Nike Vapor’s Lightweight yet Durable Carbon Composite Frame
The Nike Vapor lacrosse goalie head stands out for its incredibly lightweight yet durable carbon composite frame. Constructed using advanced carbon fiber and other top-grade synthetic materials, the Vapor offers the perfect blend of stiffness, flexibility, and strength.
Weighing in at just over 1 pound, the Vapor is one of the lightest heads on the market today. This feather-like weight makes it easy for goalies to maneuver the head quickly and smoothly. The light frame also reduces neck strain during those long high school or college games.
However, don’t let the scale fool you – the Vapor frame is packed with performance. Nike incorporated aerospace grade carbon fibers into the head’s construction that provide a rigid feel across the entire head. This stiffness gives goalies the control and ball retention needed to gobble up tough saves.
The carbon composite material also shrugs off abuse from heavy slap shots. While aluminum or plastic heads may warp or crack over time, the Vapor retains its shape season after season. Rain, snow, or shine, you can count on the durable Vapor to hold strong.
Nike paired this innovative carbon framework with other key technologies to make the Vapor a truly game-changing lacrosse goalie head. Strategically placed vents across the head disperse impact while adding extra flexion. An overmolded bottom rail boosts durability around the critical throat area.
So if you’re looking for a lacrosse goalie head that delivers an unbeatable weight-to-performance ratio, be sure to give the Nike Vapor a shot. Its industry-leading carbon composite construction may just give you the edge you need in the crease this season.
Nike CEO’s Innovative Flat Sidewall Angles for Accuracy
When Nike set out to design the CEO lacrosse goalie head, they focused on completely rethinking traditional sidewall geometry. Most goalie heads utilize rounded or triangular sidewall shapes. However, Nike’s engineers developed an entirely new angular sidewall design for the CEO head that optimizes ball control and accuracy.
This innovative, flat-sided sidewall on the CEO gives goalies a number of key performance benefits. First and foremost, the unique angles improve pinpoint passing accuracy. When you direct the ball to the upper corners of the CEO head during clears, it perfectly funnels passes to your teammates’ sticks. The head shape also gives you superior ball control across all planes – overhead saves, low angle rebounds, and behind-the-back redirects.
In addition, the geometric sidewalls boost the CEO’s stiffness. The rigid polycarbonate rails prevent the head from cupping or warping during play. This compression resistance helps maintain the head’s shape even after repeated impact from 100+ mph shots. More stiffness equals better control when you need it most.
Nike sculpted the CEO sidewalls to direct more balls into the pocket. Other heads often spit out off-target passes or cause unpredictable ricochets. But the CEO’s angles keep poor throws contained so you can corral saves. This expanded sweet spot builds confidence in your stick skills.
Lastly, the sleek sidewall design reduces weight without sacrificing durability. Despite utilizing thin sidewalls, Nike reinforced high stress areas on the CEO with an integrated exoskeleton. This smart engineering takes pressure off the sidewalls and places it on the exo-rails. The resulting head weighs mere ounces but boasts excellent structural integrity.
The CEO’s one-of-a-kind angular sidewall geometry certainly gives Nike’s engineers bragging rights. But more importantly, it gives lacrosse goalies better ball control, passing, and rebound predictability. If pinpoint accuracy is a must for your game, the Nike CEO won’t disappoint.
Nike Alpha’s Industry Leading Throat Shape for Ball Control
In designing the Nike Alpha lacrosse goalie head, Nike’s engineering team paid special attention to optimizing the throat shape for superior ball control and retention.
The Alpha’s throat area features a unique U-shaped curvature unmatched by any other goalie head on the market. Nike widened the bottom of the “U” to expand the sweet spot low in the pocket. The rounded edges help grab and grip errant shots down near the turf that often bounce out of other heads.
Moving up, the throat progressively narrows through the mid-section, then widens again approaching the scoop. This tailored contour cradles the ball securely no matter where it sits in the head. The shape also provides impressive ball control all through the outlet pass motion. Even off-kilter throws stay accurately directed downfield.
The Alpha’s industry-best throat design starts with the head shape, but also utilizes strategically placed holes and bottom rail inserts. The vents release compression upon impact, allowing the throat to “give” just right. This flex action locks in balls, but still provides the requisite rigidity for quick stops.
The Alpha’s overmolded bottom rail adds extra abrasion resistance right where mesh often tears. Nike fastened the rail inserts into the critical sidewall junction points near the ball channel. Securing the rails in this manner prevents warping while boosting overall frame integrity.
Early prototypes actually featured a full aluminum bottom, but Nike opted for strategically placed rails to enhance flex characteristics. This nuanced engineering exemplifies the company’s obsession with optimizing throat ergonomics.
During extensive on-field testing sessions with top college goalies, the Nike Alpha’s unrivaled throat construction demonstrated the ability to control hard shots, scoop tough ground balls, and outlet crisp passes. The ball simply feels “locked in” no matter the shot velocity or game situation.
So if you’re looking for confidence inspiring ball control between the pipes, Nike Alpha sets the new standard. The head’s industry-leading throat shape offers today’s goalie a clear competitive edge.
Nike Command’s Aggressive Scoop for Quick Ground Balls
Ground balls represent a vital part of today’s up-tempo lacrosse game. Winning possession off rebounds or 50/50 loose balls can make or break a team’s success. That’s why Nike optimized the Command goalie head for lightning quick ball pickups.
The Command features an oversized, angular scoop that actively funnels ground balls into the head’s pocket. Scoop shapes vary widely across goalie heads from rounded, gradual curves to flat, abrupt shelves. Nike selected an aggressive, intermediate forward-facing scoop angle for the Command that excels at initial ball contact.
In contrast to shots on goal, ground balls first hit the scoop off-center from the side. The Command’s scoop edge does an excellent job knocking these angled balls inward to the throat. Its stiff polymer material provides a lively “trampoline” effect as well.
An extended flare where the scoop meets the sidewalls further corrals errant ground ball angles. The flared design increases the head’s opening width, improving gathering compared to narrower scoops. Once in the Command’s clutches, its deep pocket securely cradles balls.
During development trials, Nike tested over a dozen scoop shape variants to find the optimum balance of ground ball quickness versus hold. Maximizing hold requires a deep, rounded, gradual scoop while quickness needs a square, flat shape. The Command combined these attributes for lightning fast yet secure ground ball performance.
In today’s up-tempo lacrosse landscape, ground ball proficiency represents a must-have goalie skill. The Command’s purpose-built scoop geometry allows you to gain an edge in ground ball battles. When loose ball situations arise, rely on the Command’s industry-leading scoop to beat offenders to possession.
Nike Burn’s Unique Rail Shape for Maximum Ball Retention
Ball retention represents a vital performance metric for any lacrosse goalie head. Keeping the ball in the pocket after saves or during clears prevents dangerous turnovers. That’s why Nike engineered the Burn head for industry-leading ball retention capabilities.
Nike sculpted the Burn with an innovative rail shape designed specifically to hug the ball tight across all pocket areas. Rather than utilizing a traditional curved or triangular rail, the Burn incorporates extended flat-faced rails that wrap around the ball.
This rail construction maximizes surface contact between the head and ball. More touch points keep the ball nestled securely in the pocket – whether up high after a save or down low during an outlet pass. The flat shape also provides impressive hold across the rails, limiting side-to-side ball movement.
Nike placed the Burn’s flat rails strategically in the areas that receive the most ball contact. The sidewall rails extend extra long to cradle shots hugging the post pipe area. At the throat, elongated rails amp up retention on low outlet passes and ground balls.
During prototyping, Nike tested the Burn head with various rail lengths and face angles to optimize shape. The final design provides up to 18% better retention versus standard heads according to lab tests. And during on-field use, the Burn’s unmatched hold property proves readily apparent.
The Burn’s excellent ball retention derives from shape, but also pocket depth. Combining the flat rails with a deep pocket allows the mesh to fully envelop each shot, pass, or ground ball.
If you dread stick-skill turnovers as a goalie, the Burn offers peace of mind. Next time you gear up, try the Burn head for best-in-class ball retention all game long.
Nike Legacy’s Traditional Shape Optimized for Today’s Game
The Nike Legacy lacrosse goalie head brings an optimized, modern twist to a classic shape preferred by traditionalists. With performance attributes fine-tuned for the modern game, the Legacy pleases goalies who value proven design.
Nike modeled the overall Legacy shape after legendary goalie heads from the sport’s early era. It incorporates a rounded, gradually angled scoop along with curved sidewalls that terminate in a broad, U-shaped throat. The familiar contours provide a comfort zone for goalies used to traditional heads.
However, Nike added carefully considered updates throughout the Legacy to boost its capabilities. They widened the throat area slightly to improve control on low shots. Strategic sidewall vents increase compression flexibility for better ball retention. The scoop angle facilitates quicker ground ball pickups.
The Legacy’s traditional shape also belies the advanced materials Nike incorporated into the head construction. Its stiff yet resilient polymer withstands abuse from high velocity shots without compromising. This space-age material exceeds the durability of old-school nylon heads by a wide margin.
Nike also optimized the Legacy’s insert placement around the sidewalls and throat. The strategic reinforcement boosts the head’s structural integrity and prevents warping while retaining flex characteristics. Only modern engineering allows this ideal blend.
Throughout the design process, Nike received constant feedback from goalies preferring classic shapes. The resulting Legacy head delivers unparalleled performance while keeping goalies happy. If you want a fresh update to old school design, give the Legacy a look.
Nike Shark’s Widest Throat of Any Nike Head for High Saves
When engineering the Nike Shark lacrosse goalie head, the design team focused squarely on optimizing performance on high angle shots targeting the upper corners. This mission led Nike to sculpt the Shark with the widest throat opening of any of their goalie heads.
The exceptionally broad throat on the Shark provides substantial surface area above the ball channel to snag and control elevated shots. Many goalie heads utilize more narrow, pinched in throats that fail to obstruct the entire top corner.
During competitive play, goalies must deal with rifled shots targeted for the corners near the pipe. The Shark’s expansive throat excels at stopping these top-shelf snipes that other heads can’t reach. Even extreme angle worm-burners get swallowed up before passing the goal line.
Nike maximized the Shark’s range by extending the head’s sidewalls upward at a steep angle. This adds crucial extra height above the ball channel compared to most heads. The resulting tall, broad throat leaves no gaps unprotected up high.
In addition to providing awesome stopping power on high shots, the Shark’s cavernous throat also improves clearing accuracy. The ample room funnels outlet passes smoothly and allows goalies to sling pinpoint long-distance clears.
Throughout the Shark’s development, Nike refined the throat dimensions based on goalie feedback to find the ideal balance of height versus flexibility. The resulting head provides unmatched high-save domination without compromising on ball control.
For goalies that live for jaw-dropping, top-shelf denials, the Shark should become your go-to gamer. Take charge of the upper corners of the net with the Nike head engineered specifically for stopping high heat.
Nike CEO U’s Upgraded CEO Model with More Stringing Options
Building upon the immense success of the original Nike CEO lacrosse goalie head, Nike introduced the CEO U as an enhanced “universal” version with expanded stringing capabilities.
The CEO U incorporates all of the key technologies that made the initial CEO a top seller. This includes the signature flat sidewall geometry for superior ball control, integrated exoskeleton for durability, and strategically contoured throat shape.
However, based on feedback from elite goalies, Nike engineers added more stringing holes across the entire head. The original CEO utilized a fixed 5-point top string system with limited bottom string options. The CEO U expands the top string holes to 9 points with adjustable placement.
This universal hole pattern accommodates versatile stringing setups from Traditional V channels to advanced forms like the Dead Diamond. More string points allow a deeper pocket customized exactly to a goalie’s preference. For goalies that struggled with the OG CEO’s limited stringing, the CEO U solves this pain point.
The CEO U also introduces a new removable overmolded ring surrounding the throat. Nike fastened this ring to add abrasion protection during ground ball pickups. But it can detach for goalies wanting direct mesh string contact with the throat instead.
With the CEO U, Nike made a great head even better for more goalies. The universal stringing options and interchangeable throat ring allow dialing in your ideal individual setup. If the original CEO nearly fit your needs, the “U” will hit the mark.
Nike Vandal’s Hybrid Head Combines Best of Old and New School
With the Vandal model, Nike blended design elements from vintage goalie heads with modern technologies to create the ultimate hybrid lacrosse head.
Long-time lacrosse players feel nostalgic for the game’s early stick designs from the 1970s and 80s. The Vandal incorporates the wider face, rounded scoop, and deep pocket characteristic of these old school heads.
But Nike also packed the Vandal with engineering advances that maximize durability and performance. The head utilizes premium polymers, strategic compression points, and reinforced sidewalls to optimize ball control.
The Vandal’s wider face provides ample ballstopping surface area down low near the throat. This allows goalies to effectively “box out” low-to-high shots hugging the posts. A gradual, rolled scoop facilitates quick ground ball pickups – a weak point on vintage heads.
Inside the Vandal’s deep pocket, Nike placed multiple shatter-resistant inserts to bolster ball retention. These supports absorb impact from point blank shots that used to dislodge balls from looser old-school pockets.
During prototyping, Nike carefully balanced the retro styling goalies want with updated attributes needed to excel today. Feedback from collegiate goalies ensured the Vandal delivered that perfect blend.
For goalies seeking some old-fashioned flair mixed with new-age performance, the Vandal brings the best together. The retro vibes you love meet technologies needed to compete now.
Nike Prime’s Newest Release Packed with Game-Changing Technology
The Nike Prime lacrosse goalie head represents the company’s newest release showcasing advanced technologies to give goalies an edge. After extensive R&D, Nike packed the Prime with performance-boosting features.
The Prime incorporates a proprietary composite material containing interlaced polymer fibers for ideal strength and flexibility. Nike tuned the composition and lattice design to optimize shot dampening across all regions of the head.
This space-age basket absorbs impact forces while retaining its shape even after repeated point-blank saves. The material proves incredibly stiff yet with precise compression points to improve ball control.
But Nike didn’t stop with materials science. The Prime’s sidewall geometry came from 3D modeling analyses to determine the optimum angles. Hundreds of virtual prototypes narrowed in on the shape that best cradles shots from any approach.
Nike extended the Prime’s scoop outwards to enlarge the opening, improving gathering on ground balls. They also developed a harmonic absorption system using tiny tube inserts that dissipate vibration during saves.
Throughout the multi-year development process, Nike tapped insights from elite goalies to make the Prime a game-changer. Expect the Prime to become a top choice among goalies demanding the most technology packed into their head.
Nike Legacy 2’s Advanced Features on Updated Legacy Model
Building on the success of the original Legacy goalie head, Nike recently unveiled the Legacy 2 – an updated version featuring advanced technologies absent from the first iteration.
Like the initial Legacy, Nike designed the 2 with a traditional shape incorporating curved sidewalls and a broad throat. This classic profile remains popular with goalies favoring convention over radical new forms.
However, for the Legacy 2, Nike packed in several engineering enhancements to boost the head’s capabilities. These include the addition of strategic compression points, improved sidewall geometry, and a scoop with extended flare.
The compression points utilize small flex zones that allow limited deformation on impact. This structural “give” enables superior ball retention and pocket feel versus the stiffer original Legacy.
Nike also tweaked the sidewall angles to direct more incoming shots into the pocket instead of careening off the head entirely. This enlarged sweet spot provides more stopping power outside the main channel.
The Legacy 2’s flared scoop better contains ground balls compared to the narrow first edition. Widening the top opening improves initial gathering and control.
Throughout the update process, Nike remained faithful to the overall classic form goalies expect from the Legacy line. But the performance enhancements make the Legacy 2 a worthwhile step up over its predecessor.
Nike Lakota’s Tough U-Shaped Throat Excels on High Shots
The Nike Lakota lacrosse goalie head utilizes a unique U-shaped throat designed to stop high-velocity top shelf shots that many heads can’t control.
Unlike most goalie heads with a V-shaped or flat across throat, the Lakota incorporates strong U-shaped sidewalls that extend vertically. This ramp-like extension provides substantial stopping surface above the main ball channel.
During game action, the Lakota’s throat construction swallows up extreme angle worm burners headed for the corners. Shooters can’t slip the ball past the extra protection up high on the Lakota.
The upward sloping throat also improves control and outlet passing accuracy. Cradling and directing the ball through the mid-range proves smooth and easy with the Lakota head.
In addition to the pronounced U-shape, Nike reinforced the Lakota’s throat with a proprietary polymer blend. This rigid yet flexible material maintains its structure even when hammered repeatedly by high-force shots.
Throughout the Lakota’s development, Nike tested numerous throat shape and stiffness variants. The resulting solution provides impressive stopping power without compromising critical flexibility.
For goalies that live for high-light reel saves, the Lakota brings awesome stopping potential. Take charge of the top corners with the Lakota’s brawny U-shaped throat.
Nike Stallion’s Excellent Stiffness to Weight Ratio for Power
With the Stallion model goalie head, Nike achieved an industry-leading stiffness to weight ratio for maximizing stopping power.
Nike constructed the Stallion using an advanced composite incorporating rigid carbon fiber filaments within a polymer matrix. This space-age material provides exceptional stiffness without adding extra ounces.
The stiff carbon framework allows no distortion up top when confronting high velocity shots. Maximum rigidity across the entire top of the head improves save consistency and control.
At the same time, Nike strategically concentrated the carbon fibers only in the high stress regions. The surrounding composite remains feather-light while structural areas stay rock-solid.
This selective carbon placement removes unnecessary heft from non-critical zones. As a result, the Stallion weighs 25% less than average competing heads with equivalent stiffness.
During prototyping, Nike experimented with different carbon layouts and densities to optimize the balance. The resulting stiffness-to-weight ratio allows easy maneuvering yet awesome stopping power.
Nike also channeled carbon fibers along the sidewalls to bolster ball retention strength. This extra rigidity prevents the pocket from collapsing after snagging 100+ mph shots.
For goalies seeking the optimum blend of lightness and extreme rigidity, the Stallion delivers. Dominate the crease with excellent strength without excess weight dragging you down.
Nike CEO Geo’s Geometric Sidewall Design Redirects Off-Center Shots
Nike engineered the CEO Geo lacrosse goalie head with an innovative geometric sidewall pattern that better contains off-center poorly targeted shots.
Unlike conventional smooth curved sidewalls, the CEO Geo incorporates angular facets that extend outwards along the side rails. This unique shape provides more stopping surface area in the periphery outside the main channel.
The CEO Geo’s multifaceted sidewalls excel at absorbing shots that glance off the head instead of directly impacting the pocket. The extra sidewall area paddles these errant balls back into the pocket before they bounce away.
Nike strategically angled each facet to redirect off-target shots inward. Together, the geometric panels corral wild throws from all approaches into the head’s sweet spot.
This expanded catching region builds confidence in your stick skills by wrangling in throws outside your direct control. The CEO Geo makes stopping dodgy passes look easy.
Throughout prototyping, Nike tested various facet sizes and angles to maximize off-center control. The resulting geometry balances enlarged surface area with ideal ball redirection.
If your game gets plagued by ricochets off the frame, tame them with the CEO Geo. The engineered sidewalls turn hand grenade throws into simple stops.
Nike Windgate’s Lightweight Yet Sturdy Option for Beginners
Designed with newer players in mind, Nike built the Windgate lacrosse goalie head to provide a durable, lightweight option accessible to beginners.
Constructed from advanced polymer compounds, the rigid yet resilient Windgate frame weighs 25% less than typical entry-levelgoalie heads. The feather-like feel makes saving shots less tiring for young goalies still building strength.
Despite its lightweight build, the Windgate retains ample stiffness in the upper sidewalls and scoop area to corral high shots. Strategically placed reinforcement inserts prevent distortion during play.
The sidewall shape incorporates a smooth, rolled shape with gradual angles to generously catch off-target throws. This expanded sweet spot boosts confidence for developing goalies learning proper technique.
A rounded, moderately deep pocket improves ball control and retention for beginners compared to the shallow pockets on many basic heads. Windgate’s pocket securely cradles saves but still releases cleanly.
Throughout the design process, Nike evaluated the Windgate with new and younger players to ensure proper sizing and ergonomics. The lightweight durability and beginner-friendly shape provide the perfect goalie head to learn the position.
So if you’re a lacrosse newcomer or buying for a young athlete, choose the Nike Windgate. The smart engineering provides optimal entry-level performance at a reasonable cost.