What are the benefits of 6 diamond lacrosse mesh. How does it compare to other mesh types. What techniques should you use when stringing 6 diamond mesh. How can you optimize your pocket for better performance.
Understanding 6 Diamond Lacrosse Mesh
6 diamond lacrosse mesh is a specialized type of mesh that has gained popularity among players seeking enhanced performance and control. Unlike traditional 10 or 12 diamond mesh, 6 diamond mesh features larger diamonds, which can significantly impact a player’s game.
But what exactly makes 6 diamond mesh unique? The larger diamonds create a more open structure, allowing for greater ball control and a softer feel. This can be particularly beneficial for goalies and offensive players who prioritize quick ball release and precise shooting.
Key Features of 6 Diamond Mesh
- Larger diamonds for improved ball control
- Softer feel compared to tighter mesh patterns
- Enhanced pocket customization options
- Potential for quicker ball release
Advantages of Using 6 Diamond Lacrosse Mesh
When considering 6 diamond mesh for your lacrosse stick, it’s important to understand its potential advantages. Many players find that this mesh type offers a unique combination of benefits that can elevate their game.
Improved Ball Control
The larger diamonds in 6 diamond mesh allow for more direct contact between the ball and the strings. This increased surface area can lead to better ball retention and control, especially during quick movements or checks from opponents.
Enhanced Feel and Touch
Players often report a softer, more responsive feel with 6 diamond mesh. This enhanced tactile feedback can be particularly useful for developing better stick skills and improving overall ball handling.
Customizable Pocket
The open structure of 6 diamond mesh provides greater flexibility in pocket design. Players can more easily create deep pockets or experiment with different stringing patterns to suit their playing style.
Potential for Faster Shot Release
Some players find that the larger diamonds in 6 diamond mesh allow for a quicker release on shots and passes. This can be especially beneficial for attackmen and midfielders who need to get their shots off quickly in tight spaces.
Comparing 6 Diamond Mesh to Other Mesh Types
To fully appreciate the unique characteristics of 6 diamond mesh, it’s helpful to compare it to other common mesh types used in lacrosse. Each mesh type has its own set of advantages and potential drawbacks, making it important for players to choose the option that best suits their playing style and position.
6 Diamond vs. 10 Diamond Mesh
10 diamond mesh is often considered the standard for many players. How does 6 diamond mesh compare?
- 6 diamond offers larger holes and potentially better ball feel
- 10 diamond provides a tighter channel and potentially more consistent release
- 6 diamond may require more break-in time but can offer greater customization
- 10 diamond is generally easier to string and maintain
6 Diamond vs. 12 Diamond Mesh
12 diamond mesh is popular among players seeking a balance between control and quick release. Here’s how 6 diamond stacks up:
- 6 diamond offers a softer feel and potentially better ball control
- 12 diamond provides a faster release and may be more suitable for wet conditions
- 6 diamond allows for deeper pockets and more pronounced channeling
- 12 diamond is typically more durable and resistant to bagging out
Stringing Techniques for 6 Diamond Mesh
Properly stringing 6 diamond mesh is crucial for maximizing its performance benefits. The larger diamonds require some specific techniques to ensure optimal pocket formation and ball control.
Sidewall Stringing
When stringing the sidewalls with 6 diamond mesh, it’s important to maintain proper tension throughout. Consider using a tighter pattern at the top of the head to create a defined channel, gradually loosening as you move towards the bottom for a deeper pocket.
Top String
The top string plays a crucial role in shaping the pocket and controlling ball release. With 6 diamond mesh, experiment with different knot placements to find the right balance between hold and quick release.
Bottom String
The bottom string helps define the depth and shape of the pocket. With 6 diamond mesh, you may need to adjust the tension to prevent excessive bagging while still allowing for proper ball control.
Shooters and U-String
Shooters and U-strings can significantly impact the performance of your 6 diamond mesh pocket. Experiment with different combinations to fine-tune the release point and overall feel of your stick.
Optimizing Your 6 Diamond Mesh Pocket
Creating the perfect pocket with 6 diamond mesh requires careful consideration of various factors. By fine-tuning these elements, you can maximize the performance benefits of this unique mesh type.
Pocket Depth
The ideal pocket depth for 6 diamond mesh can vary depending on your position and playing style. Generally, a medium to deep pocket works well, allowing for good ball control without sacrificing quick release.
Channel Formation
Creating a well-defined channel is crucial for accurate passing and shooting. With 6 diamond mesh, focus on maintaining consistent tension along the sidewalls to guide the ball smoothly from the pocket to the release point.
Break-In Period
6 diamond mesh may require a longer break-in period compared to tighter mesh types. Be patient and consistently work the pocket to achieve optimal performance. Consider using a ball pounder or stick stretcher to expedite the process.
Maintenance and Care for 6 Diamond Mesh
Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the longevity and consistent performance of your 6 diamond mesh. By following these care tips, you can keep your pocket in top condition throughout the season.
Regular Cleaning
Clean your 6 diamond mesh regularly to remove dirt, grass, and other debris that can affect its performance. Use warm water and mild soap, gently scrubbing the mesh with a soft brush.
Drying and Storage
After cleaning or playing in wet conditions, allow your stick to air dry completely. Avoid exposing the mesh to direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can cause premature wear and stretching.
Restringing and Adjustments
Periodically check your pocket for signs of wear or loosening. Don’t hesitate to make minor adjustments or completely restring your stick if necessary to maintain optimal performance.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even with proper care and maintenance, you may encounter some challenges when using 6 diamond mesh. Here are some common issues and potential solutions:
Inconsistent Release
If you’re experiencing inconsistent ball release, check the tension of your shooters and U-string. Adjusting these elements can help fine-tune your pocket’s performance.
Excessive Bagging
6 diamond mesh may be more prone to bagging out compared to tighter mesh types. If your pocket becomes too deep, consider tightening the bottom string or restringing with a slightly different pattern.
Channel Collapse
If your channel loses definition over time, focus on maintaining proper sidewall tension, especially in the upper portion of the head. You may need to experiment with different stringing patterns to find the right balance.
By understanding the unique characteristics of 6 diamond lacrosse mesh and implementing proper stringing techniques, you can harness its potential to enhance your game. Remember that finding the perfect setup may require some experimentation and fine-tuning, but the results can be well worth the effort. Whether you’re a goalie looking for better rebound control or an attackman seeking improved ball feel, 6 diamond mesh offers a versatile option for players looking to optimize their performance on the field.
The Mesh Dynasty 10 Diamond Mesh Review
By Coach Damon
Back when I suited up for Cal in 2000, the dominate goalie setup was a 17 diamond mesh with the open sidewalls.
Nowadays the setup that you see most lax goalies sport is the 12 diamond mesh. But that doesn’t mean 12 diamond is your only option when it comes to mesh.
There’s 20 diamond, 17 diamond, 14 diamond, 12 diamond and the topic of this mesh review: 10 diamond!
When you think about it the mesh of the stick is one of the most important pieces of equipment we use. It’s how we typically make a save or how we make an outlet pass. So, as goalies, it’s important that we take into consideration the type of mesh we’re using and if it is going to match the style of game we play.
This fall the Mesh Dynasty changed up the game and re-introduced 10 Diamond Goalie Mesh to the world.
What is 10 Diamond mesh you may ask? Will it help my game? Keep reading our review below and find out more.
10 Diamond Mesh: Product Features
In the fall of 2021, The Mesh Dynasty launched the 10 Diamond Goalie Mesh product under their Disciple line of goalie mesh.
Since I am by no means a stringing expert, we brought in friend of the program and professional stringer Tommy Bruno AKA Mr. WANDerful to help us review this product.
The 10 Diamond mesh is exactly how its sounds – 10 Diamonds of mesh across each row. Well, alternating rows of 10 and 11 diamonds to be specific.
The main function of 10 Diamond mesh for goalies is increased rebound control. Why is that you might ask?
10 Diamond Mesh provides you with much more give, and elasticity compared to a 20 Diamond mesh as there aren’t as many weaving holes on the mesh (10 diamonds vs. 20).
This provides you with a larger surface area to absorb the impact of the ball making it easier for you to control rebounds. A 20-diamond mesh with double the number of diamonds doesn’t provide as much give unless you really bag it out (i.
e. put a large pocket, deep pocket in there) and even then, it’s still not going to absorb the ball the same way 10 Diamond mesh will.
You can really feel this when using the mesh whether it be when making saves or just playing catch. The larger diamonds do a great job at gripping onto the ball and keeping that ball in your stick.
With good technique, you should have no problem absorbing those tough rebounds. But even if you’re not into popping the ball up at all times when making saves and instead would prefer to use soft hands to eat up rebounds this mesh would be a really good way to elevate your game.
One important thing to keep in mind with the 10 Diamond mesh though is how the ball releases out of the pocket.
As mentioned earlier the larger holes in the 10 Diamond mesh really do a great job at absorbing the ball and this also comes into play when passing with this mesh as well. With 10 Diamond mesh, you’re going to have a bit more drag or hold on your pocket.
Think of it this way, the more you increase the number of diamonds usually the smoother of a release you would get with your pocket as you pass. If you’re playing with a 20-diamond piece of mesh, there are a lot more holes in the pocket for the ball to move around on meaning the smoother it will get from the pocket to out of the stick.
If you were to go and take say a fishing net, where the diamonds are huge the ball is more likely to hug on the mesh as the ball comes out of the stick. While the 10 Diamond mesh is certainly no fishing net, it does hold onto the ball significantly more than a 20 Diamond mesh would.
With that being said it’s really important that your head is strung correctly when using this mesh.
There’s no mesh that you will lose a channel in faster than 10 Diamond. Make sure you have tension in all areas and have the bottom string and the shooters set up the right way. You really want to make sure you string the top string nice and tight, really go over the pocket and break it in as you go.
With the 10-diamond mesh, you don’t have to have a bag of a pocket. As a matter of fact, you probably won’t be able to throw with a bag of a pocket using 10 diamond mesh.
You want a nice shallow 1 ½ to 2 balls deep pocket when using 10 diamonds because there’s going to be so much give upon impact when using this mesh. When you stretch out the mesh with a ball you should really be able to get it to 3 ½ to 4 balls deep because of how the mesh absorbs the ball. Rolled shooter will also help create a nice gradual smooth release too.
An important rule of thumb when starting to string that Tommy goes by is “a good stick has to be strung twice”. String it up, break in the pocket, account for all of the errors in the pocket, and go over it again to correct all of the errors. If strung correctly the 10 Diamond Mesh can really be an outstanding mesh product to use.
This mesh comes in two types, Rhombus (single stitch between each diamond of mesh) and Hexagonal (double stitch between each diamond of mesh creating a hexagonal shape).
Rhombus Mesh
Hexagonal Mesh
I’m currently using the rhombus mesh in my stick right now.
It is a bit of a skinnier type of mesh, which is always going to have a bit more variability as it breaks in. However, I am a bit concerned about the durability of the rhombus style of mesh.
When strung up the holes are pretty stretched out putting them under a ton of tension and with that comes stress. Over time, especially when you’re seeing high-level shots this mesh may not last that long.
The hexagonal mesh has a second stitch in between the holes of mesh giving is the more hexagonal shape and also makes me feel more comfortable with that mesh lasting longer over time. If you’re going to go with a mesh type I would definitely go with the hexagonal mesh as it’s a bit thicker and provides a lot more structural integrity than the rhombus mesh.
10 Diamond Mesh Price
The Mesh Dynasty has such an amazing line of products when it comes to mesh.
Their mesh has so many more pros than cons.
You can pick this mesh up today for $25 by visiting their website (stringing kits sold separately). As of right now, the 10D mesh is only sold in white however we will be seeing different colorways of the 10D mesh available very soon.
If you’re not an experienced stringer or are looking to get this mesh strung up by a professional, you can reach out to Mr. WANDerful on Instagram or through email ([email protected]). Tell him Lax Goalie Rat sent you!
Summary – Who is 10 Diamond mesh for?
We would recommend this mesh to high-level, high school goalies and college goalies of any level.
I wouldn’t recommend the 10 Diamond to younger kids who are just getting started as it requires you to possess stronger stick skills that you might not have at a youth level where many goalies are used to snapping their wrists and the ball coming out of their stick. The release of the 10D is a little trickier and requires some experience in my opinion.
This mesh does have a great deal of hold on the ball so it’s important that you have good stick skills before trying this mesh out.
If you’re already playing with a bag of a pocket right now and you’re looking to try something new – maybe you want to reduce the amount of the bag but still have the same amount of control this mesh might work for you.
This mesh would also be great for goalies who like to utilize toe-drags and prefer a ton of ball control when cradling.
Finally any goalie looking for that last piece of the rebound control puzzle, need look no further than Mesh Dynasty 10 Diamond mesh product.
10 Diamond Mesh Video Review
Evan, Mr Wanderful, and Coach Damon sat down to discuss the pros and cons of the 10 Diamond mesh in this video:
Anyone out there tried the Mesh Dynasty 10 Diamond mesh yet? What’s your thoughts? Leave me a comment down below.
