How does the Tribe7 Fort7 Pro goalie head compare to other lacrosse heads. What are the key features and benefits of this innovative lacrosse equipment. Is the Fort7 Pro suitable for all levels of play, from beginners to professionals.
The Evolution of Tribe7 Lacrosse Equipment
Tribe7, a San Diego-based equipment manufacturer, has been making waves in the lacrosse industry since its inception in 2009. Their mission? To produce durable and affordable lacrosse equipment for players of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals. This commitment to quality and accessibility has led to the creation of innovative products, including the Fort7 goalie head.
The Fort7 goalie head comes in two versions: the original Fort7 and the Fort7 Pro. While both share the same face and head shape, the Pro version utilizes an upgraded plastic material called Durovulc. This enhancement addresses concerns about the original version’s flexibility, providing increased stiffness without significantly impacting weight.
Weight and Performance: How Does the Fort7 Pro Stack Up?
One of the Fort7 Pro’s standout features is its lightweight design, which doesn’t compromise on stiffness. This balance allows for quicker hand movements, potentially increasing a goalie’s save percentage. But how does it compare to other popular goalie heads?
- Fort7 Pro (strung): 440 grams (15.5 oz)
- STX Eclipse 2 (strung): 444 grams (15.66 oz)
The marginal weight difference between the Fort7 Pro and the STX Eclipse 2 suggests that the Fort7 Pro is competitive in terms of weight. Dylan Mandeville, an experienced user of the Fort7 Pro, notes that it’s comparable to other popular heads like the Eclipse II or Nemesis III.
Does the weight of a goalie head significantly impact performance? While the difference may seem minimal, even small reductions in weight can translate to faster reactions and improved maneuverability on the field. The Fort7 Pro’s design aims to maximize these benefits without sacrificing durability or stopping power.
Face Shape and Surface Area: Maximizing Save Potential
Perhaps the most striking feature of the Fort7 Pro is its face shape and surface area. Tribe7 claims that the Fort7 has the largest ball-grabbing surface area of any goalie head in lacrosse, boasting 12.5% more space than its closest competitor. This increased surface area is equivalent to adding an 8-inch plate of mesh to a standard head.
How does this increased surface area translate to on-field performance? In theory, a larger surface area should provide more opportunities for saves, especially on shots that might otherwise slip past the edges of a smaller head. The Fort7 Pro’s triangular shape contrasts with the more rounded designs of heads like the ECD Impact or STX Eclipse 2, potentially offering different advantages in various game situations.
Comparing Face Shapes
When placed side by side with other popular goalie heads, the Fort7 Pro’s unique design becomes evident:
- Most similar to: STX Shield and Nike Prime Elite
- Noticeably larger than: ECD Impact
While the increased surface area is a clear advantage, it’s important to consider how this shape might affect other aspects of play. Some users have noted that the prominent edges of the Fort7 Pro can present challenges on low shots, particularly off-stick low saves. The head may catch in the turf, causing it to spin, whereas more rounded edges allow for smoother transitions.
Material Innovation: Understanding Durovulc
The Fort7 Pro’s use of Durovulc, Tribe7’s proprietary plastic material, marks a significant advancement in lacrosse head technology. But what exactly is Durovulc, and how does it benefit goalies?
Durovulc is engineered to provide enhanced stiffness without substantially increasing weight. This innovation addresses a common complaint about the original Fort7 – its perceived flimsiness. The upgraded material aims to offer a more responsive feel and improved durability, potentially leading to better performance and longevity.
Benefits of Durovulc
- Increased stiffness for better ball control
- Minimal weight increase
- Improved durability for long-term use
- Enhanced responsiveness during play
How does this material innovation impact a goalie’s game? The increased stiffness can provide more consistent rebounds and better overall control when making saves or clearing the ball. While the cost is higher than the original Fort7, many players find the performance benefits justify the investment.
Design Features: Analyzing the Fort7 Pro’s Profile
The side profile of the Fort7 Pro reveals thoughtful design choices that contribute to its performance. The head starts with an offset back but then bends forward towards the top. This unique profile serves several purposes:
- Increased stiffness at the top of the head
- Improved throwing mechanics
- Enhanced scooping ability
How does this design impact gameplay? The forward bend at the top reduces flexibility in that area, potentially leading to more consistent saves on high shots. Meanwhile, the initial offset provides benefits for ball control and clearing, striking a balance between stopping power and playmaking ability.
Performance Considerations: Strengths and Potential Drawbacks
While the Fort7 Pro offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to consider how its unique features might affect different aspects of goalie play. What are the key performance considerations for players considering this head?
Strengths
- Maximized surface area for increased save potential
- Lightweight design for quick reactions
- Stiff construction for consistent performance
- Unique profile for balanced play
Potential Drawbacks
- Prominent edges may catch on turf during low saves
- Triangular shape may require adjustment period for some players
- Higher cost compared to some competitors
Are these potential drawbacks deal-breakers? For many players, the benefits outweigh the challenges, especially once they’ve had time to adapt to the Fort7 Pro’s unique characteristics. As with any piece of equipment, individual preference and playing style will largely determine how well the Fort7 Pro performs for each goalie.
Regulatory Considerations: USA Lacrosse Approval
An important factor to consider when evaluating the Fort7 Pro is its regulatory status. As of the time of this review, the Tribe7 Fort7 is not on the list of approved USA Lacrosse women’s heads. This limitation means that female goalies are currently unable to use the Fort7 Pro in official USA Lacrosse sanctioned events.
Why is the Fort7 Pro not approved for women’s lacrosse? While the exact reasons aren’t specified, it’s possible that the head’s unique dimensions or design features don’t meet the current standards set by USA Lacrosse for women’s equipment. This restriction is an important consideration for female players or those involved in women’s lacrosse programs.
Implications for Players
- Male players and those in non-USA Lacrosse events can use the Fort7 Pro
- Female players in USA Lacrosse sanctioned events must choose an approved alternative
- Coaches and program directors should be aware of this limitation when considering equipment purchases
Despite this limitation, the Fort7 Pro remains a viable option for many players and continues to gain popularity in men’s lacrosse and non-USA Lacrosse affiliated women’s play.
User Experiences: Insights from the Field
To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the Fort7 Pro’s performance, it’s valuable to consider the experiences of players who have used the head extensively. Dylan Mandeville, a Lax Goalie Rat follower and experienced Fort7 Pro user, provides insights into his experience with the head.
Dylan’s Thoughts on the Fort7 Pro
“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.”
Dylan’s comments highlight the psychological advantage that the Fort7 Pro’s increased surface area can provide. This mental edge could translate to improved confidence and performance on the field.
Additional User Observations
- Smooth transition from other popular goalie heads
- Noticeable increase in save percentage for some users
- Positive feedback on durability and longevity
- Mixed reactions to the unique face shape and edge design
How much stock should players put in user experiences? While individual results may vary, these insights provide valuable real-world context for the Fort7 Pro’s performance. They can help potential buyers better understand how the head’s features translate to on-field play.
Customization and Stringing: Optimizing the Fort7 Pro
Like any lacrosse head, the Fort7 Pro’s performance can be further enhanced through proper stringing and customization. How can players optimize their Fort7 Pro to suit their playing style?
Stringing Considerations
- Mesh type: Traditional vs. performance mesh
- Pocket depth and placement
- Shooting string configuration
The Fort7 Pro’s unique face shape may require some experimentation to find the optimal stringing setup. Players might find that different stringing patterns accentuate the head’s large surface area or help mitigate any challenges with low saves.
Customization Options
- Shaft selection for balance and feel
- Tape or grip additions for improved control
- Color customization (if available) for team matching or personal preference
How much can customization impact performance? While the core characteristics of the Fort7 Pro remain constant, thoughtful customization can help goalies maximize the head’s potential and address any personal preferences or playing style requirements.
In conclusion, the Tribe7 Fort7 Pro goalie head offers a unique combination of features that set it apart in the lacrosse equipment market. Its large surface area, lightweight design, and innovative materials present both advantages and potential challenges for players. While not suitable for all players due to regulatory restrictions, those who can use the Fort7 Pro may find it to be a valuable tool in their lacrosse arsenal. As with any piece of equipment, personal preference and playing style will ultimately determine its effectiveness for individual goalies.
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.
Error – North Carolina Digital Collections
Keyboard shortcuts can be used to navigate aspects of this site without a mouse or cursor.
When viewing a document, select or tab into the image viewer and use the following controls to manipulate the image.
- Move up: w or [up arrow]
-
Move down: s or [down arrow] -
Move left: a or [left arrow] -
Move right: d or [right arrow] -
Return to centre: 0 -
Zoom in: = or [shift] + w or [shift] + [up arrow] -
Zoom out: – or [shift] + s or [shift] + [down arrow] -
Rotate clockwise: r -
Rotate counterclockwise: R -
Flip horizontally: f
Skip to main content
Skip to main content
Sign in to save searches and documents from any Adam Matthew product.
Don’t have an account? Register for free
Email
Password
Forgotten Password?
Please enter the email address you use for your personal Quartex account. A link to reset your password will be emailed to this address.
Email Address
If you haven’t received an email within 24 hours, please contact [email protected]
Back to Login
Skip to main content
-
Advanced search -
-
-
archives@ncdcr./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60794897/LXM18_PENN_037_.0.jpg)
gov
(919) 814-6840
(919) 814-6780
Users are responsible for determining the legal status of and securing any necessary permissions for the distribution, reproduction, or other use of items in this Collection. The written permission of copyright holder(s) and/or other rights holders (such as for publicity or privacy rights) may be required. The State Archives and State Library do not make any warranties regarding the copyright status of any item in this collection.
This program was supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the federal Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.
Electronic Library: Browsing DSpace
Jump to:
0-9
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
A
B
IN
G
D
E
AND
W
AND
Y
TO
L
M
H
ABOUT
P
R
WITH
T
At
F
X
C
H
W
SCH
Kommersant
S
b
E
YU
I
or enter first few letters:
Sort by:
titleissue datesubmit dateIn order:
AscendingDescendingResults/Page
510152025303540455055606570758085
1895. Second half of the year. No. 132. Art. 949-952 
Senate 
1895. Second half of the year. No. 142. Art. 1051-1080 
Senate 
1895. Second half of the year. No. 150. Art. 1174-1188 
Senate 
1895. Second half of the year. No. 157. Art. 1272-1276 
Senate 
1895. Second half of the year. No. 164. Art. 1387-1398 
Senate 
1895. Second half of the year. No. 171. Art. 1430-1434 
Senate 
1895. Second half of the year. No. 178. Art. 1482-1507 
Senate 
1895. Second half of the year. No. 185. Art. 1554-1555 
Senate 
M. Ken Niimura, J.R.R. Martin, James Corey, James Luceno, James Smythe, Gentlemen Bastards, Jeff Smith, Jeff Salyards, Joe Abercrombie, Joe Kelly, Joe Lansdale, Joe Walton, John Cassaday, John Love, John Scalzi, Jordan, George Martin, Drew Karpyshyn, David Lapham, Daniel Abraham, Daniel Polanski, Star Wars, Ian Esslemont, Game of Thrones, Interview, Your Life Story, Year in Review, Ian Esslemont, C. J. Parker, Pictures, Cage Baker, Kieron Gillen, Clive Barker, Books, The Wheel Time, Warden of the Dead Fortress, Comics, Craig Thompson, Cryptonomicon, Chris Wooding, Cameron Hurley, Lynch, Mazarkis Williams, Michael Lark, Michael Sullivan, Malazan, Mark Buckingham, Mark Lawrence, Mark Waid, Martin, Swords and Dark Magic, Mieville, Matthew Sturges, Neil Gaiman, News, Covers, Loki Lamora Deceptions, Eye of the World, Testimonials, PLIO, Powers, First Law, Songs of Hyperion, Sandman, Peter Beagle, Peter David, Discworld, Paul Kearny, Last Argument of Kings, R. Belcher, R. Scott Bakker, Richard Morgan, Robert Jordan, Saladin Ahmed, Simmons, Broken Empire, Lists, Stefano Gaudiano, Steve Hameker, Stephen King, Stephen Erickson, Stevenson, Strauss, Sam Keith, A Dance with Dragons, Ted Kosmatka, Ted Chan, Terry Pratchett, Trailers, Will McIntosh, Warren Ellis, Fraser Irving, Frank Quitely, Illustrated Man, Spider-Man, Ed Brubaker, Eduardo Rizzo, Erin Morgenstern, New Books, March, News, Reviews, February, January
And although this month is traditionally considered calm in book publishing, it has seen its fair share of high-profile releases. Like this week, for example. New novels by Tim Powers and Katherine Valente. A new novel by Karen Lord, her debut novel made headlines, winning the Mythopoeia Prize in 2011, beating the likes of Guy Gavriel Kay and Patricia McKillip. Continuation of the series “Shadow Ops” by Mike Cole. Traditional thank you goes to our translators: 9New 005 
Valente “Six-Gun Snow White”
Fans of science fiction have nothing to profit from at all. Fans of fantasy and steampunk have more to choose from: new novels from masters of the genre such as James Blaylock and Leland Modesitt, the intriguing debutant Belcher and yet another master Mike Resnick. Also highlighted is a new book in the very popular Rachel Morgan series by Kim Harrison. Traditional thanks for the fact that this review saw the light goes to the translation team: ALLEGORY, Borogove, iRbos, olvegg, suhan_ilich, WiNchiK !
Malzberg
This time we are collecting debts for the second week of January and providing your assessment with the third week. This time, the novelties are clearly more interesting: here is the book of not the latest author in the world of science fiction, John Wright, and Mark Hodder, who does not change himself, continuing to write steampunk. One of the leading comic book writers these days, Warren Ellis has written his second novel, proving that a talented person is talented in everything. Well, in addition to this, a lot of interesting new products and reissues. We would like to thank our translators for making this review possible: ALLEGORY , Borogove , iRbos , olvegg , suhan_ilich , and WiNchiK !
Powell “Ack-Ack Macaque”
Valente “The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There”
But, all’s well that ends well. Our review is back, your humble servant will now lead it, and I sincerely believe, and I promise you that it will continue to appear on a regular basis. This time, due to the fact that the entry into the rut has not yet been completed, the review presents the first week of the new year and part of the second. The remaining books from the second week will be added to the next review, in a week. In the meantime, thank you WiNchiK , Borogove and olvegg for making this review available & Space Opera 
