Lacrosse Stick Stringing FAQs
Pocket vs. Head? | Mesh vs. Traditional? | How many diamonds? | What is whip? |
What about Shooting Strings? | What are "V Pockets? | What are Stick Stringers?
Pocket vs. Head?
With so many great heads on the market we get asked, "What is the best head?" That's kind of like asking, "What's the best hot dog?" The answer should be the one you like... for whatever reason. The truth is, most great players can play great lacrosse with almost any head. The key is the pocket, which is the individualized aspect of lacrosse. Because of that implication, we make kits and components of the highest quality and offer them at the very best prices so you can afford to get it right!
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Mesh vs. Traditional?
The benefits of mesh over traditional pockets are simple. The vast majority of stick stringers can fix or restring a mesh pocket easier and faster than traditional. We have watched the trend to mesh over the last 5 years and it is remarkable. The reason, in addition to the one mentioned already, is the advent of hard mesh gives many of the benefits of traditional (i.e. pocket conformity) without the problem associated with maintaining a traditional pocket. Hard mesh pockets break in quicker and are not as susceptible to weather. When leather gets wet, the pocket stretches and sags and when they dry, they get stiff and tight. Soft mesh is easier (softer) on beginners but will "bag out" with hard passes at higher levels of the game. A new player or a very experienced traditional stringer... hard mesh is the choice. Also, players like color and we got 'em!
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How many diamonds?
We offer hard (or dura... or stiff... it's all the same... depending on the conditions of the treatment at any given time) mesh in lots of variation and colors. We think that less diamonds break in a little more quickly. More diamonds hold a pocket better. Some stringers tell us that fewer diamonds are a bigger pain to string. We don't recommend any one mesh over another. There is more sizzle than substance to these arguments. Like most of the other questions about lacrosse gear (we have our "opinions," too), it is really a matter of what gives you confidence and success. We offer the lowest prices so you can afford to experiment and see for yourself!
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What is whip?
We have heard players of all ages use this term for years. When we asked what they mean, we received a wide range of responses. The best we way we can describe it is... how the ball feels as it releases from the pocket. More importantly, how it feels as it comes off the shooting strings. You want to experience a sensation in the handle as the ball leaves your stick head. Great players can control the release by knowing their pockets. The ball should not hit the tip of the plastic at the top of the head. Nor should it come out of the pocket without the player knowing or feeling it. We think that when someone says a stick has "too much whip" - the ball is hitting too hard off the strings... making it go down... or too hard to control. Too little whip describes the ball coming off the strings without that sensation of knowing exactly when it leaves the head. The key is the shooting strings.
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What about Shooting Strings?
Hockey laces or bootlaces have become the shooting string of choice by most players. There is more to this simple aspect of a lacrosse stick than you might realize, including what the laces are made of. We have chosen synthetic fibers for our laces in order to provide the best shooting strings. (Cotton holds too much water in rainy conditions). We have researched the right stuff so we can offer colors. Most synthetics will not hold dye. Throwing them in your stick head dye vat usually creates colors no one has thought up names for. More importantly, the shooting strings are the key to proper ball release and can be adjusted to get that individual feeling for the ball coming out off the head.
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What are "V Pockets?"
"V Pockets" can be created with hockey laces because they can lay relatively flat. The "V Pocket" helps you determine where the ball "carries" in your stick, but should not encumber the ball on release. Some like 'em, some don't. That's your call. We offer extra long laces so you can do whatever you want, experiment, find what is best for you. We have many colors of mesh and laces so you can personalize your wand.
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What are Stick Stringers?
In an ideal world, all lacrosse players would be able to string and repair their pockets easily and quickly just the way they like it. Until that time comes, we support experienced stick stringers. If you have a "pocket problem," seek out the local guy that knows the "art" inside and out. Soon we will be offering a list of authorized stick stringers in your area so you can find the local stick doctor and bring your stick back to health. In the meantime, practice working on your own pocket. It's much healthier and possibly profitable (when you get good at it) than watching TV or playing "no-friendo" video games. Remember... no matter the head or handle... it's the magician... not the wand that makes magic on the lacrosse field. The pocket is the KEY!
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Final thoughts...
Our commitment to the lacrosse community is to help develop this important aspect of lacrosse. We don't sell heads and equipment... we are focused on the pocket! In the future we will offer tips, ideas, and experiences in stringing and playing with special and conventional pockets. We hope you will share your ideas and experiences with us... we do know this... most great players do not play with factory-strung pockets and that the materials we sell are equal to or superior to anything on the market. So if we can offer better stuff at better prices... we hope to earn your business... Give us a call or e-mail us... we are here to service your stringing material pocket needs.
