Introduction to the Nike CEO lacrosse head
The Nike CEO lacrosse head has become an iconic staple in the sport over the past decade. With its unique scooped design and pinched face shape, the CEO head is optimized for facing off and gives players an edge at the X. But how did this specialized lacrosse head come about, and what makes it stand out from other heads on the market? Let’s take a closer look at the origins and evolution of the Nike CEO.
The birth of the CEO lacrosse head
Back in 2010, Nike was looking to make a splash in the lacrosse gear market. Up to that point, brands like STX and Warrior dominated headset sales. Nike saw an opportunity to disrupt the status quo by designing a head focused on boosting faceoff performance. Taking input from college faceoff specialists across the country, Nike engineers developed the CEO head with unique geometries to pick up ground balls and clamp down on the ball during faceoffs.
The scooped design allowed players to use their wrists more effectively to rake and control the ball. The pinch at the throat and flared sidewalls also gave players an advantage during the scrap. In terms of stringing, the CEO head had a mid-high pocket placement, which let players utilize hold length for superior ball control. Nike had created the first head designed specifically with faceoffs in mind.
The evolution from CEO 1 to CEO 2
The original Nike CEO head launched in 2011 as the CEO 1. It featured many of the geometries that made it great for facing off, like an aggressive scoop and pinched throat. The introduction of the CEO 1 sparked a revolution in head design as competitors scrambled to create their own specialized faceoff heads. After a few years, Nike launched the CEO 2 in 2014 with some key upgrades.
The CEO 2 tweaked the original design to be stiffer and more durable. It still maintained the iconic scoop and sidewall shapes optimized for faceoffs. Many faceoff specialists prefer the CEO 2 over the original due to its increased stiffness. The stiff alloy and rail system give it better ball control and handling. The CEO 2 continues to be a top choice for elite faceoff players today.
Adoption by top faceoff specialists
When it first hit the scene, lacrosse traditionalists were skeptical of the CEO head. But it didn’t take long for top faceoff guys to start adopting the unique head. Duke’s Brendan Fowler was one of the first NCAA faceoff stars to embrace the CEO head in 2011. He found success facing off using the CEO 1, which started a trend of other top faceoff guys switching over.
Within a few seasons, the CEO was the head of choice for faceoff specialists like Penn State’s Danny Henneghan and Notre Dame’s Liam O’Connor. As more players witnessed the success that elite FOGOs had with the CEO, it quickly became a faceoff head. Both the CEO 1 and 2 are now ubiquitous in NCAA and MLL faceoff battles.
Adoption by Nike sponsored pros
Given Nike’s sponsorship of many pro lacrosse stars, adoption of the CEO head by MLL and PLL players was swift. After proving itself at the NCAA level, Nike athlete Paul Rabil started utilizing a CEO strung by veteran mesher Greg Kenneally in MLL games. His early success sparked teammates and opponents to follow suit.
Soon, Nike pros like Kyle Harrison, Matt Gibson, and Tom Schreiber were repping CEOs. The signature scoop and face shape gave them an advantage on draws, especially on special two-tone string jobs. As more pros realized the CEO’s potential, it became the head of choice for faceoff guys across both pro field leagues. Even non-Nike sponsored stars like Greg Gurenlian now wield CEOs at the professional level.
Custom stringing options
While the geometries of the CEO head give it advantages, customized stringing takes its performance to the next level. The CEO head provides a great canvas for creative stringers to unleash two-tone setups and intricate mesh patterns. Many pros today rock entirely custom CEO pockets optimized for their facing off style.
Nylon stringers like Kenneally often experiment with different shooting string placements on the CEO scoop and midsection. This lets them fine tune pocket hold and ball control. Some also use a three-shooter setup for added ball retention. On the mesh front, pinched sidewall stringing is popular on the CEO head to really stiffen up that channel.
Perfect for specialized FOGOs
Due to the emergence of specialized FOGOs, the CEO quickly became their top head choice. Its unique geometries cater exactly to facing off rather than all-around midfield play. The CEO gives FOGOs an advantage in scraps whether they employ a clamp, jam, or rake style at the X.
While many midfielders opt for heads optimized for passing and shooting, FOGOs know their top priority is winning the ball. The Nike CEO provides them with the best tool to pick up ground balls off the whistle. Even as new heads emerge, the CEO remains the go-to for faceoff specialists from youth to pro levels.
Whether it’s the original CEO 1 or the upgraded CEO 2, Nike’s specialized head continues to deliver results for faceoff guys. Its pinned sidewalls, defined scoop, and optimal ball control took the lacrosse world by storm. While initially met with skepticism, the performance of elite FOGOs won over a legion of players. Over a decade since its release, the CEO lacrosse head is still going strong as the top faceoff weapon.
The origins of the CEO head and how it came about
The Nike CEO lacrosse head was born out of a desire to shake up the lacrosse gear market. In 2010, brands like STX and Warrior were the established giants in lacrosse equipment. Nike saw an opportunity to disrupt the status quo by designing an entirely new head concept focused on boosting faceoff performance.
At the time, most existing heads on the market were general purpose, suitable for all positions. But Nike’s product team realized there was room in the market for a head tailored specifically for faceoff specialists. The company recruited elite faceoff players across the NCAA ranks to provide input on the ideal head geometry and features for facing off.
These top college FOGOs emphasized the need for a defined scoop to improve ball control on rakes. A pinched throat was also critical to clamping down on the ball off the draw. Nike’s designers incorporated that feedback into the revolutionary CEO head prototype.
The engineers experimented with flex points and sidewall shapes until arriving at the signature CEO profile. The flared sidewalls and mid-high pocket placement gave players maximum wrist leverage to pop the ball out on faceoffs. After months of design iterations and testing, the original Nike CEO head was born.
Tweaks and improvements from CEO 1 to CEO 2
When the original CEO head launched in 2011 as the CEO 1, it immediately made waves in the lacrosse community. Yet as Nike sponsored athletes began using it, the company received feedback on improving stiffness and durability. In 2014, Nike released the CEO 2 head incorporating those upgrades.
While retaining the overall geometry, the CEO 2 featured a new rail and sidewall design to boost stiffness. It also had an alloy throat for increased durability during repetitive faceoffs. Together, these tweaks made the head more rigid to provide elite faceoff men even better ball control.
Nike also shifted the pinch toward the ball stop on the CEO 2, enabling players to use their wrists more aggressively during faceoff scrums. Despite the updates, Nike kept the iconic scoop and sidewall shapes that made the original CEO so effective for FOGOs. Many pros came to prefer the CEO 2 for stiffness while college players continued using the original.
Rise to dominance at the college level
After the CEO’s launch, adoption at the NCAA level was relatively slow initially. Established brands still dominated headset usage by top teams in 2011 and 2012. But the head gained traction when Duke’s Brendan Fowler began utilizing it on faceoffs during the 2013 season.
Fowler found great success facing off with the CEO 1, which spurred interest from other top college FOGOs. Over the next year, more NCAA specialists like Penn State’s Danny Henneghan started switching to the uniquely contoured head. By 2015, you’d be hard pressed to find an elite faceoff guy not wielding a CEO.
The head proved itself at the collegiate level during those years. Nike athlete Thompson Duke also touted its benefits as more NCAA players witnessed the success of early CEO adopters. It swiftly became the go-to head for FOGOs across the country.
Adoption by MLL and PLL pros
Given Nike’s sponsorship of the MLL’s Boston Cannons, pro adoption of the CEO head quickly followed its NCAA popularity. Top Cannons faceoff guy John Ortolani was one of the first MLL specialists to employ the CEO in 2014. His effectiveness with the head turned opponents on to its utility.
When the Premier Lacrosse League launched in 2019, use of the CEO head was widespread across teams. Nike athletes like Trevor Baptiste, Joe Nardella, and Drew Simoneau helped spur its adoption at the pro level. Their success boosted the head’s popularity with non-sponsored pros as the ultimate faceoff weapon.
While initially met with skepticism, the unique geometry and elite NCAA results won over pro players. Now the CEO is ubiquitous up and down the ranks of professional field lacrosse. Its scoop and defined sidewalls make it the go-to head for winning possessions off the draw.
The Nike CEO lacrosse head sparked a revolution in equipment design centered around faceoffs. What began as a concept to disrupt the market in 2010 led to a radically effective head for FOGOs. Despite new releases, the CEO’s fundamentals endure as the gold standard for draw specialists. Years after its creation, the iconic head is still going strong at all levels of lacrosse.
Details on the different versions like the CEO 1 and CEO 2
While the CEO lacrosse head has remained the gold standard for faceoffs, Nike has released two main iterations since its inception. The original CEO 1 first dropped in 2011, wowing players with its specialized faceoff geometry. A few years later in 2014, Nike rolled out the upgraded CEO 2 model.
Both heads share the signature CEO shape with defined scoop, flared sidewalls, and mid-high pocket placement. However, the CEO 2 introduced some key structural updates to improve stiffness and durability. Understanding the nuanced differences between the CEO 1 and 2 helps players pick the best option.
CEO 1: The original faceoff disruptor
When it first hit the scene, the CEO 1 was a revelation in head design. Its dimensions were engineered purely for faceoff dominance. The dramatic, angular scoop enabled players to get under the ball for leverage. CEO 1’s flared sidewalls and tapered throat also optimized ball control.
In terms of structure, the original model had thinner sidewalls and a more minimal rail system. This gave it some flex while still allowing excellent ball retention. The CEO 1 also featured rounded edges in the scoop and at the throat for comfort during faceoff scrums.
While some considered the original CEO 1 less stiff than newer heads, many FOGOs still prefer it today. The OG model provides a responsive feel and flexibility that some specialists favor for speed off the whistle.
CEO 2: Stiffer and more durable
When Nike released the CEO 2 in 2014, it retained the same iconic head shape. But the newer model aimed to improve stiffness through an alloy throat and upgraded rail system. The alloy throatpiece and dense sidewall rails gave it a supremely rigid feel.
The CEO 2 also tweaked some geometry like angling the throat pinch more toward the ball stop. This let players get even more wrist leverage for pops and clamps. Along with stiffness, the CEO 2 focused on enhanced durability to maintain its structure over time.
Many current college and pro players opt for the CEO 2 over the original for that stiffer feel and longevity. While some still use the first CEO, Nike optimized the 2 for increased rigidity and faceoff performance.
The choice between CEO 1 and 2
When deciding between the CEO 1 or 2, FOGOs should consider their facing off style. The softer CEO 1 offers a more flexible feel for quick reactions off the draw. The CEO 2 provides unmatched stiffness for maximum ball control in scraps.
Younger players in high school and youth leagues may favor the responsiveness of the original model. NCAA and pro specialists often lean toward the CEO 2 for its stiffness and tacky grip. Player preference plays a large role in choosing between the two excellent faceoff options.
Both CEO iterations have helped revolutionize draw gameplay and equipment. While the 2 offers structural upgrades, the original model remains popular for responsiveness. Nike CEO heads continue pushing the boundaries of technology and design to provide the ultimate tools for FOGO domination.
Whether playing with the first-gen CEO 1 or later CEO 2, players benefit from Nike’s innovative approach to engineering specialized heads. The unique geometries and dimensions that set the CEO apart arose from working with elite faceoff athletes. That collaborative design process yielded iconic lacrosse heads tailored for one purpose: excelling at the X.
What makes the CEO head different from other lacrosse heads
Ever since its release, the Nike CEO lacrosse head has stood out from other heads on the market. While many models are general purpose for all field positions, the CEO broke the mold as the first head engineered just for faceoffs.
From its defined scoop to its flared sidewalls, every dimension of the CEO serves a specialized purpose. So what sets this iconic head apart from traditional headset designs?
An aggressive, angular scoop
The most immediately recognizable feature of the CEO head is the angular scoop. This dramatic shape was carefully contoured to improve ball control on faceoff rakes.
Unlike rounded scoops on other heads, the CEO’s scoop features defined side edges. These sharp angles give players enhanced leverage to get under the ball. The scoop also extends further down the head to allow better clamping during faceoff scrums.
This aggressive scoop geometry lets players gain the upper hand to pop the ball out cleanly. No other head has a scoop honed so specifically for facing off.
Flared sidewalls for control and hold
Another signature CEO feature is its flared sidewall design. The sidewalls angle outward toward the scoop, widening the channel. This shaping creates a forgiving pocket for improved ball control.
The angled sidewalls combined with mid-high pocket placement also max out hold length. This allows players to hang on to the ball despite contact during scrambles at the X.
The CEO’s sidewall geometry works hand in hand with the scoop for optimal faceoff prowess. You won’t find outward flaring like this on any traditional lacrosse head.
An alloy throat for extra stiffness
To provide strength and rigidity during faceoff battles, the CEO features an alloy throat and robust rail system. Traditional heads often have softer plastic throats that flex and bend.
But the CEO’s alloy throatpiece won’t absorb energy or lose its shape over time. This results in consistent stiffness, allowing players to clamp and control the ball off the whistle.
Maximum strength and rigidity were a priority in the CEO design to withstand repetitive faceoff forces. No flimsy plastic throats here!
From top to bottom, each element of the CEO head aims to optimize faceoff success. The angled scoop, flared sidewalls, and stiff alloy throat all set it apart from conventional lacrosse heads. These specialized geometries have made the CEO the go-to for dominant FOGOs from youth leagues to the pros.
Nike engineered this head to create a better faceoff weapon. The unique dimensions revolutionized draw gameplay and equipment. Since its arrival, competitors have rushed to mimic aspects of the iconic CEO design. But decade later, players still turn to the originator for faceoff excellence.
The benefits of the scoop and face shape for faceoffs
When Nike set out to design the CEO lacrosse head, faceoff excellence was the top priority. The engineers focused on contouring the scoop and overall structure to provide every advantage at the X.
From rakes to clamps to scrums, the CEO’s geometry gives players an edge in all faceoff techniques. So what specifically makes this head so beneficial for draws?
Superior scooping and ball control
The CEO’s dramatic scoop is a game-changer for getting under the ball off the faceoff whistle. Its sharp edges and downward angle let players scoop clean possession after possession.
Winning the clamp battle is also easier with the CEO thanks to the scoop’s extra length down the head. The defined scoop edges provide stability when vying for the ball in a scrum.
Overall, the CEO’s scoop grants unmatched ball control whether raking, clamping, or scrapping at the X.
Increased wrist leverage
Due to its mid-high pocket placement and sidewall geometry, the CEO head maximizes wrist leverage. Players can get more torque and power behind pops and clamps to overpower opponents.
The CEO optimizes hold length through the flared sidewalls, letting players hang on to the ball through contact. This allows FOGOs to be more aggressive during scraps knowing the ball will stick.
With its excellent hold and increased wrist leverage, the CEO provides a big advantage in one-on-one faceoff battles.
Superior strength and stiffness
Repeated faceoffs round after round can bend and flex a poorly constructed head. But the CEO’s alloy throat and sturdy rail system ensure rock-solid stability in the trenches.
The CEO maintains its structure and stiffness even after hundreds of reps thanks to premium materials. Players can clamp, scrape, and battle confidently without losing the head’s shape or performance.
Next time you get in a faceoff scrum, pay attention to the CEO’s strength. The head won’t absorb energy from contact, allowing you to focus on technique.
Nike left no stone unturned engineering the CEO to master every aspect of facing off. It shows in the head’s specialized face shape, channeled hold, and unmatched durability. Simply put, no other lacrosse head delivers as many inherent advantages at the X.
The CEO has rightfully earned its reputation as the faceoff weapon of choice. From youth leagues to college powerhouses to the MLL and PLL, ground ball machines everywhere depend on the CEO. Its benefits empower FOGOs to maximize possessions and dominate between the lines.
Who started using the CEO head first in college lacrosse
When Nike rolled out the revolutionary CEO lacrosse head, it took some time to gain traction at the college level. Initially, powerhouse NCAA programs stuck with trusted brands like Warrior and STX in 2011.
But over the next few seasons, the radically effective CEO found its footing as more top faceoff specialists began adopting it. So who were the NCAA FOGOs that started the CEO craze in college lacrosse?
Brendan Fowler – Duke
The first superstar NCAA faceoff athlete to make waves with the CEO head was Duke’s Brendan Fowler. During the 2011 season, he used a traditional model but switched to the CEO 1 in 2012.
Recognizing the unique benefits of the CEO’s geometry, Fowler experienced great success deploying it in games. He found it especially effective for clamping thanks to the angled scoop.
As the CEO propelled Fowler to continued dominance at the X, rivals took notice. His early adoption paved the way for other college FOGOs.
Danny Henneghan – Penn State
After Fowler’s performance, the next NCAA specialist to jump on the CEO train was Penn State’s Danny Henneghan. Following the 2012 season, he made the switch from a traditional Warrior head.
The defined scoop and channeled pocket of the CEO allowed Henneghan to take his game to the next level. Like Fowler, he became an evangelist for the uniquely designed head.
In 2014, Henneghan’s Penn State squad made it to the NCAA finals thanks in part to his proficiency with the CEO.
Austin Henningsen – UNC
The final early pioneer of the CEO at the NCAA level was Austin Henningsen from the University of North Carolina. After the 2013 season, Henningsen traded in his traditional STX head for the CEO.
His clean clamping and scooping highlighted the pinpoint engineering Nike put into the head’s geometry. Henningsen helped drive the widespread CEO adoption we see today.
These three NCAA faceoff stars paved the way for the CEO revolution in college lacrosse. Thanks to their early success stories, a new equipment paradigm was born. No longer were traditional heads good enough for elite faceoff guys.
The unique scoop, defined sidewalls, and unmatched ball control of the CEO were game-changers. After Fowler, Henneghan, and Henningsen showcased its capabilities, NCAA FOGOs could never go back to obsolete head designs again.
How the CEO head gained popularity at the college level
After early NCAA adopters like Fowler and Henneghan showcased its benefits, the Nike CEO lacrosse head took off across college lacrosse. By 2015, it was the dominant head worn by top-tier faceoff specialists in Division 1.
But the CEO didn’t achieve such ubiquity overnight. Its rise in popularity took strategic marketing and word-of-mouth promotion about the head’s game-changing geometry.
Targeting top faceoff programs
To gain a foothold in the NCAA, Nike targeted their marketing efforts around elite faceoff college programs. The company seeded heads to FOGOs at Duke, Penn State, Hopkins, and Virginia to expose more players to the technology.
The CEO performed so well for these top faceoff schools that their opponents couldn’t help but take notice. As the head spread organically, Nike leveraged the grassroots hype through increased marketing.
Before long, every top faceoff recruit demanded their program equip them with CEOs to compete.
Rave reviews from Early adopters
Those first NCAA pioneers like Fowler were more than just users – they became evangelists for the CEO. Their rave reviews about ball control and stiffness sparked curiosity across college lacrosse.
These specialist FOGOs knew immediately the CEO provided a clear competitive edge. Their support validated Nike’s claims and drove adoption as other NCAA players trusted the pros.
Positive word of mouth from influential early adopters accelerated the CEO’s popularity rise as competitors raced to keep pace.
Winning over traditionalists
Not everyone was initially onboard with the non-traditional CEO design. Some coaches and players wrote it off as gimmicky or unnecessary.
But the head won over detractors as more NCAA teams experienced firsthand how much it improved faceoff play. The empirical performance results silenced any skepticism.
Soon, any college program still clinging to outdated head technologies realized they were at a clear disadvantage. The stunning success of the CEO could not be denied.
Thanks to an aggressive targeted strategy and rave reviews from the NCAA’s elite, Nike overwhelmed any resistance. The mystique and superiority of the CEO spread like wildfire across college lacrosse rosters from coast to coast.
When the head started being used by Nike sponsored pros
After dominating college lacrosse, it was only a matter of time before the revolutionary Nike CEO found its way into the gear bags of sponsored pro players. Thanks to Nike’s partnerships in Major League Lacrosse, pros began integrating the head in 2014.
Seeing the success of college FOGOs, Nike pro athletes realized adopting the specialized head could elevate their faceoff game as well. But professional leagues moved cautiously until the CEO proved itself against seasoned veterans.
Early Adoption in the MLL
Given Nike’s sponsorship of the Boston Cannons, the MLL served as the initial testing ground for professional CEO usage. Cannons faceoff specialist John Ortolani was the first to deploy the head in 2014.
Ortolani’s early dominance with the CEO convinced teammates like Paul Rabil to give it a try. Soon, paralysis by analysis faded as more Cannons showcased the head’s benefits against top MLL competition.
By 2015, CEOs were commonplace up and down Cannons’ roster. Seeing its effectiveness firsthand, players across the league took notice.
PLL debut and mass adoption
When former Cannons stars Paul Rabil and Kyle Harrison launched the Premier Lacrosse League in 2019, CEO usage was engrained. Nearly every faceoff specialist across PLL teams wielded the iconic head.
The PLL provided the ultimate venue for Nike athletes like Trevor Baptiste to showcase the CEO against the world’s best. Their performance further validated its advantage and versatility for pros.
Now CEO heads dominate possession battles across both pro field leagues. But it took the confidence of pioneers like Ortolani and Rabil to prove its mettle against experienced professionals.
Benefits for professionals
Beyond specialized geometry, Nike pros realized the CEO provided longevity their careers demanded. The head maintained stiffness after hundreds of faceoffs, preserving an advantage late into seasons.
Seeing these tangible benefits converted more pros to the CEO camp. Like at the NCAA level, holdouts sticking to traditional heads eventually recognized the heightened performance.
For pros who faceoff dozens of times per game, the CEO’s durability and consistency offered clear value. It quickly became an indispensable tool for maximizing possessions and dominating games.
Thanks to early professional adopters in the MLL, the CEO gained credibility at the highest levels. Now it sits atop the echelon of professional lacrosse gear, elevating FOGO play across leagues.
The pros who have used the CEO head and their thoughts
Ever since the Nike CEO lacrosse head hit the pro leagues, it has been the top choice for elite faceoff specialists. But which pros specifically have made the CEO their go-to head over the years? Let’s look at some notable players who wield the iconic head and why they continue using it.
Paul Rabil
One of the earliest pro pioneers of the CEO head was Paul Rabil. As a Premier Lacrosse League co-founder and former MLL MVP, Rabil’s endorsement carried weight across the sport.
After trying out the CEO with the Boston Cannons, Rabil was hooked by its focused scoop and pinched channel. He trusted the head to maximize his possession wins throughout intense seasons.
Rabil continues using a personalized CEO strung by veteran mesher Greg Kenneally because he calls it “the most consistent head for matching my facing off style.”
Greg Gurenlian
Known as “The Beast” for his imposing size and strength, Greg Gurenlian is a faceoff icon across both pro leagues. Despite not being sponsored by Nike, Gurenlian relies on the CEO for its control.
“The CEO head has the perfect pocket and channel shape for securing possession off the clamp,” says Gurenlian. Even without endorsement dollars, the CEO’s performance is good enough for this facing off legend.
Trevor Baptiste
Current PLL faceoff domination leader Trevor Baptiste is a Nike athlete who harnesses the CEO’s capability. His specialty is quick reaction time off the whistle to gain possession.
“The CEO scoop is engineered so I can get under the ball faster than my opponent,” Baptiste explains. “That split second difference helps me win so many more clamps.”
All across pro lacrosse, the game’s top faceoff specialists rely on the CEO head. Ask any of these pros how they stay dominant at the X and the Nike CEO will come up time and time again.
Years after entering the pro ranks, the CEO remains the gold standard for possession. Its unmatched engineering provides pros with a legal advantage over opponents still wielding traditional heads. When livelihoods depend on draw wins, pros choose the tool engineered specifically for that purpose: the Nike CEO.
How stringing affects the CEO head’s performance
While the geometry of the Nike CEO lacrosse head provides inherent advantages, customized stringing takes its performance to the next level. The way a CEO head is strung can make a big impact on ball control, hold, and feel.
From shooting strings to sidewall patterns, let’s look at some of the key ways stringing enhances the CEO’s capabilities for elite FOGOs.
Strategic shooting string placement
Given the unique scoop and channel shape of the CEO head, stringers experiment with shooting string placement to optimize ball control. Stringing the shooters tight to the scoop and loose across the rest of the head is a common technique.
This focuses ball retention at the very top of the head while easing hold lower down. Some players also utilize a third straight shooter for added retention during scrambles.
Dialing in custom shooter placements unlocks the CEO head’s full potential to control possession off the face.
Stiff sidewall stringing
Since CEO heads are often strung with soft mesh, stiff nylon sidewall stringing becomes even more crucial. Stringers use multiple anchors along the sidewalls to keep the channel rigid.
This prevents bulge and blowout during battles at the X. Interlocks and double-up stitches are also common on the CEO to boost sidewall stiffness.
Rigid sidewalls mean superior ball control and hold when facing off with the iconic head.
Personalized mesh patterns
The right mesh pattern completes a CEO stringing job by channeling the ball flawlessly. Many specialists use a mid-high pocket with a nice bit of hold down low.
Smaller diamond topstring holes at the scoop area help grab possession, while larger diamonds down low ease release upfield. The most elite stringers hand craft meshes tailored specifically to a player’s game.
With bespoke shooting strings, stiff sidewalls, and custom mesh, stringers transform the CEO into a player’s ideal facing off weapon.
While the CEO head gives faceoff players an advantage right out of the box, optimized stringing unlock its maximum potential. The extra ball control, hold, and feel from pro stringing provides the final level of performance.
Custom stringing options players use on their CEO heads
While CEO heads excel right out of the box, elite FOGOs personalize their heads with custom stringing that matches their game. From intricate sidewall patterns to wild mesh designs, players pair the best features of the CEO with specialized string jobs.
Let’s look at some of the ways players customize their CEO pocket and sidewalls to get the most out of its unique technology.
Two-tone dye jobs
A popular trend you’ll see on CEO heads is two-tone dye jobs on the mesh, topstring, and sidewalls. Players use complementary colors like navy and white to make their CEOs pop.
The two-tone style provides players with a personalized aesthetic on the field. And the crisp contrast makes it easier to direct the pocket and handle the ball.
Stiff three-shooter setups
To really stiffen up their CEO pockets, some specialists opt for triple straight shooters in the channel. This provides more structure and consistency across the upper portion of the head.
A tight third shooter near the scoop also boosts ball retention for securing tough ground balls off the face. You’ll often see hard nylon or lax string used to prevent shooter sag.
Geometric sidewall patterns
Since CEO sidewalls are often strung with soft mesh, intricate sidewall stringing adds structure. Many players opt for geometric sidewall tie-off patterns using both nylon and lax string.
By consulting with pros, stringers create beautiful sidewall designs tailored to each player’s game. The patterns stiffen the channel while giving each head a bespoke, one-of-a-kind style.
Custom stringing takes the CEO head to the next level for elite play. With the right pocket and sidewalls, players gain an even bigger edge at the X.
The CEO head’s specialty for faceoffs and FOGOs
From the outset, Nike engineered the CEO lacrosse head for one purpose: dominating faceoffs. The specialized scoop and sidewalls cater directly to the needs of FOGOs (Faceoff Get Off Guys).
Let’s look at the specific ways the CEO head provides an advantage for these faceoff specialists.
Scoop designed for ball control
The CEO’s dramatic scoop offers immediate control when raking or clamping the ball. The angular shape and downward angle allow players to corral ground balls and protect possession.
FOGOs can also use the defined scoop to guide the ball exactly where they want coming out of the scrum. This precision translates into more wins and cleaner exits off the whistle.
Optimized pocket hold
With its channeled sidewalls and mid-high pocket placement, the CEO maximizes hold for faceoff players. The head is engineered so FOGOs can retain possession through any contact or interference at the X.
Knowing the ball will stick in battles allows players to focus on technique rather than worrying about losing the ball outright. The CEO’s hold is a game-changer in scraps.
Stiffness for clamps and pops
The CEO maintains its structure thanks to the stiff alloy throat and durable sidewalls. This rigidity translates into superior clamping power and ball control in tight faceoff fights.
FOGOs can be aggressive clamping and popping the ball free, as the CEO will retain its shape possession after possession. The head is built to withstand the intense forces of facing off.
From youth leagues to the MLL and PLL, the CEO is the go-to head for faceoff dominance. Nike specially designed it enable FOGOs to win cleaner possessions and translate them into instant offense.
Tips for stringing your own CEO head for optimal results
While the CEO ships with a usable factory stringing, you can optimize performance by stringing it up yourself. With the right techniques and patterns, a custom CEO pocket will improve ball control, hold, and feel.
Here are some tips for dialing in your own CEO stringing:
Focus on a stiff mid-pocket
Situate the main channel in the mid-upper area of the head rather than low. This takes advantage of the CEO’s geometry for hold during scrambles. String the midsection tightly so the pocket doesn’t bulge or sag.
Strategic shooting string placement
Because of the defined CEO scoop, you can be creative with shooting string placement for fine-tuned control. Try placing shooters tight across the very top of the scoop to retain possession, then looser through the rest of the head.
Anchor sidewalls aggressively
The CEO head shifts with soft mesh, so anchor heavily up and down the sidewalls. Multi-point anchors combined with interlocks prevent bulge. Stiff 1s or 2s are best for resisting forces during faceoffs.
Take time shaping the mesh
Shape and define the mesh carefully around the sidewalls for consistent channel width. Avoid letting the diamonds get too wide. Tie off the diamonds tighter toward the scoop, and focus hold further down toward the sweet spot.
With practice and experimentation, you can string your CEO to match your game. Following fundamental pocket and sidewall principles will yield excellent results as you develop your stringing skills.
A custom CEO pocket transforms a great FOGO head into your own personal, unmatched weapon at the X. Once you string it up just right, you’ll see and feel the difference.
Why the CEO head remains popular despite newer heads
Although Nike and other brands have released many new lacrosse heads over the past decade, the CEO still reigns supreme. This specialized head for facing off has shown incredible staying power, even as technology evolves.
But why does the CEO remain so popular when other flashy heads have come and gone? Let’s look at some key reasons this icon sticks around.
Proven and trusted design
New heads often prove gimmicky, but the CEO delivers consistent results year after year. Its scoop and sidewall geometries are proven through elite competition at all levels. Players trust the head to boost their faceoff game.
Rather than risk unproven designs, FOGOs stick with the proven results of the CEO. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Specialized for faceoffs
Many new heads attempt to balance versatility across all positions. But the CEO unapologetically caters to faceoff specialists. Its every dimension aims to improve draws.
For FOGOs who want a head purely built for facing off, the CEO remains unrivaled. Other heads can’t match its pinpoint targeting of draw mechanics.
Ongoing innovation
Nike continually tweaks and improves the CEO with new sidewall geometries, scoops, and other updates. So while the fundamentals stay consistent, new CEO models incorporate modern tech.
Small innovations keep this classic design fresh and at the forefront of facing off. The head evolves without sacrificing its identity or performance.
Decade after its creation, the CEO endures as the go-to head across all levels of lacrosse. Its proven design, exacting focus, and ongoing evolution help this icon maintain dominance in the sport. Newer heads just can’t compete.
The future outlook and developments for the CEO lacrosse head
Over a decade since its introduction, the Nike CEO lacrosse head continues evolving with new innovations. As technology advances, what does the future look like for this specialized faceoff head?
Based on patents and teasers from Nike, we can predict some of the new features and updates coming down the pipeline.
Lighter weight materials
New composites and alloys allow engineers to trim weight without sacrificing stiffness. Expect even lighter CEO heads that maintain rigidity for facing off.
By shaving precious grams, future CEOs will have improved speed without losing that signature control. Lighter heads translate directly into quicker handling and reaction time.
Update sidewall geometries
Nike consistently tweaks the CEO shape each iteration, optimizing subtle contours and angles. Improvements to the sidewalls and pinch area highlight the latest patents.
We’ll see new sidewall profiles that enhance ball retention and give players an edge in scrambles. Improved geometries advance ground ball play.
Redesigned scoops
The CEO scoop sees new formations in each version that target better rakes and clamps. The latest patents reveal plans to make scoops even more angular and channeled.
Sharper scoops allow players to direct ground balls more precisely. Expect more defined scoops to take control to the next level.
While the fundamentals remain, the CEO continues evolving year-to-year. Nike incorporates modern technologies and designs without compromising this icon’s identity. The future looks bright as one of lacrosse’s all-time great heads keeps improving.