The StringKing Mark 2: A Top Choice For Defense
If you’re a defensive minded lacrosse player looking for the best head to match your tenacious style of play, the StringKing Mark 2 deserves serious consideration. This head has quickly developed a reputation for being one of the premier defensive heads in the game today. Let’s take a closer look at why the Mark 2 stands out for defense.
Its Wide Profile is Made For Defense
The most noticeable aspect of the Mark 2 is its extremely wide sidewall and generous scoop. This gives defenders a lot of surface area to knock down passes and shots. The head’s width also makes it easier to control your stick checks. You can really feel the head envelop the ball when you check, giving you confidence in your ability to dislodge the ball. Ground balls are no problem either with such a generous scoop.
Great Durability For Physical Play
Long poles take a beating during physical defensive play. The Mark 2 is designed to hold up to all that contact with its Endura resin and high-grade materials. The head retains its structure even after big collisions. You don’t have to worry about warping or your sidewalls losing integrity. This head will last you a full season or more of hard defensive play.
Lightweight Feel Improves Control
Despite its size and durability, the Mark 2 remains remarkably lightweight. This gives you superior control over your stick movements and checks. The head moves swiftly to meet passes and shots thanks to its feathery feel. Yet it still has the heft necessary to deliver hard checks. Finding the right balance of weight is crucial for defense, and the Mark 2 gets it right.
Stringing Options For Different Styles
The Mark 2 comes with a specifically designed stringing system featuring StringKing’s well-liked triangular top string holes. This allows you to string the head according to your preferred style of play. Like a tighter channel and bag for clamping down on the ball? The Mark 2 lets you string it that way. Prefer more whip on ground balls and passes? You can string it for that too. The versatility here is outstanding.
Works Well For LSM Too
While created with the defensive-minded close defender in mind, the Mark 2 also works beautifully for LSM players. The design enhances the control that LSMs need during those crucial transition moments. And the head’s durability serves those all-over-the-field players well too. The Mark 2 is truly built for the entire defensive half of the field.
The Takeaway
If you take your defensive role seriously as a close defenseman or LSM, the StringKing Mark 2 deserves a long look. Its wider profile and versatility give defenders the control and confidence needed against today’s dynamic offenses. And it will hold up wonderfully to the physical play demanded of defensive players. The Mark 2 continues StringKing’s tradition of making some of the best heads across all lacrosse positions. For defense, it just might be their finest head yet. If you’re looking for an edge on defense, you’ll likely find it in the StringKing Mark 2.
Its Signature Shape Provides Pinpoint Accuracy
When looking for a lacrosse head that delivers superior accuracy, the unique shape of the StringKing Mark 2 really stands out. This head has a contour crafted specifically to improve a player’s passing, shooting, and catching ability. Let’s examine how the Mark 2’s one-of-a-kind silhouette leads to enhanced precision.
Scoop and Sidewalls Work Together
The Mark 2 features an extended scoop along with dramatically angled sidewalls. This combination guides the ball directly into the head’s pocket. When passing and catching, the ball parks itself perfectly in the sweet spot for immediate control. During shots, it sits deep in the pocket for maximum power transfer. The scoop and sidewalls work in tandem for excellent accuracy.
Pinch Points Focus Energy
StringKing designed “pinch points” along the sidewalls of the Mark 2 near the scoop. These tightened channels concentrate the energy transfer for unerring passes and blistering shots. The pinch points really funnel ball speed and spin. You can feel the head almost propelling the ball exactly where you want it to go.
Strategic Front and Mid Rails
The front and mid rails along the Mark 2 are engineered for better feel on shots, passes, and scooping. The shorter front rail combined with the mid rail placement provides excellent hold on the ball during passing. During shots, these rails give you a sensitivity for putting the ball in the perfect sweet spot of the head. Accuracy gets a boost here.
Ideal Balance For Control
By optimizing the distribution of materials, StringKing achieved an ideal balance point on the Mark 2. This enhances control by preventing the head from feeling top-heavy or too bottom-light. The balance also aids accuracy by giving you a smooth feel on quick stick passes and shots.
Works Well Strung Tight or Loose
Some heads require a specific stringing style for optimal accuracy. But the Mark 2 gives you consistent precision whether strung tight for more whip or strung loose for extra hold. Its versatile design means accurate passing and shooting no matter your stringing preference.
The Takeaway
From its specialized scoop to its strategic rail placement, the StringKing Mark 2 delivers extraordinary accuracy. Its shape is made to funnel energy and focus ball control. Passing, shooting, and catching all see a bump in precision. So if you’re looking for point-perfect results on every touch, the accuracy-engineering of the Mark 2 is tough to beat.
Scoop Design Makes Ground Balls a Breeze
As a defensive player, ground balls are a huge part of your game. Controlling loose balls and starting the transition game gives your team a major edge. That’s why the scoop design on the StringKing Mark 2 is a game-changer for defensemen. Let’s look at how this head makes gobbling up grounders easier than ever.
Extra Wide Opening
The most obvious aspect of the Mark 2’s scoop is its generous width. This gives you a large head start on wrangling ground balls before they can spread out. The wide mouth envelops the ball quickly so you can clamp down and secure possession.
Angled Sidewalls Corral Balls
The angled sidewalls of the Mark 2 do more than just look cool. They also serve to corral ground balls toward the center of the head. This prevents squirting balls and gives you superior control. The ball funnels right into the pocket for quick cradling after scooping.
Reinforced Scoop Materials
The scoop on the Mark 2 utilizes reinforced plastic and endura materials optimized for ground play. Even when hacking at tumbling shots or checked balls, the scoop holds its shape. This ensures balls feed cleanly into your stick instead of taking bad bounces.
Extended Shape for Reach
By extending the contour lines of the scoop area, StringKing gave the Mark 2 better ground ball reach. You can gobble up balls a half step further away, giving you an edge in ground ball battles. The extended scoop really makes a difference in your ground ball range.
Mid-Pocket Placement
The midpoint placement of the deepest pocket on the Mark 2 is ideal for ground balls. As soon as you clamp the ball in the scoop, it slides smoothly right into the mid-pocket ready for quick initiation of your clear. Excellent synergy between scoop and pocket.
The Takeaway
Clearing the ball after a save or turnover is a specialized skill for defenders. The Mark 2 gives you an advantage here with its ingeniously designed scoop and pocket working together. Recovering loose balls becomes reflexive. If ground balls are part of your game, the Mark 2 is built to make winning them second nature.
Stiff Sidewalls Offer Superior Ball Retention
As a defensive player, retaining possession after catches, checks, and ground balls is crucial. You need a head with sidewalls stiff enough to clamp down on the ball. This is an area where the StringKing Mark 2 dominates the competition. Its rigid sidewalls are perfect for possession play.
Made of Durable Endura and Resin
The Mark 2 utilizes StringKing’s proprietary Endura material on the lower sidewalls along with strengthened resin up top. This creates a stiff, rugged frame that doesn’t flex easily. The firm sidewalls allow you to achieve a vice-like clamp on the ball for confident possession.
Retains Shape After Checks
The rigid construction of the Mark 2 sidewalls allows it to maintain its contours even after tons of checks. It won’t get warped and deformed like cheaper heads. This consistent shape leads to consistently secure ball control game after game.
Strategic Stringing Holes
The sidewall stringing holes on the Mark 2 help amplify its already impressive ball retention. The triangular top string holes work with the mid sidewall holes to really let you crank down on the pocket. Customizing the stringing to your preference is easy.
Holds Shape on Ground Balls
Snagging ground balls with the Mark 2 allows you to immediately start driving transition. Even when you really hack at the ball, the inflexible sidewalls won’t fold up. This ensures you can quickly cradle and go after gobbling up grounders.
The Takeaway
Stiff sidewalls that can take a beating and still secure the ball is a must for defensemen. The Endura and resin construction on the Mark 2 provides exactly that. Its rigidity promotes vice-like ball control to fuel your possession game. For defensemen looking to clamp down, the Mark 2 brings awesome sidewall strength.
Strategic Stringing Holes Enable Custom Stringing
One of the marks of a truly great lacrosse head is versatility in stringing options. The StringKing Mark 2 delivers here with strategic stringing holes that let you customize your pocket perfectly. Whether you like a baggy mid-pocket or a tight channel, the stringing possibilities are endless.
Ample Top String Holes
The Mark 2 features several top string holes near the scoop allowing you to create different pocket shapes up top. String a tight channel for enhanced ball control or go baggy for easier scooping. The ample stringing real estate gives you choices.
Triangle Top Strings
The triangular-shaped top string holes are a StringKing signature. This unique shape lets you tweak the angle of the top strings to influence pocket channel and whip. The triangle design also grips strings better for reduced shifting and longer pocket life.
Midrail Holes Galore
Tons of stringing holes along the plastic midrail give you all the flexibility you need down low. Whether you like a soft pocket or more defined middie, it’s easy to dial it in. The multitude of midrail holes unlock all your stringing dreams.
Rubberized Sidewall Holes
The sidewall holes feature rubberized coating to improve grip on strings, preventing annoying slippage. This allows you to really crank down on sidewall strings without them shifting under pressure. Your pocket stays staunchly strung.
Perfect Pairing With StringKing Mesh
StringKing designed the Mark 2’s stringing setup work flawlessly with their meshes. The Advanced, Hero 2.0, and Hero 2.1 meshes pair wonderfully for next-level customization ability. Dial in your dream pocket with mesh made for this head.
The Takeaway
The abundance of smart stringing holes gives the Mark 2 best-in-class stringing versatility. Getting the exact pocket feel you want is simple thanks to the thoughtful hole placement and rubberized coating. Custom stringing freedom is the name of the game here.
Durable Materials Withstand Wear and Tear
Life as a defenseman means tons of physical play. Your lacrosse head takes a beating from all those checks, pokes, slashes, and ground balls. That’s why durability is so crucial. The StringKing Mark 2 is up to the challenge with reinforced materials designed to endure abuse.
Strong Yet Lightweight Resin
The Mark 2 utilizes an engineered high-grade nylon resin optimized for strength, stiffness, and reduced weight. This resin holds up far better to rough defensive play than cheaper plastics. It maintains integrity shift after shift.
Endura Rubber for Increased Toughness
StringKing fortifies their resin plastic with an additive called Endura in high impact zones. Endura is a rubberized material that increases flex resistance and durability. The scoop, sidewalls, and face shape hold strong thanks to Endura.
Reinforced Sidewall String Holes
The sidewall stringing holes feature additional reinforcement to prevent blowouts. These high-tension areas see a lot of stress, so the reinforced holes are crucial. Stringing security and pocket integrity lasts longer here.
Extra strong Scoop
The scoop takes a beating from ground balls and errant passes. But the Mark 2’s scoop utilizes thickened plastic paired with Endura to create a seriously stout shovel. It stands up to abuse while still retaining its shape and functionality.
The Takeaway
Defenders punish their equipment on every shift, so premium materials are mandatory. The Mark 2 delivers with fortified resins and rubbers designed for the long haul. After tons of play, this head still maintains its playing characteristics. When durable matters, the Mark 2 has the materials to withstand defensive duty.
Lightweight Feel Improves Maneuverability
Quick stick checks, fast footwork, and agile positioning are hallmarks of lockdown defenders. To maximize those defensive skills, you need a head with a lightweight feel for optimal maneuverability. Here’s how the StringKing Mark 2 promotes effortless movement without sacrificing toughness.
Strategic Plastic Placement
By optimizing plastic placement and thickness, StringKing kept overall weight low on the Mark 2. Thicker plastics protect high stress areas but other zones utilize thinner construction without losing strength. The mix of thick and thin equals featherlight feel.
Textured Design Minimizes Material
The textured geometric look of the Mark 2 is more than just style. The shapes allow StringKing to taper plastic amount in non-critical areas. This meticulous engineering shaves precious grams for a ultra-light head.
Comfortable Contour Shape
The contoured shape of the Mark 2 not only looks sleek but also improves maneuverability. The smooth, curved sidewalls and streamlined scoop move easily through the air when stick handling, passing, and shots.
Enhanced Responsiveness
The lightweight construction of the Mark 2 gives it a highly responsive feel. Minimal mass makes it easier to quickly change direction during footwork. Fast hands on checks become instinctual with the effortless movement.
The Takeaway
Eliminating unnecessary ounces without losing structural integrity makes the Mark 2 deceptively agile. It has the sturdy materials vital for defense but feels featherlight. Expect this head to become an extension of your stick skills with its dialed-in balance of responsiveness and toughness.
Multiple Colorways Available To Suit Any Style
Sure performance matters most, but defenders still want to look good out there. The StringKing Mark 2 brings visual flair with multiple stylish color options to match your swag. Whether you like clean colors, loud designs, or team schemes, the Mark 2’s colorways let you dial in your defensive style.
Understated Classics
For a more refined look, the Mark 2 offers colorways like metallic gray, navy, royal blue, and basic black. These complement most uniform combos with their neutral and classic hues.
Eye-Catching Brights and Patterns
Vibrant shades like cardinal red, electric green, and citron orange deliver maximum pop. Dazzle-pattern color schemes also add flash like the black and gold “hazard” combo. These bolder options attract attention.
Custom Team Colors
The Mark 2 comes in customizable team colorways perfect for matching your squad’s style. Rep your colors proudly with personalized shades right from StringKing. Stand out while fitting in.
Swappable Bumpers
The removable bumpers on the Mark 2 allow you to quickly swap colorways for a new look. Stock up on bumpers in different colors to match any outfit or change up your style on a whim.
The Takeaway
A great head should look as good as it plays. The Mark 2 offers visual variety with its wide range of color options to suit preferences. Match your teammates, make a statement, or keep it low-key. Either way, your defensive game AND style will shine.
Trusted By College and Pro Defenders
The best test for any lacrosse head is how it performs at the highest levels of the game. Elite defenders from top NCAA programs and pro leagues put their trust in the StringKing Mark 2. That says a lot about this head’s capabilities for tenacious defense.
Proven in the PLL
In the talent-loaded Premier Lacrosse League, you’ll spot numerous top-tier defensemen wielding the Mark 2. PLL stars like Kyle Hartzell, Eli Gobrecht, and Eddy Glazener rely on the Mark 2 to defend the world’s best.
Stalwart of NCAA Defenses
From perennial powers like Duke, Virgina, and Notre Dame to rising programs like Penn State, the Mark 2 equips lockdown NCAA defenders. In the ultra-competitive college game, the Mark 2 is their go-to for protective play.
High School’s Top Choice
Even at the youth level, the next generation of top defenders choose the Mark 2 to gain an edge. As younger players emulate the pros, they wisely select this head to elevate their defensive skills.
StringKing’s Proven Legacy
Across all lacrosse positions, StringKing heads have achieved elite status thanks to true performance gains. That innovative legacy now extends to defense with the game-changing Mark 2. It’s the complete package for defenders.
The Takeaway
From pick-up games to the pros, the Mark 2 delivers at all levels. But its presence at the highest tiers proves its mettle against the world’s best competition. When game day pressure is highest, trust the Mark 2 like today’s top defenders.
Affordable Price Point Compared To Competitors
Great performance doesn’t have to mean a major investment. The StringKing Mark 2 challenges competitors with its combination of elite-level features at an affordable price point. For value-focused players, this changes the defensive lacrosse head game.
High-End Features, Mid-Range Price
Normally getting pro-level attributes means paying a premium. But the Mark 2 delivers premium performance for only around $80-$90. Competitors with similar specs cost way more. You get industrial-grade construction without the industrial-grade cost.
Durability Extends Lifespan
The reinforced materials on the Mark 2 mean it will last you seasons of defensive play, not just games. While cheaper heads break down quickly, the Mark 2’s durability means less frequent head purchases.
Holds Value For Resale Too
Should you want to sell a used Mark 2, it retains resale value much better than less durable heads. Its structural integrity ensures it will command good money second-hand long after other heads have expired.
High-End Brand, Fair Cost
As a premium lacrosse brand, StringKing could easily charge way more for the Mark 2. But they keep pricing accessible knowing that helps grow the game too. Premium brand, unprecedented value.
The Takeaway
The Mark 2 gives players big performance and longevity so you can allocate gear dollars elsewhere. In a game where gear expenses add up, this head delivers top-tier attributes without the top-tier price tag.
Quick Break-In Time Even For Stallion 700 Shafts
Pairing your new Mark 2 head with a stiff Stallion 700 shaft? No problem – this head breaks in quickly for immediate peak performance. Thanks to its optimized sidewall design, you’ll be playing top-level defense in no time even with rigid poles.
Generous Stringing Holes Speeds Up Pocket Forming
The ample stringing real estate on the Mark 2 enables easier pocket shaping right away. More holes mean quicker interlocking of mesh diamonds or leathers for accelerated pocket break-in.
Pre-Curved Sidewalls
Rather than flat sidewalls, StringKing pre-bends the Mark 2’s sidewalls into an optimal curved shape. This negates the long break-in period for bending stiff shafts like the Stallion 700.
Endura Resin Is Flex-Friendly
The Endura-reinforced resin used on the Mark 2 offers just the right blend of structured feel and flex. It partners wonderfully with rigid poles like the Stallion 700 to form excellently after just a few practices.
Designed For High-Stiffness Shafts
Since the Mark 2 is engineered for elite-level defenders, it’s built to accommodate ultra-stiff defensive shafts like the Stallion. Quick compatibility with these poles is in its DNA.
The Takeaway
Don’t let a rigid Stallion 700 shaft slow down your defensive domination. The Mark 2 is constructed to break-in fast regardless of shaft stiffness for quick optimization. Even with the most rigid poles, this head gets game-ready fast.
Works Well For LSM Too, Not Just Close Defense
While purpose-built for close defensemen, the adaptable design of the StringKing Mark 2 also serves LSM players exceptionally. From quick transitions to all-field defense, it’s a phenomenal option for these athletic defenders covering tons of ground.
Lightweight For Speedy Movement
The featherlight feel of the Mark 2 makes it easy for LSMs to showcase their quickness during end-to-end runs. The head doesn’t weigh them down when sprinting all over in transition.
Durable For Lots of Action
LSMs do it all, so durability is crucial. The Mark 2’s reinforced construction handles tons of ground balls, checks, clears, and assists that define an LSM’s active role. It holds up shift after shift.
Control For Poking and Passing
Excellent ball control from the Mark 2 aids LSMs when poking out shots or hitting cutters in transition. The head’s precision helps maximize their two-way impact through passing.
Deep Scoop for Gobbling Ground Balls
Whether at midfield or on defense, LSMs pursue tons of ground balls. The oversized scoop on the Mark 2 gives them an edge off the whistle in ground ball scrums.
The Takeaway
Don’t limit the Mark 2’s scope to just close defensemen. Its do-it-all design is perfect for supercharged LSM athletes as well. For covering the entire field, it delivers the ideal blend of control, speed, and durability that thriving LSMs need.
Ideal For Youth Players Transitioning To Advanced Gear
As young lacrosse athletes develop their skills, the time comes to transition to more advanced equipment. The StringKing Mark 2 provides the perfect bridge as defensive players move to higher-level heads.
High-Performance Features
The Mark 2 gives emerging youth players a taste of true high-end attributes. The advanced materials and engineering mirror elite-level heads to prepare kids for advanced play.
Promotes Proper Techniques
Since the Mark 2 is optimized for top-tier defenders, using it reinforces proper defensive techniques in youth players. The head enhances skill-building by responding as designed.
Room to Grow Into
While instantly improving performance, the Mark 2 still leaves room for young athletes to grow into. Its versatile design suits players at different development stages.
Lightweight for Smaller Athletes
The lightweight feel and easy maneuverability of the Mark 2 works excellently for smaller bodies still building strength. Younger players appreciate the easy control.
The Takeaway
For youth players taking their game to the next level, the Mark 2 eases that transition. It introduces elite-style performance in a head well-suited to growing talents. Bridging the gap at a pivotal time, the Mark 2 sets emerging defenders up for long-term success.
Pairs Nicely With Mark 2F For a Matching Set
For defenders who want their short stick to match their long pole, the Mark 2 pairs perfectly with StringKing’s Mark 2F head. Together, they give you a cohesive set with the same excellent attributes across both sticks.
Same Shape and Design Elements
The Mark 2F mimics the iconic shape and styling of the Mark 2 for a symmetrical look up and down your sticks. The flowing contours match flawlessly.
Shared Performance Characteristics
In addition to aesthetics, the playing characteristics align between the heads. What you love about the Mark 2 translates into the short stick with the Mark 2F. Features like control, feel, and release mirror each other.
Mix and Match Colors
With multiple colorways available for both heads, you can create a uniform look or contrast the short pole and long pole for unique style.
Same Stringing Setup
Since the stringing system is identical, you’ll experience consistent pocket feel when switching between sticks during play. No adjustment period needed.
The Takeaway
The Mark 2F completes the matching defensive set by bringing Mark 2 performance to short sticks. Together, they let defenders present a cohesive style and playing experience across both poles. Go for the complete package.
An All-Around Excellent Option To Anchor Your Defense
When surveying the lacrosse landscape for a rugged yet skill-enhancing defensive head, the StringKing Mark 2 checks all the boxes. It simply brings together everything needed to play commanding defense at a high level.
Confident Control
With the Mark 2, you can go after every ground ball and make every pass with full confidence thanks to the head’s superb ball control capabilities.
Play Free and Agile
The lightweight feel coupled with stiff construction results in effortless maneuverability on defense. You can play free knowing the head won’t fail you.
Dominate 1 on 1 Battles
Winning individual matchups starts with trusting your stick. The Mark 2’s precision, feel, and power give you the edge to come out on top in any 1-on-1 matchup.
Take Your Game to the Next Level
Elite attributes optimized for high-level defense push any player’s game forward. Unlock your potential with the Mark 2 lifting your performance.
The Takeaway
Simply put, the StringKing Mark 2 is an exceptional lacrosse head built for defensive excellence. It brings together every trait needed to overpower opponents shift after shift. If you desire commanding defense, this head will get you there.