Introduction to Traditionally Strung Lacrosse Heads
As a long-time lacrosse player and enthusiast, I’ve had the chance to try out many different types of lacrosse heads over the years. From the latest tech-heavy designs to old-school classics, I’ve strung up and broken in my fair share. But throughout all the new trends and innovations, traditionally strung lacrosse heads have remained one of my favorites.
Traditional lacrosse heads have that nostalgic look with the classic sidewall stringing and leather runners. But there are also some key performance benefits that keep these traditional designs popular year after year.
In this article, I’ll highlight some of the top reasons why traditionally strung lacrosse heads are still better choices compared to newer styles for many players. I’ll also touch on the ideal stringing techniques, mesh options, and customization potential that make traditional heads stand out.
Better Ball Control and Handling
One of the biggest perks of traditionally strung lacrosse heads is the increased ball control and handling ability they provide. With less restrictive sidewall stringing patterns, traditional heads give you more flexible scooping and cradling. You can maneuver the ball smoothly around defenders or charge fearlessly into traffic knowing your stick will keep possession.
I’ve found that traditional heads really shine for players who like to run and gun down the field. You get that quick, responsive feel when moving at top speed. And the ball stays put through all kinds of jukes, splits, and change of direction.
Increased Shot Power and Accuracy
In addition to ball control, traditional stringing can also boost your shooting performance. The more flexible sidewalls let you really wind up and lay into your shots with maximum power transfer.
Traditional heads also give you consistent shot pocket placement for dialing in your accuracy. After stringing up a traditional head, I can rip shots all over the net because the flexible pocket shifts less on release. Whether you prefer low-to-high rockets or quick sidearm blasts, a traditionally strung head delivers excellent shooting.
Improved Scooping Ability
Snagging ground balls is a vital lacrosse skill, especially for midfielders who scrap it out between the lines. Here again, traditionally strung heads excel because of the flexible sidewalls and pocket. There’s more give to absorb and control tough scoops in traffic.
I’ve found that traditional heads really help on those off-target passes or wide shots that you need to coral quickly before the defense can react. The pocket shape helps guide and retain possession of errant balls that hit any part of the head.
More Consistent Passing
Moving the ball quickly and crisply is fundamental for any lacrosse squad. Traditionally strung heads give you an edge here with consistent throwing and catching ability from any angle.
With more flexible sidewall stringing, you can deliver pinpoint passes off even extreme body angles. And the pocket moves with the ball better on catches, giving your teammates an expanded sweet spot for snatching feeds on the run.
Extra Whip for Face-Off Specialists
In recent years, lacrosse face-off specialists have become highly specialized athletes. Their success on the X often depends on explosive clamp strength and top-end stick skills.
Here, traditionally strung heads offer a major asset with their inherent whip on draws. When you crank that quick wrist flick on the clamp, a traditional head gives you more velocity to rake or pop the ball free. Those fractions of a second can make winning the draw battle much easier.
Customizable Stringing Options
One of the coolest parts of lacrosse tradition is the endless custom stringing and pocket tweaking. And that creative freedom is what makes traditionally strung heads so much fun to personalize.
With customizable sidewall and shooter lace patterns, you can craft exactly the look, feel, whip, and pocket shape you want. It’s also easy to experiment with different stringing setups until you find your ideal configuration.
Durability and Longevity
In recent years, some newer tech-focused lacrosse heads have gained a reputation for durability issues. Plastic can fatigue and deform over time.
But traditionally strung heads continue to deliver outstanding longevity thanks to time-tested leather, nylon, and rawhide construction. I have some traditional heads still going strong after 5+ seasons of play. Pretty much indestructible!
Nostalgic Traditional Feel
Beyond pure performance, traditional heads also deliver an old-school style and feel that many lacrosse enthusiasts love. From the hand-sewn leathers to iconic brands like Brine and STX, traditional heads recall the glory days of the sport.
As a lacrosse historian myself, I really appreciate the heritage of traditional designs. It’s always a blast breaking out vintage sticks in summer throwing sessions or piloting an OG head modified for today’s game.
Preferred by Professionals and Elite Players
Even at lacrosse’s highest levels, many pros and college stars choose traditionally strung heads. Legends like Paul Rabil continue rocking classic sidewall patterns despite newer options.
Watch NCAA highlights and you’ll notice tradtional pockets remain prevalent. The consistency and high performance clearly outweighs any flashy tech advances for many top players.
Ideal for Various Lacrosse Positions
Whether you’re a dodging attackman or lockdown defenseman, traditionally strung heads can enhance your game. The versatile benefits cater to players across all positions.
Attack and midfielders gain better shooting, passing, and ball control. Defenseman scoop cleanly and outlet crisply. Face-off guys earn possession with whip and clamp speed. Traditional heads simply make every position better.
Compatible with Traditional Mesh
To complete that old-school setup, traditionally strung heads pair perfectly with traditional synthetic mesh. Specific mesh types like Throne Mesh or Stringking Type 3 are designed to match the flexible pockets of traditional heads.
Stringing up some heritage mesh in a classic sidewall pattern looks awesome and provides that smooth, consistent release. It’s a win-win pairing.
Looks Great with Custom Lacrosse Stringing
As mentioned earlier, the customizable nature of traditional heads lends itself to beautiful bespoke stringing jobs. You see some amazing dye work, leather stitches, and shooting strings from elite stringers.
Even just personalized lace patterns and color combinations make traditionally strung heads true works of lacrosse art. The flexibile canvas inspires jaw-dropping craftsmanship.
More Affordable Than Other Heads
With all these performance benefits, it may surprise you that traditionally strung lacrosse heads are often more affordable than newer tech models. Simple nylon and leather construction keeps costs down.
You can grab an excellent pre-strung traditional head for under $100 in many cases. Pretty amazing value compared to $150+ tech heads!
Conclusion
After playing with all kinds of modern lacrosse heads, I still believe traditionally strung versions offer the best overall performance, customization, and longevity. The flexible sidewalls deliver irreplaceable handling and control.
It’s telling that after decades of innovation, these old-school designs still deliver elite level play. And the nostalgic style provides a cool link to the origins of this great sport.
For my money, once you string up that first perfect traditional pocket, you’ll be convinced as well. So embrace the heritage and whip up an old-school masterpiece this season!
Better Ball Control and Handling
As a midfielder who likes to dodge and create space, having excellent ball control and handling is crucial for me. I’ve tested out lots of different head styles over the years trying to get the absolute best feel and responsiveness.
In my experience, nothing quite compares to the ball control you get from a traditionally strung lacrosse head. The flexible sidewalls and pocket let me cradle the ball smoothly and change direction on a dime. I can switch hands, split defenders, or roll back and forth effortlessly thanks to the quick, loose feel of a traditional head.
I also love how snappy traditional heads are for quick sticks and one-touch passing. The ball pops right out on target. And on catches, the flexible pocket helps absorb even the hardest feeds thrown behind me or at my ankles.
For all these reasons, having a traditionally strung head has become a must for how I play. The enhanced ball control it provides really lets me play to my strengths as a slippery dodger and passer in the midfield.
My Favorite Stringing Techniques
To get the most out of a traditional head, you need to string it up the right way. Here are some of my favorite techniques I’ve picked up over the years:
- Leather shooting strings – Gives great grip and control
- Mid/mid-low pocket – Ideal for cradling and quick release
- Double traditional sidewalls – Extra whip and channel
- Nylon mesh – Broken-in Throne Mesh moves best with traditional heads
- Staggered diamonds – Creates nice defined pocket
This traditional stringing formula really brings the head to life and maximizes the flexible feel I love. The grippy leathers, mid-pocket, and Throne Mesh work together to achieve lacrosse stick nirvana in my opinion!
Heads I Recommend
Here are some of my favorite traditionally strung heads that have given me the best ball control over the years:
- Brine Edge – A true classic, can’t go wrong here
- Warrior Evo 5 – Great offset helps with quick sticks
- Maverik Optic – Love the stiff sidewalls on this one
- STX Stallion 700 – Perfect amount of flex and defined channel
I’d recommend any lacrosse player try out these heads to experience the excellent ball control traditional stringing provides. They are all-time greats!
Key Takeaway
At the end of the day, the unmatched ball control I get from traditionally strung heads makes them a must-have in my bag. I’ve never felt totally comfortable playing with newer tech heads.
For midfielders, attackers, or anyone who values quick, responsive feel, traditional stringing is the way to go. Once you experience how a properly strung traditional head moves with you and the ball, you’ll be convinced!
Increased Shot Power and Accuracy
As an attackman, my top priorities are shooting the ball with power and consistently finding the back of the net. I’m always tinkering with different pockets and shooting strings trying to gain an edge in these areas.
After testing countless setups over the years, I’ve concluded that traditionally strung heads optimize my shooting capability. The flexible sidewalls and pockets on traditional heads really let me uncork maximum velocity shots while also dialing in my accuracy.
I’ve found that traditional heads give me the best “feel” for shooting. I can sense how the pocket is shifting, where the ball is sitting, and how much power is loaded up. That feedback helps me place shots exactly where I want.
Generating More Shot Power
The main way traditional stringing boosts my shot power is through better energy transfer. When you crank that split dodge and plant your feet, you need all the force to channel directly into the ball.
With more flexible sidewalls, traditional heads don’t “rob” any power by deforming on the shot. All my strength and momentum rockets the ball out of a traditionally strung pocket.
I’ve also found the mid-high pockets typically used on traditional heads are ideal for loading up maximum velocity. The ball sits deep, and I can stretch those shooters to unleash some absolute lasers.
Dialing In My Accuracy
Improving shooting accuracy is an endless pursuit as an attackman. Traditional stringing helps me here by providing a consistent release and predictable pocket behavior.
Even after months of use, I know exactly how a traditionally strung pocket will shift and where my shots will end up. This familiar feel gives me confidence to pick corners and quickly fire on goal after catches.
The stiffer sidewalls on traditional heads also keep the top strings from warping and altering my accuracy over time. Once the pocket is broken in, it maintains that dialed-in sweet spot.
My Go-To Shooting Strings
To really optimize my shooting with a traditional head, I make sure to use these key shooting string elements:
- Double traditional nylons – Provide consistent tension
- Leather shooting lace – Extra grip and control
- Staggered diamond top string – Defined hold and release point
- Semi-soft mesh – Throne Semi-Soft pockets best for me
This traditional shooting string formula brings everything together for maximizing velocity and accuracy. I highly recommend attackmen test out this setup themselves.
My Conclusion
After relentlessly honing my shooting craft over the years, traditionally strung heads have proven to optimize my performance. The power and precision they provide are second to none.
For attackmen looking to elevate their shooting game, embrace the traditional sidewall style. You’ll be sniping corners and unfurling lasers in no time!
Improved Scooping Ability
As a defenseman, excelling at ground balls and scooping is a huge part of my game. Matches often come down to who can corral more loose balls and spark transition.
Throughout my career, I’ve found that traditionally strung heads provide the best scooping performance. The flexible pocket absorbs and controls ground balls better than any other head style I’ve tried.
From snatching up tipped passes to wrestling for grounders in a scrum, traditional heads give me an edge in gaining possession. The key is the increased flexibility and scoop angle they naturally provide.
More Flexible Pockets
The main scooping benefit with traditional heads is the flexible pocket formed by the leather and nylon runners. This pocket gives and moves to absorb ground balls from any angle.
When a ground ball takes a bad hop or I’m reaching at a tough angle, the pocket flexes to contain the ball rather than bouncing it loose. That flexibility ensures I come up with possession more often.
Better Scoop Angle
Traditional heads also inherently sit at a lower scoop angle thanks to the flexible pocket tying farther down the head. This puts the entire lower third of the head in ideal scooping position.
With other head styles, I’m often fighting to get under the ball or awkwardly adjusting my hands. The natural scoop angle on traditional heads means I can grab grounders cleanly without contorting my stick.
My Favorite Ground Ball Mesh
To maximize scooping with a traditional head, I make sure to string in mesh optimized for ground balls:
- Throne Mesh – The king of ground ball mesh
- Medium diamond mesh – Grabs better than hard or soft
- Nylon/poly blend – Enough grip without slowing release
- Semi-bagged – Light break-in helps pocket form
This formula creates ideal ground ball pockets. The Throne Mesh really excels at holding onto tipped or off-target passes.
My Final Take
After years patrolling the defensive end, I’m fully convinced traditional stringing is the way to go for scooping excellence. Nothing corrals ground balls as well.
For defensemen looking to win possession battles, grab a traditionally strung head. Flexible pockets and ideal scoop angles are game-changers when it comes to ground ball dominance!
More Consistent Passing
As a lacrosse coach, the ability to throw crisp, accurate passes is something I really emphasize with my players. Moving the ball quickly is critical to generating quality shots against any defense.
In my experience, traditional lacrosse heads optimize passing consistency thanks to their flexible pockets. With a properly strung traditional head, players can deliver tight feeds from any position or body angle.
The key benefits are the whip imparted on passes and the expanded sweet spot traditional pockets create. Together these attributes take passing execution to the next level.
Increased Whip on Passes
The flexible nature of traditional sidewall stringing creates excellent ball response and whip. When you rotate your hands and drive passes, a traditional head really puts extra velocity on the ball.
I have my players focus on full-body rotation and follow through when throwing off traditional heads. The extra whip leads to crisper, harder passes that defeat defenders.
Expanded Sweet Spot
Traditional heads also provide a much larger catchable area thanks to the deep, flexible pocket. My players can snare feeds one-handed, behind their head, or at their knees thanks to this expanded sweet spot.
Newer heads often have stiff pockets that force two-handed catches. But traditional pockets are far more forgiving and let players receive passes cleanly on the run.
Drills for Consistency
Here are two of my favorite passing drills for improving consistency with traditional heads:
1. Rapid fire catch and pass: Players run 2-man passing lines where the first player quick sticks a feed to their partner who immediately returns the pass. Emphasizes handling and passing rhythm.
2. Random release passing: Passers mix up their body angles, release points, and passing speed. Receivers react and adjust while focusing on technique. Develops familiarity with the head’s feel and whip.
My Recommended Setup
To really maximize passing with a traditional head, I recommend:
- Low to mid pocket
- Soft mesh
- Leather shooting strings
- Traditional nylon sidewalls
This setup provides the ideal combination of hold, feel, and whip to make passing second nature.
The Takeaway
For developing hands, touch, and passing vision in my players, traditional heads are indispensable training tools. The flexible pockets instill high-level ball control and passing fundamentals.
Any player who prioritizes passing ability should grab a traditionally strung head. Their whip, release, and expanded catch zone are passing game changers.
Extra Whip for Face-Off Players
As a face-off specialist, maximizing my clamp speed, box motion, and wrist snap is vital. Winning face-off battles starts with explosive power and technique.
Throughout my career taking draws, I’ve found that traditionally strung heads provide a key edge in rotational whip and ball ejection speed. The flexible leathers allow me to really juice pop-out moves and rake ground balls free.
While newer heads are getting stiffer, traditional stringing preserves that lightning-fast responsiveness critical for face-off dominance.
Faster Ball Ejection
The main benefit of traditional heads at the X is how quickly they release balls on box pops and exit clamps. Even the slightest wrist/arm rotation ejects the ball in a blur.
Newer heads can “hold onto” the ball an extra split second whereas traditional whips slingshot it out. That instant ejection gives me a jump on recovering the ball or outlets.
Great For Rakes
Traditional heads are also ideal for raking and redirected clamp moves. The flexible channel guides my rake while the bottom shooting strings impart serious velocity when I tweak my angle.
Again, the responsiveness is lightning-quick. I can roll a ground ball 90+ feet in the blink of an eye thanks to a traditionally strung pocket.
My Preferred Setup
Here are the key traditional stringing elements I use to optimize whip and ball speed:
- Low pocket
- Soft mesh
- Leather shooting strings
- Mid-flex sidewalls
- Wider head
This gives me the deepest channel possible while preserving feel and whip. I break traditional pockets in extensively before taking them into face-off battles.
My Final Take
Winning face-offs starts with explosive ball skill and reactions. Throughout my career, traditional heads have proven optimal for achieving split-second whip and ball ejection speed.
For face-off players, embrace tradition. Channel your inner Jim Brown and string up an old-school pocket. You’ll be dominating the X in no time!
Customizable Stringing Options
As an elite lacrosse stringer, I take immense pride in crafting bespoke pockets with unique flair. The artistry of stringing is what first drew me to this craft so many years ago.
Without a doubt, traditionally strung heads provide the ultimate canvas for showcasing creative stringing. The classic leather and nylon construction mixed with flexible sidewalls offers endless customization potential.
If you want to push stringing boundaries and stand out from the crowd, traditional heads enable true imagination and self-expression.
Unique Leatherwork
The hand-sewn leather runners on traditional heads invite all kinds of distinctive leather dyeing, stitching, and stamping.
Want swirling tie-dye diamonds? Go for it. Feel like stitching your name into the leathers? You can make that work. The leather elements provide an awesome medium for original art.
Custom Shooter Laces
The nylon shooting strings on traditional heads also provide lots of creative options. Alternating colors, integrating leather, mixing materials—so many ways to make your shooters pop.
And with the ability to run shooters nearly anywhere thanks to the flexible sidewalls, you can dream up really innovative shooting string layouts.
Freedom of Sidewall Stringing
Speaking of flexible sidewalls, these open up limitless possibilities for sidewall stringing art. Not confined to rigid plastic rails, you can form elaborate sidewall patterns.
From classics like double Traditions to crazy zig-zag or diagonal lacing, traditional sidewalls let your stringing vision run wild.
My Favorite Creative Medium
Without a doubt, traditionally strung lacrosse heads have proven to be my favorite creative medium over the years. The organic materials provide inspiration while the flexible structure allows true innovation.
So if you want next-level stringing art, grab a traditional head. Let your inner stringer shine through. The only limit is your imagination!
Durability and Longevity
As an elite lacrosse player, my equipment gets put through the ringer game after game. Between battles in the trenches and shooting on the run, I need gear that can stand up to the abuse.
Over my career, I’ve been continually impressed by the durability and longevity of traditionally strung lacrosse heads. While newer composite heads eventually fatigue and warp, traditional leathers and synthetics seem unbreakable.
In a sport where sticks take a beating, old-school construction and materials set traditional heads apart in terms of sheer toughness and longevity.
Resilient Materials
The main reason traditional heads excel in durability is their leather, nylon, and rawhide construction. These organic materials flex and rebound rather than permanently deforming.
I run traditional heads through walls, bounce them off helmets, and step on them without issue. The materials absorb stress and snap back into form. Composite rails or plastic would surely fail.
Proven Design
Beyond the resilient materials, the overall design of traditional heads has stood the test of time. Sidewall stringing patterns passed down through generations maximize structural integrity.
Companies have updated traditional heads with wider faces and other modern tweaks. But the core sidewall style remains proven for optimal durability.
My Longest Lasting Heads
Here are some of the traditionally strung heads that have lasted me several seasons of elite play:
- Brine Edge – Can’t kill this classic
- Warrior Evo 5 – Great durability for its age
- STX Stallion 700 – Built like a tank
- Maverik Optic – Stiff rails withstand abuse
While most heads get retired each season, these traditionally strung warriors soldier on thanks to their bulletproof construction.
The Takeaway
If you want a lacrosse head that will stand the test of time, go old-school traditional. The materials, stringing, and design withstand the rigors of elite play.
While newer tech heads come and go, traditionally strung lacrosse heads will be dishing out abuse and retaining their form for generations to come.
Nostalgic Traditional Feel
As a lifelong lacrosse enthusiast, I’m drawn to the history and heritage of this ancient game. I love discovering vintage gear and appreciating the evolution of sticks and style.
Beyond just performance, traditionally strung lacrosse heads provide a direct link to the origins of the sport. From the classic leathers to iconic brands, traditional heads recall lacrosse’s roots.
Stringing up an old-school head feels like stepping into a time machine back to lacrosse’s glory days. The nostalgic style and feel are magic.
Vintage Leather and Craftsmanship
The hand-sewn leather runners are a core element of traditional heads that recall early sticks. The patina, the sinew stitching, the smell of rawhide – such great nostalgic touches.
And major brands like STX, Brine, and Warrior have been perfecting leather pocket craftsmanship for decades. Their veteran stick builders are artists.
Legendary Lacrosse Brands
Speaking of iconic brands, just seeing the Brine, STX, or Maverik logos on a traditionally styled head sends me back in time.
These pioneering companies made some of the all-time best heads back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Their legacy lives on in traditional sticks.
Modifying Vintage Heads
As a seriously nostalgic player, one of my favorite projects is modifying vintage heads with updated faces or materials to bring them back to life.
There’s something special about stringing up an OG Brine with some new tricks. Blending old with new creates super unique sticks.
My Final Take
At the end of the day, part of lacrosse’s magic lies in its rich history. And traditionally strung heads provide that perfect dose of nostalgia every time I lace one up.
The sights, sounds, smells and feels take me back to another era. Tradition connects the past with the present in this great sport.
Preferred by Professionals and Elite Players
As a lifelong lacrosse coach, I’ve always looked to the top college and pro players to see what gear is truly high performance. If it’s good enough for the elites, it will probably work for my guys.
One constant I’ve noticed across eras and levels is pros preferring traditionally strung lacrosse heads. Despite constant tech advances, old-school heads remain fixtures in NCAA and MLL.
The consistency and playability traditional stringing provides clearly outweigh any flashy tech innovations for many of the game’s best.
College Lacrosse Stars
Flip on any NCAA lacrosse game and you’ll see traditionally strung heads all over the field. All-American crease attackmen, dominant face-off middies, shut-down defenders – traditional pockets are ubiquitous.
In a sport where scholarships and exposure ride on performance, these top college players clearly trust traditional heads to optimize their play.
Major League Lacrosse Greats
Scan the MLL ranks and you’ll notice the same trend. Even as companies push tech heads, legends like Paul Rabil continue dominating with traditional sidewall setups they trust.
When your livelihood depends on stick skills and consistency, most pro players stick with old-school heads.
It’s What I Recommend
Based on the overwhelming preference for traditional heads at higher levels, it’s what I generally recommend for my high school kids as well.
Seeing the best in the sport performing with traditionally strung heads validates that this classic style works at elite levels.
The Takeaway
If top college athletes and pro standouts keep coming back to traditionally strung lacrosse heads, there must be good reason. Their performance speaks for itself.
So when my players ask what the best heads are, I point to what the elites use. You can’t go wrong with traditional!
Ideal for Various Lacrosse Positions
As a high school lacrosse coach, I need to make sure my players have gear that caters to their specific position and style of play. A one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t cut it on the field.
One of the big advantages I’ve seen with traditionally strung lacrosse heads is their versatility across positions. Whether running my offense or locking down on D, traditional pockets optimize performance.
Thanks to their well-rounded benefits, traditional heads can enhance any player’s game regardless of role.
Dodging Attackmen
For my attack players who live on the dodge, traditional heads give them the quick release, hold, and scooping ability they need to drive offense.
The flexible pockets and sidewalls also help them withstand slashes on power moves to the cage while retaining control.
Playmaking Middies
In the midfield transition game, traditional heads shine for my run and gun middies. The increased whip, passing, and ball control let them make plays at top speed.
Whether pushing transition or working from X, traditional heads give my middies an edge.
Groundball Gobbling FOGOS
My face-off guys are all about quick wrists, clamp speed, and scooping. Here again, traditionally strung heads optimize their performance thanks to unmatched responsiveness and ground ball effectiveness.
Winning possessions starts with a traditional pocket.
My Final Take
Across positions, I’m confident sticking any of my players with a traditionally strung head. The versatility provides an advantage regardless of on-field role.
So whether coaching offense, defense, or face-offs, traditional stringing is my go-to recommendation. The well-rounded benefits enhance any lacrosse athlete’s game.
Compatible with Traditional Mesh
As an elite lacrosse stringer, I’m obsessed with finding the perfect head and mesh pairings. The right combination of materials and construction leads to ideal pocket feel and performance.
In my experience, traditionally strung lacrosse heads pair beautifully with traditional synthetic meshes originally designed for the flexible pockets. The two complement each other perfectly.
By combining a tradition sidewall head with heritage mesh, you get awesome synergy and playability.
Optimized Pocket Movement
Traditional meshes like Stringking Type 3 are engineered specifically for the softer, flexible pockets of old-school heads. This results in smoother release, better hold, and ideal ball movement.
Newer meshes can be too stiff for traditional sidewalls. But heritage meshes move seamlessly with the materials.
Consistent Shooting and Throwing
That optimized pocket movement also leads to excellent passing, catching, and shooting consistency. When paired with a traditional head, time-tested meshes simply perform better all-around.
I find shots fly tighter and feeds hit their mark more often thanks to the dialed-in synergy.
My Favorite Combos
Here are some of my favorite traditionally strung heads paired with ideal traditional meshes:
- Stringking Type 3 in an STX Stallion
- Throne Mesh in a Brine Edge
- Jimalax Money Mesh in a Maverik Optic
- Hard Mesh in a Warrior Evo 5
These pairings provide awesome playability and embody the heritage of the sport.
The Takeaway
At the end of the day, embracing the tradition of both head and mesh constructions gives you an ideal, unified pocket.
For players and stringers, go old-school with both elements. You get the best performance when traditional works with traditional.
Looks Great with Custom Lacrosse Stringing
As an elite lacrosse stringer, I see every head as a new canvas to create unique works of playable art. The style and creativity of bespoke stringing jobs is what first attracted me to this craft.
Without question, traditionally strung lacrosse heads provide the best backdrop for jaw-dropping custom lacrosse stringing. The flexible leathers and classic sidewalls pop with vibrant colors, patterns, and designs.
If you want next-level style, traditional heads optimize the visual impact of custom stringing.
Vibrant Pocket and Sidewall Colors
The neutral leather and classic white nylon of traditional heads create the perfect foundation for vibrant stringing. With more area to work with, you can get really creative blending colors.
From electric shooting laces to gradient dyed runners, traditionally strung pockets showcase color beautifully.
Custom Leatherwork
The leather runners also allow for amazing one-off leather dye techniques you simply can’t achieve on synthetic heads. Think ice dying, ombre fades, tie-dyes, etc.
Add custom stamped or stitched designs into the leather and you’ve got yourself some true stringing art.
Unique Shooting Lace Patterns
Thanks to the flexible sidewalls, traditionally strung heads also enable endless shooting string layouts. Get creative with diamond spacing, alternating materials, integrating leathers – the options are unlimited.
Newer heads simply don’t allow for such shooting string innovation and style.
The Takeaway
Traditionally strung heads offer the ultimate creative freedom and visibility for next-level custom stringing jobs. The organic materials and flexible structure lend themselves perfectly to eye-catching style.
So for stringers and players wanting the absolute best custom lacrosse swag, go old-school traditional. Your stringing deserves the ideal showcase!
More Affordable Than Other Heads
As a high school lacrosse coach on a tight budget, cost is always a major factor when outfitting my team with gear each season. I’m looking to maximize value and performance without breaking the bank.
One pleasant surprise I’ve found is that traditionally strung lacrosse heads are often more affordable than newer tech models with composite materials and flashy features.
The simple and proven construction of traditional heads keeps costs down while still delivering elite level play. That value is hard to beat.
Lower Production Costs
A big driver of the lower price tag on traditional heads is the reduced manufacturing costs. Quality leathers, nylons, and basics plastics run far cheaper than space-age composites.
Brands pass those savings directly to players, keeping traditionally strung heads very reasonably priced.
No Costly Technologies
Additionally, traditional heads skip all the tech add-ons that drive up costs of newer heads. Things like structured rail shapes, adjustable sidewalls, and modular throat components come at a price.
The simple, timeless construction of traditional heads avoids these costly features.
Great Value
At the end of the day, I’ve found the performance and playability of traditionally strung heads exceeds many tech models costing far more. You get unbelievable value.
For only about $70-$80, you can grab a pro-level traditionally strung head ready for elite play. That kind of quality and cost effectiveness is invaluable for high school programs.
The Takeaway
Given my program’s budget constraints, traditional lacrosse heads provide a welcome cost-effective option. Players get pro-level gear and I get peace of mind.
The bottom line is traditional heads deliver unbelievable performance and durability at an affordable price point my program can afford.
Conclusion: Why Traditionally Strung Heads Are Still Popular
After playing, stringing, and coaching with all types of lacrosse heads over the decades, traditionally strung heads remain my personal favorite style. The benefits they provide are difficult to match with any new tech innovation or flashy design.
Superior ball control. Smooth consistent pockets. Customizability. These enduring advantages make traditionally strung heads as popular as ever, even among the next generation of lacrosse athletes.
By taking a deep dive on traditional heads, I hope this article provided some insights into why these timeless classics are still ideal for optimizing performance.
Key Takeaways
To recap, here are some of the core reasons traditionally strung lacrosse heads retain such loyal followings decade after decade:
- Unmatched feel and ball control
- Proven consistency and shooting accuracy
- Extra whip and speed for elite players
- Endless stringing customization options
- Superior durability and longevity
- Nostalgic ties to lacrosse heritage
- Trusted by top college and pro players
- Great value and affordability
These unique advantages make traditionally strung heads timeless performers prized by players and stringers alike.
Closing Thoughts
Lacrosse will continue evolving with new equipment technologies and materials. But in a sport defined by tradition, there will always be room for classics like traditionally strung heads.
The pure feel, control, and craftsmanship they provide represent core facets of lacrosse’s roots. As long as the sport exists, traditional stringing will be part of its past, present and future.