Strung heads. Comprehensive Guide to Lacrosse Stick Heads: Types, Features, and Selection Tips

What are the different types of lacrosse stick heads. How do you choose the right lacrosse head for your position. What features should you look for in a quality lacrosse head. Which lacrosse heads are best for attack, midfield, defense, and goalie positions. How do pre-strung and unstrung lacrosse heads differ. What are the benefits of specialized lacrosse heads versus versatile options. How can you find the best value in a lacrosse head.

Understanding Lacrosse Stick Heads: A Crucial Equipment Choice

Lacrosse stick heads are arguably the most critical component of a player’s equipment. They directly impact ball control, shooting accuracy, and overall performance on the field. With numerous options available, selecting the right lacrosse head can be overwhelming for both novice and experienced players alike.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various types of lacrosse heads, their specific features, and how to choose the best option for your playing style and position.

The Mark 2 Family: Specialized Lacrosse Heads for Every Position

The Mark 2 family of lacrosse heads represents the pinnacle of specialized equipment design. Each head in this series is crafted to meet the unique demands of specific positions on the field.

Mark 2A: Optimized for Attack

The Mark 2A is engineered specifically for offensive players. Its design prioritizes:

• Exceptional ball control
• Quick hands for rapid passes and shots
• Enhanced accuracy for precision shooting

These features make the Mark 2A an ideal choice for attackmen looking to maximize their scoring potential.

Mark 2V: Versatility for Midfielders

Midfielders require a balance of offensive and defensive capabilities. The Mark 2V delivers:

• Optimal strength for ground balls and checks
• Sufficient control for offensive maneuvers
• Accuracy for both passing and shooting

This versatile head is perfect for players who find themselves involved in all aspects of the game.

Mark 2T: Designed for Transition Play

Transition players, such as defensive midfielders or long-stick midfielders (LSMs), need a head that can handle both defensive responsibilities and offensive opportunities. The Mark 2T offers:

• Durability for defensive checks
• Quick release for clearing passes
• Balanced design for occasional offensive play

Mark 2D: Defensive Dominance

Defenders require a lacrosse head that can withstand the rigors of constant checking and ground ball battles. The Mark 2D provides:

• Maximum stiffness for powerful checks
• Wide face shape for improved interceptions
• Durability to handle aggressive play

Mark 2F and Mark 2F Stiff: Faceoff Specialists

Faceoff specialists have unique needs, and the Mark 2F series addresses them with:

• Flexibility for quick clamps
• Durability to withstand repeated impacts
• Strength for maintaining possession after the draw

The Mark 2F Stiff variant offers increased rigidity for players who prefer a more solid feel during faceoffs.

Mark 2G: Goalie-Specific Design

Goalies require a head that maximizes their ability to make saves. The Mark 2G features:

• Ultra-stiff construction for consistent rebounds
• Lightweight design for quicker reactions
• Optimized face shape to increase save percentage

Affordable Options: Balancing Performance and Value

While specialized heads offer peak performance, many players seek more budget-friendly options that still deliver reliable results. Several lacrosse heads cater to this market segment, providing excellent value without compromising on quality.

The Legend Series: Versatility on a Budget

The Legend series offers all-around performance at an attractive price point. It includes:

• Legend Senior Head: An updated version of the classic Mark 1, suitable for high school and adult players
• Legend Intermediate Head: Designed for players aged 10-14, offering a lightweight yet durable option

These heads provide consistent execution across various playing styles and positions, making them excellent choices for developing players or those seeking a reliable backup option.

Mark 1: The Original Workhorse

The Mark 1 lacrosse head embodies the philosophy that simple, reliable design trumps flashy aesthetics. Its features include:

• Versatile performance suitable for multiple positions
• Durable construction for long-lasting use
• Affordable price point for budget-conscious players

This head serves as an excellent option for beginners or players who prefer a no-frills approach to their equipment.

Pre-Strung vs. Unstrung Lacrosse Heads: Making the Right Choice

When purchasing a lacrosse head, players often face the decision between pre-strung and unstrung options. Each has its advantages and considerations.

Pre-Strung Lacrosse Heads

Pre-strung heads come ready to use straight out of the package. Benefits include:

• Immediate playability
• Consistent pocket design
• Time-saving for players unfamiliar with stringing techniques

However, pre-strung heads may not always meet the specific preferences of individual players, and the quality of stringing can vary.

Unstrung Lacrosse Heads

Unstrung heads allow for complete customization. Advantages include:

• Ability to create a pocket tailored to personal playing style
• Opportunity to learn and refine stringing skills
• Greater control over the head’s performance characteristics

The downside is the additional time and potential cost involved in stringing the head, as well as the learning curve for those new to the process.

Choosing the Right Lacrosse Head: Factors to Consider

Selecting the ideal lacrosse head involves weighing several factors:

1. Playing Position: Different positions have distinct requirements, as illustrated by the specialized Mark 2 series.
2. Skill Level: Beginners may benefit from more forgiving, versatile heads, while advanced players might prefer position-specific options.
3. League Regulations: Ensure the head meets the legal specifications for your league or level of play.
4. Budget: Consider both initial cost and long-term durability when assessing value.
5. Stringing Preference: Decide whether you prefer the convenience of pre-strung heads or the customization of unstrung options.

The Impact of Material Choice on Lacrosse Head Performance

The material used in a lacrosse head’s construction plays a crucial role in its performance characteristics. Common materials include:

Nylon

Nylon is a popular choice for lacrosse heads due to its:

• Durability and resistance to wear
• Ability to maintain shape in various weather conditions
• Relatively low cost

High-Impact Plastic

Some manufacturers use proprietary high-impact plastic blends that offer:

• Increased stiffness for improved ball control
• Better energy transfer for harder shots
• Enhanced durability in cold weather

Composite Materials

Advanced composite materials are sometimes used in high-end lacrosse heads, providing:

• Optimal strength-to-weight ratio
• Improved responsiveness and feel
• Potential for position-specific performance tuning

When evaluating lacrosse heads, consider how the material choice aligns with your playing style and environmental conditions.

Maintaining Your Lacrosse Head for Optimal Performance

Proper maintenance can significantly extend the life of your lacrosse head and ensure consistent performance. Key maintenance practices include:

1. Regular Cleaning: Remove dirt and debris after each use to prevent degradation of the material.
2. Proper Storage: Store your stick in a cool, dry place to avoid warping or damage to the head.
3. Pocket Maintenance: Regularly adjust and maintain your pocket to ensure consistent performance.
4. Screw Tightening: Check and tighten the screws connecting the head to the shaft to prevent loosening during play.
5. Off-Season Care: Take extra precautions during the off-season to protect your head from extreme temperatures and prolonged disuse.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your lacrosse head continues to perform at its best throughout its lifespan.

The Future of Lacrosse Head Design: Innovations on the Horizon

As the sport of lacrosse continues to evolve, so too does the technology behind equipment design. Future innovations in lacrosse heads may include:

• Advanced Materials: Development of new polymers and composites that offer improved performance characteristics.
• Customization Technologies: 3D printing and other technologies that allow for truly personalized head designs.
• Smart Features: Integration of sensors or other technology to provide real-time feedback on shot speed, accuracy, and other metrics.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Increased focus on eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes.

As these innovations emerge, players can look forward to lacrosse heads that offer even greater performance, customization, and sustainability.

Men’s Lacrosse Heads for Attack, Middie, Defense & Goalie

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Men’s Lacrosse Heads for Sale

The best array of lacrosse heads for sale anywhere. We don’t do cool lacrosse heads with fancy names. We don’t think flashy colors make lax heads any better. We believe that quality, consistent performance is the number one priority on the field. That’s why all our lacrosse heads deliver elite performance with an option that’ll suit every age and style of player.

Mark 2 Family

The best lacrosse heads we offer are the Mark 2 family of heads. Each head is uniquely and specifically designed to offer different performance to a more specialized player. There is a Mark 2 lacrosse head for attack, midfield, faceoff, LSM, defense, and goalie. Every head is available in strung and unstrung versions. Click the links below to learn more.

Mark 2A

Built for attack. These attack lacrosse heads give offensive players exceptional control, quick hands, and accurate shots.

Shop Mark 2A Attack

Mark 2V

Built for versatility. Our middie lacrosse heads deliver a balance of strength, control, and accuracy to the midfielder or all-around player.

Shop Mark 2V Middie

Mark 2T

Built for transition. The number one lacrosse stick head designed specifically for transition-pushing defender or defensive midfielder.

Shop Mark 2T Middie

Mark 2D

Built for defense. In lacrosse defense heads need to be tough. The Mark 2D is made to deliver punishing checks and dominate loose balls.

Shop Mark 2D Defense

Mark 2F

Built for faceoffs. The perfect balance of flexibility, durability, and strength help you win the draw and perform on the field.

Shop Mark 2F Faceoff

Mark 2F Stiff

Built Stiffer. An updated version of our Mark 2F, made with a stiffer material to help you dominate those 50/50 battles at the stripe.

Shop Mark 2F Stiff

Mark 2G

Built for goalies. The Mark 2G features an ultra-stiff construction, light-weight design, and optimized face shape. Get faster hands and more saves.

Shop Mark 2G Goalie

Mark 2 HEADStrong

Improving lives affected by cancer. Proceeds from every purchase of these limited-edition, lime green men’s lacrosse heads will help support the HEADstrong Foundation.

Mark 2 HEADStrong

Unbeatable Value

Don’t need a lacrosse head quite as advanced as a Mark 2? Don’t worry, we’ve still got you covered with versatile, reliable, and affordable lax heads for any player. Ever since we were designing our first Mark 1 head, we’ve always believed that simple and reliable is better than loud and flashy. Explore below to learn more about our affordable lacrosse heads for sale.

Legend

Legendary performance. An updated version of our classic Mark 1. Delivering consistent, all-around performance at an unbeatable value.

Legend Senior Head

Legend Int.

Best for ages 10-14. The light and stiff Legend Intermediate lacrosse head provides all-around performance and consistent execution at a legendary price.

Legend Int. Head

Mark 1

Simple. Strong. Of every part of a lacrosse stick, heads might be the most important. Our original offering incorporates the best features of our favorite heads to create a versatile and consistent work horse.

Mark 1 Lacrosse Head

Strung head – Salty Lacrosse

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Tension-type headache – treatment, symptoms, causes, diagnosis

Tension-type headache is usually diffuse, mild to moderate in intensity, and is often described as a feeling of a “tight band” around the head. Tension-type headache (THT) is the most common type of headache, and yet the causes of this type of headache are still not well understood.

The treatment of tension headache is quite effective. Tension-type headache management is often a balance between a healthy lifestyle, the use of non-drug treatments, and the administration of adequate medication.

Symptoms

Symptoms of tension headache include:

• Dull, aching headache
• Feeling of “tightness” or pressure in the forehead or on the sides of the head and in the back of the head
• Soreness of the scalp, neck and shoulder muscles

Tension headaches fall into two main categories – episodic and chronic.

Episodic tension headaches

Episodic tension headaches can last from 30 minutes to a week. Episodic tension headaches occur on less than 15 days per month for at least three months. Frequent episodic tension headaches can become chronic.

Chronic tension headaches

This type of tension headache lasts several hours and may be continuous. If headaches occur 15 days or more per month for at least three months, they are considered chronic.

Tension headaches and migraine

Tension headaches are sometimes difficult to distinguish from migraines. In addition, if a patient has frequent episodic tension-type headaches, they may also have migraines.

Unlike some forms of migraine, tension headaches are usually not accompanied by blurred vision, nausea, or vomiting. And if, with migraine, physical activity increases the intensity of the headache, then with a headache, stress loads do not have such an effect. Hypersensitivity to any light or sound can sometimes occur with tension headaches, but these symptoms are uncommon.

Causes

Causes of tension headache are not known. Medical experts believed that tension headaches are due to problems in the muscles of the face, neck and scalp, which in turn are due to strong emotions, excessive workload or stress. But studies show that muscle spasm is not the cause of this type of headache.

The most common theories are that people who have tension headaches and may have stress sensitivity are hypersensitive to pain. Increased muscle soreness, which is a common symptom of tension-type headache, may be the result of an increase in general pain sensitivity.

Triggers

Stress is the most common trigger that causes tension headaches.

Risk factors

Risk factors for tension headache include:

• Gender. Women are more likely to get this type of headache. One study found that almost 90 percent of women and 70 percent of men experience tension headaches during their lifetime.
• Mean patient age. The frequency of tension-type headaches peaks at age 40, although this headache can develop at any age.

Complications

Due to the fact that headaches can be quite frequent, this can significantly affect productivity and quality of life in general, especially if they become chronic. Frequent pain can disrupt the usual way of life and overall performance.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of tension-type headache is primarily based on clinical history and symptoms and neurological findings.

Physicians may be interested in answers to the following questions:

• When did the symptoms start?
• Did the patient notice any triggers such as stress or hunger?
• Were the symptoms continuous or episodic?
• How severe are the symptoms?
• How often do headaches occur?
• How long did you have a headache for the last time?
• What does the patient think reduces symptoms and what makes symptoms worse?

In addition, the doctor is also interested in the following details:

• Characteristics of pain. Does the pain throb? Is the pain dull, constant, or sharp?
• Pain intensity. A good indicator of headache severity is the amount of time a patient can work during a headache attack. Can the patient work? Are there episodes in which the headache led to awakening from sleep or sleep disturbance?
• Localization of pain. Does the patient feel pain in the whole head, only on one side of the head, or just in the forehead or eye sockets?

Instrumental methods of examination

If the patient has unusual or severe headaches, the doctor may order an additional examination to rule out more serious causes of headaches.

The two most commonly used diagnostic methods, such as CT (computed tomography) and MRI, allow visualization of organs and tissues and detect morphological changes.

Treatment

Some patients with tension-type headache do not go to the doctor and try to treat the pain themselves. Unfortunately, repeated self-use of painkillers can itself cause severe headaches.

Medications

There is a wide variety of medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, to relieve pain, including:

• Painkillers. Simple over-the-counter pain relievers are usually the first line of treatment for headaches. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), and naproxen (Aleve). Prescription drugs include naproxen (Naprosyn), indomethacin (Indocin), and ketorolac (ketorolac tromethamine).
• Combination preparations. Aspirin or acetaminophen, or both, often combined with caffeine or a sedative in the same medication. Combination preparations may be more effective than single-drug preparations.
• Triptans and drugs. For people who have both migraine and tension headaches, triptans can effectively relieve the headache. Opioids, or narcotics, are rarely used because of their side effects and the high risk of addiction.

Preventive drugs

Other drugs may be prescribed to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks, especially if the patient has frequent or chronic headaches that are not relieved by pain medication.

Prophylactic drugs may include:

• Tricyclic antidepressants. Tricyclic antidepressants, including amitriptyline and nortriptyline (Pamelor), are the most commonly used drugs for preventing tension-type headache. Side effects of these drugs may include weight gain, drowsiness, and dry mouth.
• Other antidepressants. There is evidence that antidepressants such as venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and mirtazapine (Remeron) are effective in patients who are also not depressed.
• Anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants. Other drugs that may prevent tension headaches from developing are anticonvulsants such as topiramate (Topamax) and muscle relaxants.

Lifestyle adjustments and home remedies

Rest, ice packs or long, hot showers can often relieve headaches.

Non-drug treatment

• Acupuncture. Acupuncture can provide temporary relief from chronic tension headache.
• Massage. Massage can help reduce stress and release tension. It is especially effective in relieving spasm in the muscles in the back of the head, neck, and shoulders.
• Deep breathing, biofeedback and behavioral therapy. A variety of relaxation treatments are very helpful for tension headaches, including deep breathing and biofeedback.

Relieve headaches scientifically. Part 1. Causes of a headache – RISE on vc.ru

Everyone has come across it. A headache prevents you from doing your favorite and useful things, from interesting work to social communication. Each of us may have our own special methods of how to relieve a headache. But over time, they either stop working or require additional effort. The reason lies in the source of pain and really evidence-based methods that can remove this pain.

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In touch RISE , community about nootropics and productivity enhancement. In this material, we will analyze the main causes of headaches, the mechanisms involved in them, and consider ways to stop pain. The material was written using a podcast from Stanford University neuroscientist Andrew Huberman.

Major causes of headache

Each of us can have his own peculiarity of the organism. Someone has low blood pressure, and the approaching rain is signified by a lead band around the head. Someone experiences pain inside the head when a deadline approaches or there is a quarrel in the family. What is the reason?

Tissue spasm

Tissue between the brain and skull. Source: Brain Neurosurgery Textbook

If you want to get rid of a headache, it is important to understand exactly where its source is located. The same is true when it comes to anxiety. You can’t fight it without knowing the reasons. When it comes to spasm, and muscle tension, this headache feels like a tight bandage around the head. And its source, as you might guess, is blood vessels and muscles.

Our skull is literally wrapped in muscles that allow us to turn our heads, chew, and express facial expressions. However, these same muscles tend to experience spasms. But, more importantly, it is the muscles that are the key element in provoking different types of headaches. That is, muscles can be both an independent source of pain and its catalyst in other types.

But it’s not the muscles that hurt, but the head! And the causes of headaches are in several layers of tissues that are located both outside the skull and between the brain and the skull. These tissues have their own name – Meningis, respectively, their inflammation is known to us as meningitis.

So, the brain is literally in a dense shell, consisting of several layers of tissue. These tissues need adequate blood supply to function, so a lot of blood vessels and arteries pass through the tissues. Accordingly, changes in pressure, spasm of muscles or blood vessels, will cause the tissues to press against each other, causing a headache. And that very weather sensitivity can be caused by a complex of factors: a decrease in temperature, an increase in external pressure, a cold wind that caused inflammation of facial tissues.

Neural and inflammatory causes of headache

Above we talked about the muscles and tissues that work like semi-inflated mattresses stuffed between the brain and the skull. The comparison is rough but accurate. If one of the mattresses is pumped up more, it will put pressure on the rest, causing pain. But there are other mechanisms for the emergence of this unpleasant feeling.

Neural pain. Known as cluster headache. It originates in the depths of the brain and can give into the eyes. Such pains are terribly painful, and are caused by excessive nervous tension. What can arise when you are trying to figure out how to improve performance even more in an escape from a deadline? And you feel that the brain is ready to explode from pain. Although he, by nature, does not experience pain, and the true source of suffering is the trigeminal nerve.

The trigeminal nerve, respectively, has three branches. These branches touch areas around the eye, around the nose, and near the upper lip. The pain begins due to overexcitation of the nerve or its inflammation. In addition to pain, pupils may narrow, tearing or a slight runny nose may begin. Therefore, anti-inflammatory pills for a mild or early cold will help prevent a decrease in mental and physical performance.

Although inflammation can involve the trigeminal nerve, it is worth considering inflammation separately. And in our time, you can hear that inflammation is almost a ticket to the next world. Therefore, you should start with the fact that the inflammatory process is not as terrible as it seems at first glance.

Inflammatory processes are one of the signaling systems of the body, which is provided by cytokines. They are considered inflammatory proteins, although they are rather anti-inflammatory. These proteins accumulate in a specific place, telling the body that something is wrong here.

Accumulation of these proteins in the neck or head area can cause pain. Inflammation is accompanied by edema, and if it is systemic, then a headache will be just one of the side symptoms. With all this, we do not consider sinusitis. This is a separate case, to which it is time to devote an independent longread.

Origin of pain

Above we have analyzed 4 main causes of headache: muscle spasm, expansion and compression of tissues, overexcitation of the trigeminal nerve and inflammatory processes. In any case, the nature of pain itself is the work of the nervous system and the transmission of signal impulses. And this is worth stopping for a moment.

Three types of neurons at the edge of headache

Something like this, the body tries to convey that something is going wrong

You already know from published materials that there are many different neurons in the brain. Some produce dopamine, others produce serotonin, others produce GABA, and so on. But there are three distinct types of neurons that are critical to how the body works.

Motor neurons . They control how the muscles work. When walking, typing on the keyboard, they even partially affect the heartbeat and breathing, there are slightly different principles, but motor neurons are also involved in this work.

Sensory neurons . They, like motor neurons, run throughout our body. Their task is to collect and transmit information about everything that happens around us and within us. They distinguish pain and gentle strokes, perceive changes in pressure, etc.

The third type of neurons is modulating neurons . They are intermediaries between sensory and motor neurons. And they partly participate in our learning, creating connections between certain actions, phenomena and the consequences of decisions made. For example, if something suddenly touches the back of your hand, you jerk your hand. This is the result of the work of all three types of neurons.

Why do we talk about types of neurons when talking about headaches? Take the common type of headache, tissue pain, as an example. Let me remind you, it’s like a lead hoop stretched over your head. And we have three ways to “remove” it:

• You can influence motor neurons. Thus, we will relax the tissues, relax the muscles, the pressure will decrease and the pain will go away. To do this, you need to take something that relaxes the muscles.
• You can turn off sensory neurons and stop feeling pain.