.

Ages 8–10

Better stick

Girls sticks have specific stringing rules. By this age, your kid will have stringing preferences. Most stores will restring for $20 to $40.

Cost range: $60–150.

Better goggles

Higher-end goggles fit better and don’t fog as easily.

Cost range: $50–100.

Lacrosse cleats

Mid-cut for ankle support.

Cost range: $50–100.

Ages 11–12

The stick technology starts to matter. Custom stringing becomes common.

A serious girls stick

Stick maker, head shape, pocket depth all matter. Talk to the kid’s coach.

Cost range: $150–250.

Pro-quality goggles

Lighter weight, better visibility.

Cost range: $80–150.

Ages 13–14 and 15+

Girls’ high-school lacrosse rules added optional headgear in 2018. Most programs don’t require it; some do. Some kids choose to wear it anyway after a head impact incident.

The kit at varsity level runs $250 to $500 for stick, goggles, mouthpiece, cleats, headgear. Club and travel lacrosse adds $2,000 to $4,000 per year.

How to choose a girls stick

Three checks:

One. Length. 35 to 43 inches across all ages. The stick should reach about chin height when held head-up.

Two. Pocket. The pocket is where the ball sits. Beginner pockets are shallow and easier to scoop. Girls’ stringing rules are stricter than boys’. New players want shallow; experienced players will customize.

Three. Weight balance. Hold the stick at the throat (just below the head). It should feel balanced, not head-heavy. A head-heavy stick fatigues the wrist quickly.

If you don’t know what you’re buying, take your kid to a lacrosse-specific shop. They will help you choose the right setup.

A few honest notes

Boys and girls lacrosse sticks are NOT interchangeable. The heads are shaped differently and the stringing rules are different.

Used lacrosse gear is plentiful. Most lacrosse-heavy regions have annual gear swaps in February or March. Worth showing up.