Choosing the Ideal Head Shape and Flexibility
When selecting a Surgeon 900 lacrosse head, one of the most important considerations is finding the ideal head shape and flexibility for your position and playing style. Attackmen and offensive midfielders often prefer more flexible heads with deeper sidewall scoops that provide extra whip on shots and quicker ball release. The Surgeon S100 and S700 are great options for these players with their mid-high flex profile and angular sidewalls that give you more of a quick snap.
On the other hand, players like faceoff specialists, defenders, and some midfielders may want a stiffer head with a wider face shape and more defined sidewalls. This adds durability for ground balls and provides superior ball control in exchanges. The Surgeon S500 has a great shape for this with a mid-low flex and boxier design that maintains its pocket shape extremely well. Think about if you want more ball feel for outlet passes and stick protection or a faster whip and release when ripping shots. Finding the right blend of flex and shape gives you the best of both worlds.
Evaluating Sidewall Stiffness and Its Effects
The stiffness of the sidewalls is another key factor when selecting a Surgeon 900 series lacrosse head. The sidewall stiffness dramatically impacts the head’s performance and feel during play. Stiffer sidewalls made from Surgeon’s aircraft-grade materials are specially engineered to maintain the original shape of the head through extensive use and abuse. This provides superior ball control, more defined scoops for cleaner catches, and extra durability that lengthens the life of the head.
In contrast, more flexible sidewalls with some additional give generate extra whip on shots, allowing players to increase shooting speed and accuracy. However, the tradeoff is that excessive flexibility reduces ball retention during cradling, makes poke checks harder, and degrades ball control on passes. Finding the right balance depends on your position and preferences. For example, attackmen may opt for more flexible sidewalls for blistering shots while faceoff midfielders need the ball control of stiffer sidewalls in scrums.
When testing potential Surgeon 900 heads, pay close attention to how much the sidewalls flex laterally yet still spring back to hold their shape. Push the head from side to side with a ball inside and see how it handles ground balls from extreme angles. Stiffer heads like the Surgeon 500 and 700 hold their shape better while the 100 and 900 have more snap. Consider stringing up different stiffness heads with the same pocket to isolate this variable. Dialing in the right sidewall stiffness amplifies the strengths of your game.
Customizing Your Pocket Style
One of the best parts of lacrosse is customizing your stick by stringing up a pocket that perfectly matches your playing style. With a Surgeon 900 head, you get tons of stringing options to unleash your creativity. The multiple stringing holes and rail designs allow you to string up any pocket style you want from a tight traditional pocket to a deeper bag with insane hold. Consider what type of pocket suits your needs.
For example, players who take a lot of outside shots like attackmen may prefer a mid to low pocket for quick ball release. A pocket with a defined channel and mid pocket placement gives you the ball control for feeding teammates combined with the quick snap you need on shots. On the other hand, defenders and long stick middies may want a higher pocket for protecting the ball during clears and takeaways. A deeper pocket with a wider channel provides superior ball retention when being slashed by defenders.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with adding more leathers, U-shoots, and unique stringing techniques like rollers. Having the time to string multiple practice pockets before settling on your gamer is key. Ask teammates to try out your pockets and give feedback on release, hold, and overall feel during cradling, catching, and shooting. Dialing in the perfect pocket for your Surgeon 900 head could take your game to the next level this season.
Selecting Durable, High-Performance Materials
Surgeon Lacrosse is renowned for using innovative, best-in-class materials to construct their lacrosse heads. Their 900 series heads utilize aircraft grade metals, military spec nylons, and proprietary polymers to maximize durability while minimizing weight. This allows them to engineer heads that can withstand the abuse of elite-level lacrosse yet still provide responsive feel and quick handling. When shopping for a Surgeon head, pay attention to the specific materials used.
For example, the S900 attack head incorporates TeXtreme carbon fiber into the sidewalls which enhances stiffness without adding weight. This lets you rip shots as hard as you want without compromising control. The S700 midfield head uses Surgeon’s dual-durometer technology with softer materials along the scoop and harder compounds on the throat to optimize handling from all angles. The S500 defense head employs a new titanium alloy on the bottom rails to retain its shape after relentless ground ball scrums. And the materials on the S100 support quick releases across the entire head.
Don’t just think about durability though – these advanced materials also fine tune the performance. The precision and consistency of materials like aircraft aluminum allow for tighter tolerances and construction techniques that amplify key gameplay aspects. Testing heads with the same pocket but different materials helps isolate what each one brings to the table. Dialing in the right materials for your style of play takes your Surgeon head to the next level.
Finding the Ideal Balance of Weight and Performance
When researching Surgeon 900 lacrosse heads, you’ll notice a range of weights from ultra-light options around 4 ounces up to more robust heads weighing 6+ ounces. While a lighter head is easier to quickly maneuver, some players prefer the increased ball feel and control from extra weight. Finding your ideal balance depends on personal preference and playing style.
For example, offensive players who rely on speed and quick stick may opt for one of the lighter Surgeon heads like the 4 ounce S100 or S900 to whip shots faster. The reduced mass helps you change direction quickly on dodges and generate maximum shot speed. Some faceoff specialists also like lighter heads for quicker clamping and handling during draws. However, some players argue the ultra-light heads reduce feel on cradling and passes.
On the other end of the spectrum, defenders tend to favor slightly heavier heads in the 5-6 ounce range for superior protection during ground ball scrums and checking. The extra heft helps hammer one-handed checks to dislodge the ball. Take some time to try heads with different weights – you may be surprised at what balance clicks with your playing style. Don’t assume lighter is always better or vice versa. Dialing in the ideal weight amplifies your strengths as a player.
The Importance of Face Shape and Offset
A key but often overlooked factor when selecting a Surgeon 900 series lacrosse head is analyzing the face shape and offset. The angle of the scoop, the curvature of the sidewalls, the dimensions of the throat – these all work together to provide the unique feel and performance of a head. Dialing in the right shape for your position amplifies your skills on the field.
For example, wider head shapes with an aggressive offset like the Surgeon S500 provide superior ball control for defenders and long poles taking face-offs. The angled sidewalls and extended scoop also help win ground balls by allowing you to get under the ball more cleanly. Meanwhile, heads with a narrower face shape like the S100 and S900 give you a quick release for ripping shots on goal as an attackman or midfielder.
Don’t just default to the same head shape you’ve always used – try out some different Surgeon silhouettes to find your ideal blend of scoop, offset, and sidewall curvature. Think about if you want more hold for dodging defenders or a faster release when shooting on net. Visualize how ground balls will deflect into the head at extreme angles. Finding the face shape and offset built for your game helps you win more possessions and score more goals with your Surgeon 900 lacrosse head.
Choosing the Ideal Throat Design
An overlooked aspect on many lacrosse heads is the throat design, but this can significantly impact overall performance. Surgeon puts careful engineering into sculpting throat shapes best suited for different playing styles. When choosing your Surgeon 900 series head, pay attention to the dimensions and contours of the throat.
Wider throats with more defined sidewall channels are excellent for box lacrosse players, defenders, and faceoff specialists who need superior ball control. During ground ball scrums and exchanges on clears, you can easily direct the ball into the pocket thanks to the widened throat. Meanwhile, narrower throats generate faster ball speed for offensive players when shooting. The decreased width focuses the ball’s energy down into the pocket instead of allowing flex across a wider throat.
Also consider the shape of the ball stopper and how gradually the throat transitions from the sidewalls into the neck. Too dramatic of a curve could lead to less ball control on passes and shots. Testing out different throat shapes even with the same pocket will highlight this difference. As a general rule, wider throats add control while narrower throats add velocity. Find the ideal throat design for balancing these capabilities in your Surgeon 900 head.
Taking Advantage of Stringing Holes and Flexibility
One of the hallmarks of Surgeon lacrosse heads is the sheer amount of top and side stringing holes they incorporate. This allows you to get extremely creative with stringing up any pocket style you can imagine. When choosing your Surgeon 900 head, look for one with ample holes to maximize stringing flexibility.
More holes give you options like adding multiple shooters, incorporating unique meshes and leathers, dialing in precise pocket placement, and tuning whip and release. Extra holes also allow you to easily experiment with different pocket setups for your position or as the season progresses. You can string pockets with different depths, ball retention, and whip with the same head thanks to all the adjustments.
In addition to holes, look at the sidewall and scoop geometry to evaluate how flexible the head will be for stringing. Heads like the Surgeon 100 and 900 have more give for baggy mid-pockets with insane hold. Meanwhile, the Surgeon 700 and 500 maintain their shape better for consistent high pockets. More holes and flexibility equals more ways to finesse your Surgeon pocket.
Balancing Control and Shot Speed Through Flexibility
One of the key performance factors influenced by a lacrosse head’s design is flexibility. Heads with more bend and “whip” can generate faster shot speeds while stiffer heads provide superior ball control. When selecting a Surgeon 900 series model, think carefully about the right blend of flexibility for your position and style.
For example, offensive players looking to rip shots top-shelf may lean towards more flexible heads like the Surgeon 100 and 900. The increased whip builds momentum as you bring the head through your shooting motion, resulting in lighting fast shots. However, some players argue these ultra-flexible heads reduce feel and control when passing and feeding. The ball rattles around more in the pocket.
On the other hand, defensemen and midfielders may opt for stiffer heads like the Surgeon 700 that hold their shape better under slashes and checks. You sacrifice a bit of shot speed but gain noticeably better ball control, especially for players not always looking to shoot. Testing out pocket movement and shot speed on heads with different flex profiles highlights this trade-off.
As with most lacrosse gear, increased flexibility amplifies some skills while reducing others. Find the right blend to complement your strengths as a player. Surgeon’s lineup of heads with graduated flex profiles makes this easy to dial in.
Navigating the Price Range of Surgeon lacrosse Heads
With Surgeon’s reputation for innovation and elite-level performance, their lacrosse heads come at a premium price point. However, the price range still varies across the 900 series lineup based on the materials, construction, and technologies utilized. When selecting your head, weigh the price versus performance to find the best value at your budget level.
For example, the Surgeon 100 retails for around $135 as a lightweight, flexible offensive head perfect for younger players and those on a budget. The Surgeon 500 bumps up to approximately $185 with its stiffened sidewalls and titanium alloy components to withstand defensive play. And the Surgeon 900 comes fully loaded with carbon fiber and other premium materials at a cost of $225+ for maximum ball speed.
Consider what features matter most for your playing style and where you are okay sacrificing. The core Surgeon quality and consistent stringing/pocket feel remains the same across the lineup, so you can’t go wrong. However, shelling out more cash gets you the latest tech and materials for precision performance gains. Test different price point heads to feel the performance differences firsthand and invest at the level that fits your needs.
Matching Surgeon Heads to Player Positions
One of the keys to maximizing a lacrosse head’s performance is matching it to your position and style of play. Surgeon optimizes their 900 series lineup with different heads suited for attackmen, middies, defenders, faceoff specialists, and more. Consider what attributes help you excel at your position.
For example, attackmen benefit from quicker release and added whip for blistering shots on goal along with superb ball retention for ducking defenders. The Surgeon 100 and 900 provide this with scoop and sidewall shapes engineered for quicker passing and shooting. Meanwhile, defenders need superior ball control for securing ground balls and initiating clears. The Surgeon 500 gives them boxier wider heads and stiff sidewalls ideal for this role.
Think about key aspects of your gameplay – are ground balls more important or quick stick shots and feeds? How often do you need to protect your stick versus rip 60 mph shots? What head shapes have worked well in the past? Mapping these needs to the Surgeon lineup helps narrow down your perfect positional fit. And be sure to watch teammates at your position test different heads to compare. Dialing in a Surgeon 900 head tailored to your role gives you an edge.
Choosing Surgeon for Quality and Innovation
When selecting your next lacrosse head, one of the top brands to consider is Surgeon. They have earned a reputation for relentless innovation, high-quality construction, and crafting heads optimized for every position. If you want a head engineered to improve your game, Surgeon is a top option.
Surgeon pioneered technologies like variable sidewall stiffness zones, asymmetric sidewall geometries, and hybrid materials like titanium and carbon fiber to maximize performance. While some brands stick to classic silhouettes, Surgeon constantly experiments with new head shapes, scoops, stringing hole patterns, and rail designs. They also manufacture heads in smaller batches with tight tolerances for unmatched consistency.
In addition to performance, Surgeon heads simply look and feel unique. From the intricate hole patterns to the textured surfaces and finishes, you can see and feel the quality. And Surgeon puts each head through rigorous testing before approving for sale. Backing this with a strong warranty gives you peace of mind. If you want innovation, quality, and craftsmanship, Surgeon delivers on every front.
The Durability of Surgeon’s Aircraft-Grade Materials
A key benefit of Surgeon lacrosse heads is their rugged durability from aircraft-grade metals and military spec polymers. While some heads degrade over a season or two, Surgeon builds their heads to last. The 900 series can withstand the abuse of elite lacrosse while maintaining responsive feel and control.
For example, Surgeon uses 6061 aluminum forged to aerospace standards for lightweight yet stiff components in the sidewalls and scoop. The precise alloy blend and forging process creates a lacrosse head stronger than those relying on generic alloys. Surgeon also leverages nylons tested to military specifications for temperature, impact resistance, and structural integrity you can count on in any condition.
In addition to premium metals and polymers, Surgeon perfects the engineering behind each head shape to minimize stress points and wear. Sophisticated software modeling and lab testing ensures even intense gameplay won’t compromise a Surgeon’s performance and feel. While lighter or cheaper heads break down, Surgeon’s stand the test of time thanks to aircraft-grade durability.
The Appeal of Surgeon’s Limited Edition Heads
In addition to their standard lineup of high-performance lacrosse heads, Surgeon releases limited edition heads that are must-haves for collectors and those seeking unique style. These limited run heads feature exclusive colors, graphics, materials, and details you won’t find anywhere else.
For example, Surgeon partnered with hot rod designers to create the 911 series with custom automotive paint jobs in sparkling colors. They also collaborate with top stringers to produce limited heads with hand-dyed leathers and pre-installed custom stringing. Even the standard lineup comes in exclusive team colors and patterns you can’t get elsewhere.
Beyond aesthetics, these limited editions incorporate experimental technologies and materials before they hit Surgeon’s main lineup. It’s a chance to get next-gen performance early. And the low production volumes make these heads stand out on the field. For lacrosse gear collectors or those wanting a flashy head, Surgeon’s limited editions deliver.
Surgeon’s Ironclad Performance Guarantee
Investing in a premium lacrosse head like Surgeon’s 900 series represents a significant purchase. You want confidence you’re getting a head engineered to perform and built to last. That’s why Surgeon offers an ironclad performance guarantee backing all of their heads.
This comprehensive warranty covers any defects in materials and workmanship for up to 2 full years after purchase. Surgeon also warranties the head against warping or damage under normal play for 1 full year. If any issue pops up due to a manufacturing defect, Surgeon will repair or replace your head, no questions asked.
Surgeon even encourages players to return heads after heavy usage so their engineers can examine them. This feedback helps them continuously improve product quality and performance. Companies unwilling to back up their products with this level of guarantee may be cutting corners in design or manufacturing. Know your investment is protected when buying Surgeon.
