What makes the Warrior Rabil 2 HS Lacrosse Head stand out. How does it compare to its predecessor. Why is it considered a top choice for advanced players. What are the key features that enhance its performance on the field.
The Evolution of Excellence: Introducing the Warrior Rabil 2 HS Lacrosse Head
The lacrosse world has been buzzing with excitement since the release of the Warrior Rabil 2 HS Lacrosse Head. This innovative piece of equipment, designed in collaboration with lacrosse legend Paul Rabil, represents a significant advancement in lacrosse head technology. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Rabil 2 offers a sleeker, lighter, and more powerful offensive weapon for players seeking to elevate their game.
Professional athletes in both the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and Major League Lacrosse (MLL) have praised the Rabil 2 for its exceptional performance on the field. Its design reflects the needs of advanced players, incorporating features that cater to the demands of high-level competition.
Unparalleled Strength: The One-Shot Molding Process
One of the most significant improvements in the Warrior Rabil 2 HS Lacrosse Head is its manufacturing process. Unlike the original Rabil head, which utilized a two-shot molding technique, the Rabil 2 employs a one-shot mold. This revolutionary approach results in a head crafted from a single piece of material, significantly enhancing its overall strength and durability.
The one-shot molding process eliminates weak points that can occur in multi-piece constructions. This means players can trust the Rabil 2 to withstand the rigors of intense gameplay without compromising performance. The head’s increased strength translates to improved longevity, making it a wise investment for serious players.
Benefits of One-Shot Molding:
- Enhanced structural integrity
- Reduced risk of breakage
- Improved overall durability
- Consistent performance over time
Scoop Design: Perfecting Ground Ball Control
The scoop of the Warrior Rabil 2 HS Lacrosse Head builds upon the successful design of its predecessor. With a standardly rounded profile on both the outer and inner sides, this head offers players exceptional control when scooping ground balls or maneuvering the ball on the turf.
Measuring 6-5/8″ in width for both the universal and high school versions, the scoop provides ample surface area for secure ball pickup without adding unnecessary bulk. The carefully calibrated thickness of the material ensures durability without compromising on weight or responsiveness.
Key Scoop Features:
- Rounded inner and outer edges for smooth ground ball pickups
- 6-5/8″ width for optimal ball control
- Durable construction resistant to wear and tear
- Balanced design for consistent performance
Sidewall Innovation: Sym-Rail Twist Technology
The sidewalls of the Warrior Rabil 2 HS Lacrosse Head showcase a remarkable engineering feat known as Sym-Rail Twist technology. This innovative design maximizes the strength of the sidewalls while simultaneously reducing overall weight. By literally twisting the rails, Warrior has created a head that offers unparalleled rigidity without sacrificing maneuverability.
Another standout feature of the Rabil 2’s sidewalls is the abundance of stringing holes. With an impressive 19 holes on each side and 6 on the top, this head offers unparalleled customization options. Advanced players can fine-tune their pocket to match their exact preferences, whether they favor a high, mid, or low pocket setup.
Sidewall Advancements:
- Sym-Rail Twist technology for optimal strength-to-weight ratio
- 19 sidewall holes per side for extensive stringing options
- 6 top string holes for additional customization
- Slightly wider pinch compared to the original Rabil (3-1/8″ for universal, 3″ for high school)
Throat and Neck Design: Reinforcing Critical Stress Points
The throat of the Warrior Rabil 2 HS Lacrosse Head serves as a crucial transition point between the sidewalls and the neck. This area has been meticulously engineered to combine the best attributes of both sections, resulting in a robust and reliable design that can withstand the pressures of intense gameplay.
One of the most notable features of the Rabil 2 is its elongated neck. This extended design creates an exceptionally strong connection with the shaft, dramatically increasing the durability of the lower part of the head. By reinforcing this traditionally vulnerable area, Warrior has effectively addressed one of the most common points of failure in lacrosse heads.
Throat and Neck Highlights:
- Seamless transition from sidewalls to neck
- Elongated neck for superior shaft connection
- Reinforced lower head area for increased longevity
- Optimized material distribution for strength without bulk
Warp Resistance: Maintaining Shape Under Pressure
While all lacrosse heads are susceptible to warping over time, the Warrior Rabil 2 HS Lacrosse Head has been designed with exceptional warp resistance in mind. The combination of its one-shot molding process, Sym-Rail Twist technology, and reinforced stress points creates a head that maintains its shape even under the most demanding conditions.
The Rabil 2’s design allows for natural flexing during play, which might typically increase the risk of warping in lesser heads. However, the innovative engineering behind this model ensures that it returns to its original shape consistently, preserving its performance characteristics over an extended period.
Warp Resistance Features:
- One-shot molding for improved structural integrity
- Sym-Rail Twist technology to maintain sidewall rigidity
- Reinforced throat and neck to prevent deformation
- Balanced flex properties for durability and performance
Versatility on the Field: A Head for All Positions
The Warrior Rabil 2 HS Lacrosse Head truly shines in its versatility across different field positions. Designed in collaboration with Paul Rabil, widely regarded as one of the most talented and well-rounded players in lacrosse history, this head embodies the characteristics needed to excel in every aspect of the game.
While the Rabil 2 is particularly well-suited for midfielders due to its balance of offensive and defensive capabilities, it performs admirably in attack and defensive positions as well. Its design caters to players who demand the utmost in performance, regardless of their role on the field.
Position-Specific Benefits:
- Midfield: Optimal balance for transition play and two-way performance
- Attack: Quick release and precise ball control for scoring opportunities
- Defense: Durability and strength for aggressive checking and ground ball battles
- Face-off: Suitable pinch width for competitive draws
The Warrior Rabil 2 HS Lacrosse Head represents a significant leap forward in lacrosse equipment design. Its innovative features, durability, and versatility make it an excellent choice for advanced players looking to take their game to the next level. Whether you’re a midfielder, attacker, or defender, the Rabil 2 offers the performance and reliability needed to excel on the lacrosse field.
Customization and Stringing: Tailoring Your Perfect Pocket
One of the standout features of the Warrior Rabil 2 HS Lacrosse Head is its exceptional customization potential. With an abundance of stringing holes, this head allows players to create a pocket that perfectly matches their playing style and preferences. But how exactly does this level of customization benefit players on the field?
The 19 sidewall holes on each side, combined with the 6 top string holes, provide an unprecedented level of stringing flexibility. This allows for fine-tuned adjustments in pocket depth, channel width, and overall feel. Advanced players can experiment with various stringing patterns to achieve the perfect balance of hold, release, and accuracy.
Stringing Options:
- High pockets for quick release and superior ball control
- Mid pockets for versatile all-around performance
- Low pockets for maximum hold and power shots
- Custom hybrid setups for unique playing styles
The slightly wider pinch of the Rabil 2 (3-1/8″ for the universal version and 3″ for the high school version) complements these stringing options. It provides enough width to facilitate easier catches and face-offs while still offering sufficient hold to keep the ball secure during aggressive play.
Performance Analysis: How the Rabil 2 Elevates Your Game
When it comes to on-field performance, the Warrior Rabil 2 HS Lacrosse Head truly shines. Its combination of advanced features translates into tangible benefits for players across various aspects of the game. But what specific performance enhancements can players expect?
Shot Power and Accuracy:
The Sym-Rail Twist technology and reinforced construction of the Rabil 2 contribute to increased shot power. The head’s ability to flex slightly upon ball release, then quickly return to its original shape, adds extra velocity to shots. Additionally, the consistent pocket shape maintained by the warp-resistant design ensures improved shooting accuracy over time.
Ball Control and Retention:
The carefully designed scoop and sidewall configuration of the Rabil 2 enhance ball control during cradling and dodging maneuvers. The optimized pinch width strikes an ideal balance between easy ball entry and secure retention, allowing players to maintain possession even under pressure from defenders.
Ground Ball Efficiency:
With its rounded scoop and durable construction, the Rabil 2 excels in ground ball situations. Players can confidently attack loose balls, knowing that the head’s design will facilitate clean pickups and transitions to possession.
Defensive Capabilities:
Despite its offensive prowess, the Rabil 2 doesn’t sacrifice defensive performance. The head’s strength and rigidity make it effective for checks and poke checks, while its overall design allows for quick transitions from defense to offense.
By excelling in these key performance areas, the Warrior Rabil 2 HS Lacrosse Head empowers players to elevate every aspect of their game. Its versatility and advanced features make it a top choice for those seeking to maximize their potential on the lacrosse field.
Warrior Rabil 2 Lacrosse Head Review
NLL and MLL athlete Paul Rabil has worked with Warrior once again to produce the Warrior Rabil 2 Head.
Being based off of the design of the original Warrior Rabil head, the Rabil 2 has been updated to be a sleeker and lighter, yet stiffer and more powerful offensive weapon.
Having been designed by one of the best all-around lacrosse players, the Rabil 2 head is purposed for advanced play.
Everything you’re going to want out of an offensive head, you’re going to find it with this one. There won’t be a need to worry about it breaking down or having weak points.
The original Rabil head used a two-shot molding process, but the Rabil 2 utilizes a one shot mold. This means the head is made out of only one piece, and less pieces equals greater strength.
Scoop
The scoop of the Rabil 2 head much resembles that of the original Rabil head. It comes standardly rounded on the outer and inner sides.
When going for groundballs, or just pushing the ball around on the ground, you’re going to get a solid feel and consistent performance.
The thickness of the material is going to be enough to give it a relatively strong design. You’re not going to have to worry about it wearing down.
Now on both the universal and high school versions of the head, the width of the scoop sits at 6-5/8″. This is going to give you ample room to catch well without adding too much material.
Sidewalls
An outstanding feature immediately noticeable is the multitude of sidewall holes on the head. This head was designed for advanced play by a pro lacrosse player, so you know right off the bat, it’s made as versatile as possible.
Many different players prefer a different style or type of pocket, and the higher up you go in playing level, the more specific people will be with what they like. Having as many stringing holes as this head (19 on each side, 6 on the top) makes catering to this multitude of preferences an extremely workable task.
Along with this great feature, the sidewalls of the Rabil 2 are infused with a Sym-Rail Twist.
This method maximizes the strength of the sidewall while minimizing the weight by actually twisting the rails.
To add yet another notable trait to the sidewall design, the Rabil 2 has been made with a slightly wider pinch than the original Rabil. It’s going to sit at about 3-1/8″ for the universal version and 3″ for the high school version. These are both going to give you a well enough pinch to keep the ball in, without being too tight for situations like face offs or catching.
Throat
The throat of the Rabil 2 serves as the perfect transition from the sidewalls to the neck. It takes the traits of both the sidewalls and neck to make for a strong reliable section.
The lower rails especially are often a weak part of the head, but that’s not a problem with this throat because of the long neck combined with the Sym-Rail Twist sidewalls.
Neck and shaft fit
The neck of the Rabil 2 takes on a very strong and effective design. The neck is more so elongated, so you’ll have a very strong connection with the shaft, and the lower part of the head is going to be exponentially stronger.
A weak part of a head and where it’ll often end up cracking or breaking is the lower area of the head. Having a strong neck will prevent this, allowing the head to last for a much longer time.
But while the neck is strong, it wasn’t designed to be bulky. Paul and Warrior took out as much material as possible without compromising strength with this part of the head.
You won’t have any trouble fitting the Rabil 2 head to a shaft. It’s going to be a standard fit like any modern warrior head and shouldn’t give you any trouble.
Warp Factor
The warp factor is going to affect all heads, but heads can be more resistant to it by being strong. Especially in the points of stress. The Rabil 2 covers these areas very well.
The sidewall, throat, and neck all work together to create a very stable system. It is naturally designed to flex, and typically heads that flex are more prone to warping, but that’s not going to be as much of an issue here. This head should last you a long time.
Field position
To understand what field position this head is designed for, you can really just look at its designer.
Paul Rabil is regarded as one of the best all-around players in the modern game of lacrosse, AND as one of the most talented players to have ever played the game. So not only was this head designed for the most elite of all levels of play, but also to dominate at all positions of play.
A lot of people know Paul for his insanely fast shot, and his amazing dodging skills, but he has also been known for his great defensive plays. He plays as though he’s absolutely desperate to get the ball, run it back, and score. This head has been designed to go along with this style of play.
Given all of this, it’s fair to say it is most intended for midfielders. As a definition of the position, they should be skilled at all positions and situations. However this isn’t to say it couldn’t be used as an attackman’s or defender’s head.
It’s going to be very durable although still being light, which are favorable traits for attackmen.
And there are quite a few defensemen out there that prefer a more offensive orientated head on their poles, especially when they’re going to be doing a bit more ball handling.
And of course, it’s a given the head would be perfect for LSM’s as well (Goalies of course, as usual, are going to have to be left out).
Summary
Overall, this is a durable reliable, multipurpose head that can be used in any scenario. Paul Rabil and Warrior took what was already a great head, and forged it into an elite piece of lacrosse equipment. As a player, it’d be really hard to be disappointed with the Rabil 2.
The Rabil 2 lacrosse head was made to compete and perform. Any player will love having this in their arsenal.
Warrior guarantees a replacement of the head for 6 months after its original date of purchase. You can purchase this head in a wide array of classic colors as well.
The Journey: Charlie Bertrand’s Rise Through the Lacrosse Ranks
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The Journey: Charlie Bertrand’s Rise Through the Lacrosse Ranks
Mon Jun 12 2023 | Matt Hamilton | USA Insider
National Teams World Lax 2023
PHOTO BY NICK IERADI
Charlie Bertrand worked his way from Division II to Division I and then to the U.
S. men’s nation team.
The walls on the side of Durgee Junior High School were busy in the spring of 2013. Charlie Bertrand, then going into his freshman year of high school, spent afternoons launching lacrosse balls at the brick with his long pole.
Betrand he was faced with a choice. He could embrace a future as a defenseman and have a shot to make varsity at Baldwinsville (N.Y.) High School, or he could keep shooting and hope his offensive game rounded into form.
“I thought I picked it up pretty well,” Bertrand said. “For a couple weeks, it was wall ball and 1-on-1s.”
Bertrand was prepared to change positions, but his junior varsity goalie wasn’t so sure. Former Syracuse All-American Doug Jackson saw potential in the abnormally tall Bertrand, who could shoot like few high schoolers he had seen before.
“I saw him out there at Dungee throwing it around with a d-pole,” Jackson said. “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ The way the kid can shoot, and plus he’s a lefty, I just didn’t get it.
I told him to bring his short stick to tryouts.”
Jackson’s intervention brought to light two important aspects of Bertrand’s development. Bertrand was eager to adapt to whatever put him in the best position to succeed, but his shooting ability was what would separate him from the competition.
With each year, Bertrand built off his unique skills and developed into one of the greatest players in his high school’s history. It was the start of an unlikely journey, one in which Bertrand has faced more than a few hurdles.
This year, his career reached a new level. Bertrand was named to the 23-man U.S. men’s national team roster headed to San Diego to defend its gold medal in the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship this summer. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound attackman never believed he’d be in this position, but he’s worked diligently and adapted to work his way up the ladder.
It’s all come into place. Bertrand quit his job in mechanical engineering to become a full-time athlete.
Living in Las Vegas, where he plays for the NLL’s Desert Dogs, Bertrand is soaking in the experience.
“Just walking out and standing there for the national anthem will be surreal,” Bertrand said. “The last few years have given me confidence, and I just wanted to prove that I can play at the highest level.”
Bertrand’s adaptability was put to the test almost as soon as he could stand, making him a prime target for his older brothers, Ronnie and Connor. By the age of 2, he was fully suited and standing guard in the cage.
“The pads are so much bigger than him, and he can’t really talk,” Ronnie Bertrand recalled. “We’re just flinging mini hockey pucks at him, but when you’re the younger brother, you don’t have a choice.”
Between the holes that the Bertrand brothers made in the basement walls (Connor learned very early in life how to spackle), Charlie Bertrand found his love for both hockey and lacrosse. He grew up a Buffalo Sabres fan and declared hockey his favorite spot.
By high school, the tide started to change. Lacrosse became a bigger part of his life, and with the help of Jackson, he focused his energy on the sport that would eventually make him a star.
“He either hit the cage or he hit the scoreboard,” Jackson said. “Every shot originated from his ankle like he was playing hockey. But when he was on, he was on.”
Bertrand had many of the tools that could make him a dominant force, but as his prep career finished, Division I teams overlooked him.
Merrimack, then a competitive Division II program led by Mike Morgan, saw his potential. The Warriors were one of his only offers, and the school offered a mechanical engineering major for which Bertrand was looking.
“It was a bit of a feeling like you got slighted,” Bertrand said. “But I didn’t know how good I could be. I had that belief in myself that I knew I could offer something to a school.”
Bertrand arrived at Merrimack in the fall of 2016 ready to show his teammates, and college lacrosse altogether, what he had to offer.
His shot was still his anchor, but his movement had improved significantly.
“I remember that first practice,” then-assistant coach Kyle Smith said. “He could move pretty well, had dexterity in both hands, pretty fluid and could just let the ball fly. I was like, ‘Oh my God, this kid’s going to be a great player.’ I went over to Coach Morgan and asked, ‘How did we get this kid?’”
Even as a freshman, Bertrand emerged as an offensive leader for a Merrimack team with national championship hopes. He led the team, which fell in the 2017 Division II national title game, with 75 points. The next season, he carried Merrimack to the Division II title and won Player of the Year honors. He repeated the same feats in 2019, setting a school record with 78 goals.
Still, Bertrand wasn’t convinced of his potential.
“He was so humble that he did not want attention,” Smith said. “I almost had to reverse psychology it. I tried to get the inner dialog going in his head.”
By the end of his junior year, Bertrand planned to finish his career at Merrimack and head to England to earn an MBA and find a job in mechanical engineering.
Just six games into 2020, Bertrand’s trajectory took a turn. The COVID-19 pandemic canceled his senior season and forced him into a decision — with an extra year of eligibility, he could transfer to a Division I contender and prove to himself he could hang with the game’s best.
Virginia was the lone title contender that spoke to him. Lars Tiffany showed Bertrand film of his Merrimack games and where he could fit into his system.
Bertrand decided to forego his England plan and chase his dreams for another year. Before Bertrand even got to Charlottesville, his future teammates got scouting reports from those who faced him in Division II.
“I have a bunch of friends who went to Le Moyne,” former Virginia defenseman Jared Conners said. “They told me all about him. They were like, ‘He’s ruining our careers. We’d be winning all these national championships, but we have to deal with Charlie Bertrand.’”
Bertrand was content not being the go-to threat at Virginia.
Eventually, he found the ball in his stick in crucial moments during Virginia’s run to the 2021 national championship (Bertrand’s third NCAA title).
He then made the Redwoods LC roster in the summer of 2021 and started a full-time mechanical engineering job at Raytheon in September of that year. His first full professional season came in the winter of that year, when he became a regular on the Rochester Nighthawks in the NLL.
Bertrand was settling in as a pro, moving out West and consulting with the likes of Rob Pannell and Jules Heningburg on how to make a living in the sport. Then, the opportunity of a lifetime presented itself.
Bertrand suited up for U.S. men’s national team tryouts and advanced through the final stages. He saw his name among the 23 players that will fight for gold — a surreal feeling for a player who, up until the last two years, wasn’t sure lacrosse would be in his future.
“He’s had to fight to get where he is,” Ronnie Bertrand said. “He wasn’t always a sure-fire roster spot player.
We grew up watching Paul Rabil and Kyle Harrison and thought that would be so cool to play at that level. We never thought that he’d get there.”
“You just have to believe in the process,” Bertrand said. “This is a dream to be here.”
Support the U.S. men’s national team in its quest for gold this summer at the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in San Diego from June 21-July 1. Purchase tickets here to support the U.S. live. #ThisIsHome.
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