Talon Lacrosse: Hardwood composite lacrosse shafts, wooden lacrosse shafts, wood lacrosse shafts

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How strong are Talon Lacrosse shafts?

A: All shafts have a weight vs. strength tradeoff. Many competitors claim that their shafts are "the lightest and the strongest". The reality is that lighter shafts are weaker but have the advantage of promoting quick stick handling. Please see our performance table summarizing the relative strength of each of our shafts. In the testing we've conducted, we feel that our Spirit shaft (youth stick) is comparable to light aluminum alloys in impact strength but far superior in durability to denting. Our Legend shaft is comparable to composite shafts on the market in terms of impact strength, but with better durability as the finish does not chip or dent when the stick is checked. Our Thunder shaft is designed for the most aggressive field and box lacrosse players, and it has been engineered to withstand the strongest stick checks.

Q: Do Talon Lacrosse shafts have a warranty?

A: We offer a six-month replacement warranty on all of our Talon shafts. However, any Talon shafts that are obtained through promotional opportunities are not covered by our warranty. Our warranty covers breakage during normal game play, but the warranty on our the Spirit shaft only covers normal contact in FIELD lacrosse and does not cover breakage during indoor lacrosse. If your shaft breaks, contact us immediately, either by email (info@talonlacrosse.com) or by phone (650-593-2324). To help us to serve you quickly, please let us know when the shaft was purchased.

Q: What makes Talon Lacrosse shafts so special?

A: Talon Lacrosse shafts have the look and feel of traditional wood shafts but have the high performance qualities of other composite materials on the market. Every Talon Lacrosse shaft is handcrafted using proprietary techniques, so no one shaft is exactly the same as the next which, like the old wood sticks, gives each its own personality. Wood represents the true meaning and significance of lacrosse, as this was the shaft material of choice for centuries of indigenous and organized play prior to the introduction of aluminum in the 1970s. Wood is a living material that communicates warmth, unique tactile feelings, and a connection to lacrosse players who used wood shafts for the past 500 years. It is a feeling you simply cannot get from handling a metal shaft.

Q: What is the significance of the unique shape of the Talon Lacrosse shaft?

A: Talon Lacrosse has developed a proprietary three-section grip surface; a reliable and familiar octagon portion is at each end for consistent stick handling and feel, while a unique, soft, triangle-shaped (called the 'Kanuga') section occupies the midshaft. The transition between different portions of the shaft is seamless, providing the hands of the player with optimal comfort. This unique, soft triangle shape provides an ideal ergonomic interaction between hand and shaft, facilitating the proper mechanics of passing and shooting. Each Talon shaft is also available in a traditional octagonal shape.

Q: What is a Kanuga?

A: A Kanuga is a "scratching tool" that looks like a comb made from rattlesnake teeth. It was used by a Shaman to scratch on a player's body to make him bleed. The Native Americans believed that this purified their body and prepared them both physically and spiritually for a lacrosse game.

Q: Are Talon Lacrosse shafts available in retail stores?

A: Yes. Currently, Talon Lacrosse products are available in a number of brick-and-mortar lacrosse stores and online retailers across the United States, but the list is constantly growing. Talon Lacrosse products may also be purchased through our website or by phone at 650-593-2324.

Q: Which Talon Lacrosse shaft is right for me?

A: Talon currently offers the following shafts: a women's lacrosse shaft named the Hummingbird; three short shafts tailored for the men's game (Spirit, Legend, and Thunder); a goalie shaft named the Keeper; and three types of defense shafts (Protector 46, Protector 60, and Beast).

If you play girl's or women's lacrosse, go with the Hummingbird; however, if you prefer to use a women's lacrosse shaft with a slightly larger diameter than most other women's shafts on the market (without adding a significant amount of weight), the Spirit is a good choice. If you play goalie, the Keeper is the shaft for you. Of course, if you prefer a shorter shaft for your goalie stick, any of our short shaft options would work. If you play youth boy's defense (6th grade and lower), the Protector 46 is your weapon of choice. When you graduate to the next level, go with the Protector 60 or the Beast for your defense shaft.

Click here to see the different characteristics of each short shaft, and which one is right for you.

Q: How do I install a lacrosse head onto my Talon Lacrosse shaft?

A: Since many lacrosse heads have different screw hole placements, your shaft does not come with a pre-drilled screw hole. It is important that you insert the shaft into the lacrosse head in the right direction to correctly orient the kanuga grip. The triangular point of the kanuga grip should point down with the flat part on top. The diagram below shows the top end of the shaft (relative to the Talon logo) and, thus, where to insert the screw for your lacrosse head.

Q: How do I install and remove the Talon Grip end cap?

A: The end cap is designed to fit tightly on the shaft so you do not need to add tape to secure the end cap in place. When installing the end cap, the word "TALON" on the end cap sleeve should be on the same side as the word "TALON" on the shaft (the three modeled talons on the end cap will be facing up, the single back talon will be facing down).

To remove the end cap, simply add a few drops of liquid dish soap under the edge of the rubber sleeve, add a little water, and pull; it should come off easily. We have found that placing the end cap between your feet and pulling up is quite effective.