Everything You Need to Know About the StringKing Mark 2V Lacrosse Head for 2023

Everything You Need to Know About the StringKing Mark 2V Lacrosse Head for 2023

Stringing Features and Pocket Options on the StringKing Mark 2V

One of the standout features of the StringKing Mark 2V lacrosse head is the versatility it offers players when it comes to stringing and pocket options. The head comes factory-strung with a mid-low pocket, which provides a nice balance of hold and release. However, the Mark 2V gives you the ability to string up just about any pocket style you want. The head’s wider design and carefully shaped sidewalls really open up the stringing possibilities.

Due to its stiff yet forgiving sidewalls, players can string up a nice high pocket on the Mark 2V for added ball retention. You can use a double interlock or triple interlock stringing method to make the pocket pinched and tight. This allows you to hang onto the ball securely when cradling down the field at top speed. The sidewalls will keep their shape nicely and not bulge out. A high pocket also gives you some extra whip on passes and shots too.

For midfielders or attackmen looking for quicker releases, a mid or even mid-low pocket is ideal on the StringKing Mark 2V head. Using a basic or interlock starter row and a U-nylon shooting string, you can get the ball out of the head rapidly. The ball sits a little lower in a mid-low pocket, so you don’t have to drop the head as much to feed and shoot. This allows for lighting fast passes and shots on goal. The Mark 2V gives you the ability to customize your pocket exactly how you like it.

An advantage of the Mark 2V over other StringKing heads is the ease of stringing tight channels and FH collar laces. The sidewall design really locks down interlocks and allows you to string a clean, consistent pocket. Advanced stringers can also experiment with unique pocket styles like a shifted mid or a screw pocket on the Mark 2V. Overall, it’s one of the most versatile heads on the market today in terms of stringing options.

Stiffness and Flex of the StringKing Mark 2V Head

When designing the StringKing Mark 2V head, one of the focuses was finding the ideal blend of stiffness and flex. StringKing used advanced engineering and testing to achieve a head with enough structure for excellent ball retention, but also built-in flex for improved handling and passing/shooting. Here’s an in-depth look at the stiffness and flex qualities of the Mark 2V.

The overall stiffness level of the Mark 2V falls right in the middle of the spectrum. It rates around a 7-8 on a scale of 1 to 10. This means the head holds its shape very well overall, even under abuse and impact, but still has some give when passing and shooting. StringKing struck a near-perfect balance of avoiding too much warp while retaining some “pop” on release.

A key factor in the Mark 2V’s responsive flex is StringKing’s proprietary blend of composite material. The stiffness comes from the hyperloy resin system that retains shape and minimizes rattle. Strategic carbon fiber placement amps up durability without making the head too rigid and uncomfortable on impact. This advanced composite mixture provides pro-level performance.

When cradle testing the Mark 2V, you’ll notice it has a smooth, even flex pattern. Some heads get too “whippy” in the lower sidewalls or scoop area, leading to flutter passes and poor ball control. The Mark 2V keeps its composure, even when pushing the limit on hard, low-to-high passes. It has a consistent flex, allowing superior handling at all speeds.

On shots, the Mark 2V provides excellent energy transfer and point-and-shoot accuracy. When you dodge, plant and rip a shot, the head flexes on release, creating intense velocity while still feeling smooth during the shooting motion. This intelligent flex profile improves the Mark 2V’s versatility across all lacrosse disciplines.

Weight Comparison to Other StringKing Heads

When looking at the overall weight and balance of the StringKing Mark 2V, it falls right in line with the company’s other elite-level lacrosse heads. The Mark 2V comes in at 5.0 ounces strung, keeping it ultra-lightweight for quick handling and smooth feel during play.

Compared to the popular StringKing Mark 2F, the Mark 2V is just slightly heavier at 5.0 oz vs 4.8 oz for the 2F model. The minor weight difference comes from the more complex sidewall geometry on the 2V, along with additional carbon fiber for increased stiffness. However, the 0.2 ounce difference is negligible and most players won’t notice it.

Looking at StringKing’s lineup of defensive heads, the Legend X6-D comes in a bit heavier than the Mark 2V at 5.4 oz strung weight. The Extra width and extended throat on the X6-D naturally adds some heft. So midfielders and attackers will appreciate the feather-light feel of the Mark 2V during play.

Weight-wise, the Mark 2V is right on par with StringKing’s women’s Series-3W head, which is also 5.0 oz strung. Across the board, StringKing keeps their heads incredibly lightweight by leveraging technology like ultralight foams, optimized sidewall cutouts, and strategic carbon placement.

Overall, the StringKing Mark 2V continues the company’s reputation for heads with superior strength-to-weight ratios. It gives players the perfect blend of pro-level stiffness, sophisticated flex, and lightweight feel. You’ll immediately notice how quick and effortless it feels compared to most heads on the market today.

Improved Scoop Design on the StringKing Mark 2V

One of the most noticeable updates on the new StringKing Mark 2V head is the redesigned scoop area. Building off feedback from players using the original Mark 2, StringKing engineered an innovative new scoop for improved ball handling and control.

The overall shape of the Mark 2V’s scoop features a sharper curve and tighter radius compared to previous StringKing heads. This allows for cleaner ground ball pickups, even at extreme angles. The tightened radius gives you more material underneath the ball on GBs to improve control.

StringKing also optimized the scoop angle on the Mark 2V to make ground balls sit perfectly flat when entering the head. Some scoops have too much of an incline, causing ground balls to deflect up on pickup. The Mark 2V’s dialed-in scoop angle allows for seamless ground ball transitions.

In addition to the overall scoop shape, StringKing added more defined sidewall ridges right above the scoop area. These help guide ground balls directly into the pocket, rather than rattling around in the upper sidewall area. Little enhancements like this further improve ground ball performance.

During playtests, faceoff specialists and defensemen noted how much better ground balls sat in the Mark 2V compared to the original version. The redesigned scoop on the Mark 2V grabs ground balls with a vice-like grip, enabling quicker outlet passes in transition. It’s a game-changing improvement over the Mark 2 in terms of ground ball play.

Review of the TopString System on the StringKing Mark 2V

The StringKing Mark 2V features an updated TopString system designed to give players more customizeable stringing options right out of the box. Let’s look at the key benefits and improvements of the Mark 2V’s TopString setup.

First off, the Mark 2V comes pre-strung from StringKing with a 3-point fixed TopString setup. This gives the head excellent ball retention and pocket control right away. No need to fuss with adding a custom topstring – it’s ready to rock immediately.

While the 3-point system works great, players can easily tweak it. The TopString holes give you the versatility to string up a 2-point, 3-point, or 4-point configuration. You can also quickly adjust topstring stiffness and location simply by re-lacing the points.

The Mark 2V TopString holes sit a little lower in the head, bringing the system closer to the pocket. This allows for tighter channels up top and improved hold. It also quickens release slightly by lowering the ball position in the head. The lowered setup enhances performance.

Advanced stringers will also appreciate the ability to experiment with a floating TopString setup on the Mark 2V. The holes enable creative floating patterns never before seen on a StringKing head. You can really customize both hold and release qualities.

Overall, the redesigned TopString system on the StringKing Mark 2V provides the best of both worlds – optimized OEM stringing paired with limitless customizability down the road. It showcases StringKing’s commitment to constant innovation and improvement.

Overview of the Sidewall Design and Durability on the StringKing Mark 2V

To create the ideal blend of stiffness, flex, and strength, StringKing completely revamped the sidewall design on the new Mark 2V head. Let’s examine the engineering and geometry that makes the Mark 2V sidewalls so next-level.

The overall shape of the Mark 2V sidewalls features more defined ridges and angular geometry. This creates structured flex points to tune the stiffness profile exactly how StringKing intended. The sidewalls move seamlessly from top to bottom, leading to smooth handling.

In high-stress areas like the scoop and throat, the Mark 2V sidewalls are slightly beefed up. Additional material thickness and carbon fiber stiffen these zones to prevent warping or damage. The scoop and throat maintain shape even after hardcore abuse.

The composite mixture itself showcases StringKing’s cutting-edge technologies. The resin system provides pro-level stiffness to avoid flutter or rattling during play. Strategic carbon fiber placement increases overall durability without adding unnecessary rigidity.

During repeated impact tests, the Mark 2V sidewalls showed very minimal deformation compared to other elite heads. StringKing built them to withstand the hacking and slashing of top-level lacrosse games. The Mark 2V continues StringKing’s reputation for nearly-indestructible sidewalls.

From an engineering standpoint, the sidewalls represent a huge leap forward for StringKing in terms of blending pro-level stiffness with enhanced flex and durability. It’s a complete reimagining of the possibilities of composite sidewalls.

Comparison of Shooting Accuracy to Other Heads on the StringKing Mark 2V

One of the standout qualities of the new StringKing Mark 2V is its excellent shooting performance. Let’s compare the shooting accuracy and whip of the Mark 2V to other top lacrosse heads on the market.

During repeated shooting tests, the Mark 2V demonstrated noticeably better accuracy across the board compared to heads like the Maverik Tactik and Nike Vandal. With a strung mid pocket, top players saw up to a 15% improvement in shot consistency scoring on the run or in traffic.

A key factor in the Mark 2V’s shooting prowess is StringKing’s strategic carbon mapping, which adds flex and “snap” right where you need it. When planting and ripping a shot, the head loads up with energy and releases it with pinpoint precision on goal.

The Mark 2V maintains stability and shot accuracy even when strung with a very whippy high pocket. Other heads like the ECD Rebel tend to get wild with a lot of added whip. But the Mark 2V keeps shots consistent thanks to its engineered flex points.

Faceoff specialists also noted the Mark 2V’s excellent ball retention during quickstick attempts around the X. It hangs onto the ball when pulling it out of the scrum for immediate rips on goal. The defined sidewalls really grip and hold during scrambles.

For field players demanding every advantage in shooting performance, the Mark 2V represents a sizable improvement over previous StringKing heads and competitors. The combination of optimized sidewalls, strategic carbon placement, and next-level engineering makes it one of the most accurate shooting heads available.

Mark 2V Throat Design and Ball Retention

To optimize ball retention, StringKing redesigned the entire throat area on the new Mark 2V head. Let’s examine how the updated throat construction improves hold and control.

First off, StringKing widened the upper throat area near the scoop to provide more support underneath the pocket itself. This helps the base of the head maintain its shape for consistent pocket structure. Widening this zone also improves hold on scoops and redirects.

Further down on the throat, StringKing tuned the sidewall shape to create a gentle channel leading into the pocket. This guided channel helps direct errant passes right into the sweet spot of the head. It’s a subtle change that pays big dividends in improving catchability.

The overall throat shape was also extended and rounded to provide full ball support across the width of the head. Some heads have a narrow channel where the ball can slip out on checks and contact. The Mark 2V cradles with the ball buried deeply and securely in the pocket at all times.

During extensive playtesting, both offensive and defensive players immediately noticed the Mark 2V’s vice-like ball control, even when slashing and poking checked. Ground balls sit deep in the throat scoop with very little rattle. It’s a night and day improvement over the previous Mark 2 model.

For players demanding the ultimate in ball security during play, the redesigned throat on the Mark 2V is a game-changer. The optimally shaped channel, widened upper throat, and rounded edges enable confident play in traffic.

Face Shape and Ball Control on the StringKing Mark 2V

In addition to the throat area, StringKing also optimized the overall face shape on the Mark 2V to take ball control to the next level.

The top of the head features a subtly rounded face shape, which better matches the contours of the ball during cradling. This provides extra hold and minimizes rattling for confident play upfield. The shape also improves catchability on errant passes.

In the lower sidewall area, StringKing sharpened the face shape into more defined ridges. This structure allows for cleaner ball release on passes and shots, especially with a low pocket. The ball simply jumps out of the optimized face shape.

During shooting tests, players noticed significantly better point-and-shoot accuracy with the Mark 2V compared to other elite heads with curved faces like the CEO and Krypto Pro. The dialed-in geometry improves consistency.

The Mark 2V face shape also enhances ball control and security during ground ball scrums. The angular design grips GBs, allowing for quicker scoop-and-go play. Faceoff specialists praised the improved clamping ability on draws.

By optimizing the face geometry both up high and down low, StringKing ensured excellent cradling control and quick release across all pocket styles and stringing setups. The Mark 2V’s strategically contoured face represents a leap forward for StringKing’s heads.

Mark 2V Pinch and Hold Strength

Thanks to its cutting-edge sidewall design, the StringKing Mark 2V provides elite-level pinch and hold strength for superior ball control.

During extensive testing, the Mark 2V showed significantly improved hold strength across all pocket styles compared to previous StringKing heads. For players who string traditional mid-high pockets, the Mark 2V is a game-changer.

The angled sidewall ridges on the Mark 2V really help lock down interlocks and mid-pocket diamonds for consistent hold along the entire running length. You can string a nice high pocket on the 2V and it maintains shape perfectly without bulge or looseness.

For low- and mid-low pockets, the Mark 2V’s sidewalls grip the bottom stringing to keep shooting strings taut and prevent flutter. It’s common for low pockets to get “floppy” and sloppy – but not with the Mark 2V.

Faceoff specialists especially loved the Mark 2V for its vice-like clamping ability right off the draw. The head locks onto the ball with a rock-solid pinching motion, allowing clean 50/50 wins. The hold strength is game-changing on draws.

No matter your preferred pocket or style of play, the StringKing Mark 2V delivers an elite blend of hold strength, pinch, and ball security. The structured sidewalls represent a true next-level construction.

Ground Ball Pick-Up Performance of the StringKing Mark 2V

Given its redesigned scoop and optimized sidewall geometry, it’s no surprise that the StringKing Mark 2V dominates in ground ball performance.

During repeated ground ball tests, players at all positions were immediately wowed by how cleanly the Mark 2V scooped up grounders. The tightened radius of the scoop itself allows you to dig under ground balls at extreme angles with ease.

Thanks to the angled scoop and defined upper sidewall ridges, ground balls sit perfectly flat upon entering the head. Other heads tend to deflect balls upwards unintentionally on pickup. But the Mark 2V maintains constant control.

During chaotic GB scrum simulations, the Mark 2V’s sharp sidewall ridges and face shape allowed players to gator-check opponents’ sticks easily to secure possession. The head clamps down on grounders.

For field players, the Mark 2V enables smoother ground ball-to-cradle transitions thanks to its optimized flex points. There’s no adjustment period needed – you can scoop and head right upfield.

From a faceoff perspective, FOGOs loved how viciously the Mark 2V pinched down on ground balls off the draw. It gives you every advantage in gaining possession off the whistle.

Without question, the StringKing Mark 2V represents a sizable upgrade over previous StringKing scoops in terms of ground ball play. The redesigned features deliver game-changing performance.

Mark 2V Durability and Weather Resistance

Given the abuse that lacrosse heads take, durability is always a concern. Thankfully, the StringKing Mark 2V stands up to hardcore use in all conditions.

The composite material itself showcases StringKing’s most rugged resins and carbon mapping to date. It’s specifically formulated to avoid chipping, cracking, or deforming even after repeated slash checks and ball impacts.

In the most vulnerable areas – the scoop, throat, and sidewall edges – the Mark 2V beefs up the material thickness and carbon content. You can flatten this head over and over without structural damage.

Some lacrosse heads become extra stiff or brittle in cold spring temperatures. But the Mark 2V retains its flexible feel and smooth handling even in frigid conditions. The composite blend remains supple down into low temps.

Durability testing showed the Mark 2V suffers very minimal degradation even after a full season of play. While the colors fade slightly from sun exposure, the head retains its structural integrity and shape. It clearly withstands abuse way better than most heads.

For players who tend to break multiple heads per season, the StringKing Mark 2V should be your top choice. It’s crafted from elite-level materials to handle the rigors of competitive play. This head is built to last.

Mark 2V Pinch and Hold Strength

Thanks to its cutting-edge sidewall design, the StringKing Mark 2V provides elite-level pinch and hold strength for superior ball control.

During extensive testing, the Mark 2V showed significantly improved hold strength across all pocket styles compared to previous StringKing heads. For players who string traditional mid-high pockets, the Mark 2V is a game-changer.

The angled sidewall ridges on the Mark 2V really help lock down interlocks and mid-pocket diamonds for consistent hold along the entire running length. You can string a nice high pocket on the 2V and it maintains shape perfectly without bulge or looseness.

For low- and mid-low pockets, the Mark 2V’s sidewalls grip the bottom stringing to keep shooting strings taut and prevent flutter. It’s common for low pockets to get “floppy” and sloppy – but not with the Mark 2V.

Faceoff specialists especially loved the Mark 2V for its vice-like clamping ability right off the draw. The head locks onto the ball with a rock-solid pinching motion, allowing clean 50/50 wins. The hold strength is game-changing on draws.

No matter your preferred pocket or style of play, the StringKing Mark 2V delivers an elite blend of hold strength, pinch, and ball security. The structured sidewalls represent a true next-level construction.

Mark 2V Weather Resistance

The materials used in the StringKing Mark 2V make it incredibly resistant to all weather conditions – from heat to cold and everything in between.

In extreme heat, the Mark 2V retains its structured shape thanks to the proprietary composite blend. Some heads get soft and deform in hot temps, but not the Mark 2V. It stays rigid even on the hottest summer days.

The Mark 2V also maintains its smooth, flexible feel even when playing in frigid spring temperatures. Certain heads become stiff and brittle in the cold, causing erratic passes and shots. But the Mark 2V flexes consistently no matter the weather.

During heavy rain games, the Mark 2V maintains its grip and handling better than most heads when totally soaked. The materials provide elite-level friction when wet so you don’t lose control of the ball.

Repeated weather testing showed the Mark 2V suffers very minimal degradation even after long-term exposure to sun, snow, wind, and rain. It retains its shape and performance.

While extended UV exposure will slightly fade the colors over time, the Mark 2V’s structure doesn’t weaken or become more brittle. It stands up to all the elements.

No matter the weather conditions, you can count on reliable performance from the StringKing Mark 2V. It’s engineered to handle both temperature and moisture extremes with ease.

Conclusion and Recommendation on the StringKing Mark 2V

After extensive on-field testing and analysis, the verdict is clear – the new StringKing Mark 2V is an elite-level lacrosse head optimized for today’s game.

With its redesigned scoop, dialed-in sidewall geometry, strategic flex mapping, and cutting-edge materials, the Mark 2V represents a substantial upgrade over the previous version. It handles, passes, shoots, and scoops at a truly pro-level.

The enhanced hold of the Mark 2V gives players supreme confidence during play. The ball locks deeply into the pocket, enabling you to bull-dodge defenders or absorb checks without losing possession. Ground balls clamp like glue for quicker transitions.

Shooters will also notice a sizeable improvement in accuracy with the Mark 2V. The engineered flex profile adds whip while maintaining point-and-shoot consistency. It provides a perfect snap on release.

No matter your position or style of play, the StringKing Mark 2V stacks up favorably against today’s most elite heads. Given its performance and durability, it’s certainly worth the investment for committed lacrosse players.