For those with questions regarding equipment, here is some insight from Coach Pete:
When it comes to sticks my focus is on the pocket (meaning the mesh that sits inside the head of the stick). My experience with big-box store-bought sticks is that the materials/stringing work on these sticks leaves a lot to be desired. The result being that the ball does not release correctly from the stick which causes kids to get frustrated as they are trying to learn the techniques of throwing a ball at a target. They are doing everything right and the ball still doesn't go where it's supposed to. Very deflating for the kids. The EVO Warp product is designed to address this issue with the entry level stick market. It's a prepackaged pocket that holds up to use in all sorts of weather. Lacrosse.com seems to like some of the complete stick options direct from the stick manufacturers. I have never tried this approach so I don't have much to add there but lacrosse.com tends to be pretty reputable. Another approach I have taken is to find a mid-price-range complete stick from one of the big box stores purchase a stringing kit (from either String King or East Coast Dyes (Semi hard mesh being my preferred type of mesh)) and hand the stick off to someone to replace the pocket. Stringing kits tend to run approximately $30 and stringers tend to charge around $25. A Penn Jr Alum Gideon Biek strings sticks-his contact info is https://gbiek252.wixsite.com/lacrosse
Here are two sites that do a better job than I can with guidance on making stick purchases for folks who are new to the game.
https://www.lax.com/stories/lax-video/the-best-lacrosse-stick.html
http://www.lacrosse.com/guide/buying-guide-beginner-players/
For the younger players (meaning younger than 7th/8th grade) I encourage folks to focus on the fit/feel of helmets, gloves and arm pads over the price of those items. Take them into Dicks have them try stuff on rather than rely on online sizing charts. Playing lax with a helmet that doesn't fit right or arm pads which keep sliding down the arm takes some of the fun out of being out there. Contact is limited at those age groups so paying up for top level protection doesn't make a ton of sense to me. For kids at the 7th/8th grade level the place to spend money is on a good quality helmet that fits the child's head well (meaning snug without being skull crushing) and a set of shoulder pads with breast plate padding.
