Introduction to the Command X Head
The Under Armour Command X lacrosse head has quickly become one of the most popular heads on the market since its release in 2019. As the flagship model in Under Armour’s lineup, the Command X was designed to provide elite-level performance for athletes across all positions. But what exactly makes this head stand out from the competition?
At first glance, you’ll notice the Command X has an aggressive shape with a sharp angle down to the scoop and a pinched, narrow channel. This profile gives it an angular, pointed look compared to many rounded or oval-shaped heads. Under Armour engineered this shape to provide pinpoint ball control and deadly accurate shots on cage. The steep sidewalls and narrow channel help grab the ball securely in the pocket and give you extra whip on passes and shots. Attackmen and middies who want to maintain possession and fire laser passes downfield will love this accurate feel.
On faceoffs, the steep mid-rake angle lets you use the entire length of the head to gain leverage against your opponent. The Command X gives you extra torque and control over the clamp to help win possessions off the X. Its stiff sidewalls also allow you to hang on to ground balls after winning the draw.
The head is constructed using Under Armour’s signature aircraft-grade titanium alloy to optimize the strength-to-weight ratio. This loyal material keeps the head incredibly light yet stiff enough for precise handling. At only 5 ounces strung, the Command X delivers that lightweight, maneuverable feel players crave.
Under Armour packed innovative technologies into this head, like the IsoBLOX dampening system to reduce ball rattle and vibrating. Strategic padding placed in the scoop and sidewalls muffles impact shock and creates
Command X Sidewall Design and Stringing
One of the most unique aspects of the Command X head is the innovative sidewall design crafted by Under Armour. This head incorporates dual-density sidewalls featuring both flexible and stiff portions engineered to enhance handling while optimizing ball control.
The upper sidewalls use a softer, more pliable material to allow the pocket to shift during cradling. This flex gives you a quicker release when passing and shooting. It also widens the sweet spot so you can feed the ball from multiple angles. The lower sidewalls utilize a stiffer, high-strength alloy to maintain the head’s structure and shape. This stops excess wobble during play.
The dual-density sidewalls influence stringing as well. The flexible upper sidewalls promote a deeper pocket formation, while the stiff lower rails give you more defined channel shape and extra hold. With the Command X, you can customize either a mid or low pocket to match your playing style, with consistent pocket placement across the head. A low pocket setup can increase hold for big slap shots and checks. A mid pocket provides versatility for all-around play.
Under Armour engineered the sidewall pin holes in strategic positions to let you tweak pocket placement and fine-tune hold. The pin holes align in a way that keeps the pocket centered down the middle as it forms. This stops the ball from sliding too far up the head and keeps your control consistent. You can string traditional sidewall stringing styles like straight, modified straight or interlocks. Ground through top nylons are also popular for added consistency.
With the Command X’s dual-density rails influencing pocket depth and shape, stringers can customize defined, consistent pockets that enhance handling. The strategic pin positioning also optimize pocket placement for centered ball control. Whether you string up a mid or low setup, this head promotes quick, accurate passing and shooting critical for today’s faster game.
Command X Weight and Balance
Finding the optimal balance between lightweight maneuverability and structural stiffness is a challenge for engineers designing modern lacrosse heads. The Command X strikes this balance perfectly, weighing in at only 5 ounces strung thanks to smart use of ultra-light alloys in the sidewalls and scoop.
Under Armour constructed the Command X sidewalls using a proprietary titanium alloy mix to shed excess weight without sacrificing stiffness. By strategically removing material, they created a framework that tips the scales far below most heads while maintaining rigidity and shape. The aerospace-grade alloy has an incredible strength-to-weight ratio to optimize performance.
The scoop utilizes a different lightweight polymer mix to remove mass from the top of the head. Under Armour designed the scoop with airflow channels and cutouts to make it airy and easy to string. Removing any unnecessary material distributes more weight down low for better feel on shots and passes.
That lightweight build enhances handling and quickness for dodging midfielders who want faster acceleration. The 5-ounce strung weight also reduces strain on your hands, wrists and arms during play. You’ll notice less fatigue over the course of a game from tossing checks or firing repeated shots on cage.
Despite its featherlight build, the Command X maintains rigidity thanks to its smart alloy placement. When engineered properly, lightweight does not have to mean flimsy or soft. The head retains its shape and handling even as material is strategically removed. Finding this sweet spot elevates performance for players across positions.
Command X Scoop Design
An often overlooked part of lacrosse head design is the scoop. This is the top portion of the head which impacts everything from ball pickup, control, passing and shooting. The Command X features an engineered scoop optimized for quick ground ball pickup and excellent ball control.
The scoop utilizes an angular, pointed shape that allows it to pierce through turf and grab ground balls. Its stiff composition prevents bouncing or ricocheting when trying to vacuum up loose balls. The titanium alloy maintains its sturdy shape even after repeated ground ball scrums.
Under Armour designed rounded airflow channels along the scoop to reduce unnecessary weight while retaining stiffness. The channels make stringing quicker and easier as well. They allow you to interweave nylon in multiple patterns to customize ball hold and release points.
Along with enabling smooth ground ball pickup, the Command X scoop promotes excellent ball control and feel. Its stiff composition and angular shape provide a solid platform when cradling and maneuvering the ball around the field. The scoop maintains its sturdy shape through tough checks, slashes, errant passes and routine play.
Under Armour placed padding zones along the scoop to reduce vibration and rattle. This creates a more controlled, accurate feel when passing and shooting. The padding areas provide touch points to cradle smoothly and take some of the bite out of checks. Finding the right blend of stiffness and touch culminates in the Command X’s dialed-in scoop.
Command X Durability and Materials
Durability is a huge factor for lacrosse heads constantly subjected to checks, errant slashes and blunt impacts during play. Under Armour designed the Command X to be highly durable and withstand the rigors of competition using innovative materials and construction.
The head features aircraft-grade titanium sidewall alloy mix optimized for strength, stiffness and lightweight performance. This proprietary blend of metals creates a supremely rugged framework able to handle impact after impact. The titanium alloy has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any lacrosse head.
Strategic thermoplastic urethane (TPU) padding zones are integrated along the sidewalls and scoop to enhance durability. This protective padding absorbs vibrations and diffuses impact stress that occurs during checks, errant slashes and ball impact. Internal padding extends the life of the head.
The face shape incorporates thinner yet highly stiff aluminum to maintain its shape after repeated impacts. Aluminum offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio for optimized ball feel and release. Under Armour designed the aluminum face shape with tactical thickness modulation to remove any unnecessary mass.
From the materials utilized to the protective padding zones, the Command X optimized its construction for hardnosed play. It retains its shape, stiffness and handling characteristics even after a full season of play. This rigorous durability allows the head to maintain top-level performance much longer than most heads on the market.
Command X Face Shape Design
The face shape of a lacrosse head significantly influences ball control, hold, shooting mechanics and passing performance. Under Armour optimized the Command X face shape to provide versatility across all positions.
It features a narrow channel and pinched sidewalls to grab the ball firmly in the pocket. This adds consistency on passes, improves ball control during dodges, and enhances shot power. The defined channel keeps the pocket placement centered without drastically widening towards the scoop.
The mid-rake angle down the middle of the face shape promotes excellent ball feel on shots. This angle lets you get under the ball properly and ensures the ball releases with ideal spin and velocity. The rake angle improves mechanics for overhand rips and sidearm blasts.
Under Armour extended the throat area and face shape to widen the sweet spot for passing and feeding. This design cue came from feedback by elite offensive players who wanted a larger ball control zone for quick feeds on the move. The extended face shape makes the Command X versatile for midfielders.
On faceoffs, the pinched face shape at the bottom provides torque and grip when clamping down during draws. Faceoff specialists will notice the extra rotation it provides to gain an edge in battles at the X. The defined channel pocket also secures possession when raking the ball up off the turf.
Throwing Mechanics with the Command X
Proper throwing mechanics are critical for achieving maximum ball speed and accuracy when shooting or passing. The Command X head is engineered to optimize throwing motion and ball release.
The pinched sidewall design and defined pocket placement promote excellent hold through the windup. The ball sits deep in the pocket with minimal rattle. This allows you to whip the stick through the full throwing motion without losing control or grip on the ball.
The mid-rake angle ensures the ball releases cleanly off the face shape with ideal backspin. This angle guides your overhand throwing motion to provide accuracy and punch behind shots. It also enhances the whip motion for sizzling sidearm passes across the field.
Strategic stringing holes allow you to customize the pocket placement and fine-tune hold based on your mechanics. For example, a low pocket setup promotes hold through an overhand windup and snap release. A mid pocket adds versatility for different arm angles.
On shots, the Command X provides a quick,responsive release even when strung traditionally tight. The engineered flex zones in the head enhance the snap motion as you unload on goal with time and room shots or quick sticks in traffic. It becomes an extension of your mechanics.
Command X Performance for Attackmen
The Command X lacrosse head provides elite-level performance for attackmen who want precision passing, a lethal shot, and versatility to create from anywhere on the field.
The defined pocket shape and mid-rake angle give you consistency to place shots with pinpoint accuracy. Whether ripping sidearm blasts from X or stepping into overhand rockets up top, the Command X delivers a quick, precise release.
The lightweight yet rigid titanium alloy construction makes it easy to maneuver the head quickly to get shots off in traffic. Even when defenders are draped on you, the Command X lets you brush off checks and get your hands free.
Thanks to the extended face shape and throat, the Command X head boasts an enlarged sweet spot for feeding on the move. Quick stick passes to cutters and feeds from behind are easier than ever. The ball control zone is more forgiving when passing at tight angles.
Stringing up a mid pocket optimize the Command X’s versatility to shoot and feed. You can tweak the pocket placement to fine-tune hold and release points. Overall, it becomes an extension of your hands as an attackman to dominate from different angles.
Command X Performance for Middies
Under Armour designed the Command X with elite midfielders in mind by optimizing the head for speed, quick passing and checking. Let’s look at why this head dominates in the hands of lacrosse middies.
The ultra-lightweight 5-ounce strung construction makes it effortless to whip the stick quickly on clears and transition. The titanium alloy is engineered to remove excess weight without losing stiffness or shape. This leads to faster runs upfield.
Thanks to the pinched sidewalls and defined pocket, the Command X enhances accuracy when throwing crisp outlet passes under pressure. The ball stays centered when dodging and cradle so you can deliver dimes on the move.
The shaped pocket holds up even when applying checks on rides and defensive stands. When strung up traditionally tight, it maintains its structure through constant body checks and pokes. You can play tough D without losing ball control.
Faceoff middies will appreciate the torsional grip and control when facing off with the Command X. The head optimizes your leverage and containment when battling for possession off the draw.
Shooting and Dodging with the Command X
The Command X lacrosse head provides excellent performance for shooting and dodging thanks to its optimized face shape, pocket placement and lightweight maneuverability.
The pinched sidewalls grab the ball firmly in the pocket for controlled shooting mechanics. When winding up for an overhand shot, the ball sits deep in the throat with minimal rattle. This enables you to whip the head through the motion and deliver maximum power.
The mid-rake angle ensures the ball releases off the face shape with ideal backspin and velocity. Shots will sail towards the goal with excellent rotation for both accuracy and power.
Attackmen and middies can customize the pocket to fine-tune hold and release points for their shooting style. A low pocket setup adds consistency for overhand rips while a mid pocket provides versatility.
The 5-ounce strung weight makes it easy to maneuver the Command X quickly when dodging defenders. The lightweight build with targeted stiffness enables quick stick fakes, rolls and split dodges. Breaking down your defender becomes easier than ever.
Faceoff Performance with Command X
Dominating possessions off the draw requires optimized grip, control and ground ball pickup. The Command X delivers elite performance during faceoffs thanks to its innovative design.
The pinched sidewall shape at the base of the head provides excellent clamping torque and rotation when battling at the X. You can gain leverage against your opponent’s stick to control the draw.
The stiffer alloy used in the lower sidewalls and face shape enhance ball retention when “raking” the ball up off the faceoff. This lets you clamp down and secure possession after winning the draw.
Once the ball is free, the Command X scoop pierces through turf for quick ground ball pickup. The stiff alloy doesn’t bend or deform when digging for a grounder. This smooth pickup transitions into an outlet pass.
Foam padding integrated into the throat and sidewalls diffuses impact shocks during physical faceoffs. The padding protects your hands and improves comfort when battling at the X multiple times a game.
With its excellent grip, control and ground ball performance, the Command X gives faceoff specialists an edge over their opponent to win possessions and start the transition game.
Command X vs Other Lacrosse Heads
The Under Armour Command X stands out from other top lacrosse heads on the market today in terms of its innovative technology, elite-level performance and versatility across positions.
The Command X sets itself apart with its lightweight 5-ounce strung weight thanks to engineered titanium alloy. It strikes the ideal balance of stiffness and lightweight maneuverability that other heads struggle to achieve.
It incorporates unique technologies like IsoBLOX dampening zones to reduce lacrosse ball rattle and vibration. Integrated foam protectors also enhance comfort and control while absorbing shocks.
The pinched face shape provides excellent consistency and accuracy for both passing and shooting. It offers elite-level performance whether you string up a mid or low pocket configuration.
While other heads utilize generic shapes, the Command X starts from scratch with strategic sidewall cutouts, rail shaping and scoop design to enhance durability, ball control and handling across all positions.
From faceoffs to attack, Under Armour built the Command X as the pinnacle of performance and innovation in lacrosse. It stands up strong against other leading heads in today’s game.