While all mens' and boys’ lacrosse shafts are the same width, so they fit all heads, they are not always the same length. Defensive players use much longer shafts—”poles,” as they’re called—than offensive players. The long defensive shafts are seen as an equalizer, allowing them to keep up with offensive opponents. The number of long poles is limited, depending on your level of play. Lastly, virtually all lacrosse heads will fit on a shaft no matter if it’s an offensive or defensive shaft. Defensive players, for example, may prefer an offensive head and vice versa.
Offensive players must use shafts measuring 30 inches, while defensive players typically use shafts 60 inches long.
