What are the key features of the STX X10 U lacrosse head. How does it compare to other defensive heads on the market. Is the X10 U suitable for both amateur and professional players. What are the pros and cons according to user reviews.
Overview of the STX X10 U Lacrosse Head
The STX X10 U lacrosse head is positioned as the successor to the popular Xcalibur model, boasting 10% increased stiffness. Designed for both attack and defense positions, this head incorporates several key features aimed at enhancing player performance:
- STX trestle sidewall for improved stiffness and durability
- Additional stringing holes for easier stringing and stronger mesh hold
- Forward Cant design for quicker passing and shooting
- NCAA approved and NFHS compliant
- Suitable for players of all ages and skill levels
While the X10 U builds upon the success of its predecessor, it’s essential to examine how these features translate into real-world performance and player satisfaction.
Stiffness and Durability: The X10 U’s Core Strengths
The STX X10 U’s primary selling point is its increased stiffness compared to the Xcalibur. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for defensive players who frequently engage in aggressive checking and ground ball battles. The added rigidity translates to:
- Improved ball control during checks
- Enhanced ability to maintain shape under pressure
- Greater resistance to warping over time
However, user reviews suggest mixed results regarding the head’s long-term durability. While some players praise its initial stiffness, others report softening and warping issues as the season progresses.
User Perspective on Stiffness
One user, hopperkindle, commends the X10 U’s stiffness, stating it’s “stiffer than the Xcaliber.” This characteristic is particularly valuable for defensive players who rely on a rigid head for effective checking and ball control.
Ground Ball Performance: A Clear Advantage
Across multiple user reviews, the STX X10 U consistently receives praise for its ground ball performance. The head’s design, particularly its scoop, appears to excel in this crucial aspect of the game.
Why is the X10 U effective for ground balls? The combination of its wider face and optimized scoop shape allows players to quickly and efficiently scoop up loose balls. This feature is especially beneficial for defensive players and long-stick midfielders who frequently find themselves in ground ball situations.
User Insights on Ground Ball Efficiency
User tetherballsponge highlights the X10 U’s ground ball capabilities as one of its strong points, while hopperkindle notes that “ground balls are easy as” due to the head’s wider face.
Stringing and Customization Options
The STX X10 U offers enhanced stringing options compared to some of its competitors. The additional stringing holes provide several benefits:
- Greater flexibility in pocket placement and depth
- Improved ability to customize the head to individual playing styles
- Potential for a stronger and more secure mesh hold
For players who prioritize a personalized feel and precise ball control, these expanded stringing options can be a significant advantage.
Impact on Playing Style
The ability to fine-tune the pocket can have a substantial impact on a player’s performance. A well-strung X10 U can potentially enhance:
- Ball retention during checks
- Accuracy in passing and shooting
- Overall feel and responsiveness of the head
Compliance and Versatility: Suitable for Various Levels of Play
One of the X10 U’s strengths is its compliance with both NCAA and NFHS regulations. This versatility makes it an attractive option for players at different levels of competition, from high school to college.
How does this compliance benefit players? It allows for seamless transitions between different levels of play without the need to purchase new equipment. This feature is particularly valuable for:
- High school players looking to continue their lacrosse careers in college
- Coaches outfitting teams with equipment suitable for various competitions
- Players participating in multiple leagues with different equipment standards
The Warping Issue: A Recurring Concern
Despite its many positive attributes, a significant number of user reviews highlight warping as a persistent issue with the STX X10 U. This problem seems to manifest over time, potentially impacting the head’s performance and longevity.
What causes the X10 U to warp? Several factors may contribute to this issue:
- Repeated impact from aggressive checking
- Exposure to high temperatures (e.g., leaving equipment in a hot car)
- Natural stress from regular play and practice
User Experiences with Warping
User smackedfeatures reports that their X10 U warped, leading them to prefer the Xcaliber. Another user, tetherballsponge, expresses frustration with the head’s tendency to warp “all the time and too easily,” particularly from poke checks.
Comparison to Other Defensive Heads
To fully understand the X10 U’s place in the market, it’s crucial to compare it to other popular defensive heads, including its predecessor, the Xcaliber.
X10 U vs. Xcaliber
While the X10 U is marketed as an improvement over the Xcaliber, some users still prefer the latter. Key differences include:
- Stiffness: The X10 U is theoretically stiffer, but real-world performance varies
- Face Shape: The X10 U has a wider face, while the Xcaliber is more pinched
- Durability: Some users report better long-term durability with the Xcaliber
X10 U vs. Other Defensive Heads
When compared to newer models on the market, the X10 U’s performance is mixed:
- Some users, like tetherballsponge, have switched to heads like the Bionic for improved stiffness and checking ability
- The X10 U’s ground ball performance remains a strong selling point against competitors
- Newer models may offer improved durability and resistance to warping
Price and Value Proposition
While specific pricing information is not provided in the original text, it’s important to consider the X10 U’s value proposition based on its features and user feedback.
Is the STX X10 U worth the investment? The answer depends on several factors:
- Player position and style of play
- Level of competition
- Frequency of use and expected lifespan
- Individual preferences for stiffness and face shape
For players who prioritize ground ball performance and initial stiffness, the X10 U may offer good value. However, those concerned about long-term durability and resistance to warping may want to explore alternative options or consider the Xcaliber.
Recommendations and Final Thoughts
Based on the available information and user reviews, the STX X10 U lacrosse head presents a mixed bag of features and performance characteristics. Here are some key takeaways for potential buyers:
- Excellent for ground balls and initial stiffness
- Suitable for both attack and defense positions
- Compliant with NCAA and NFHS regulations
- Potential issues with warping and long-term durability
- May be outperformed by newer models in terms of sustained stiffness
Who might benefit most from the X10 U? This head could be a good fit for:
- Players transitioning between high school and college levels
- Defensive players who prioritize ground ball performance
- Those who prefer a wider face shape for improved ball control
However, players who engage in frequent, aggressive checking or require maximum durability may want to explore more recent defensive head options or consider the Xcaliber.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase the STX X10 U should be based on individual playing style, position requirements, and personal preferences. Prospective buyers are encouraged to test the head if possible and consider user feedback when making their decision.
As with any piece of lacrosse equipment, proper care and maintenance can help extend the life of the X10 U and mitigate some of the reported issues with warping. Players should avoid exposing the head to extreme temperatures and consider reinforcing the sidewalls if they experience early signs of flexibility loss.
While the STX X10 U may not be the perfect solution for every player, it remains a viable option in the defensive head market, particularly for those who value its specific combination of features and performance characteristics.
STX X10 U Lacrosse Head Review
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LGR Review
Brand:
STX
Position:
Attack, Defence
Grade:
Men’s
Compliance:
NCAA, NFHS
Warranty:
6 months
Dubbed as the next Xcalibur, the STX X10 U lacrosse head is just the next best thing which is 10% stiffer than its popular predecessor. Its signature STX trestle sidewall provides extra stiffness and durability especially for defenders going against, or attackers executing hard checks all throughout the game. You also cannot go wrong with the additional stringing holes for easier stringing and stronger hold of the mesh. This head lives up to the standards with high quality.
NCAA approved and NFHS compliant, this STX X10 U lacrosse head is just perfect for players of any age, amateur or professional. This lacrosse head is incorporated with the signature STX Forward Cant for quicker passing and shooting and optimum performance.
User Reviews
Get the Xcaliber before this
review posted 8 years 22 weeks ago by
smackedfeaturesGood:
stiff, great on ground balls
Bad:
warped
Overall:
I debated between the X10 and the Xcaliber and in the endI bought this one. They’re both really good d heads. Groundballs are easy coz of the awesome scoop and they’re both sturdy. But I wish now I’d bought the Xcaliber because my x10 has warped.
Anyway, there are plenty of stiffer heads on the market right now. Will check them out but will probably get the Xcaliber.
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Really good defensive head
review posted 8 years 26 weeks ago by
hopperkindleGood:
wide, stiff, easy to knock down/catch with
Bad:
not much
Overall:
If you’re playing college ball, this head is legal.
It’s stiffer than the Xcaliber and has a wider face so that the ground balls are easy as. The wider head also helps me with my interceps and catching. The extra room may be small but it makes all the different.If you play lsm and get a lot of f/o ground balls, maybe the more pinched Xcaliber would be better.
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43%
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57%
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great head, stood up to my hard core game!
review posted 8 years 9 weeks ago by
lippedparrottGood:
stiff, strong, durable, great scoop
Bad:
would have liked more than a season out of it.
Overall:
As a defender I want a head that’s durable. It’s gotta be stiff and strong. My X10 was that for nearly a full season but I broke it in one of the games towards the end of the season.
Luckily it didn’t completely break, it only cracked so I could still use it.It lasted pretty well coz I play hard and we play/train 5 times a week.
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Was good, but gets soft too quick
review posted 10 years 45 weeks ago by
rafael garciaGood:
ground balls, weight
Bad:
the warp, bends, lack of strength
Overall:
The X10 was as stiff as a baord when I first got it. But during the season it started to soften up and get weaker. I pay long stick middie and it’s great for ground balls and slap checks, but terrible for poke checks. During winter it started to warp really bad and now it’s pretty much bent out of shape.
I can’t say this’d be good for straight d.
It’s not that reliable and all the guys on my team have some sort of warp to deal with. I’d recommend the Xcalibur which is stronger and should hold its shape for longer.Did you find this review helpful?
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Was really stiff and great, then it broke
review posted 10 years 43 weeks ago by
ruben collinsGood:
stiffness, poking, ground balls
Bad:
cracks and breaks too easily and too often
Overall:
I bought this head the other month and when I first used it, it was awesome! The face is wide making for easy groundballs. The sidewalls are nicely stiff meaning I’m getin good value for my poke checks.
But that was about it. The head warped soon after and becamse flimsy and bendy. Then it broke.
Was the same story for the next one too. It broke in the same spot and my new one has some small cracks. I am over restringing sticks. When you get a new one under warranty, they only replace the head so you have to restring it.Did you find this review helpful?
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weak and terible for box
review posted 8 years 35 weeks ago by
thirstyshowerGood:
light, but not much else
Bad:
weak, breaks easily
Overall:
I’ve played box with this head for about 2 months and it cracked and broke like a mofo. Man, the X10 totaly sucks. But maybe I shouldn’t be playing box with it. It’s such a weak head.
Dont’ buy it! Get the Mohawk Mission, that’s a good head. It’s way more stiffer.
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Don’t get the chrome one!
review posted 8 years 7 weeks ago by
tenderoutsideGood:
Chrome looks awesome, scoop is great
Bad:
too wide to string, unless you play tennis
Overall:
I’ve been through 2 chrome versions.
Both broke is a couple of weeks. Just can’t take a poke check. I’ve since swapped it for a white one and it hasn’t broken … yet.It’s a pain in the butt to string coz it’s so wide. There’s huge gaps on the side of the mesh at the top. The mesh is pulled stiff coz if I loosen it off anymore the ball will just about fall thru. Get a wider mesh.
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needs a bit of bending to keep it in shape
review posted 8 years 38 weeks ago by
footafraidGood:
stiffness, sturdy, strong, ground balls
Bad:
getting tired of unwarping it
Overall:
My X10 has gradually warped to the side from poke checks. I think I’ve had it for about 1 year. Last week I went for a ground ball and got it caught in a bit of grass and then it totally warped on me.
I’m bending it back before and after games and it’s getting back to it’s normal shape. But the next day it’s returned to it’s normal warp. It’s a bit frustrating but you can fix it.
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org/Review”>Could be stiffer and what’s with the warp?
review posted 8 years 48 weeks ago by
tetherballsponge
Good:
weight, ground balls
Bad:
warps all the time and too easily
Overall:
I’m gonna cut right through it. This head warps way too easily from poke checks. It’s defensive head, so why does it warp so much? Come on STX! I play with the Bionic now and all the attackers hate trying to dodge me. I poke check ’em in the guts and they cry like babies. Waa waa. Sooks.
Did you find this review helpful?
It’s stiffer than the Xcaliber and has a wider face so that the ground balls are easy as. The wider head also helps me with my interceps and catching. The extra room may be small but it makes all the different.
Luckily it didn’t completely break, it only cracked so I could still use it.
It’s not that reliable and all the guys on my team have some sort of warp to deal with. I’d recommend the Xcalibur which is stronger and should hold its shape for longer.
Was the same story for the next one too. It broke in the same spot and my new one has some small cracks. I am over restringing sticks. When you get a new one under warranty, they only replace the head so you have to restring it.
org/Review”>Broke, then broke, then warped
review posted 10 years 44 weeks ago by
ron butler
Good:
stiff, but that’s it
Bad:
weak, breaks and warps
Overall:
Last year I got a chrome x10 coz I wanted to show off a bit. 2 weeks later it broke in the top corner. I got it replaced and it broke again, but in the other top corner. I then decided to replace the chrome with a white one and that lasted through to the end of the season.
But at the start ofthis season it begain to warp. Most other heads that have warped I’ve been able to bend back into shape sorta, but not this. It keeps going back to being warped. Dolet down by this head.
Did you find this review helpful?
Both broke is a couple of weeks. Just can’t take a poke check. I’ve since swapped it for a white one and it hasn’t broken … yet.
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