What makes the Tribe7 Fort7 Pro lacrosse goalie head unique. How does its weight compare to other popular goalie heads. Why is the face shape of the Fort7 Pro significant for goalies. What are the pros and cons of using this head in competitive play.
The Evolution of Tribe7 Lacrosse Equipment
Tribe7, a San Diego-based equipment manufacturer, has been making waves in the lacrosse world since its inception in 2009. Their mission? To produce durable and affordable lacrosse equipment for players of all levels, from beginners to professionals. This commitment to quality and innovation has led to the creation of some truly remarkable products, including the Fort7 goalie head.
One of Tribe7’s early claims to fame was a faceoff head so tough that ECD filmed a truck running over it without damage. This durability has become a hallmark of Tribe7 products, setting the stage for their entry into the goalie equipment market.
The Fort7 Goalie Head: Two Versions, One Design
Tribe7 offers two versions of the Fort7 goalie head: the original Fort7 and the Fort7 Pro. While both share the same face and head shape, the Pro version introduces an upgraded plastic material called Durovulc. This new material addresses a common complaint about the original version’s flexibility, providing increased stiffness without significantly impacting weight.
Weight and Maneuverability: How Does the Fort7 Pro Stack Up?
In the world of lacrosse goalie equipment, weight can make a significant difference in performance. So how does the Fort7 Pro measure up?
- Strung weight: 440 grams (15.5 oz)
- Comparable to the STX Eclipse 2 (444 grams / 15.66 oz)
- Similar feel to other popular goalie heads on the market
Dylan Mandeville, an experienced goalie who uses the Fort7 Pro as his primary head, notes that its weight is on par with heads like the Eclipse II or Nemesis III. He also points out that while it matches most heads on the market in terms of weight, the ECD Impact remains the lightweight champion for now.
The Fort7 Pro’s weight distribution allows for quick hand movements, crucial for making those game-changing saves. Goalies report being able to move seamlessly with the stick, without feeling hindered by the head’s weight.
The Unique Face Shape of the Fort7 Pro
Perhaps the most striking feature of the Fort7 Pro is its distinctive face shape. Tribe7 has taken a “more is better” approach, maximizing the head’s surface area to the limits allowed by regulations.
Surface Area Advantage
According to Tribe7, the Fort7 boasts the largest ball-stopping surface area of any goalie head in lacrosse. They claim it offers 12.5% more space than the next largest head, equating to an additional 8 inches of mesh compared to other designs.
While the exact comparison point for this claim isn’t specified, the difference is visually apparent when placed side-by-side with other popular goalie heads. The Fort7 Pro features a more triangular shape, in contrast to the spoon-like or rounded designs of heads such as the ECD Impact or STX Eclipse 2.
Comparative Shape Analysis
The Fort7’s shape most closely resembles that of the STX Shield or Nike Prime Elite goalie heads. When compared to the recently released ECD Impact, the Fort7 clearly offers a larger surface area for making saves.
This increased surface area can be a significant advantage for goalies. It doesn’t take an advanced degree in physics to understand that more surface area translates to a higher probability of making saves.
Potential Drawbacks of the Fort7 Pro’s Design
While the enlarged face shape of the Fort7 Pro offers clear advantages, it’s not without potential drawbacks. Some goalies have reported challenges when making low saves, particularly on the off-stick side.
- Prominent edges can catch in the turf
- May cause the head to spin on low shots
- Requires adjustment compared to more rounded designs
It’s important to note that these issues may be a matter of personal preference and playing style. With practice, many goalies find they can adapt to the Fort7 Pro’s unique characteristics and take full advantage of its increased coverage.
Regulatory Considerations for Women’s Lacrosse
An important consideration for potential buyers is that the Tribe7 Fort7 is not currently on the list of approved USA lacrosse women’s heads. This restriction means that, as of this writing, female goalies are not permitted to use the Fort7 Pro in official competitions governed by USA Lacrosse rules.
The Fort7 Pro’s Side Profile: A Study in Design
The side profile of the Fort7 Pro reveals some interesting design choices that contribute to its performance:
- Initial offset: The head starts with a backward offset
- Forward bend: Towards the top, the head curves forward
- Stiffness and functionality: This design maintains rigidity while providing throwing and scooping benefits
This unique profile demonstrates Tribe7’s attention to detail in balancing the various needs of a goalie head. The forward bend at the top helps reduce flex, keeping the head stiffer where it counts, while the initial offset provides the throwing and scooping advantages goalies need for effective clears and ground ball pickups.
Player Perspectives: Real-World Feedback on the Fort7 Pro
To get a better understanding of how the Fort7 Pro performs in real-world situations, let’s consider the feedback from Dylan Mandeville, an experienced goalie who has made the Fort7 Pro his go-to head.
Dylan’s Thoughts on the Face Shape
Dylan notes that the unique face shape was a key factor in his decision to use the Fort7 Pro. He appreciates the mental edge provided by the extra surface area, stating, “You’re telling me that I get an extra bit of space to make saves compared to any other head on the market, I’ll take that any day.”
This psychological boost can be significant for goalies, potentially increasing confidence and save percentages.
Performance in Game Situations
In game situations, Dylan reports that the Fort7 Pro performs admirably. The increased surface area translates to tangible benefits, allowing for saves that might be missed with a smaller head. However, he also notes the importance of proper technique and positioning, emphasizing that the head’s design complements good goalie fundamentals rather than replacing them.
Durability and Longevity: The Fort7 Pro’s Lifespan
Given Tribe7’s reputation for producing durable equipment, it’s worth examining how the Fort7 Pro holds up over time. Early reports from users suggest that the Durovulc material used in the Pro version lives up to its promise of increased stiffness and durability.
- Maintains shape even after repeated impacts
- Resists warping in high-temperature conditions
- Shows minimal wear on scoop and sidewalls over extended use
This durability can be a significant factor for goalies and teams looking to invest in equipment that will last through multiple seasons of intense play.
Stringing Considerations for the Fort7 Pro
The unique shape of the Fort7 Pro can present both challenges and opportunities when it comes to stringing. Experienced stringers have reported that the head’s design allows for some creative patterns that can enhance ball control and channel shots effectively.
Stringing Tips for Optimal Performance
- Experiment with diamond-top patterns to maximize the large face shape
- Consider a higher pocket to take advantage of the head’s offset design
- Use mid-weight to heavy mesh for increased durability and consistency
- Pay special attention to sidewall string tension to maintain the head’s shape
Proper stringing can significantly enhance the Fort7 Pro’s performance, allowing goalies to fully leverage its unique design features.
Price Point and Value Proposition
When considering any piece of lacrosse equipment, it’s essential to weigh its cost against the value it provides. The Fort7 Pro, with its upgraded Durovulc material, comes at a higher price point than the original Fort7. But is the additional cost justified?
Factors to Consider
- Increased stiffness and durability compared to the original Fort7
- Unique design features that may improve save percentages
- Potential for longer lifespan due to improved materials
- Comparable pricing to other high-end goalie heads on the market
For many goalies, the combination of innovative design and durable construction makes the Fort7 Pro a worthwhile investment. However, as with any equipment purchase, individual needs and preferences should be the ultimate deciding factor.
The Fort7 Pro in Competitive Play: Advantages and Adaptations
As more goalies adopt the Fort7 Pro for competitive play, patterns of use and adaptation are emerging. Coaches and players report that the head’s unique characteristics can provide distinct advantages in certain game situations.
Situational Advantages
- Outside shots: The larger surface area excels at stopping shots from distance
- Deflections: Increased face size improves chances of deflecting shots wide
- Clears: Offset design facilitates accurate long passes for fast breaks
However, players also note that adapting to the Fort7 Pro’s design requires practice, particularly for goalies accustomed to more traditional head shapes. Drills focusing on low saves and off-stick side stops can help goalies fully capitalize on the head’s unique geometry.
Customization Options for the Fort7 Pro
Tribe7 understands that personal preference plays a significant role in a goalie’s equipment choices. To that end, they offer several customization options for the Fort7 Pro.
Available Customizations
- Color choices: Multiple color options to match team aesthetics
- Limited edition releases: Seasonal color schemes and patterns
- Custom stringing: Option for factory stringing to personal specifications
These customization options allow goalies to tailor the Fort7 Pro to their individual style and team requirements, further enhancing its appeal to a wide range of players.
The Future of Goalie Head Design: Tribe7’s Impact
The introduction of the Fort7 Pro has sparked discussions about the future direction of goalie head design in lacrosse. Its bold approach to maximizing surface area within regulatory limits has challenged conventional wisdom and may influence future product development across the industry.
Potential Industry Trends
- Increased focus on material science for optimal stiffness-to-weight ratios
- Exploration of unconventional head shapes to maximize stopping power
- Greater emphasis on customization and player-specific designs
As the lacrosse equipment market continues to evolve, innovations like the Fort7 Pro serve as catalysts for advancement, pushing manufacturers to rethink traditional designs and explore new possibilities in goalie head technology.
The Tribe7 Fort7 Pro represents a significant step forward in lacrosse goalie head design. Its unique combination of maximized surface area, innovative shape, and advanced materials offers goalies a tool that can potentially elevate their game to new heights. While it may require some adaptation for players accustomed to more traditional designs, the potential benefits in terms of save percentage and overall performance make it a compelling option for goalies at all levels of play.
As with any piece of sports equipment, the true test of the Fort7 Pro’s value lies in its performance on the field. Early adopters have reported positive experiences, praising its ability to stop shots that might have slipped by with other heads. However, it’s important to remember that no single piece of equipment can replace solid fundamentals and dedicated practice.
For goalies looking to gain an edge in their game, the Tribe7 Fort7 Pro offers an intriguing option. Its bold design choices and focus on maximizing stopping power make it a head worth considering for those willing to embrace innovation in their quest for goaltending excellence.
Tribe7 Fort7 Goalie Head Review
By Coach Damon
In this post, we’ll review the Tribe7 Fort7 goalie head.
Tribe7 is an equipment manufacturer based in San Diego. Founded in 2009 with the intention of producing durable and affordable lacrosse equipment for all players from beginner to advanced/college/pro players.
One of their early pieces of equipment was a faceoff head that was so tough ECD filmed a truck running over it.
There are 2 versions of the Fort7 goalie: the original Fort7 and the Fort7 Pro.
Both versions feature the exact same face and head shape (i.e. same plastic mold) however the Pro version uses an upgraded plastic material they call Durovulc. This newer plastic provides a lot more stiffness with little increase in weight but a bit more of a dent to the wallet.
Lots of goalies complained that the original version was too flimsy so they upgraded the plastic to give it more stiffness with the same large surface area.
Let’s have a look at this goalie head.
To help us with this review of the Fort7 Pro goalie head we’ve recruited the help of Lax Goalie Rat follower Dylan Mandeville, who has been using the Fort7 Pro as his gamer for a while now!
Tribe7 Fort7 Pro: Weight
The Fort7 Pro was designed specifically to be super lightweight and stiff at the same time.
This allows for your hands to be as fast as possible giving you more chances to make big saves in games.
The weight of the strung up Fort7 Pro head comes in at 440 grams (15.5oz).
For comparison my strung up STX Eclipse 2 is 444 grams (15.66oz). While obviously the mesh used can impact these totals it gives you an idea that the Fort7 is just slightly lighter than the Eclipse 2.
In terms of feel, I find the weight of this head to be pretty comparable to a lot of the other heads we’ve tested.
I can move seamlessly with the stick in my hands and I don’t feel as if the weight is deterring me from making any saves.
Dylan’s thought’s: It’s comparable to the Eclipse II or Nemesis III goalie heads in terms of weight. It matches almost every head on the market except for the ECD Impact, and I don’t think anything is going to touch that for a while.
Tribe7 Fort7 Pro: Face Shape
One of the more noticeable qualities of the Fort7 goalie head is its face shape.
According to the Tribe7 website –
The Fort7 has the most ball grabbing surface area of any goalie head in lacrosse. 12.5% more space than the next biggest head. It’s the same as adding an 8 inch plate of mesh to any other head. As in must have it, for more saves.
I’m not sure what head they’re comparing the Fort7 to get that 12.5% number however one thing is clear. Tribe7 definitely went with the more is a better approach as the face shape is really maximized to the limits.
The shape is more of the triangular variety versus the spoon-like or rounded ECD Impact or STX Eclipse 2.
The most comparable head shape of the Fort7 is the STX Shield (left in the photo below) or the Nike Prime Elite goalie heads.
Max surface area makes a lot of sense in terms of saving ability. You don’t need a bachelor’s degree in physics from Harvard to understand that more surface area equals more room to make saves.
When you compare the Fort7 Tribe7 to the recently released ECD Impact goalie head, you’ll see the Fort7 has a sizable size advantage in terms of ball stopping ability.
The one thing that I found when using this head was that while the face shape is certainly bigger than that of the ECD Impact, I found that the more prominent edges of the Fort7 presented a challenge on low shots.
When going to make low saves, especially off-stick low, I found that the head would get stuck in the turf causing the head to spin whereas the more rounded edges of a head like the ECD impact allow for a more smooth transition.
I don’t necessarily see this as a negative though. I think is just something you need to consider when purchasing a head and what your preference is as a goalie. I’m also sure that after some more reps this is something I could get used to with this head and think about all of the additional coverage that you’re going to get.
One very important detail – the Tribe7 Fort7 is NOT on the list of approved USA lacrosse women’s heads. That’s a bummer and it means that – as of this writing – female goalies cannot use the Tribe7 Fort7 goalie head.
Dylan’s Thoughts: The face shape is a little different and that’s what drew me to this head. That extra 8 inches of space the head offers I think helps mentally for me. You’re telling me that I get an extra bit of space to make saves compared to any other head on the market, I’ll take that any day.
The side profile of the Fort7 Pro is pretty interesting:
It starts out offsetting back but then bends forward towards the top. I think this is a good design for the top to reduce the bends and keep it stiffer while still providing the throwing and scooping benefits that the offset-ness gives you.
Tribe7 Fort7 Pro: Throat
The throat design of the Fort7 resembles that of the StringKing Mark 2G goalie head.
It’s a comfortable grip but the throat does start to get rather wide toward the head. So if you’re one of those goalies that like to position their top hand as close to the head as possible it might get uncomfortable.
I was a “top hand against the plastic” goalie but the Fort7 throat does have these little nubs that made putting a single finger on the throat very comfortable for me.
Tribe7 Fort7 Pro: Stringing
An important factor in a goalie head is: can I throw in a tasty pocket very easily?
With the face shape of the Fort7 it fairly easy to throw in a nice pocket.
The distribution and number of top string holes as well as side string holes is great. There’s tons of bottom string holes too.
But one knock on this goalie head that I’ve heard from a lot of experts (and even intermediate) stick stringers is the holes are too small. You can see in the pics below its tough to get 2 revolutions of regular string through it. That’s not even the thicker paracord 550.
The cutout scoop, while it does reduce weight, also caused goalie stringers some issues.
Lots of stick stringers had the same feedback regarding the stick hole size:
Other testimonials –
Tribe7 Fort7 Pro: Durability
The Fort7 Pro is made of our proprietary DUROVULC polymer blend, an advanced material that rewrites the strength-to-weight ratio in lacrosse heads.
As mentioned earlier, many goalies complained that the original version was too flimsy so Tribe7 upgraded the plastic to give it more stiffness with the same large surface area.
Both versions feature the exact same face and head shape (i. e. same plastic mold) however the Pro version uses the upgraded Durovulc material that provides a lot more stiffness with little increase in weight but a bit more of a dent to the wallet.
I think the head flex is relatively okay. It’s not quite the reinforced scoop that ECD Impact or the stiffness of the Warrior Nemesis 3 possesses but it certainly is very stiff and sturdy.
The Fort7 also has winglets on the scoop, to cover and direct more shots while also having teeth on the inside of the scoop, to securely clamp down on more ground balls, making the crease your own personal fort.
Dylan’s thoughts: I’ve used the head for over a year and I think it’s held up pretty well, especially in the summer. I did get one little crack in the bottom of the head after playing in 35-degree weather at our Halloween game though. But I sent an email to the company and they instantly gave me a discount and wanted to send me another one head.
Tribe7 Fort7 Pro: Price
The Fort7 Pro comes in at $107. 99 unstrung. That is comparable to heads such as the STX Ecplise II and ECD Impact heads which come in at 109.99 each on lacrosse monkey.
You also have the option of purchasing a strung head for an extra $45.99. You can choose from a standard or custom option. The custom option allows you to pick the color of mesh, sidewalls, and shooters you want with your head.
Tribe 7 allows you to provide them with any additional requests you may have for getting your head string like how you would like your channel done or the number of shooters you would like in the mesh.
Lastly, you can purchase the Fort7 Pro as a complete stick for $227.77. This comes with the Tribe7 Elite7 shaft, their newest Titanium-Scandium shafts that combine light weight and strength into the perfect premium package.
There’s also a previous version of the Fort7 head made with a different plastic that is priced at $74.99 for those who might be looking for a cheaper option.
Tribe7 Fort7 Pro Goalie Head Video Reviews
Here is the Lax Goalie Rat video review of the Fort7 featuring Coach Damon, Evan, and a new guest: reader and goalie Dylan Mandeville.
Here is ECD Greg’s review of the Fort7:
Here is Chris from MainelyMesh (who since retired from making videos) reviewing the Fort7:
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Tribe7 Lacrosse (@tribe7lax)
Conclusion
Thanks a ton to the Tribe7 company for sending us over a Fort7 head to check out. We talked with their team and their are awesome guys and a great company!
The Tribe7 Fort7 is a very solid option for us goalies looking for max surface area while keeping things light and stiff.
The biggest knock on the head is the small stringing holes.
I’d probably recommend this goalie head more for the beginner goalies than the college guys but I wouldn’t be surprised if we spot a few D1 goalies trying out the Tribe7 Fort7 this upcoming season.
Anyone using the Tribe7 Fort7 (newer version)? Leave me a comment down below and let me know your experience.
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