Optimal Under Armour Lacrosse Sticks for Defense Players

Optimal Under Armour Lacrosse Sticks for Defense Players

In-Depth Review of the Under Armour Strategy Complete Lacrosse Stick

You ready to get the full low-down on one of the most popular defense lacrosse sticks out there? The Under Armour Strategy complete lacrosse stick has become a go-to choice for high school and college players looking for a durable and high-performing deep pole stick.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this stick stand out. First off, it’s got a nice stiff carbon composite shaft that can really take a beating. We all know how rough those defensive matchups can get – you’re constantly slapping sticks and jostling for ground balls. With the Strategy’s sturdy construction, you don’t have to worry about your stick warping or snapping.

Now on to the head, which has an aggressive shape with a pinched scoop and curved sidewalls. This gives you a quick release when you’re tossing checks or making clears under pressure. The head is made with a durable polymer blend too, so it holds its shape even after hauling in hundreds of ground balls.

An awesome thing about the Strategy is it comes strung up and ready to use right out of the box. The pocket is a nice mid-low configuration with a decent hold. I’d say it’s a good balance between ball retention and quick passing and shooting. If you want to tweak the pocket placement or add some different leathers, you can easily string it up to match your preferences.

Overall, if you’re looking for a solid D-pole that can handle all the rough-and-tumble action on defense, the Under Armour Strategy is an excellent choice. It’s got the performance and durability you need at a price that won’t break the bank. Give it a shot if you want one of the top complete sticks for playing defense!

Key Features that Make the Under Armour Strategy Lacrosse Stick Stand Out

Alright, we’ve talked about why the Strategy is a prime choice for defense players. Now let’s dig into some of the specific features that make this stick such a beast. I’ll highlight the key things that set it apart from other lacrosse sticks out there.

First up – the shaft. Like I mentioned before, it’s made from carbon composite materials to give it some serious durability. This construction makes it super stiff and resistant to warping or breaking, even with all the slashing and jostling that happens when you’re defending.

The shaft length is an ideal 60 inches for a deep defensive pole. It gives you the reach you need to snag ground balls and throw checks, without being unwieldy. Some defense sticks go longer but then you sacrifice control. The Strategy hits the sweet spot.

Moving up to the head, it’s got a nice flared shape and pinched scoop which helps channel the ball right into the pocket. I don’t know about you but I hate when you scrape up a ground ball only to have it bounce right back out of the head! The Strategy’s design helps prevent that.

It’s also got some strategic stringing holes along the sidewalls and scoop to let you customize the pocket placement. This really optimizes the ball control so you can quickly pass, catch, and shoot once you’ve secured possession.

The last thing I’ll note is the grip. It uses a textured tactile grip material on the lower portion of the shaft which gives you a secure hold. Even in rainy or sweaty conditions, your hands won’t be slipping around at critical moments.

So in summary, the carbon handle, flared head shape, customizable stringing, and tactile grip make the Strategy an exceptional choice for dominating at defense. Give it a try if you want a complete stick that’s built for hard-nosed D-middies!

Reviewing the Top Under Armour Defense Lacrosse Sticks

If you’re a die-hard defense player, you know having the right lacrosse stick is crucial. Let’s look at some of the top options from Under Armour designed specifically for defensemen. I’ll overview the key features and benefits of their lineup of defensive poles.

The Under Armour CEO is one of their premium sticks made for elite-level defense players. It’s got a 60 inch shaft made from composite alloy construction that’s exceptionally strong yet lightweight. This combo means you get a durable stick that still feels super responsive in your hands. The shaft design gives you an excellent feel for the ball and easy control.

Moving up to the head, it has a flared, open shape that’s optimized for ground ball scooping. As a defender, gobbling up ground balls off the wings or after you force a turnover is a huge part of your role. The CEO’s shaped helps you quickly grab possession. The sidewall design utilizes Express Rail technology to guide the ball right to the sweet spot, improving passing and shooting accuracy. With its 4-shot molded construction, it’s a very rigid head that keeps its shape over time.

On that note, the CEO also comes pre-strung with a nice mid-low pocket. I recommend keeping it like that for a bit until you break it in, then you can customize the stringing and leathers more. Overall though, it comes ready to rock right out of the box!

Another solid defensive pole from UA is the Command XT. As the name suggests, it gives you command over your game! The shaft on this one is a Scandium alloy that optimizes the strength and stiffness so you can really lay down some hard checks. The shaft tapers as it goes down for an ergonomic feel.

An awesome feature on the Command XT head is that it integrates EVO rails along the sidewall to direct the ball perfectly into the pocket. This improves passing and shooting by a mile! It also widens the scoop area for insane ground ball gobbling abilities. The pocket on this one comes mid-low as well for solid control.

Overall, if you’re looking for an elite-level stick to dominate as a defenseman, the Under Armour CEO and Command XT should definitely be on your radar. They provide the performance and durability needed to get an edge over the opponent’s attack!

The Best Deep Pole Lacrosse Sticks from Under Armour

Alright let’s dive into some of Under Armour’s top options when it comes to deep pole lacrosse sticks. These bad boys are designed specifically for defensemen who need that extra long handle for checking, poking, and scooping.

One of my personal favorites is the Under Armour URL, which stands for Ultimate Recon Lacrosse. Pretty sick name right? This pole brings some serious performance. It’s got a 7075 alloy shaft construction that gives you an ideal blend of responsiveness, stiffness, and durability. At 60 inches long, it provides ample reach but still feels very maneuverable.

The head utilizes a new Speed Scoop technology which basically curves the underside of the scoop to make picking up ground balls easier. The sidewalls also angle inwards to quickly funnel the ball into the pocket. This gives you insane control once you secure possession.

The pocket shape and stringing on the URL comes optimized for defense. It’s got a mid-low pocket depth with a nice hold. I find this lets me quickly pass or clear after getting a ground ball or turnover without the ball bouncing right out. The nylon strings also have a good feel and consistency.

If you want another solid choice, check out the Under Armour Hammer. It’s got a fuse composite shaft, which is a blend of alloys and polymers to optimize stiffness, strength, and light weight. At 60 inches, it gives defense players that long reach to dominate.

The Hammer head utilizes UA’s Ground Breaker technology, maximizing the scoop shape and sidewall design to help grab ground balls. The stiff, durable polymer retains its shape well over time too.

Out of the box, the pocket is mid-high on this one. It takes a bit more breaking in but provides good control once dialed in. I’d recommend tweaking the stringing a bit to get the pocket exactly where you like it. Some hockey lace can help stiffen it up too.

Overall the URL and Hammer give defense players two awesome options for hard checking, scrappy play, and scooping up all the key ground balls. If you need an elite long pole stick, Under Armour has you covered!

Reviewing the Different Lacrosse Head Shapes and Styles

When picking out a new lacrosse head, one of the key factors to consider is the overall shape and style. Manufacturers offer heads in a range of shapes optimized for different positions and play styles. As a defenseman, you’ll want to look for something with some specific characteristics. Let’s overview the different head shapes out there so you can find the best one for your game.

For defenders, the head shape needs to make picking up ground balls and securing possessions easy. So you’ll typically want something with a flared design that maximizes the width and curvature of the scoop area. This allows you to get under ground balls more easily and start transitioning to offense quickly.

On that note, a more open sidewall design is also beneficial so that the ball can easily funnel into the pocket once you get possession. Some heads incorporate sidewall rail designs like Under Armour’s Command XT which helps guide the ball right to the sweet spot.

You’ll also want something with a stiff, durable head construction like the alloy and composite blends we see withelite sticks. This allows the head to hold its shape even after tons of checks, slashes, and ground ball scrums.

For midfielders who may play both offense and defense, a nice hybrid option is a head with a moderate flare but slightly pinched scoop. This balances ground ball abilities with a quick release for shooting and passing once possession is gained. You’ll see a lot of midi sticks with this type of versatile shape.

For pure offensive players like attackmen, the focus is more on having a quick release and accuracy on shots. So you’ll see heads with more defined pinches and narrower channel designs. This gives the ball less wiggle room as it releases but maximizes ball velocity.

Some attack heads even utilize unique sidewall designs like the Under Armour Mirage which has an angled top rail to tighten the channel. This really focuses the ball during passing and shooting.

So in summary, flared wide scoops excel for defense, moderate flares work for midfielders, and pinched heads optimize the quick stick of attackmen. Being mindful of head shape and style will ensure you get the best lacrosse head for your position and skill set.

The Materials that Make Lacrosse Sticks Durable Yet Responsive

The materials used to construct modern lacrosse sticks have a huge impact on their performance, feel, and durability. Advanced composites and alloys provide an exceptional blend of strength, light weight, and responsiveness. Let’s look at some of the key materials manufacturers like Under Armour use in their elite sticks.

On the shaft side, carbon fiber composites have become very popular in recent years. The carbon fibers woven together make these shafts incredibly stiff and strong, yet extremely lightweight. This gives you great durability while maintaining excellent feel and control of the stick.

Other composite shafts utilize a blend of materials like Under Armour’s fuse composite which incorporates polymer matrices into the carbon fiber construction. This further optimizes the flex profile and durability while keeping the weight down.

Alloy metals like titanium, scandium, and aluminum are also used in modern shafts. These provide an ideal blend of stiffness, strength, and lightweight maneuverability. Under Armour uses premium alloys like Scandium in the Command XT for example.

For heads, the predominant material used is polymer blends. Advanced plastics and nylons allow heads to be very stiff and rigid while remaining lightweight enough for quick passing and shooting. Some heads incorporate impact modifiers for added durability too.

Under Armour also uses proprietary polymer blends like X Factor for increased stiffness and toughness. Other heads like the Mirage utilize compression molding techniques to make the sidewalls exceptionally stiff and consistent.

Some heads also incorporate alloy components into the frame for increased durability and ball control. For example, heads with an alloy bottom rail or “throat” provide added ball retention and stiffness.

No matter what material combination is used, the focus is achieving high levels of strength and consistency without excess weight. This gives players the tools they need to dominate the game through precision passing, shooting, and ball control.

Key Specs and Measurements on Lacrosse Sticks

When selecting a new lacrosse stick, especially a new head, paying attention to the key specs and measurements is crucial. The dimensions and technical details will impact the stick’s performance and how it fits your preferences as a player. Let’s look at some of the key things to consider.

For lacrosse heads, the sidewall length, scoop width, and offset are very important. The sidewall length impacts the head’s stiffness – a longer sidewall/frame will generally be stiffer for more precise shooting. The scoop width affects ground ball scooping abilities as well as the ball release. A wider flare helps for defense while a more narrow, pinched scoop is better for offensive quick sticks.

The offset indicates the distance between the center of the handle and the center of the head. A higher offset (e.g. 4″) increases ball control but slows release, while a lower offset (2″) creates a quicker release.

For shafts, the overall length is the first consideration based on your position and needs. Attackmen typically use a 30″ handle while defenders need a longer 60″ pole. Midfielders are somewhere in between.

The shaft’s flex profile and stiffness are also key. Your preference may vary here based on playing style – some like more bend and flex whereas others prefer maximum stiffness. Brands indicate the flex profile using scales like 1-10 or codes like “X”.

The last thing to look at is the taper style along the handle. Many shafts today use an ergonomic shape that is fatter in the middle and tapers down on the ends. Others use a straighter, more uniform taper. This is simply personal preference.

Taking the time to understand all the intricate specs and measurements might seem tedious but it really helps ensure you get the absolute optimal setup. The right dimensions and technical construction lead to peak performance on the field.

What to Look for in an Optimal Defense Lacrosse Stick

As a defense player, having a lacrosse stick optimized for your position is crucial. The long pole, durable head, and customized pocket help you lock down opponents with checking, control loose balls, and push the transition game. Let’s look at some of the key factors that make up an elite defense stick.

First and foremost, you need a long handle to give you maximum reach on checks, pokes, and scooping up ground balls. The ideal length is around 60 inches for most defensemen. This allows you to control a large defensive area while still maintaining quick maneuverability.

The head should have a flared, open scoop design to help you get under ground balls easier. A wider flare helps you quickly grab possession, which is a huge part of a defenseman’s role. Open sidewalls also allow the ball to funnel into the pocket smoothly once secured.

Durability is also critical since defense sticks take a beating with all the contact involved. A stiff yet lightweight composite or alloy shaft combined with a rigid head construction keeps the stick from warping over time.

You’ll typically want a mid to mid-low pocket depth. This allows you to quickly move the ball in transitions or over to your goalie, without it bouncing right back out. A pocket with a decent hold helps retain possession.

Lastly, you may want to experiment with adding hockey laces to help stiffen the pocket and dial in ball control. Finding your optimal stringing and customizing the pocket to fit your playing style is key.

Keep those factors in mind as you shop for your next defensive pole. The right stick will give you the tools and confidence needed to shut down the opponent’s best offensive weapons game after game.

Proper Pocket Stringing for Optimal Ball Control

Optimizing the stringing in your lacrosse stick’s pocket is one of the best ways to maximize ball control, retention, and shooting performance. While pockets come pre-strung from the factory, customizing the stringing to fit your preferences is key. Let’s look at some best practices for stringing up your lacrosse stick.

First, you need to decide on your ideal pocket depth. Attackmen and midfielders generally prefer a mid-pocket for balanced play. Defenders need a little more depth for secure ball retention so mid-low pockets are common. Make sure to follow any depth regulations if playing in a league.

When stringing, focus on using consistent, even tension throughout. Avoid drastic shifts in tension from one diamond or row to the next. This encourages smooth, even pocket formation. Mixing different string materials (nylon, leather) helps dial in consistency too.

Pay attention to the pocket shape – a flat base with angled sidewalls helps the ball sit deep in the pocket but releases cleanly. Avoid pointy pockets. Also be mindful of making the channel too wide or too narrow for optimal control.

Many players use additional shooters or hockey laces to help “stiffen up” the pocket and fine tune ball retention. You can add these incrementally to get the hold just right. They also maintain pocket shape over time.

Lastly, don’t forget about break-in time. It takes a good amount of use, catching, and passing to get the strings fully settled in. Be patient with dialing in your ideal pocket. Follow the steps above and you’ll end up with excellent ball control!

Using Long Poles Effectively on Defense

As a defenseman, using a long pole effectively is crucial to your success. The extra length allows you to control space, throw big checks, and scoop up ground balls. But it also requires proper technique to maneuver quickly and dominate. Let’s look at some tips for utilizing those long sticks properly on defense.

First, keep your top hand gripping the shaft near the head, and your bottom hand further down the shaft. This allows maximum control and quick reactions for poking, checking, and passing. Keeping your hands spaced gives you more leverage and power as well.

Work on handling the ball one-handed as much as possible. This keeps your weak-hand skills sharp so you can switch hands quickly during play when needed. Quick hand switches keep the offense guessing.

Practice footwork drills like zig-zags while carrying your long pole. Being able to change direction sharply despite the long stick is key to staying with shifty attackers. Keep your feet active and core engaged when moving.

For ground balls, lead with the plastic of the head, getting it fully underneath the ball before clamping down. Let the head do the work so you don’t have to bend down as far. Use the shaft to protect the ball once secured.

On checks, keep your lead elbow tucked and drive through with your legs to generate power. Follow through completely with your lower body on stick contacts. This engages the bigger muscles for maximum force.

Mastering these techniques takes time and repetition, but it’s worth it. You’ll gain full control over those 60 inch poles, allowing you to shut down opponents and dominate between the lines.

Proper Maintenance Tips for Lacrosse Sticks

Any lacrosse player knows that maintaining your stick well is crucial for performance. With all the abuse sticks take, proper care keeps them in top playing condition. Let’s go through some key maintenance tips.

First – clean your stick after each use. Dirt, debris, and sweat can decrease longevity if left to sit. Wipe down the shaft with a damp cloth. For the head, use a stiff brush and mild soap and water to prevent residue buildup.

Inspect the head, strings, and pocket regularly. Look for any fraying, loosening, or mesh tears and address them promptly. Don’t use a stick with compromised stringing until fixed. Tighten up knots and replace aging leathers as needed.

Check your shaft for any cracks or warpings, especially at the grip area where hands apply the most force. If damage is spotted, replace the shaft right away before breakage can occur in a game.

Storing sticks properly is very important too. Keep them in a climate controlled area away from direct heat or moisture. Place a head cover or pocket protector over the mesh when not in use. Hang or stand them vertically rather than letting them lie horizontal.

Re-tape handles frequently, keeping grip areas built up. Fraying grip tape not only feels bad but can lead to inadvertent shaft damage over time.

Follow these steps routinely and your sticks will hold up much longer. Taking good care of your lacrosse gear protects your investment and ensures peak performance.

Finding the Right Lacrosse Stick Based on Your Position and Skillset

With so many lacrosse stick options out there today, it can be daunting to find the right one for your specific needs. But paying attention to details like your position, skillset, and playing style will help narrow things down. Here’s what to consider when picking your next stick.

Attackmen will want a stick with a quick release, accurate passing, and pinpoint shooting. Look for heads with a stiff, narrow channel and defined pinch. Shafts around 30″ give you great control while maneuvering near the crease.

Midfielders need versatility to transition between offense and defense. Seek out mid-pocket heads with a moderate flare and pinched scoop to balance control with quick release. Shaft length around 40-42″ allows a nice mix of control and reach.

For defensemen, ground ball scooping and retention are key. Flared heads optimize ground ball abilities while mid-low pockets help retain possession. Max length (60″) shafts give you range when covering opponents.

Consider your experience level too. Newer players may want an easy to string, more flexible head for practice. Intermediate athletes need a blend of control and durability. Elite players need the highest performing yet most rigid construction.

If your skills are specialized, get a stick catered to them. Are you a bullet shooter? Get a stiff, pinched head. Take most shots on the run? Get a low offset. Face off ace? Get an oversized midnight head.

Matching your lacrosse stick’s characteristics with your skills, position, and style is crucial. With the right combo, you’re set up for peak performance out on the field.

Key Takeaways When Selecting an Optimal Lacrosse Stick

After going over the intricacies of lacrosse sticks, what are the major takeaways when selecting the optimal setup for your needs? Here are the key points to remember:

• Match the head shape/style to your position and needs. Wider flares for defenders, moderate flares for middies, pinched heads for attack.
• Mind the details like offset, sidewall length, scoop width based on playing style. Higher offsets improve control, longer sidewalls increase stiffness, wider scoops help ground balls.
• Seek out advanced yet lightweight materials in shafts and heads. Composites/alloys optimize durability, stiffness, and responsiveness without excess weight.
• Dial in pocket depth and stringing for ideal control. Mid-pockets for versatility, mid-lows for retention. Use consistent stringing tension and materials.
• Customize over time. Most sticks require breaking in and adjusting stringing/pocket to maximize performance. Don’t be afraid to tweak and tune until it’s perfect.
• Match your skillset. Cater stick features like release, hold, and handling to your specific skills and needs at your position.
• Care for your stick properly. Inspect, clean and store them with care to maintain top performance. Re-tape handles frequently.

Get the lacrosse stick tuned to your precise preferences and you’ll notice the difference in your game. With the right setup, you’re on your way to dominating the field.

Finding the Optimal Lacrosse Stick for Your Game as a Defenseman

As a defenseman, having a lacrosse stick tailored to your playing style and skills is crucial. With the right setup, you’ll have the tools needed to lock down opponents, scoop up ground balls, and push transition. Here’s how to find your ideal defensive lacrosse stick:

Start with a long shaft, around 60″, to allow maximum range when covering offensive players. The extra length also provides leverage for throwing big checks. Just be sure the overall weight remains manageable.

Look for a head with a wide flare and curved scoop to help you get under ground balls easier. This ensures you can quickly grab possession – a vital role for defenders.

Consider a head with durable yet lightweight construction. Advanced composites and polymers retain shape while withstanding hacks and checks. This maintains ball control and release.

Dial in the pocket depth and stringing to provide a decent hold and control. A mid-low pocket helps you retain possession while clearing after securing a ground ball or causing a turnover.

Don’t overlook grip and handle comfort. Well built-up grip areas allow you to maneuver the long pole quickly without hands slipping. Test different taper profiles.

Customize the stick over time to perfectly match your playing tendencies. Add a hockey lace if needed to stiffen the channel. Adjust pocket placement to fine tune control.

Take time testing different defensive sticks to determine what works best for your game. With the ideal setup, you’ll have the confidence and skills to shut down the opposition’s best offensive weapons. Just don’t tell them your secrets!

Key Takeaways for Defensemen When Selecting a Lacrosse Stick

Let’s recap the key takeaways for defense players looking to find their ideal lacrosse stick setup:

• Opt for a long 60″ shaft for maximum checking range and leverage. But keep the overall weight reasonable for quick maneuvering.
• Choose a head with a wide flare and curved scoop to help gobble up those ground balls off the wings or after causing turnovers.
• Seek out durable head constructions like stiff alloys or composites that hold their shape through endless hacks and pokes.
• Dial the pocket depth into the mid-low range for decent ball retention when clearing after securing possession.
• Customize the stringing tension and materials to find your optimal pocket hold and release point.
• Don’t neglect grip comfort and taper style on the handle. Well built-up grips prevent slipping.
• Break the stick in properly and tweak the pocket over time to maximize control and feel.
• Match the stick’s characteristics and capabilities to your personal playing style and skills.

Take the time to test different shaft/head combinations until you find your absolute optimal setup. The right lacrosse stick gives defenders the tools needed to lock down opponents and control the game. Just try prying the ball away from you!