What makes the EPOCH Lacrosse Hawk 382c unique. How does its design enhance player performance. Why is this limited edition release significant for lacrosse equipment innovation.
The Birth of the EPOCH Lacrosse Hawk 382c
In a groundbreaking move, EPOCH Lacrosse has introduced its Limited Edition 382c Hawk, marking a significant milestone in lacrosse equipment innovation. This exclusive release commemorates the launch of EPOCH’s first-ever lacrosse head, with only 382 units available to the public.
The number 382 holds special significance, as it represents the official Pantone color (382C) that has become synonymous with the EPOCH Lacrosse brand. This attention to detail showcases the company’s commitment to creating a truly unique and memorable product.
Availability and Pricing
When will lacrosse enthusiasts be able to get their hands on this limited edition head? The Hawk 382c is set to go on sale during Thanksgiving week at authorized EPOCH retail stores. With a price point of $100, this collector’s item offers both performance and exclusivity for serious players and collectors alike.
Unboxing the EPOCH Lacrosse Hawk 382c: A Premium Experience
The Hawk 382c’s packaging elevates the unboxing experience to new heights, rivaling the uniqueness of the head itself. Each unit comes displayed in an ultra-premium foam-lined box, creating a sense of anticipation and luxury for the buyer.
What’s Included in the Box?
- A custom engraved and hand-painted commemorative ball
- An EPOCH green butt end
- A black powder-coated head screw
- A certificate of authenticity
James Miceli, Principal of EPOCH Lacrosse, expressed the company’s excitement about this special release: “Right from the beginning we knew that we wanted to do something unique to commemorate the launch of the Hawk. We hope everyone enjoys the 382c and its special presentation box as much as we do.”
Revolutionary Design Features of the Hawk Head
The Hawk head represents a collaboration between EPOCH Lacrosse and the legendary Flip Naumberg of Rock-It Pocket fame. This partnership has resulted in a head design that pushes the boundaries of lacrosse technology.
Key Design Elements
- Laid back profile
- Mid/high-pocket design
- Lowered scoop for maximum hold and improved ball trajectory
- Consistent release point for enhanced passing and shooting accuracy
How do these features translate to on-field performance? The combination of the laid-back profile and mid/high-pocket design allows for greater ball control and a more natural cradle. The lowered scoop not only improves ground ball pickup but also contributes to a more consistent and accurate release when passing or shooting.
Innovative Technologies in the EPOCH Lacrosse Hawk
The Hawk head incorporates two groundbreaking technologies that set it apart from traditional lacrosse heads: Laid Back Technology and Groove Technology.
Laid Back Technology: Redefining Offset
How does Laid Back Technology improve player performance? This innovative approach to offsetting the head offers several advantages:
- Provides at least ½ inch more pocket depth below the slap check zone
- Allows the ball to sit deeper in the pocket, enhancing control
- Maintains full legality at all levels of play
- Improves overall balance and feel of the stick
The increased pocket depth and improved balance make the Hawk feel like a natural extension of the shaft, rather than a separate component.
Groove Technology: Enhancing Ball Control
What role does Groove Technology play in improving performance? The grooves on the scoop of the Hawk serve two primary functions:
- Facilitate smoother and more consistent ground ball pickups by imparting rotation to the ball
- Potentially influence shot and throw dynamics, depending on the player’s release point
These grooves contribute to a more efficient and controlled playing experience, allowing players to focus on their technique and strategy rather than struggling with equipment limitations.
Made in the USA: Quality and Durability
EPOCH Lacrosse takes pride in manufacturing the Hawk head in the United States, ensuring high-quality production and supporting domestic industry. This commitment to quality is further emphasized by the 1-year limited warranty that accompanies each Hawk head.
How does US manufacturing benefit lacrosse players? By producing the Hawk domestically, EPOCH can maintain stricter quality control measures, resulting in a more consistent and durable product. This attention to detail translates to better on-field performance and longer-lasting equipment for players.
The EPOCH Lacrosse Philosophy: Empowering Players
EPOCH Lacrosse’s mission goes beyond simply producing high-quality equipment. The company is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of lacrosse technology to help players reach their full potential.
EPOCH’s Approach to Product Development
- Utilization of world-class materials
- Implementation of advanced manufacturing techniques
- Rigorous testing and re-testing of designs
- Focus on durability, playability, and performance
This comprehensive approach to product development ensures that every piece of EPOCH equipment, including the Hawk head, is designed to give players every opportunity to excel on the field.
The Future of Lacrosse Equipment: EPOCH’s Vision
With the release of the Hawk 382c Limited Edition, EPOCH Lacrosse has set a new standard for innovation in lacrosse equipment. This launch serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to advancing the sport through technological improvements and thoughtful design.
What can players expect from EPOCH in the future? While specific details of upcoming products are not available, the success of the Hawk suggests that EPOCH will continue to push the boundaries of lacrosse equipment design. Players can likely anticipate further innovations in head design, materials, and performance-enhancing features.
Staying Connected with EPOCH Lacrosse
For lacrosse enthusiasts eager to stay informed about EPOCH’s latest developments and product releases, the company offers several channels for engagement:
- Official website: www.EpochLacrosse.com
- Twitter: @epochlax
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Epochlax
- Company blog: www.LivePlayBe.com
By following EPOCH through these platforms, players and fans can stay up-to-date on new products, industry insights, and exclusive offers.
Impact on the Lacrosse Equipment Market
The introduction of the EPOCH Lacrosse Hawk 382c Limited Edition represents more than just a new product launch; it signifies a shift in the lacrosse equipment market. How might this release influence other manufacturers and the industry as a whole?
Potential Market Responses
- Increased focus on limited edition releases from other brands
- Greater emphasis on innovative technologies in head design
- More attention to packaging and presentation of high-end lacrosse equipment
- Renewed interest in collaborations between manufacturers and lacrosse legends
As players and coaches take notice of the Hawk’s unique features and performance benefits, it’s likely that demand for similar innovations will grow. This could lead to a new era of rapid advancement in lacrosse equipment technology, ultimately benefiting players at all levels of the sport.
The EPOCH Lacrosse Hawk for Different Playing Styles
While the Hawk head is designed to excel in offensive play, its versatility allows it to adapt to various playing styles and positions. How can different types of players benefit from the Hawk’s features?
Attackmen
Attackmen will appreciate the Hawk’s high pocket design and consistent release point, which can lead to more accurate shots and passes. The laid back profile also allows for quicker release, crucial in tight scoring situations.
Midfielders
For midfielders, the Hawk’s groove technology can be a game-changer during ground ball situations, allowing for quicker transitions from defense to offense. The balanced feel of the head also supports the all-around play required in this position.
Defensive Players
While primarily designed for offensive play, defensive players can still benefit from the Hawk’s durability and improved ground ball pickup. The consistent release point can also aid in clearing passes and outlet throws.
Face-off Specialists
Face-off specialists might find the Hawk’s lowered scoop and groove technology advantageous for quick clamp and rake techniques. However, it’s important to note that specialized face-off heads may still be preferred by some players in this role.
Regardless of position, the EPOCH Lacrosse Hawk 382c offers players a tool to elevate their game through innovative design and superior performance. As the sport of lacrosse continues to evolve, equipment like the Hawk will play a crucial role in shaping the future of play at all levels.
.@EpochLax introduces Limited Edition 382c HAWK
By TopLaxRecruits
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 11/25/14
From Press Release
Epoch Lacrosse today introduced its Limited Edition 382c Hawk to commemorate the launch of its first head.
Why 382? The official Pantone and brand color of Epoch Lacrosse is 382C. Only 382 of The Hawk limited edition will be made available and go on sale the week of Thanksgiving at authorized Epoch retail stores priced at $100.
Limited Edition 382c Hawk
The Hawk 382c’s packaging is almost as unique as the head itself. It comes displayed in an ultra-premium foam lined box featuring a custom engraved/hand painted commemorative ball, an Epoch green butt end, a black powder coated head screw and a letter certifying its authenticity.
“Right from the beginning we knew that we wanted to do something unique to commemorate the launch of the Hawk,” said James Miceli, Principal of Epoch Lacrosse.
“We hope everyone enjoys the 382c and its special presentation box as much as we do.”
The revolutionary Hawk head was designed in collaboration with the legendary Flip Naumberg of Rock-It Pocket fame. The Hawk features a laid back profile, mid/high-pocket design, a lowered scoop for maximum hold/improved ball trajectory and a consistent release point for passing and shooting accuracy.
The Hawk is made with pride in the U.S.A. and comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
About Epoch Lacrosse:
Epoch Lacrosse delivers the finest manufactured lacrosse equipment designed to increase playability and maximize performance by utilizing world-class materials and manufacturing techniques. Epoch tests and re-tests each of its designs to ensure optimal durability, playability and performance. Epoch’s goal is simple, to give players every opportunity to reach their true potential. Live. Play. Be.
Visit www.EpochLacrosse.com to learn more about Epoch products.
You can also follow Epoch on Twitter @epochlax and check out their blog at http://www.LivePlayBe.com
To stay up-to-date on Epoch’s line-up of products “like” them on Facebook.com/Epochlax.
Filed Under: Gear, High School, Mens/Boys
Club News
June 30, 2023 | Philadelphia – Back in early June teams traveled up to Allentown, PA to compete to take home the championship. Age divisions from 2024 – 2031 brought their best teams out to play and
June 29, 2023 | Virginia – This past weekend teams from all over the country showed up in Virginia to compete for the Legends Eastern Invitational championship title. With ages ranging from 2032s to
6/16/2023 ALLENTOWN, PA – After a great weekend of lacrosse in Allentown at the Legends Laxpalooza, the results are in! 30+ college coaches from all over the D3 landscape were in attendance and
More Club News
Hawk – Rock-It Pocket
For the past two years Rock-it Pocket Lacrosse has been working with the
Epoch Lacrosse Company on, first the design of, and then the research and development
for the first head model with the EPOCH brand, The Hawk, by Epoch.
It has landed. We are pleased to jump into 2015 by announcing the “Launching” of the
Hawk lacrosse head by Epoch Lacrosse.
Pictured below is an early edition Hawk (382C) in a decorative box that Epoch recently sent
to us. Nice, huh?
The Hawk by Epoch Lacrosse is a lacrosse head designed for the
offensive-minded, highly skilled lacrosse player who likes to have a high pocket. It is not a component
for a “beginner’s” stick. It is not specialized to just one position, size, or age. It is meant to be an
offensive weapon for shooters, and a great offense-minded head.
Laid Back Technology
- A different way to off set things.
- High
Pocket, no whip. - Offers at least ½” more pocket depth below the slap check coming! The ball can hide that much
farther than off-set-at-the-throat.
That is a lot! It is legal for every level and in every way,
including table measurements. - Lightness and balance is obviously and best achieved in the top part of the head with the Hawk. It
makes the head really feel like it is part of the handle, and not a component stuck on the end of
the shaft.
That is a lot! It is legal for every level and in every way,
Groove Technology
- Grooves on the scoop make ground balls pick up rotation so it almost feels
like it picks up the ball automatically. - The grooves can also work on the shots and throws. It depends how the release point is set.
THE HAWK BY EPOCH REVIEW (Updated Jan. 14, 20, 25, Feb.3, 2015)
IT’S LAUNCH TIME
For two years the Rock-it Pocket Lacrosse team has been working with the
Epoch Lacrosse Company, first on the design, and then the research and development of
that company’s first head model.
The Hawk by Epoch Lacrosse is here and so is some new
technology for lacrosse stickness. It is ACTUALLY in the mix now, on the market, on call, launched!
Happy New Year!
AN EPOCH BEGINNING
When we began the project, we absolutely did not want to just copy things that are already out there. We
wanted to challenge ourselves to design something more than just another piece of plastic. Epoch has
been developing lacrosse gear for a while, and the Epoch series of carbon fiber shafts
are special, and that is easy to feel right away when when you hold one. The company’s attention to
quality and detail gave us hope as well as confidence from the first meeting, and throughout the process
that product quality and process accountability were high priority for Epoch. The Epoch
Hawk uses the finest plastic technology.
We did not come up with the Hawk design as a head that is meant for only one specific position.
At the
same time we designed the Hawk with the offensive minded player very much in mind.
HIGH POCKET, LITTLE WHIP!
Recent lacrosse trends have shown that more players than ever before, especially shooters, want high
pockets in their sticks, and for a variety of reasons. With this in mind, that fact became the
challenge. We wanted to specialize in and explore the top pocket phenomenon for a bit. We set out to
nourish the high pocket thinking, and to build a head
where the pocket can be high up in the head without somehow looking/feeling like it was forced to be
there against its will. We wanted the pocket to sort of want to go ‘home’ up high in the stick. With the
boys in the back at Rock-it
Pocket we had already been fooling around with some old heads and a band saw, searching
for a keyhole that might open that top pocket door in a new head design.
MID POCKETS ARE CONSISTENT WITH A LITTLE WHIP
At Rock-it Pocket we often encourage mostly middle pockets to people unless the player
really knows exactly what he wants that is not a mid-pocket.
We think mid-pockets are generally more versatile because there is more ‘margin for error’ and the
player can get the pocket to best carry out its throwing responsibilities with pockets placed in the
middle. Middle
pockets are capable of retaining the ‘holdability’ needed to get the shooter’s hands extended
for top-shelfing shots, etc. Snagging or whipping is much less likely with mid pockets because the ball
rolls/gets rolling in and up the track more easily when it is not tucked too snugly in underneath a
hockey lace or something. That middle section of the wall is where the wall is generally tallest (2”)
and the pocket depth potential is greatest with greater sidewall width. Therefore pockets
almost always end up being easier to make or place in a head when these types of things like maximum
depth wall spot are taken into account.
AN EPOCH MANTRA – COME ON UP TO “LAID BACK”
So off we set, or, we set off to get on the yellow brick road. Our first step in the process was to sort
of step away from all of that step-back technology that is fundamental to most all current lacrosse head
industry models available on the market today.
We wanted to do that without losing the off set head-feel
players demand. Instead we have used something we call a “Laid Back” profile design. From the throat and
handle, all the way to the tip of the scoop, the top of the Hawk sidewall line stretches and bends back
and the ultimate pocket place for the ball in the Hawk is at the very top or end of the stick, allowing
for longest possible stroke potential, just as the young CANADIANS had intended 30 or whatever years ago
when they would bend their aluminum poles back by banging them on the fence or whatever until the head
set back just right to achieve a longer stroke and a harder shot.
The ‘Laid Back’ HAWK also lays the scoop blade down towards the ground, leaving less plastic
to interrupt the flight path of the ball on throws and shots, and so the weight up top is also not
‘front loaded’ towards the release point. It (plastic scoop blade) tries to stay out of the way as it
were when it is time to release the ball.
LIFE IS A GROOVE
From golf we know that grooves affect ball rotation in some big time way, shape or manner.
We put grooves
in the middle flat part of the scoop of the Hawk to add rotation to the ground ball rolling in the stick
when scooping. It works! The ball jumps in the pocket!
The going OUT part of that groove thing is that if you are one that likes the ball to tick the plastic
upon release, then these grooves would contribute to that spin increase with the ‘going’ out groove as
well. The scoop shape helps, too.
NEVER GET OVER YOUR HEAD
This Hawk head is not for beginners. In general high pockets are probably not best suited for entry
level, but besides that, there are things designed into the Hawk that have a preciseness where if player
can do more, so can the stick. For example, if the ball is scooped in just the sweet spot by one who
can, then Hawk will be the magic wand, and you will be able to capture one-handed sprinting pick-ups
like a magician. If you miss it might get ugly, because the blade is indeed wide, but only in the center
part, and it (blade) is not thick, making scoop angle a key for lightning quick pix…
So high pocket, little whip was a concept that had been on the back burner at Rock-it
Pocket and that particular and specific challenge was our perhaps lofty head design target from day one.
The Hawk is built for the SHOOTER. The head features and specs make it ‘outfitted’ for
the player with great or advanced offensive skills.
WHIP IT GOOD
One of the tricky parts of playing with pockets placed high in the head is that high pockets can/tend to
be ‘whippy’, and that factor can decrease the overall performance by decreasing the consistency of
passing and shooting and thus stealing some versatility from a stick’s capability. The harder one
shoots, the more strength and or ability it takes to make soft touch passes as easily as the cranking
shots. The laid-back design makes the whip number # on a stick easily tweaked 1-2-3-4- for different
playing styles.
We have tried to make whip something that the player controls, and not something that controls the
player!
GETTING CENTERED – Farther, faster, higher
There is a reason Barbarian catapults launched the rock placed at the very top of the pult!
The Hawk feels rightly or best balanced with the ball a little farther away from the throat than most,
and so we quickly felt comfortable in thinking that that part of the mission was accomplished, but the
truth is that during the development process it also became clear to us that you do not have to really
try to put in a ‘high pocket’ because if the particular pocketeer just inserts more or less a
normal/‘middlish pocket’ in the Hawk it will feel centered, but it will also act like a high pocket for
shooting and general maneuvering.
Well, that is without the whip part that is usually there. Also the
stick feels light as a feather, especially when put on an Epoch Dragonfly because of where the ball
sits, and it feels really the lightest, with the ball in the stick and way up high in the pocket.
THE PROFILE (please turn to the side) – IT’S THE LAW
The shape of the Hawk face when you look straight at it reveals sidewalls that are pretty much visually
equidistant up and down, and being equal distance up and down helps to make the channeling any pocket
easier. Looking straight at the face opening of the head the sidewall stays straight for a significant
stretch from the throat area and up the sides, kind of like the new Thompson head and other Canadian
heads look. So, the curve of the sidewall into the scoop comes quickly, abruptly. The overall
appearance as you look at the face straight on is kind of Canadian because even though it is wide side
to side and universally legal, the Hawk still has that ‘pinched’ look that attracts players like
bait.
NOT CHEATING IS ALWAYS THE GOAL
By rule sidewalls can be 2” tall on field sticks. They can be less, but never more. Size dimensions of
the face change with model, and with level of play. In general the lax pocket is meant to be hung from
the holes near the bottom of the lower sidewall rail of the lax head. That is the law of lax. The law of
pocket depth makes it so the top of the ball can never sit lower than that allowable two inches or less
(minus a fraction to lift ball and make it be of visually legal depth inspection). Manufacturers use
those two inches of wall to insure that players get maximum pocket depth possibilities. This is not a
new concept in lacrosse head technology. Only goalies can have pockets that sag to ridiculous depths. On
pretty much any random head, a profile view of the walls will reveal the two-inch maximum as an integral
element of any sidewall design. The maximum pocket depth comes with that maximum wall height. The taller
the wall, the better the ball can hide.
RIDICULOUSNESS
Many things have been done with the shape and design of the top or face of lax heads through the years,
but really very little has been done with the bottom part of the sidewalls. The bottom line of the
sidewall on almost every head produced is a perfect reflection of the top rail. With the Hawk we pretty
much ‘lawn-chaired’ that concept!
All the 2” sidewalls of most all synthetic/plastic head models must at some point get ‘smaller’ in order
to turn and become either the ‘scoop’ or the throat, where the shaft is to be inserted. The 2”
measurement is almost always in or near the center of the head, and this is the part that allows for
deepest pocket and most ball control. With the hawk the 2” width is almost hanging out as far out as it
possibly could.
We shifted some weight from the throat area and brought the widest part of the 2” sidewall to a place
very close to the scoop. We sort of shoved the sidewall bottom forward. The two inch height and the
lowest part of the sidewall is very close to the scoop in the Hawk, allowing the pocket ‘nest’ to sit
high in the head.
GET BACK
We will write more detail about the way the technology works later, but, what happens is that the ‘laid
back’ takes the ball and hides it at least ½ inch deeper inside the head. There is one spot that is more
or less best for the ball to be to get the best pocket results. And by the way, there is little or
hopefully no sacrifice of the versatility that lower pockets give a player, because we have gotten a
hold of the whip!
With the Hawk, the stringer needs to take care to make sure the depth is legal at the lower part of the
head near the throat because it measures less than 2” down at the throat. The good news is that you can
have a high pocket, hold the stick straight up and down, and the ball will not roll out the bottom. It
will take some care with mesh. With traditional materials it is easy to build the depth in the lower
part so that just because the head has the deepest pocket part at the top, the player can carry the ball
and remain legal depth.
