The key characteristics of shafts are strength and weight. The shaft is usually the heaviest component in the stick system. The goal of most players is to get the lightest weight possible without sacrificing strength. Early shafts were made entirely of wood, typically hickory. However, many of today's coaches grew up playing with wood shafts and continue to use them.
Some players use wood shafts in recognition of the roots of lacrosse.
Wood shafts can be used during off-season conditioning as a training tool and in box lacrosse competition. The most common materials used today are aluminum and aluminum based alloys. Aluminum shafts are appropriate for all skill levels within the game, particularly beginners and young players. These shafts are blends of aluminum and other metals in varying ratios. Alloy shafts have extensive field experience and hold up well in all game conditions.