A Thorough Review of the ECD Mirage 20 Lacrosse Head

A Thorough Review of the ECD Mirage 20 Lacrosse Head

Overview of the Mirage 2.0’s Design and Features

The ECD Mirage 2.0 lacrosse head stands out with its sleek yet robust design geared for optimal ball control and handling. As an upgrade from the original Mirage model, the 2.0 version incorporates several new features to improve overall performance.

One of the first things you’ll notice is the head’s smooth, rounded scoop at the tip. This allows for quick ground ball pickups and effortless cradling. The Mirage 2.0 also has a minimal offset for enhanced ball control. You’ll be able to cradle and shoot with precision thanks to the balanced design.

When it comes to stringing, the Mirage 2.0 gives you plenty of options. It has ECD’s StringLock technology with indented sidewalls to lock the pocket in place. You can string traditional leathers and meshes to customize your preferred pocket shape and depth. The head comes with 12 diamonds so stringers can get creative. An open sidewall design also promotes deeper pockets if desired.

ECD utilized a stiffer yet flexible plastic formula to offer the best of both worlds – durability and responsive handling. The Mirage 2.0 maintains its structure over time while giving just the right amount of “give” when passing and shooting. You’ll notice the slick coating that increases durability too.

Clearly, ECD put great thought into revamping the Mirage with the 2.0 model. They took feedback from players and coaches to engineer improvements across the board. The Mirage 2.0 performs just as good as it looks. Keep reading below for more details on the head’s exceptional qualities.

Head Shape and Sidewall Design

The overall head shape and sidewall design are two of the most important factors when considering a new lacrosse head. The Mirage 2.0 strikes the perfect balance of maximizing ball control while still giving you enough whip on passes and shots.

Let’s start with the head shape. ECD opted for a rounded, hourglass profile to enhance handling and shot accuracy. The minimal offset also brings the pocket closer to the shaft, allowing for tighter cradling and fewer errant passes. However, the Mirage 2.0 still has a nice, wide scoop to easily pick up ground balls. ECD managed to optimize these shape elements without adding too much extra plastic.

Now onto the sidewalls. You’ll notice they flare out more aggressively from the throat of the head. This widened throat allows for deeper pocket stringing while concentrating the sweet spot lower. So when you catch passes, the ball sits securely in that lower pocket region. The sidewalls also have ECD’s StringLock technology – indented rails that keeps mesh and leathers from shifting.

An open sidewall design is another key feature on the Mirage 2.0. Starting about midway up, the sidewalls transition to a U-shape that allows you to customize longer pockets. You can string meshes across the open sections to form deep bags. This caters to players who prefer extra ball control on cradles and scooping.

Finally, the Mirage 2.0 has minimal sidewall holes to reduce stringing friction. With fewer holes, you’ll get more defined pocket channels without the mesh or leathers catching unnecessarily. The head comes with 12 diamonds for variety in top stringing. You can run a classic interlock or switch to a unique pattern if desired.

As you can see, ECD put a lot of engineering into the Mirage 2.0’s sidewall design and shape. By optimizing these structural elements, they’ve created one of the most versatile heads on the market in terms of stringing options and pocket customization.

Pocket and Stringing Options

One of the standout features of the ECD Mirage 2.0 is the vast amount of pocket and stringing possibilities it offers. With an open sidewall design, 12 diamonds, and StringLock technology, you can customize your preferred pocket type and depth through creative stringing.

Due to the angled sidewalls that flare out wider at the throat, the Mirage 2.0 facilitates deeper pocket stringing. You can use a traditional interlock top string paired with leathers or mesh all down the middle to form a nice channel. The deeper pocket helps secure the ball while cradling and moving downfield.

For players who like a little extra whip on their shots, running meshes across the open sidewalls creates nice bags in the upper sections. This allows the ball to sit deeper up top for added hold. You can experiment with different sidewall stringing patterns to fine tune the pocket to your liking.

The 12 sidewall holes give you ample stringing real estate up top. An interlock is always a classic choice. But you can also string unique styles like the straight shooter, modified interlock, two-tone, or a triple threat setup. Thechannels form nicely thanks to the minimized sidewall holes along the bottom.

ECD’s StringLock technology is a game changer too. The indented ridges on the sidewalls lock the leathers and meshes in place so they don’t shift during play. This allows you to maintain the pocket shape you originally strung. It also reduces friction and unwanted catching on shots and passes.

During stringing, be sure to throw in some nylon shooters to fine tune pocket depth, hold, and release points. You can runshooters straight across or in creative v-shapes. It’s all about balancing hold with precision.

In summary, the numerous stringing options make theMirage 2.0 one of the most customizable heads out there. Cater the pocket to your exact preferences – whether that’s an interlock top with midto-low pocket or meshes up top for deeper bags. The possibilities are endless thanks to the thoughtful design features.

Stiffness and Flexibility Characteristics

Finding the right balance of stiffness and flexibility is crucial for any lacrosse head. Too stiff, and the head won’t have enough “give” on passes, catches, and shots. Too flexible leads to durability issues and loss of structure over time.

Luckily, the ECD Mirage 2.0 gets this stiffness-flex formula just right. ECD engineered the head using a high grade polymer plastic that offers an ideal blend of rigidity and responsive handling.

Along the scoop and sidewalls, you’ll notice the plastic has a nice stiff quality to it. This retains the head shape game after game, preventing excessive warping or deformities. When you cradle and carry the ball, the head doesn’t bulge or flex too much to hinder control.

However, through the lower sidewalls and into the throat, the plastic transitions to a more forgiving feel. This “give” ensures the Mirage 2.0 moves fluidly with your stick through passing, catching, and shooting motions. You experience enhanced feel without sacrificing durability.

The Mirage 2.0 also maintains its lively feel through temperature fluctuations. Even in cold weather, the head stays responsive and doesn’t turn brittle. This consistent flex patternallows you to play at your highest level regardless of conditions.

ECD’s expertise in engineering shows with the Mirage 2.0. The plastic formula required extensive R&D to optimize the stiffness-flex balance. While the head may seem simple from the outside, the inner technical nuances make a big difference on the field. Just the right level of flex paired with stiffness in all the right places.

Scoop Design for Ground Balls

In the game of lacrosse, ground balls can make or break possessions. The ability to quickly scoop up loose balls gives your team an edge. With its strategically designed scoop, the ECD Mirage 2.0 excels at ground ball pickups.

The first aspect you’ll notice about the scoop is the smooth, gradual curve from the sidewalls up to the tip. This allows you to get under ground balls easily without the scoop edges catching. You’ll notice the difference during ground ball battles – the Mirage 2.0 enters and exits scrums with ease.

ECD minimized the scoop angle along the sidewalls which brings the ball right into the pocket on picks. There’s no need to guide or push with your bottom hand. The ball flows effortlessly into your stick thanks to the scoop’s precision engineering.

The scoop tip has a reinforced, rounded edge for added durability. Even when scraping it along the ground, the tip holds strong without bending or flattening out. This ensures the scoop maintains its ideal ground-ball grabbing shape over long-term use.

The material itself also promotes quick ground ball handling. ECD utilized a slick, friction-resistant plastic across the entire scoop. This allows ground balls to glide smoothly into your stick on picks rather than catching. You’ll notice the difference in feel compared to other heads.

Between the structural shaping and slick material, ECD clearly had ground balls in mind when designing the Mirage 2.0. The scoop works seamlessly in unison with the pocket to pickup ground balls. Just a few subtle design tweaks make a big difference in performance.

Weight Distribution and Balance

Proper weight distribution and balance are critical for maximizing a lacrosse head’s performance. The ECD Mirage 2.0 gets high marks in this category thanks to its strategic balance point and minimized extra plastic.

By angling the sidewalls to widen through the throat, ECD concentrated more mass closer to the bottom. This drops the balance point lower on the head for improved feel while cradling and handling. The Mirage 2.0 moves as an extension of your hands without feeling top-heavy or clunky.

ECD also managed to keep the overall head weight reasonable. Despite the durable construction, the Mirage 2.0 avoids feeling overly bulky. Extra plastic was minimized where possible without sacrificing ball control or stiffness.

You’ll immediately notice the difference in balance compared to other heads on the market. The Mirage 2.0 has that “broken-in” feel right off the shelves with no break-in period required. The balance point aligns perfectly with most elite level lacrosse shafts.

Thanks to the engineering, ECD eliminated the need to attach foam or tape to improve the balance. The Mirage 2.0 cradles and handles like a high-end custom setup straight out of the box. No adjustments required.

Proper weighting and balance allow you to realize the head’s full potential regarding ball control, passing, catching, and shooting. The Mirage 2.0 gets top marks in this often overlooked yet crucial design consideration. Just pick it up and the balance will wow you.

Durability of Materials and Construction

The durability of a lacrosse head plays a major role in its value. Heads that warp, deform, or break quickly end up costing more money and time. The ECD Mirage 2.0 is built to last thanks to its durable materials and sturdy construction.

Starting with the materials, ECD engineered the Mirage 2.0 using a specialized high-grade polymer plastic. The polymer formula maximizes stiffness without becoming brittle or weakening over time. You’ll immediately notice how solid the head feels even with the thinner plastic molding.

Extra reinforcement went into high-stress areas like the scoop, sidewalls, and throat. ECD added protective ABS plastic along the scoop to prevent bending or bowing out. The rounded scoop edge also holds strong even when scraping ground balls.

Along the sidewalls, the Mirage 2.0 incorporates StringLock technology – sidewall ridges that lock stringing in place. Channels stay defined season after season. In the throat, stainless steel screw inserts maximize frame integrity while allowing pocket and sidewall adjustments.

The slick, friction-reducing coating across the scoop and sidewalls also increases durability. It prevents meshes and leathers from wearing down excessively over time. Less friction equals less deterioration.

Overall, ECD pulled out all the stops engineering-wise to build lasting durability into the Mirage 2.0. The head will maintain its shape, integrity, and performance season after season thanks to smart material choices and reinforcements in key structural areas.

Performance for Various Player Positions

The ideal lacrosse head must cater to players of all positions – attack, midfield, defense. The ECD Mirage 2.0 is a versatile option suitable for any position thanks to its well-rounded capabilities.

For attack and midfield players, the Mirage 2.0 provides exceptional ball control for quick passing and shooting. The minimized offset brings the pocket closer for tight cradling. You can string up a nice channel or customized bag setup to suit your handling preferences.

Thanks to the strategically engineered flex, the Mirage 2.0 offers just the right amount of “give” when passing and ripping shots. You’ll notice the responsiveness compared to stiffer heads. The ball shoots and releases clean without slowing down your motion.

Defense players will appreciate the Mirage 2.0 for ground balls. The specialized scoop grabs ground balls quickly thanks to the smooth, rounded design. You can easily gaffle loose balls whether battling 1-on-1 or during scrums.

The Mirage 2.0 also gives defenders ample pocket depth for securing takeaways and clearing downfield under pressure. An open sidewall facilitates deeper pocket stringing if desired. Control ground balls confidently thanks to the optimal balance point.

Clearly, ECD designed the Mirage 2.0 for versatility across all lacrosse positions. Attackmen, middies, defenders, and even goalies can benefit from the thoughtful engineering put into areas like ground balls, control, stiffness, and balance.

Ability to Hold Its Shape Over Time

One of the biggest complaints with cheaper lacrosse heads is warping and deforming over time. A head that can consistently hold its original shape is crucial for performance. This is an area where the ECD Mirage 2.0 truly excels.

Thanks to the engineered polymer formula, the Mirage 2.0 maintains its structure season after season. The plastic retains just the right level of stiffness to resist warping, bowing, and bending with use.

Extra reinforcements in vulnerable areas like the scoop and sidewalls also bolster the head’s longevity. ECD added an ABS plastic overlay along the scoop to prevent deformation, even when picking up hundreds of ground balls. This retains the scoop’s optimal ground ball grabbing shape.

The sidewalls incorporate StringLock technology – indented ridges that lock the leathers and mesh in place. This prevents the walls from bowing outward and retains defined stringing channels over time. The stainless steel screw inserts in the throat add structural integrity too.

While the stiffness keeps everything intact, ECD still incorporated forgiveness in the right areas. The lower sidewalls and throat have a responsive “give” during play. So the head moves fluidly with your stick without losing its original shape.

Overall, the Mirage 2.0 sets the standard for heads that maintain their out-of-the-box shape for years on end. Thanks to smart engineering, it outperforms cheaper heads prone to wearing down more rapidly. Consistent shape equals consistent performance.

Customization Potential Through Stringing

One of the best aspects of lacrosse is the ability to customize your setup. When it comes to lacrosse heads, different players prefer different pocket feels. The ECD Mirage 2.0 gives you ample customization potential through creative stringing.

With its 12 sidewall holes, open sidewall design, and StringLock technology, the stringing options are virtually endless with the Mirage 2.0. The widened throat area allows you to achieve deeper pockets easily by stringing leathers or mesh down through the middle.

You can go for a more mid-low pocket by incorporating well-placed nylon shooters. Or utilize the open sidewalls to create unique bags for added hold up top. It’s all about balancing control with the right amount of hold and release.

An interlock provides a classic look. But you can also string up unique styles like a two-tone, triple threat, or modified interlock. Get creative with the top string area to complement your preferred mid-low setup.

Don’t be afraid to continually modify your Mirage 2.0 pocket until it offers the exact feel you desire. Try adding and removing shooters, adjusting whip and channel depth, forming new bags, etc. That’s the beauty of such a versatile head.

In a sport obsessed with customization, the Mirage 2.0 is a stringer’s dream. The adaptability allows you to constantly tweak your setup over time as your game evolves. Make it your own through creative stringing.

Comparison to Other ECD Lacrosse Heads

As a leading lacrosse gear brand, ECD has produced many top-tier heads over the years. So how does the Mirage 2.0 stack up against ECD’s other elite offerings?

When compared to the original Mirage model, the 2.0 version takes performance to the next level. Upgrades like the smoother scoop, minimal sidewall holes, and StringLock technology offer noticeable improvements in ball control and durability.

Versus ECD’s Carbon Pro head, the Mirage 2.0 provides a lighter yet just as durable alternative. While the Carbon Pro utilizes composite materials, the Mirage keeps weight down through strategic plastic molding without sacrificing stiffness. It also comes in at a more budget-friendly price point.

Looking at the Rebel OG, the Mirage 2.0 again provides added features for improved ball control. The lower sidewalls, minimal offset, and slick coating offer advantages when carrying and passing. The Mirage 2.0 also incorporates next-gen StringLock technology.

And even compared to ECD’s elite-level Bravo 1 lacrosse head, the Mirage 2.0 holds its own regarding innovative features. At a more attractive price point, you still get high-end elements like ground-ball optimized scoop angles and a co-molded throat insert.

Within ECD’s own lineup, the Mirage 2.0 emerges as a top-tier head providing pro-level performance and craftsmanship. It stacks up nicely next to or even exceeds ECD’s other hot commodity heads.

Ideal For Advanced and Intermediate Players

Determining the right lacrosse head often depends on your skill level. Advanced players demand more high-end features while beginners need user-friendly options. With its pro-level performance, the ECD Mirage 2.0 caters ideally to advanced and intermediate players.

The Mirage 2.0 gives elite players everything they need – pinpoint ball control, deep custom pocket options, strength and durability. Thanks to the minimal offset, tighter cradling helps maintain command of the ball during intense gameplay. And the Mirage 2.0 withstands the physicality of high-level play.

At the same time, intermediate players will appreciate the Mirage 2.0 as their skills progress. The balanced weight distribution provides excellent feel for handling and passing. You can string up a nice mid pocket setup offering enhanced control as fundamentals improve.

While suitable for elite players, beginners may find the Mirage 2.0 overly stiff with too many high-end attributes. Newer players often benefit from more flexible heads that “give” more on passes and shots. The Mirage 2.0’s pro-level performance caters best to more experienced talent.

In the end, ECD had the advanced to intermediate player in mind when designing the Mirage 2.0. It offers the right blend of features, performance, and pricing to appeal to developing yet established talent looking to reach the next level.

Advantages Over the Original Mirage Model

ECD’s original Mirage lacrosse head earned respect as a high performing option. However, the Mirage 2.0 takes things further with several engineering upgrades over the previous version.

One clear upgrade is the smoother, more gradual scoop design optimized for quick ground balls. ECD refined the scoop shaping and angles to pick up ground balls easier. The slick plastic coating also improves performance over the original Mirage model.

The Mirage 2.0 also integrated next-gen StringLock technology along the sidewalls. This keeps leathers and mesh from shifting and maintains defined pocket channels. The original Mirage lacked StringLock, leading to greater stringing movement.

An open sidewall concept allows the Mirage 2.0 to facilitate deeper pocket stringing. You can run leathers or mesh across the open sections to create more pronounced mid-high bags. The original Mirage had more enclosed sidewalls restricting pocket depth.

Strengthened ABS plastic on the Mirage 2.0 scoop improves durability over time, maintaining shape even after constant ground ball picks. And stainless steel screw inserts in the throat add to the structural integrity.

While the original Mirage was ahead of its time, the Mirage 2.0 demonstrates ECD’s constant innovation. Key upgrades bring noticeable performance and durability enhancements position-by-position on the field.

Value Proposition Compared to Price Point

In the world of lacrosse gear, you often get what you pay for. Top-tier performance comes with a hefty price tag. However, the ECD Mirage 2.0 manages to deliver pro-level quality and engineering at an attractive mid-range cost.

Given the features and construction, the Mirage 2.0 punches far above its weight class regarding value. The specialized polymer material offers pro-level stiffness and durability without extra weight. ECD also incorporated leading-edge elements like a ground-ball optimized scoop and StringLock technology.

Yet despite these high-end assets, the Mirage 2.0 comes in at a budget-friendly mid-level price point. ECD leveraged smart engineering and materials to maximize value delivery.

When comparing the Mirage 2.0 to heads costing $20 to $40 more, few can match its blend of quality, tech, and pricing. You get characteristics found in top-tier heads costing over $100+ yet without the premium price tag.

That exceptional value-to-performance ratio makes the Mirage 2.0 appealing to a range of players. Those seeking pro-grade quality on a budget will find excellent “bang for their buck” with the Mirage 2.0. This level of value generation becomes rare as gear technology advances.

Recommendations for Pairing With Specific Shafts

To maximize performance, pairing the right shaft with your lacrosse head is key. So which shafts best complement the ECD Mirage 2.0 head?

For attack players, the Mirage 2.0 pairs nicely with an elite-level carbon fiber shaft like the Epoch Dragonfly. The ultra-lightweight shaft enhances handling while the stiffer Mirage 2.0 head provides shooting stability.

Midfielders tend to prefer composite shafts for the blend of lightweight feel and durability. The Maverik Hyperlite pairs great with the Mirage 2.0 to generate faster yet controlled shots and passes.

On defense, a stiff alloy/composite shaft like Warrior’s Platinum Alloy Pro gives the Mirage 2.0 added ball control and security when carrying the ball upfield or battling for ground balls.

For goalies, using a specialized goalie shaft like Epoch’s Dragonfly Goalie Throttle provides excellent ball control when outlet passing after saves. The Mirage 2.0’s hold and release points complement quick passing from the crease.

No matter your position, stick to a shaft length you’re comfortable with. Attack and midfield players generally use shaft lengths of 60 inches or less. Defenders and goalies opt for longer shafts exceeding 60 inches.

With its well-balanced flex and weight properties, the ECD Mirage 2.0 pairs nicely with a wide range of shaft types and lengths. Match it to your preferred shaft material and size to create a custom setup catered to your game.