Create the Ultimate Lacrosse Stick in 15 Steps

Create the Ultimate Lacrosse Stick in 15 Steps

Choosing the Perfect Lacrosse Head Shape and Size

When creating your custom lacrosse stick, one of the most important decisions is selecting the right lacrosse head. The head shape and size you choose will significantly impact the feel, handling, and performance of your stick. But with so many head options on the market, how do you decide?

First, consider the position you play. Attackmen and midfielders generally prefer narrower heads for increased ball control, while defenders opt for wider heads with bigger scoops for quicker ground balls. Goalies also use extra wide heads to help block shots. For midfielders looking for a balance of control and scooping ability, a mid-range width around 6 inches is ideal.

You’ll also want to think about head styling. Curved heads like the Maverik Optik provide insane ball control for stringers, while more pinched, pointed heads like the Nike CEO offer insane power when shooting. And don’t forget about head offset – heads with lower sidewall offsets like the Epoch Hawk place the pocket lower in the head for an unmatched whip on passes.

Finally, match the head length to your play style. Longer heads up to 15 inches give you more stringing real estate for custom pocket designs. But more compact 10 to 12 inch heads often play with a stiffer flex and deliver tighter channel accuracy. For most players, a head length around 12.5 inches provides the perfect sweet spot.

So don’t rush your lacrosse head selection – with the right shape, size, style and length, you’ll maximize both the look and performance potential of your custom stick. Test out heads from leading brands until you find your perfect match, and enjoy the benefits of personalized stringing and ball control.

Selecting Optimal Stringing Materials

When stringing your own lacrosse stick, you’ll need to decide which materials to use for your pocket and sidewall strings. Traditionally, leather strips were used to interweave the head. But today, most players opt for synthetic or nylon laces combined with softer mesh and nylon strings. Here’s an overview of the most common stringing materials to help you customize the perfect pocket.

For starters, lacrosse mesh comes in a variety of diamond sizes,shapes and materials. Hard meshes like those from Stringking have smaller diamonds and minimal stretch, perfect for precise passing and shots. Softer polyethylene and nylon meshes from ECD and Maverik have more give, ideal for cushioning passes and maintaining ball control. For added grip and durability, wax meshes from brands like Throne and Piece of the Field incorporate wax coatings. And don’t forget about unique diamond shapes like Switchback and Neo from Stringking, engineered for insane ball hold through revolutionary pocket design.

When it comes to sidewall strings, nylon lacrosse lace offers the best blend of durability, flexibility and affordability. For a premium feel, kangaroo leather and rawhide leather from makers like Traditional Lacrosse provide unbeatable softness with dramatic pocket shifts. Or try wax-coated hockey laces for extra tackiness and ball control. Some players even use paracord for a stiffer sidewall string bed. Mix and match materials for the ultimate customization.

You can also add shooting laces and stringing accents with nylon shooting cords, leathers, cable wire and more. Play around with different shooting lace patterns to fine-tune your pocket’s hold and release point. Consider adding cross-lacing for extra stability. And never underestimate the importance of a quality top string nylon cord and bottom nylon anchor string. With the right combination of high-performance mesh, laces, strings and accents, you can craft your ideal pocket for impressive ball control and handling.

Learning the Basics of Lacrosse Stick Stringing

Before you can string your own custom lacrosse stick, it’s important to learn the basics of the stringing process. Proper technique and knot-tying skills will ensure a legal, high-performing pocket that’s built to last.

First, study the key components of a lacrosse head, including the sidewalls, scoop, throat, and other parts. Understanding head anatomy will make the stringing process smoother. Next, learn essential knots like the triple knot for securing strings, and half-hitches for interweaving the mesh. A reliable top string knot like the traditional classic or updated 226 knot is also a must-have skill.

As you string, maintain even tension and spacing between diamonds to optimize pocket function. Focus on clean sidewall stringing for minimal friction and whip. Follow head manufacturer rules for attaching strings to throat lacing holes to ensure structural integrity. And be sure to use a lacrosse ball tamp to compress and set the pocket shape throughout the stringing and break-in process.

When installing shooting strings, there are many techniques to try. Popular patterns include the straight shooter, the V-shooter, 1 straight 1 v, and the triple threat. Shooting strings amplify ball speed, so make them with soft polyethylene to maximize control and feel. Proper integration of shooting cords with the rest of the pocket is key.

Finally, don’t forget to continually check your pocket depth with a depth gauge tool to maintain legality. Target the maximum allowable depth for your head style and level of play. With time and practice, you’ll master essential stringing skills. But always focus on the fundamentals – a solid foundation is crucial for crafting a pocket you’ll love game after game.

Stringing a Traditional Pocket for Optimal Control

One of the most popular pocket styles in lacrosse is the traditional pocket. This classic design provides unmatched control and ball feel for precise passing and shooting. Stringing a traditional pocket on your own stick is a rite of passage for any lacrosse player.

A traditional pocket uses a hardship shooting setup with a U, V or straight across top nylon string. Interwoven leather runners evenly spaced down the head create a tight channel and defined pocket shape. ACC pockets use crisscrossed leather inside the head for extra grip. The pocket is anchored with leather shooting strings and nylon bottom stringing.

To optimize performance, traditionally strung pockets are best paired with heads featuring a rigid, defined channel like the Stringking Mark 2F. Harder meshes help maintain pocket structure while softer options provide more hold. Kangaroo leathers offer premium feel while synthetic lacrosse laces provide affordability.

When stringing, focus on keeping uniform gaps between horizontal runners for consistency. Integrate vertical lace diamond patterns to fine-tune release points. Set the pocket depth to a lower-mid level for increased hold time. Top nylon cords can be strung in a deep triple V for pronounced definition. Mastering traditional stringing techniques takes time but delivers a custom pocket with impressive precision.

While stiff for some players today, traditionally strung pockets offer an unmatched connection to lacrosse tradition. With practice and skill, you can craft this time-tested pocket style to enjoy unique control over every pass, catch, and shot.

Stringing Advanced Meshes for Maximum Power

While traditionally strung pockets offer excellent control, some players prefer the increased velocity and ball speed of an advanced mesh pocket. New stringing styles like stacked and alternating diamonds along with pinched sidewalls have taken pocket performance to new levels.

Many pro players now use advanced meshes like Stringking Type 3F or Throne Mesh. These exceptionally lightweight polyethylene or nylon meshes are engineered for insane hold. By “stacking” diamonds vertically or alternating diamond shapes, these meshes hug the ball longer before release.

Pairing advanced meshes with pinched and curved head shapes like the Epoch Dragonfly and STX K18 further amplifies ball speed. These heads tighten the sidewalls to rocket shots with extra power. For added whip, use a low sidewall stringing angle and drop top nylon cord.

Stringing tricks like adding heavy nylon shooting cords also provide a “quick-stick” feel perfect for ripping high-velocity shots. Integrate a double or triple v shooting setup for even more defined hold points before release. Use softer mesh for pocket areas that need extra cushioning.

While requiring more skill to string cleanly, advanced pocket styles give players a whole new level of velocity. Embrace cutting-edge stringing techniques with elite meshes and head shapes to propel your game with extreme power.

Customizing Shooting Strings

An often overlooked part of lacrosse stick stringing is crafting customized shooting strings. While sidewall stringing establishes overall pocket structure, shooting strings fine-tune the feel and ball release.

Start by selecting shooting cord materialsideal for your play style. Softer polyethylene cords add cushioning for smooth passes, while heavy nylon delivers a crisp release. Or use leather shooting strings for premium grip and control. Coated hockey laces also provide excellent tackiness and response.

The shooting string pattern impacts point of release. V shapes give you a defined central channel, while straights increase hold time for winding up power shots. For versatility, try a triple threat with 1 straight, 1 v, and 1 across the top. Or get creative with unique shapes like diamonds, zig-zags or cross-lacing.

Integrate your shooting setup cleanly with the rest of the pocket. Attach sidewall strings directly to the lowest shooting cord for minimal friction and smoother release. Loosen the tension on upper shooting strings so lower cords do the majority of release work.

Don’t forget to experiment with double and triple shooter rows to establish multiple contact points with the ball. You can also twist or loop shooting strings for unique feel and increased definition. With endless options for materials, patterns and integration techniques, craft custom shooting strings that bring your pocket to life.

Installing a Lacrosse Stick Ball Stopper

An important yet often overlooked piece of lacrosse stick customization is installing a ball stopper. This prevents the ball from shooting through the bottom of the head when carrying or passing.

Most heads come with a pre-attached ball stopper made from molded rubber or flexible plastic. But many players prefer installing a customized stopper that better matches their pocket style and improving ball control.

Leather ball stops offer a classic look and premium feel. Stops made from rawhide leather will soften and mold to the ball over time. Or use kangaroo leather for natural tackiness. For added grip, apply pine tar wax to the leather stopper.

Nylon and mesh fabric stops provide more affordable options. Double-layer the material and stitch tightly for durability. With soft nylon, trim any loose threads so the material lies smooth across the bottom. For versatility, cover the ball stop in stringking grip tape.

Attach the ball stop using heavy nylon anchor strings and a tight triple knot. Position the stop low in the throat of the head for optimal ball control. Keep the material taut across the bottom for a defined point of contact with the ball. Take time shaping the stopper around the ball to maximize performance.

A custom ball stopper is the final piece completing your personalized pocket. Dial in feel, grip and control with a stopper crafted just for your playing style.

Achieving the Perfect Pocket Depth

One of the most important yet tricky aspects of lacrosse stick stringing is setting the ideal pocket depth. Depth impacts ball control, hold time, release speed and more. Dialing in pocket depth takes precision, finesse and testing.

Start by checking league rules for legal depth limits. For most men’s sticks, the midpoint of the ball must sit above the bottom rim when placed in the pocket. For women’s sticks, a ball placed sideways in the pocket must be fully visible. Illegally deep pockets will get you penalized.

While staying legal, target a depth optimized for your position and playing style. Attackmen like shallower pockets for quicker releases, while midfielders and defenders need more hold time for carrying up the field. Test different depths to find your personal sweet spot.

Use a depth gauge tool and lacrosse ball to regularly measure pocket depth as you string. Adjust vertical runners and diamonds to control depth across different pocket areas. Focus on consistent even tension – tighter bottom strings pull depth lower.

Don’t forget to keep compressing the pocket with a ball and mallet during stringing. This will “set” the mesh at your desired depth. Check depth after each stringing session until the pocket settles at the ideal measurement.

Mastering pocket depth takes trial and error. But a perfectly tuned depth amplifies all aspects of your game. Keep tweaking until you find depth perfection!

Testing Lacrosse Stick Flex and Feel

The flexibility and feel of your lacrosse stick depends on several customizable factors. Everything from head shape to pocket materials impacts the handling and responsiveness of your stick.

Stiffer heads with defined sidewalls like the Maverik Kinetik provide consistent channel accuracy for precise passing. More flexible heads like the Nike Vapor offer pronounced pocket feel and increased hold time. Consider your position and needs when choosing head stiffness.

Mesh properties also influence flex. Harder meshes like Stringking Type 3F make for a very rigid yet accurate pocket, while softermeshes add more cushion and feel. Playing style preferences should guide mesh selection.

Leather lacrosse strings traditionally provide the ultimate in soft feel and pocket movement. Synthetic materials like nylon and polyethylene are more affordable but reduce flex. You can mix and match stringing materials across different pocket areas.

Don’t forget about shooting strings. Softer polyethylene cords add a springy sensation, while waxed hockey laces amp up tackiness and responsiveness through the channel. Shooter setup directly impacts release mechanics.

Experiment with pocket tensioning. More loosely strung pockets increase hold times for a “baggy” feel, while tight stringing delivers instant ball ejection and stiffness. Find your ideal balance of responsiveness and flexibility.

Testing different flex profiles takes time but is crucial for optimizing stick performance. Dial in the exact handling and feel you need to take your game to the next level.

Taping Your Lacrosse Stick for Protection

Adding tape to your lacrosse stick shaft and head provides essential protection from checks, slashes, and damage. Tape improves grip while giving your stick personality.

For the shaft, start by cleaning the surface thoroughly to maximize tape adhesion. Then layer on a base wrap of grip tape like Lizard Skins, applying tension for a smooth feel. Top grip tape with a main tape like Renfrew or Thrones for optimal tackiness.

Use different tape colors to designate top and bottom hand positions for quick stick awareness. An overlapping vine pattern with two tape colors looks stylish. For extra cushions, double up tape on your bottom hand area.

On your head, tape around plastic joints to prevent cracks and breaks. Wrap where the head and shaft meet to stop connector wear. For metal shafts, cover the entire top section contacting the head for protection.

Don’t forget to tape around your faceoff heads and handles. This reduces damage during intense draws. Swap out tape as soon as it shows wear and loses stickiness. Re-wrap higher stress areas more frequently.

Proper taping extends the life of your stick while giving you an edge in games. With the right technique, materials and design, tape provides the ultimate lacrosse stick upgrade.

Using Colorful Tape for Style and Visibility

Applying colored tape to your lacrosse stick is the perfect way to add style while improving visibility on the field. With so many tape colors and design options, you can create a completely custom look.

For a clean aesthetic, pick two contrasting solid colors like black and white. Alternate each color up and down the shaft. Or divide the shaft in half and use a different color on each section.

Get creative with color combinations like Carolina blue and neon green or purple and orange. Use team colors or complementary shades that pop. Change up colors each season for a fresh look.

If you play in a foggy area, choose bright neon tape to stand out. Tape just the bottom half of your stick in neon for high visibility ground balls. Goalies should tape their sticks brightly so teammates can locate passes.

Beyond solids, try tie-dye style or color splash tapes for flair. Use patterned cloth tapes with checks or stripes. Wrap different areas of the head and shaft with distinct designs. With endless tape colors and patterns available, the only limit is your imagination!

Fine-Tuning Pocket Tension

An often overlooked part of lacrosse stick stringing is dialing in the perfect pocket tension. Adjusting string and mesh tightness fine-tunes the overall feel and ball control.

Start by checking the tension on your sidewall strings. Weave them so they lay flat and generate minimal friction. Create even gaps between vertical leathers for consistency across the channel.

Pay attention to bottom string tension. Overtight bottom strings will decrease pocket depth and make cradling difficult. Keep just enough tension so the bottom of the mesh retains shape.

Find the right shooting string balance. Upper cords should have less tension to let lower strings do the pocket release work. shooting strings that are too tight will deaden feel.

Consider loosening mesh diamonds in key areas. A looser middle allows more ball sinkage, while tighter diamonds up top maintain stability. Use a tamp tool to isolate and loosen target diamonds as needed.

Don’t forget to adjust top string knots over time. As mesh settles, retighten down knots to button up loose pockets. Keeping the right tension takes vigilance.

Getting pocket tension perfected requires an almost musical ear. With practice, you’ll learn to string harmonious pockets that hit the right notes on every throw, catch and shot.

Confirming Legal Stick Dimensions

Before taking any lacrosse stick onto the field, it’s crucial to confirm it meets all legal specifications. Stick checks before games closely examine dimensions – don’t risk penalties with an illegal pocket.

For midfielders and attack players, measure overall stick length end-to-end to ensure it’s between 40 and 42 inches. Defensive sticks can go up to 72 inches long. Use a fabric tape measure for precision.

At the widest point, male heads must be 6 to 10 inches across, with goalie heads up to 12 inches wide. Female stick heads max out at 8.5 inches. Double check these specs even if your head is pre-strung.

For pocket depth, a men’s ball placed in the head must sit above the bottom rim. For women, a ball in the pocket must be visible below the sidewalls when looking from the side. Use an official ball and ruler.

Also inspect for any cracks or holes in the frame that would make the head non-compliant. Replace sidewalls if any plastic is visibly worn or warped. Keep an eye out for any rough string edges that could cut.

Following stick dimension rules ensures fairness and safety. Confirm all specifications each season and replace equipment as needed, so you can play with confidence and avoid penalties.

Breaking In Your Lacrosse Stick Over Time

Maximizing a custom lacrosse stick’s performance requires gradually breaking it in over time. With use, the materials soften and sync together for improved feel.

Focus on pocket break-in first. Repeatedly pound the pocket with a lacrosse ball to shape the mesh diamonds. Use a wooden mallet for even pressure across the channel. This compresses the diamonds for ideal structure.

Next, work on shooting strings. Tie down nylon cords tightly, then use your fingers to roll and loosen them for increased pliability. Softening up shooting cords improves release.

For leathers and nylons, condition with occasional water to reduce stiffness. Don’t over soak – just minor moisture allows the materials to flex naturally. Leather wax conditioner also hastens break-in.

Pay attention to areas seeing the most wear like scoop, throat, and sidewalls. Reinforce these high-contact zones with extra tape to reduce premature damage during break-in.

With dedicated conditioning, your materials will sync and soften for an unparalleled unified feel. Be patient and keep working at it – a fully broken-in stick is a formidable weapon.