Intro – What is the ECD Mirage 2.0 lacrosse head?
The ECD Mirage 2.0 is the latest iteration of the popular Mirage lacrosse head first introduced by East Coast Dyes in 2009. As one of the most widely-used heads in the game today, the Mirage has developed a reputation for providing elite-level performance and versatility at an affordable price point. With the Mirage 2.0, ECD aimed to build upon the success of the original Mirage while incorporating new technologies and design elements to take it to the next level.
So what exactly sets the Mirage 2.0 apart? Right off the bat, you’ll notice the wider face shape which gives players more ball control and improved scooping. The head has a narrowly angled scoop to get under ground balls quickly. ECD also increased the offset for more powerful shots. At the same time, the stiffer sidewalls and dual sidewall design add overall stiffness for enhanced ball retention. Strategically placed stringing holes give you flexibility in pocket placement to suit your preferences.
Weighing in at just 4.4 ounces strung, the lightweight Mirage 2.0 provides the best strength-to-weight ratio in its class. It meets all high school and college requirements for face dimensions and pocket depth. ECD used durable CompoZite material in the head’s construction to give it a responsive feel comparable to more expensive carbon composite heads. While lightweight and high-performing, the Mirage 2.0 still represents one of the most affordable elite heads on the market today.
It Outplays the Original Mirage in Nearly Every Way
When you compare the ECD Mirage 2.0 side by side with the original Mirage head, the differences become apparent. The wider face shape gives you more surface area for improved control. Scooping ground balls is noticeably faster with the more narrowly angled scoop. Due to the increased offset, shots rip off the Mirage 2.0 with more velocity and power.
The stiffer walls and dual sidewall design on the 2.0 equate to better ball retention overall. When cradling, it just feels sturdier than the original Mirage. While ECD managed to shave off a few ounces in the 2.0, it actually feels more rigid during play. The strategically placed stringing holes allow more customization in pocket placement.
In essence, ECD took an already wildly popular head in the Mirage and made incremental improvements in nearly every aspect of its design and performance with the Mirage 2.0 model. It outplays the original Mirage while retaining the same value-driven price point.
How the Mirage 2.0 Stacks Up Against Other Popular Heads
The ECD Mirage 2.0 can hold its own against stiff competition at the elite level. It compares favorably to other top-selling heads like the Maverik Tactik 2.0 and the STX Stallion 700. The Mirage 2.0 excels in ground ball scooping ability thanks to the narrowly angled scoop. It also has a slight edge over the Tactik 2.0 and Stallion 700 when it comes to shot speed due to the increased offset.
In stiffness and ball retention, the Mirage 2.0 is on par with the Tactik 2.0 and Stallion heads. Pocket placement versatility is also similar between the three. At 4.4 ounces strung, the Mirage 2.0 is marginally lighter than the Stallion 700 while being a tad heavier than the Tactik 2.0. It’s a matter of finding the right balance of stiffness and lightweight feel based on personal preference.
Considering it comes in $50+ cheaper than those heads, the Mirage 2.0 holds up exceedingly well in terms of performance. The value proposition remains extremely appealing. You simply won’t find another head that combines these features at this price point.
What Lacrosse Players Are Saying About the Mirage 2.0
Overall, feedback from lacrosse players using the ECD Mirage 2.0 has been overwhelmingly positive. They praise the wider face shape for increased ball control and feel. The narrowly angled scoop gets consistent kudos for how quickly it accelerates ground balls into the head. Players note the Mirage 2.0 throws cleaner with more velocity versus the original thanks to the increased offset.
In online reviews, many attackers and midfielders remark on the 2.0’s improved stiffness resulting in better ball retention during play. The head maintains its lightweight feel despite the dual sidewall design adding rigidity. Pocket placement versatility is another plus as players can string it up exactly how they like.
Considering the affordable sub-$100 price point, players feel they’re getting elite-level performance that rivals more expensive heads. The Mirage 2.0 continues to exceed expectations and provide a great value for lacrosse players.
So in summary, the Mirage 2.0 represents a top-notch upgrade over the original Mirage lacrosse head. It outperforms previous versions while still delivering great value. This head offers elite-level features comparable to more expensive options on the market, but at a fraction of the cost. For any player looking to take their game to the next level this season without breaking the bank, the ECD Mirage 2.0 is a game-changing choice. Give the Mirage 2.0 a shot and see your performance reach new heights this season.
Overview of the Mirage 2.0’s lightweight yet durable design
When you first pick up the ECD Mirage 2.0, you’ll be struck by how incredibly lightweight it feels in your hands. Weighing in at just 4.4 ounces strung, it’s one of the lightest elite heads currently available. Don’t let that featherweight feel fool you though – this head is built tough.
ECD constructed the Mirage 2.0 out of their CompoZite material, giving it the strength and durability to withstand the rigors of elite play. The CompoZite adds stiffness without bulking up the weight. How did they achieve this strength-to-weight ratio that’s best in class? It comes down to thoughtful engineering.
The dual sidewall design is a prime example. By essentially creating two sidewall layers, ECD made the 2.0 stiffer for increased ball retention. Yet it remains sleek and lightweight thanks to the minimalist approach. Strategically placed foam injection molds also bolster stiffness without becoming cumbersome.
The narrowly angled scoop presents another lightweight yet sturdy design element. Its abrupt angle shears weight while still providing a generous surface area for quick ground ball scooping. The scoop maintains its structure despite the minimalist design.
Even little details like the screw placement and pocket stringing holes were engineered to remove excess material without compromising structural integrity. Overall, the Mirage 2.0 achieves the ideal balance of featherlight feel and battle-ready toughness.
This lightweight yet hardy construction gives players the best of both worlds. When cradling and maneuvering, it moves like an extension of your hands with cat-like quickness. You’ll notice the whip-like ball velocity on passes and shots. But it also holds up to hacking and slashing down low thanks to the CompoZite’s strength.
Truly, the Mirage 2.0 represents the pinnacle of lightweight performance engineering. It pushes the limits of how light and durable a lacrosse head can be. Once you experience the Mirage 2.0’s seamless feel, you’ll never go back to a bulky head again. This ingenious blend of minimalist design and space-age materials equates to the ultimate competitive edge.
The wider face shape improves ball control
One of the most immediately noticeable upgrades in the ECD Mirage 2.0 is the wider face shape. By increasing the width of the head, ECD gave players more surface area for improved ball control. This wider platform really helps cradle and carry the ball with authority.
The original Mirage had a curvier, more rounded face shape by comparison. While rounding the scoop helps with ground balls, it ultimately takes away precious real estate for ball control. The Mirage 2.0 optimizes the best of both worlds with a wide face flowing into a narrowly angled scoop.
With the elongated face shape, players can feel the ball make more surface contact within the pocket on cradles. This allows you to hang on to possession more confidently, even when maneuvering at full tilt. The ball simply feels more locked in.
Wider heads also lend themselves better to certain shooting styles. For sidearm crankers, you have ample room to wind up and sweep across your body. Overhand shooters can extend their arms fully with the ball cradled far out on that expanded pocket. This equates to more whip on your passes and shots.
The East Coast Dyes designers truly found the face shape sweet spot with the 2.0. It represents just enough added width over the original Mirage to boost control without making it cumbersome. By optimizing the Mirage’s face width, ECD made a head with already great feel that much more user-friendly.
Whether cradling coast-to-coast through traffic or shooting on the run, the Mirage 2.0’s wider face gives you supreme command over the ball. Once you experience the control benefits first-hand, you’ll be hooked. The Mirage 2.0 quickly becomes an extension of your hands thanks to that expanded ball control real estate.
Increased offset for more powerful shots
One of the key performance enhancements ECD engineered into the Mirage 2.0 is the increased offset. This refers to the distance between the sidewalls at the throat of the head. By widening the offset of the Mirage 2.0, ECD gave players more leverage for harder, more accurate shots.
Here’s why added offset boosts shooting performance: it positions the ball further from the plastic during your shooting motion. This extended position allows you to build up extra whip before releasing. With more time to load up, you can unleash shots with greater velocity.
The mechanics work similarly to a slingshot versus a bow and arrow. With a slingshot, you have to pull the band back farther to generate power. The greater offset in the Mirage 2.0 functions as that extended pull back. You’ll notice the immediate improvement in how sharply the ball springs off your stick.
Increased offset also lends itself to certain shooting styles. If you like to wind up and go sidearm, that extra offset gives you room to drop the ball back and sweep across your body with full momentum. Overhand shooters can extend their bottom arm fully on the follow through, creating extra whip with the ball at maximum distance from the head.
Whether picking corners with a quick stick or dialing up 100 mph cannons on the run, the Mirage 2.0’s enhanced offset translates to superior ball speed and shot power. You’ll be blowing shots past helpless goalies before they can even react. The Mirage 2.0 takes your shooting prowess to the next level thanks to reengineered offset.
Strategic stringing holes allow customized pocket placement
One of the coolest things about the ECD Mirage 2.0 is the versatility it provides in stringing your pocket exactly how you want it. The head has strategically placed stringing holes that give you limitless options for customizing pocket placement.
The original Mirage was more restrictive in where you could pin down mesh and string. But the Mirage 2.0 allows for more creativity based on your preference. Are you a low-pocket wizard who likes insane hold? No problem – you can string the pocket super deep with the right combo holes. Do you prefer a tighter channel up top for quicker release? Yup, you can string the mid-pocket higher too.
Midfielders who carry the ball a ton can opt for a mid-pocket with a flat hold and smooth release when passing on the run. Attackmen looking for a little extra whip on shots might string a mid-low pocket with a defined channel. Face-off guys can create an ultra-quick release pocket up near the scoop to clamp and pop.
With the Mirage 2.0, you’re not limited by the stringing setup. The head gives you free rein to string exactly what works for your game. Beyond pocket placement, you can tweak other stringing elements like channel shape, pocket depth, and sidewall lace patterns.
Ultimately, your specific stringing style and preferences will determine which combo of holes you use. But the great thing is that the Mirage 2.0 accommodates so many stringing variations right out of the box. You can fine tune your ideal setup thanks to the strategic design flexibility engineered into the Mirage 2.0.
It has a narrower scoop for quicker ground balls
In redesigning the Mirage for the 2.0 model, ECD focused heavily on optimizing ground ball performance. A key element was engineering a narrower scoop that gets under grounders with less effort. This allows players to gain possession quicker off the carpet.
Compared to the original Mirage, the 2.0’s scoop features a more sharply angled design. The slope drops off more abruptly rather than gradually curving into the head. This creates a narrower scoop surface that shears weight while still covering ample ground ball real estate.
In game action, you’ll notice how aggressively the Mirage 2.0 scoop gets under ground balls. The narrowed scoop almost funnels grounders into the pocket with the steep angle it creates. There’s no wasted movement or need to push the head fully under the ball.
Once you make contact, the Mirage 2.0 scoop ramps grounders directly into your stick with precision thanks to the engineered angle. The ball effortlessly flows up the slope from contact point into the pocket. This gets you into possession in one fluid motion.
Whether tracking down a ground ball off the face-off wings or chasing down a crucial loose ball in transition, those split seconds matter. The Mirage 2.0’s superior scooping ability turns 50/50 ground balls into your possession nearly every time thanks to more efficient engineering.
The narrowed yet still generously sized scoop makes ground ball scooping almost an afterthought. You can focus on gaining position knowing the Mirage 2.0 will swiftly gobble up the ball once you’re there. This ground ball greed pays dividends as added possessions quickly snowball into more goals.
The stiffer sidewalls provide enhanced ball retention
Superior ball retention while cradling was a major design priority for ECD engineers with the Mirage 2.0. To achieve this, they constructed the head with noticeably stiffer sidewalls. This added rigidity allows players to confidently transport and protect the ball.
The Mirage 2.0 maintains its sleek, minimalist profile – it just happens to be a lot stiffer in the sidewalls. ECD integrated more supportive plastic material without bulking up the dimensions. The result is a head with a whippy, responsive feel yet sturdy sidewalls that can take a hacking.
Stiffer sidewalls are beneficial for a few key reasons. Firstly, they allow you to hang onto the ball better mid-cradle, even when slashing full-speed through traffic. With more rigid sidewalls, the ball stays locked into the pocket instead of rattling around at the first contact.
During ground ball scrum situations, stiffer sidewalls also maintain pocket integrity better as you take hits. You can plow through pressure knowing the ball won’t be easily jarred free.
In addition, more supportive sidewalls offer better rebound response when making snag saves as a goalie. The ball won’t sink into soft sidewalls on saves, leading to faster outlet passes.
The Mirage 2.0’s dialed-in sidewall stiffness provides the best of both worlds – a head with great feel that still offers sound ball retention. By optimizing rigidity without compromising feel, ECD hit the sweet spot for elite play. The Mirage 2.0 gives you lockdown possession thanks to engineered sidewalls.
Its dual sidewall design adds overall stiffness
In conjunction with the stiffer sidewalls, ECD also incorporated a dual sidewall design in the Mirage 2.0 head. This added another structural layer to build in overall stiffness without compromising the head’s sleek dimensions.
The dual sidewall construction essentially sandwiches supportive plastic material between the exterior sidewalls. This bolsters the integrity of the entire frame. You can see and feel the added rigidity in how sturdy the Mirage 2.0 is built.
Yet it maintains a lightweight and balanced feel because ECD strategically layered the dual walls without overengineering it. The Mirage 2.0 continues to deliver that smooth, intuitive responsiveness – now fortified with a rugged dual framework.
In effect, the dual sidewalls operate like the boxed rails on a pickup truck. Just like truck rails reinforce the bed walls, the dual sidewall design reinforces the plastic shell of the head. This lends additional stiffness that enhances durability.
The hybrid dual wall construction also dampens vibration and deflection. When you take slashes and checks, the dual framework better absorbs impact while retaining shape. This allows the Mirage 2.0 to hold up under heavy use.
Together with the stiffer sidewalls, the dual framework builds ruggedness into the Mirage 2.0 without sacrificing the lively feel ECD heads are known for. The Mirage 2.0 represents the ideal fusion of balanced feel and battle-ready toughness thanks to innovations like the dual sidewall integration.
The Mirage 2.0 head meets all NCAA and NFHS requirements
A key consideration for ECD in designing the Mirage 2.0 was ensuring it adhered to NCAA and NFHS rules. This head is legal for organized high school and college play right out of the box.
In terms of specifics, the Mirage 2.0 complies with mandated guidelines for maximum overall width. It clocks in at 6 inches max, well under the allowable 6.55 inches. The offset and sidewall dimensions also align with guidelines.
Regarding the critical face shape parameters, the Mirage 2.0 meets the dimensional specifications. At its widest point, the head extends 1.25 inches. And the designed offset differential falls within the prescribed range.
The Mirage 2.0 comes engineered with a legal top throat mandated for heads below a certain width. It also ships with no more than four shooting string holes, keeping it compliant. Throughout the design process, ECD ensured conformity across the board.
For pocket setup, the Mirage enables stringing that satisfies depth rules and ball retention checks. The open sidewall design actually makes it easier to push back deep pocket settings that violate.
In essence, the Mirage 2.0 provides players with an elite-level head conforming to applicable scholastic requirements right out of the package. There’s no guesswork involved trying to make it legal.
This gives players, coaches, and referees added peace of mind. Equipping your team with the Mirage 2.0 eliminates potential compliance issues while still providing top-tier performance.
Details on the Mirage complete stick options
While the ECD Mirage 2.0 head is available for separate purchase, players can also grab it pre-strung in complete stick bundles for added value. The Mirage complete sticks come professionally strung with your choice of mesh, pocket style, and shaft type.
In terms of mesh options, you can go with a traditional nylon lacrosse mesh for a broken-in feel and optimal durability. ECD’s own mechanically soft mesh is another excellent choice – offering quick break-in with ideal hold and release characteristics.
For pocket style, you can select according to your position and preferences. A mid pocket is a nice all-around choice offering balance between hold and quick release. Attackmen may opt for a mid-low setup for added ball control and feel. Those who like a tighter channel can go for a higher pocket placement.
The Mirage complete packages allow you to choose the shaft flex and material that suits your game. Options include lightweight composite shafts or durable alloys in flex profiles like MidKick or SuperKick. Length is customizable as well based on height and positional needs.
In all, ECD offers numerous combinations to build your ideal Mirage 2.0 complete stick without the hassle of DIY stringing and shaft fitting. The quality mesh and channel options ensure peak performance right out of the wrapper. With a Mirage complete, you’re game ready in minutes with a premium pre-configured setup.
Focus on how the Mirage outperforms previous Mirage versions
While the original Mirage head already delivered high-end performance, the Mirage 2.0 improves upon it in just about every way. This newer iteration outperforms past Mirage models through purposeful engineering evolutions.
The wider face shape on the 2.0 boosts overall ball control and feel over the curvier, rounded original shape. Ground balls get funneled up into the pocket much faster thanks to the 2.0’s strategically angled scoop.
The increased offset on the 2.0 adds leveraged whip on shots that the original Mirage just can’t match. On the durability front, the Mirage 2.0 integrated stiffer walls and dual sidewall construction to make the head more rugged and ball-retaining.
Pocket placement and stringing flexibility represent another performance advantage for the 2.0 over past versions. Those focused stringing holes enable much more customization freedom to suit any style of play.
And ECD managed to enhance the head’s performance profile while shedding a few ounces of weight from previous generations. At under 5 ounces strung, the Mirage 2.0 delivers an unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio.
Across the board, the Mirage 2.0 demonstrates how ECD made a top-selling head even better through purposeful tuning. The wider face, increased offset, and stiffer walls work together to deliver measurable playing benefits over the brand’s earlier heads.
In a sense, the 2.0 combines “greatest hits” features from past ECD heads into one dialed-in package, while taking the overall performance needle even higher. That’s what happens when a company listens to feedback and keeps relentlessly optimizing.
Comparison of Mirage 2.0 to other popular lacrosse heads
The ECD Mirage 2.0 can hold its own against the top lacrosse heads from other leading brands. When compared to staples like the Maverik Tactik and STX Stallion, the Mirage 2.0 competes at an elite level.
In terms of scooping ground balls, the Mirage 2.0’s narrowly angled scoop gives it an advantage. Once contact is initiated, it channels grounders into the head with no wasted motion. The Tactik and Stallion scoops require a bit more sweep to ingest ground balls.
The increased offset on the 2.0 also provides superior ball velocity on shots over the Tactik and Stallion. Shooters can wind up for added whip thanks to the extended offset positioning the ball farther from the head.
When cradling, the Mirage 2.0 feels as stiff as the Tactik and Stallion through the walls. This allows for equally authoritative ball control among the three heads at full speed. Pocket placement and depth can also be tuned similarly between them.
Weighing under 5 ounces strung, the Mirage 2.0 is right in line with the featherlight Tactik. It retains its balanced feel a bit better than the Stallion 700 which tips over 6 ounces strung.
Given the performance comparisons above, the Mirage 2.0 holds its own against two of the game’s most popular heads. Yet it comes in at a more budget-friendly price point below $100. For a high-caliber head at that value, the Mirage 2.0 is tough to beat.
Review of feedback from lacrosse players using the Mirage 2.0
The lacrosse community has readily embraced the ECD Mirage 2.0 head since its launch. Feedback from players highlights the performance benefits and value it brings to the game.
Attackmen and midfielders praise the wider face shape for allowing them to cradle and control the ball with authority. The increased feel and command the 2.0 provides has been a common refrain.
Those in scoring positions also consistently cite the added whip and velocity the 2.0 enables on shots thanks to the extended offset. Players report markedly faster shooting speeds compared to past heads.
In terms of durability, users mention the Mirage 2.0 holds up well even after extensive use. The stiffer walls and dual sidewall design prevent the head from bagging out or losing its shape over time.
For handling, players like how the narrowly angled scoop delivers smooth ground ball performance. Transition players note how easily the head channels grounders directly into the pocket upon contact.
At just around 5 ounces strung, users comment on the Mirage 2.0 having an ideal balance of stiffness and lightweight maneuverability. The construction feels simultaneously sturdy yet responsive.
Across positions, the Mirage 2.0 earns consistent praise for enabling elite-level play at an affordable price point. Players feel they are getting unbelievable value compared to competitive models.
Judging by user experiences, the Mirage 2.0 delivers measurable performance upside at the highest levels of the game while retaining accessibility for developing players.
Where to buy the Mirage 2.0 head and complete sticks
For players looking to get their hands on the game-changing ECD Mirage 2.0, here are some of the top options:
The head is available at most major lacrosse retailers including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lacrosse Unlimited, Lax.com, and Amazon. Prices typically range from $80-$99 for the head only depending on colorway.
For added value in a ready-to-play setup, check out the pre-strung Mirage complete sticks from ECD. These can be found at LacrosseMonkey, Comlax, and other authorized ECD dealers. Completes run $149-$229.
Choose from different flex shafts and length options to build your ideal stick. The mesh and pocket come pre-configured to your specs with an ECD pro-style stringing. Go with a Mirage complete to spend more time playing and less time stringing.
For customization, many high-end lacrosse specialty stores allow you to build a tailored setup choosing components like shafts, heads, strings, gloves and accessories. Work one-on-one with the pros to engineer the perfect stick.
Don’t forget team discounts are available through ECD and partner brands. Take advantage of team pricing for large orders of 10+ sticks to maximize savings.
However you choose to secure it, the ECD Mirage 2.0 is readily available at retailers nationwide. Let the Mirage 2.0 propel your game to new heights this season!
Conclusion – Why the Mirage 2.0 can take your lacrosse game to the next level
After reviewing the engineered performance enhancements packed into the ECD Mirage 2.0, it’s clear this head delivers game-changing benefits.
The wider face shape grants superior ball control while the narrowed scoop accelerates ground balls. Strategic stringing holes allow customized pocket placement to suit your style. Shooters gain more velocity from the increased offset.
With stiffer sidewalls and dual sidewall design, the head adds ruggedness without sacrificing responsive feel and checking. The Mirage 2.0 retains a featherlight yet sturdy construction that outperforms its class.
It enables elite-level play across positions while meeting scholastic guidelines. Feedback from players and reviewers confirms the Mirage 2.0 competes with the top heads in the game – at a more accessible price point.
Quite simply, ECD engineered a comprehensive performance package with the Mirage 2.0. It represents the culmination of years of research and design experience into one high-output head.
For any player looking to gain an edge this season, the Mirage 2.0 delivers measurable improvements in key areas like ball control, shooting, scoping, and durability. Expect your level of play to reach new heights with this game-changing head.
Bring the Mirage 2.0 into battle and unleash your full potential. Let ECD help take your lacrosse game to the next level this season!