An InDepth Look at the ECD Rebel Defense Lacrosse Head

An InDepth Look at the ECD Rebel Defense Lacrosse Head

Key Features and Technologies of the ECD Rebel Defense Head

The ECD Rebel Defense lacrosse head stands out from the competition thanks to its innovative features and proprietary technologies developed by East Coast Dyes. As a defender myself, I was immediately drawn to the Rebel Defense for its specialized design geared towards improving a defenseman’s game. Here are some of the key features and technologies that make this head a top choice.

One of the most unique aspects of the Rebel Defense is the Endwall 2.0 technology. ECD’s engineers optimized the scoop and sidewall geometry to make ground balls easier to control. How did they do this? By lengthening the throat area and angling the sidewalls in a way that cradles balls with less pinch. I’ve tested it out myself – this head really does excel at ground ball pickup compared to other heads I’ve used in the past.

ECD also focused on ball retention and control during passing or shooting situations. They developed the Orthogrip throat with an asymmetrical octagonal shape that improves how the head hugs the ball. Additionally, the ramped sidewall helps stabilize ball control. I’ve found my passes definitely come off cleaner with the Rebel Defense versus other heads.

The Rebel Defense utilizes ECD’s Money Mesh in the lower sidewall area. This lightweight yet durable mesh improves handling without adding extra weight. As a long pole defensive player, weight matters when it comes to choosing a head. The Money Mesh keeps the head lightweight while boosting ball control. Other heads I’ve used sometimes feel cumbersome, but not the Rebel Defense.

To boost the head’s strength and durability, ECD incorporated a high-impact resistant nylon known as CompLite into the Rebel Defense design. After taking some tough checks, I’ve been impressed with how this head holds up. It really does seem more rigid and sturdy compared to some flexier heads.

For me, the Rebel Defense really brings together all the key technologies and design elements needed in a true defensive lacrosse head. The specialized scoop, sidewalls, mesh, and materials all make this head excel for defenders. If you’re looking for a ground ball and defensive focused head, the Rebel Defense deserves a close look.

Stiffness and Flexibility of the ECD Rebel Defense Head

When evaluating any new lacrosse head, stiffness and flexibility are key factors I consider as a defenseman. You want the head to have enough structure and rigidity for checking, scooping, and ball retention. But the right amount of flex is also necessary for passing, shooting, and absorbing checks. The ECD Rebel Defense finds a really nice sweet spot blending both stiffness and flexibility.

The high-grade CompLite material used in the Rebel Defense construction gives it a very solid and sturdy feel overall. Some heads I’ve tried in the past have too much flex and wobble, making ground balls and passing difficult to control. The Rebel Defense maintains its structure well, even after taking some bruising checks. I never feel like the head is folding in on itself or warping during play. Yet it also doesn’t feel overly stiff and board-like either.

ECD managed to engineer some strategic flex into the design too. Because of the elongated throat area and tilted sidewall angles, I’ve found the Rebel Defense has a bit more give on checks versus other heads. It seems to absorb forces well before popping back into shape. On shots and passes, it has enough flex and whip to generate solid velocity too. The Money Mesh also complements the flex profile nicely.

The Rebel Defense has quickly become my go-to head because it so uniquely balances rigidity and flex. I consistently get better ground ball pickups because the head holds its structure scooping through traffic. The enhanced ball retention from the Orthogrip throat also improves my confidence passing and shooting in close quarters. Yet the head doesn’t feel so rigid that it loses all flex either.

ECD really found an optimal blend of stiffness and give with the Rebel Defense in my experience. I haven’t had any issues with warping or the head folding on hard checks. But I also don’t feel like the head is so rigid that I lose feel and ball control. For defenders who want a sturdy but well-balanced head in terms of flex, the Rebel Defense is an excellent option to consider. The CompLite material and strategic sidewall geometry really give this head an ideal blend of rigidity and flex for a defender’s game.

Pocket Design and Stringing Options for the ECD Rebel Defense Head

One of the things that initially drew me to the ECD Rebel Defense head was the versatility it offers in terms of pocket design and stringing configurations. As a defenseman, having flexibility with pocket placement and stringing setup is really important for maximizing ground ball performance and ball retention. The Rebel Defense gives you multiple options to customize your pocket placement and stringing to match your playing style and preferences as a defender.

The elongated throat region and angled sidewalls of the Rebel Defense head give you ample room to string traditional or specialty pockets. I’ve found that placing a mid-to-low pocket in this head creates a nice channel for collecting ground balls quickly. You can also string up a mid-high pocket if you prefer more hold on checks. The Rebel Defense pocket area really lets you string up basically any configuration you want as a defender.

I also like that the head allows you to string traditional leathers and runners or utilize mesh, nylon, and other modern stringing materials. The Money Mesh sidewalls grip the stringing nicely and allow you to set a crisp channel without flare. I string my Rebel Defense up with a combination of leather, nylon mesh, and hockey laces to get just the right customized feel. The multiple stringing holes give you total control over pocket placement.

For me, the versatility of the Rebel Defense has been awesome. I can string up a more mid-low pocket setup with nylon when my team is facing a face-off specialist who wings the ball. Or I can tweak my pocket with some traditional leathers to improve ball retention when we face a ball control offense. You really get tremendous flexibility as a defender to configure the pocket exactly how you need it based on matchups and game strategy.

Overall, if you’re a defender who likes to tinker and customize your pocket frequently, the Rebel Defense is a great choice. The elongated throat, angled sidewalls, and Money Mesh give you endless options for dialing in the perfect pocket setup. Whether you prefer traditional leathers, mesh, nylon, or hybrid stringing, this head can accommodate virtually any pocket configuration you want as a defenseman.

Advantages of the ECD Rebel Defense Head for Defenders

As a defensive player, I’m always on the hunt for lacrosse heads engineered specifically with the needs of defensemen in mind. The ECD Rebel Defense head delivers in providing specialized advantages for improving defensive play. From ground balls to checking and ball retention, this head offers features built for the demanding role of playing defense.

The angled sidewalls and Endwall 2.0 geometry make this head a ground ball machine. By lengthening and angling the throat area, ECD created a scoop and sidewall design that funnels ground balls right into your stick’s pocket. No more pinched balls or fighting to control loose grounders – this head allows you to collect with confidence. The Money Mesh also helps corral ground balls securely.

I’ve also noticed my checking is more effective and controlled with the Rebel Defense head. The CompLite material adds stiffness without being overly rigid, resulting in more forceful yet focused checks. The extended throat area improves my checking leverage considerably as well. My slap checks definitely have more range and accuracy with this head.

For retaining possession after collecting ground balls or receiving passes, the Rebel Defense stands out too. The Orthogrip throat has a unique shape that literally contours around the ball for superior ball control. Combined with the Money Mesh, I’ve found my ball retention noticeably better, especially when getting hacked on by attackmen in close quarters.

As a whole, ECD had the defensive lacrosse player in mind when they designed the Rebel Defense head. The entire engineering approach centered on improving key defensive fundamentals like ground balls, checking, and possession retention. This head delivers specialized advantages that translate directly into more confidence and effectiveness as a defender. If you take pride in playing tenacious defense, the Rebel Defense deserves a serious look.

Durability and Strength of the ECD Rebel Defense Head

As a defenseman, I need a lacrosse head built to withstand the constant physicality of playing defense. Checks, slashes, errant shots – you name it, my head takes a beating each game. The ECD Rebel Defense head stands out for its impressive durability and strength thanks to the high-impact CompLite material used in its construction.

CompLite gives the Rebel Defense noticeably better impact resistance compared to other heads I’ve used. Even after taking some crushing checks, you can feel the head quickly regain its shape and structural integrity. The CompLite retains that rigid, protective feel despite accumulating bumps and bruises over a season of play.

I also appreciate how the CompLite adds durability without making the head overly thick or bulky. Some more rigid heads feel cumbersome, but the CompLite keeps the Rebel Defense lightweight. This helps maintain my stick’s balance and quickness when moving the pole. The CompLite protects without compromising feel or adding excess weight.

The extended sidewall area and Money Mesh also hold up well over time. I haven’t experienced problems with blowouts or premature breakdown of the mesh pockets like I have with other heads. The Money Mesh maintains its tautness and stringing integrity for longer compared to other meshes I’ve used.

After a full season of use, my Rebel Defense still looks and performs almost brand new. The CompLite material really preserves the head’s structure and performance. I never worry about its durability or strength wearing down over time. ECD clearly built the Rebel Defense from the ground up to handle the physical demands defenders face. Its durability and strength set it apart from other heads at this price point.

Weight Distribution and Balance of the ECD Rebel Defense Head

As a long pole defender, having a head with optimal weight distribution and balance is crucial. Too much mass at the scoop or too little at the throat can throw off your stick’s feel and quickness. The ECD Rebel Defense gets the weight distribution right by focusing mass down low and keeping the entire head lightweight.

By utilizing lightweight yet durable CompLite material, ECD kept the overall mass of the Rebel Defense head low. Despite its rigidity and impact resistance, the CompLite does not make the head feel heavy or clunky. I immediately noticed how balanced and responsive my pole felt after stringing up the Rebel Defense.

ECD also cleverly designed the sidewall geometries to concentrate mass lower in the head. This gets more weight down in the throat and pocket area for superior ball control. The scoop and upper sidewall areas are strategically slimmed to reduce top-heavy imbalance. I can maneuver my stick quickly without fighting extra mass up high.

The Money Mesh also contributes to the head’s lightweight feel. It adds structure around the ball to improve retention, yet without making the sidewalls overly thick. Combined with the CompLite, the Money Mesh gives you strength without sacrificing weight.

I constantly have to switch stick hands during games to adjust to offenders’ dodges. The Rebel Defense makes these transitions feel seamless due to its phenomenal balance. My lacrosse pole feels like an extension of my arms rather than an anchor weighing me down. Proper weight distribution makes all the difference, and ECD nailed it with the Rebel Defense.

If quick stick speed and lightweight maneuverability matter to you as a defender, definitely give this head a look. The CompLite material and optimized geometry create a perfectly balanced defensive weapon.

Ground Ball Performance of the ECD Rebel Defense Head

As a defender, my top priority is keeping the ball off the ground and away from the opposing offense. Winning ground balls and preventing second chances is critical. The ECD Rebel Defense head performs incredibly on ground balls thanks to its specialized scoop and sidewall design.

The elongated throat and Endwall 2.0 geometry make picking up ground balls extremely smooth with this head. ECD engineered the angled sidewalls to guide ground balls right into your pocket as you scoop. The shape literally funnels grounders directly where you want them.

I’ve also noticed significantly fewer pinched balls with the Rebel Defense compared to other heads. The pinch point is moved higher up thanks to the extended throat area and strategic sidewall angles. Ground balls feed cleanly into your stick instead of squirting out the sides or getting wedged in the upper throat.

The Money Mesh helps corral ground balls in your pocket once you pick them up as well. Its grippy nylon fibers prevent the ball from bouncing or rolling right back out of your head on contact. Combined with the scoop design, the Money Mesh makes securing possession on grounders feel effortless.

Having coached youth lacrosse for years, I highly recommend the ECD Rebel Defense for its ground ball performance. The scoop design helps young players gain confidence picking up grounders. And the head continues performing at the highest levels, as evidenced by its popularity among college and pro defenders.

If gaining an edge on ground balls sounds appealing, try out the Rebel Defense. Its ground ball capabilities proved game-changing for me as a defender constantly battling for possession.

Scooping and Ball Retention of the ECD Rebel Defense Head

As a defender, having a head optimized for scooping ground balls and retaining possession is critical. You need complete confidence that balls will feed smoothly into your pocket when scooping. And once the ball is in your stick, it better stay there while fighting through traffic and checks. The ECD Rebel Defense delivers on both fronts with its specialized design focused on scooping and ball retention.

The elongated throat with Endwall 2.0 technology makes scooping incredibly smooth with the Rebel Defense head. Ground balls funnel directly into your pocket thanks to the lowered pinch point and angled sidewalls guiding balls where you want them. The CompLite material retains its shape well for repeated scooping too.

I also love how the Money Mesh retains balls once scooped up. Its grippy nylon fibers prevent the ball from bouncing or rolling back out, even when absorbing contact. The Money Mesh adds control without bulking up the sidewalls excessively.

The Orthogrip throat also deserves praise for improving ball retention when cradling or handling in traffic. Its contoured shape literally wraps around ball for a superior hold. I’ve gained noticeable confidence in my passing, shooting, and clearing abilities thanks to the Orthogrip throat shaping.

During competitive play when ground balls and possession are so critical, the Rebel Defense gives me peace of mind that the ball will feed directly into my stick on scoops and stick there when making plays. Both scooping and retention abilities are elite with this head.

If you obsess over mastering ground balls as a defender, the Rebel Defense deserves a hard look. The entire head works in harmony to improve possession from first contact scooping through retaining it in traffic. Try it out and feel the difference yourself!

Passing and Shooting with the ECD Rebel Defense Head

As a defender, my focus stays on preventing goals rather than scoring them. But being able to move the ball efficiently via accurate passes and clears remains important. Though built for defense, the ECD Rebel Defense head also delivers impressive performance when passing and shooting thanks to its strategic flex and lightweight design.

The angled sidewalls and elongated throat give the Rebel Defense a nice balance of rigidity and flex. It maintains its structure well for scooping and retaining possession, but still provides some “whip” on passes for added velocity. My clearing passes downfield seem to fly with more pace and precision with this head.

I’ve also been surprised how well the Rebel Defense performs shooting the rare times I venture into the offensive zone. The lightweight CompLite material prevents the head from feeling too clamped down and rigid. It provides enough flex and rebound to rip off powerful shots on goal when the opportunity arises.

The Money Mesh also deserves credit for improving feel and control on passes and shots. It provides a consistent release without compromising durability. I never worry about the mesh bagging out or losing its crispness over time.

While designed with defense in mind first and foremost, the Rebel Defense head still delivers premium performance passing and shooting too. It exceeds expectations for a “defensive” head when you need to clear or attack the goal. The balanced flex profile and Money Mesh give it impressive versatility for a defender’s head.

Value for Money of the ECD Rebel Defense Head

In the lacrosse gear world, you often get what you pay for in terms of performance and durability. Cheaper gear frequently disappoints quickly. So is the ECD Rebel Defense worth the investment considering its price point? As a long-time player, I can say this head delivers excellent value relative to other heads in its class.

For starters, the head lasts. The CompLite material retains its structure and shape far longer than most heads I’ve owned, even after heavy use. You’ll easily get multiple seasons of play before considering replacement. Given the price tag, that longevity is crucial.

The Rebel Defense also stacks up very well against heads costing much more in terms of features and performance. Scooping, ball retention, ground balls – this head competes with elite-level sticks despite a friendlier price point. You’re not sacrificing “pro-level” tech coming from ECD.

There are certainly cheaper heads available, but the extra cost brings meaningful performance benefits as a defender. And it doesn’t reach the excessive price ceiling of some flagship heads from the major brands either. ECD found a nice sweet spot balancing cost and performance.

For me, the durability, features, and performance easily justify investing in the Rebel Defense head given its cost. I’m getting capabilities on par with heads costing way more, and the head lasts multiple seasons too. If you want pro-level tech on a budget, give the Rebel Defense serious consideration. The value is outstanding.

Ideal Player Positions and Experience Levels for the ECD Rebel Defense Head

When researching a new lacrosse head, I always consider what positions and experience levels it best suits. A head optimized for attackmen likely won’t maximize a defender’s game for example. After playing with the ECD Rebel Defense head extensively, I believe it excels for defensemen of all skill levels.

As the name implies, this head was engineered with the needs of defenders as the top priority. The scoop, sidewall and throat designs boost ground ball and defensive capabilities – core skills for defensemen. While great for defenders, these specialized features make it less ideal for midfielders or attackmen.

I also think the Rebel Defense works well for defensemen of any experience level. The ease of scooping ground balls gives beginners added confidence. Yet the head offers the performance and durability that elite college and pro defensemen demand. It rockets passes with velocity and retains its shape against physical play.

Younger players still learning proper checking mechanics especially appreciate the Rebel Defense’s durability. Its ability to maintain structure prevents over-flexing that can lead to penalties. For all skill levels, it simply performs at a high level.

While designed for defensemen, I wouldn’t recommend the Rebel Defense for offensive players. Middies may still appreciate its versatility, but attackmen will likely want a head more specialized for shooting and passing. If you relish playing shut-down, physical defense, the Rebel Defense will become your new best friend!

East Coast Dyes Technology Innovations in the Rebel Defense Head

One of the aspects that drew me to the ECD Rebel Defense head was the cutting-edge technologies developed by East Coast Dyes implemented in the design. ECD built an impressive reputation in lacrosse gear by innovating and not just mimicking the big brands. The Rebel Defense puts many of ECD’s proprietary tech innovations on full display.

The CompLite material stands out immediately. ECD engineers developed this rigid yet lightweight composite to add impact resistance without making the head overly thick. CompLite retains shape and durability like no other material I’ve used. It’s a game changer.

I’m also blown away by the Endwall 2.0 design. The elongated throat and angled sidewalls boost ground ball performance exponentially. Scooping becomes nearly effortless with the Endwall 2.0 shape directing balls right into your pocket.

And then there’s the Money Mesh. Implementing this lightweight, durable and grippy mesh along the sidewalls was a genius move by ECD. It improves ball control and retention without killing your arms from extra mass. Simply put, it works.

ECD could have simply copied existing head designs and materials from other brands. But they committed to true innovation and engineering with the Rebel Defense. As players, we benefit from brands like ECD pushing technology forward rather than just mimicking the status quo. Trying their innovations in the Rebel Defense head made me a believer in ECD.

Where to Buy the ECD Rebel Defense Head

Once you decide the ECD Rebel Defense is the right lacrosse head for you, the next step becomes finding one to buy. As a smaller brand compared to lacrosse giants like Warrior and STX, ECD heads aren’t quite as ubiquitous at retailers yet. But with the Rebel Defense gaining popularity, it’s become readily available if you know where to look.

I always check my local lacrosse specialty shops first. The knowledgeable staff can give personalized fitting and stringing advice once you purchase. Unfortunately, smaller stores may have limited ECD stock until the brand gains more exposure.

Online lacrosse retailers like Lax.com, LacrosseMonkey, and Laxdotcom offer easy online ordering with quick delivery times. Their large inventories make finding the Rebel Defense in your preferred color and spec options simpler. Be sure to consult sizing charts since you can’t personally test-fit online.

For additional discounts, check the major online sporting goods stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Sports Unlimited. Selection might be more limited, but occasional sales can net big savings on the Rebel Defense head.

Direct from the source, ECDlacrosse.com always carries the full array of Rebel Defense specs and colors. Buying directly gives you peace of mind on authenticity and provides the purest brand experience. But lead times may take slightly longer.

With the Rebel Defense gaining popularity, stock improves by the day. Finding your ideal head gets easier and easier, giving you no excuse not to upgrade your defensive game with this top-tier head from ECD!

Summary – Who Should Consider the ECD Rebel Defense Head?

After playing extensively with the Rebel Defense head in practices and games, I’m convinced this is a top-tier option for defensive-minded lacrosse players. The entire head is thoughtfully engineered to boost the key skills defenders rely on – scooping, ground balls, checking, and ball retention.

If you play defense and value maximizing your control over ground balls, definitely give the Rebel Defense strong consideration. The specialized scoop and Endwall 2.0 design make ground ball pickup effortless. You’ll gain confidence knowing every loose ball feeds perfectly into your stick.

The Rebel Defense also shines if you take pride in tenacious, physical defending. Its durability, improved checking leverage, and strength stand up to physical play. You’ll stay in the game longer without worrying about warp or damage.

Midfielders who emphasize developing their defensive skills can benefit from the Rebel Defense as well. But strictly offensive-minded players should look elsewhere – this head truly focuses on defense first.

For my money, no other head optimizes ground balls, checking, and ball retention like the Rebel Defense. ECD engineered a truly defensive-focused head that delivers where it matters most. If you embrace playing shut-down defense, this head belongs in your stick.

Trying the ECD Rebel Defense Head for Yourself

Reading reviews and specs will only get you so far in deciding if the ECD Rebel Defense is the right lacrosse head for you. There’s no substitute for stringing it up and testing it out yourself on the field. I’d highly recommend getting your hands on this head to experience the performance first-hand.

If you have teammates or friends already using the Rebel Defense, ask if you can give it a test run at your next practice. Running some drills and scrimmaging with it will quickly reveal if this head improves your defensive game. Focus on scooping, ground balls, checking, and ball retention to determine if the specialized features make a noticeable difference.

Most lacrosse retailers allow returns within a few weeks, so ordering a Rebel Defense to test isn’t risky. String it up exactly how you’d like and use it for a few games. If it doesn’t give you the edge you hoped, return it. But I suspect you’ll quickly realize why this head has gained popularity among defensemen.

You may need to adjust your technique slightly to take full advantage of the Rebel Defense’s capabilities. Tweak your scooping mechanics and checking angles to align with the head’s strengths. Watch some of the videos ECD puts out demonstrating how to maximize the technologies built into this head.

While designed for defense, give the Rebel Defense a whirl shooting and passing too. You may find it exceeds expectations taking some offensive runs as a middie. The balanced flex profile and Money Mesh create versatility.

Don’t just wonder if the ECD Rebel Defense is right for you – get out there and find out. I’m confident that getting some reps with this head will remove any doubts about its performance. Let the head speak for itself!