The best poles, LSMs and two-way middies in lacrosse right now — the accolades, the numbers, and the First Grain shaft that matches how each one plays.
10
Defenders
17
Pro DPOY & SSDM awards
5
Species picked
Our picks for the best defenders in lacrosse right now, and the First Grain shaft that fits each game. Players shown are not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsing First Grain Lacrosse. Stats verified October 2026.
Close defenseLong-stick middiesShort-stick D-middiesTwo-way middiesThe defensive half of the sportClose defenseLong-stick middiesShort-stick D-middiesTwo-way middiesThe defensive half of the sport
01 — The standard
LEGENDLONG-STICK MIDFIELD · #17HALL OF FAME 2024
Brodie Merrill
6× MLL Defensive Player of the Year · 2006 World Champion and Best Defender, Team Canada · #17 retired by San Diego
Every long pole in the game is measured against him. The NLL's all-time leader in loose balls — 2,778 of them — and the player who turned the LSM into a weapon.
OUR PICK · BLACK WALNUT 60″
The lightest wood we mill, for the pole who covers the whole field.
Our picks for the best defenders in lacrosse right now, and the First Grain shaft that fits each game. Players shown are not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsing First Grain Lacrosse. Stats verified October 2026.
03 — The Checking Clinic
Twenty reps with a wood pole.
Ambassador-led defense clinics: footwork, stick checks, body position. Every attendee takes reps with a First Grain pole from the demo rack — then decides for themselves.
One season, a pole with your name on it, and an honest report back. Under 18? A parent or guardian signs off, and we check your state's NIL rules before anything ships.
Every First Grain sale supports Indigenous youth lacrosse. We make modern shafts from the original material — never “traditional sticks.”
