Optimizing Gait Torque on your Lacrosse Head

Optimizing Gait Torque on your Lacrosse Head

Understanding Gait Torque Technology in Lacrosse Heads

Gait Torque technology has revolutionized lacrosse head design in recent years. This innovative engineering focuses on optimizing the flex and stiffness of the head to maximize ball speed, passing accuracy, and shot power. So how exactly does Gait Torque work?

Gait Torque refers to strategically placed stiff and flexible zones across the head. Stiffer zones like the throat and scoop provide extra rigidity for strength when facing off and scooping ground balls. More flexible zones across the upper sidewalls and ramp allow the head to “load up” and catapult the ball out of the pocket. The rear flex point helps absorb checks, maintaining ball control.

Gait engineers use advanced computer modeling to run virtual stress tests and precisely calibrate the torque flex zones. This helps them find the ideal balance of stiffness and whip for different player positions and preferences. They incorporate different materials like composite alloys and optimized injection molding techniques to engineer the desired flex properties into the head.

For example, the Gait Torque Speed has an Extra Stiff throat and Mid Flex Point to maximize ball speed. The Rebel OG Torque has a softer flex for superior ball control. Gait also created the Torque Lock sidewall design to further enhance stability and shot speed.

As a player, it’s important to understand your needs and playing style to choose the right Gait Torque tuning. Middies may prefer a head with more hold and control, while attackmen typically want maximum speed and quick release. Consulting lacrosse experts and product descriptions can help determine your ideal flex profile. Mastering your lacrosse head’s Gait Torque will let you optimize passing, shooting, scooping and dodging on the field.

How Gait Torque Affects Ball Speed in Lacrosse

One of the most significant benefits of Gait Torque technology is its ability to dramatically increase ball speed in lacrosse shots, passes and clears. The strategic stiff and flexible zones engineered into the head play a crucial role in producing faster release speeds off sticks with Gait Torque.

When loading up for a shot, the flexible sidewalls and ramp of a Gait Torque head will bend and compress as the player pulls back. This loading stores elastic potential energy in the head. As the player goes to release, the head will whip forward catapulting the ball out. This is similar to a trebuchet siege weapon utilizing a counterweight to launch projectiles.

The engineers at Gait carefully calibrate where the head flexes and the stiffness of these zones. More flexibility means greater potential energy storage and faster shot speed. However, too much can decrease accuracy and make the head unstable. The stiff throat and scoop regions help maintain structural integrity during this flex and release process.

Gait’s Torque Lock technology maximizes ball speed by keeping the top of the sidewall rigid while allowing flex in the lower sidewalls. This focuses the torque energy directly behind the ball’s path upon release. Advanced scoop designs like the Command Scoop also direct more energy transfer into the ball instead of losing it to flex and vibration.

Pro level Gait lacrosse heads like the Dara, Torque, and Torque Motion are optimized for maximum ball speeds exceeding 105 mph. Even recreational and youth heads incorporate some degree of strategic flex points. Players report significant mph gains switching to Gait Torque heads from more rigid designs.

Dialing in your head’s flex profile and shooting mechanics is key to taking full advantage of these ball speed gains. Remember to pull straight back in line with your target, shift your top hand out front on release, and follow through fully. Unleash the speed potential in your Gait Torque lacrosse head this season!

Choosing the Right Gait Torque For Your Position

With so many Gait heads featuring Torque technology, it can be tricky choosing the right one tuned for your position and playing style. Maximizing the performance benefits relies on matching the flex profile to your needs as a player.

For example, elite faceoff specialists and power dodging middies may prefer an Extra Stiff or Super Stiff throat to ensure superior clamping strength at the X. The extra rigidity also helps hold the ball during checks and bulldoze shots on cage. Gait heads like the D, Fuel, and Burn provide this maximum stiffness while still incorporating some Mid and Low flex points across the scoop, sidewalls, and ramp.

On the other end of the spectrum, offensive players like attackmen need all the whip and velocity they can get. Their heads have more overall flex and Low or Mid flex points to really wind up for blistering fast shots. Popular choices like the Gait Torque and Torque Fast optimize for ball speed while maintaining great feel and accuracy.

For a balance of both, two-way middies, SSDM, and some defenders may opt for a more moderate Stiff or Mid Flex throat. This provides good stability for handling, passing, and scooping while enabling sufficient torque whip on clears and offensive runs. The Gait Ice and Gait D are great examples of this middle ground tuning.

Women’s lacrosse players have special requirements focused more on ball control, handling, and placement rather than high-speed velocity. Gait’s women’s Torque heads like the Origin and Gravity have sidewall designs and flex points engineered for the women’s game.

Be sure to watch reviews, shooting tests, and product videos to see how different Gait heads flex and respond. While ultimately personal preference, discussing options with coaches and teammates can provide insight into the best Torque configuration for you. Take time to experiment with tuning the top and sidewall strings to dial in the pocket further. Mastering your Gait Torque technology will pay big dividends this season!

Achieving Maximum Passing Accuracy with Gait Torque

While whipped lacrosse shots look awesome, consistent passing accuracy is just as critical to executing an offense. The strategic torque tuning of Gait lacrosse heads provides excellent passing control once you master the feel.

The key factors for passing accuracy are pocket shape, consistent release point, and avoiding off-center torque twisting. A proper mid to mid-low pocket gives the best hold while allowing the ball to channel directly up the center. Work with different sidewall stringing styles and shooting lace configurations until you find your ideal setup.

Consistent throwing motion and hand placement are paramount as well. Keep your hands tight together, pointing straight towards your target during the windup, release and follow-through. This keeps the torque energy transfer aligned with the ball’s path for a straight pass. Avoid dropping the bottom hand early or chicken winging the stick back across your body.

While Gait Torque adds whip, too much side-to-side warping can lead to inaccurate passes careening off course. Using a stick with the right throat stiffness for your game helps prevent excessive torque twist during passing. If needed, stringing the first 1-3 sidewall holes tighter can enhance stability.

For maximum precision, focus on snapping your wrists and fingers during release rather than relying solely on arm strength. Putting extra spin on the ball engages the torque energy more effectively. Lead passes ahead of cutting teammates takes advantage of the speed from your Gait head.

Middies and attackmen should master both quick touch passes around defenders along with bombing full-field clears and feeds. Defenders benefit from torque enabled rocket outlet passes to start the transition game. Dial in your torque tech for pinpoint passing precision this season!

Improving Lacrosse Shot Power with Gait Torque

Generating maximum shot speed is what Gait Torque technology is all about. The optimized flex profiles produce lighting fast release velocities from elite lacrosse heads. Here are some tips for improving shot power using Gait Torque.

First, ensure you are using a stick with sufficient whip built in. Attackmen and offensive middies need the most velocity, so choose heads with Low or Mid flex points. The Gait Torque, D, and Ice lines offer great options. Go for the stiffest throat possible while retaining enough flex for your needs.

Proper shooting mechanics are essential to engage the torque and transfer energy to the ball. Keep your top hand out front above the ball initially, then pull back in a straight line path with both hands together. Allow your bottom hand to naturally fall to the side as you release forward with a punching wrist snap.

Let the head lag behind your hands on follow through, continuing to catapult forward as you drive the stick horizontally. Leaning your entire body into the shot and stepping towards the target adds even more power.

For low-to-high shots, sweep upward after the initial level windup and release. This adds bonus whip from the scoop and ramp flexing downwards. Practice your sidearm winding technique as well for rippling low rockets from X.

Ensure the pocket is mid-depth and holds the ball near the top sweet spot. This aligns the ball with the axis of torque rotation off the shooter’s hands. A pocket that is too low or baggy can kill some velocity.

Aftermarket upgrades like a heavy end cap also load more mass weight into the head for extra torque leverage. Finally, don’t forget lacrosse is a game of angles – placing your shots just makes them seem faster!

Strategies For Quick Stick Handling with Gait Torque

Superior stick handling and ball control separates the best lacrosse players. While Gait Torque adds velocity, you can still achieve quick, precise hands using some key techniques.

For starters, focus on using your fingers and wrists over arms when cradling and maneuvering the stick. Keep a relaxed grip and let the ball sit lightly in a mid-low pocket. This allows you to finesse the ball around defenders with your hands rather than forcing cradles.

When pancaking and shielding the ball, avoid choking up high on the throat. Instead, slide your top hand slightly lower down the sidewalls. This provides flex to absorb checks while maintaining feel and control of the ball.

Similarly, when carrying in one hand or switching hands, keep contact points on the lower sidewalls. Spin the shaft with your fingers and wrists to rollover the ball across the top of the head.

For best touch and hold when stick handling, string the first few sidewalls tighter. This enhances stability right around the ball’s contact zone during cradling. A mid-high pocket also helps prevent the ball rattling around excessively.

When faking dodges or rockering sticks, prevent overloading the head with torque twisting to maintain accuracy. Make motions small with the hands and keep the head moving linearly. Don’t get too whip-happy!

Mastering the nuances of high-speed ball control requires great lacrosse head feel and finger dexterity. Applying these quick stick tips will have you leveraging your Gait Torque technology to maximum advantage.

Counteracting Defensive Checks with Gait Torque

Aggressive defensive pressure with stick checks is a fact of life in lacrosse. Gait’s engineered Torque flex profiles enable greater ball control and retention when facing contact.

The strategic stiff and flexible zones across a Gait head are designed to specifically help you “absorb” checks. When a defender lays a slash on your stick, the flexible sidewalls and ramp will dampen and cushion the impact rather than transferring all shock directly to the ball.

This flex action keeps the ball in the pocket, similar to how suspension on a car smoothes out bumps in the road. Gait tweaks the location and stiffness levels of the torque zones to optimize “check absorption” for different playing styles and positions.

A properly stringed pocket with a mid level sweet spot helps as well. This positions the ball deeper along the vertical flex axis instead of up at the vulnerable scoop. Shooting lace set-ups that allow the ball to sit more loosely can also improve retention against checks versus tighter channels.

For players constantly facing pressure like offensive middies and attackmen, having some extra whip is advantageous. The quick release from torque heads makes it easier to pass or shoot through checks before a defender recovers.

While torque enables velocity, don’t forget the basics of cradling and body position when expecting contact. Keeping your hands tight and elbows in will always provide the best shielding. Mastering check absorption with Gait Torque puts you in control this season!

Maintaining Control with Gait Torque in Wet Conditions

Nothing wreaks havoc on your lacrosse stick control more than wet, rainy game conditions. But by leveraging Gait Torque technology strategically and adjusting your technique, you can minimize the negative impacts of moisture.

First off, choose a head with a stiff throat region if expecting wet weather. The extra rigidity helps counteract the softening effect water has on leather and mesh pocket materials. Gait heads like the D, R, and Fire offer good torque throat stiffness to plow through the sloppiness.

Consider stringing an interlock or variance of a double traditional pocket style as well. These knotted runner designs maintain their structure and hold better when soaked versus shooting laces or meshes.

Wax mesh if allowed by your league rules to repel water saturation into the woven fibers. Top nylon also stands up to moisture well. Applying waterproof sticky spray to the scoop and sidewalls can further cut down on slippery wetness.

To retain control while cradling and handling in the muck, keep your hands spaced wide apart for maximum stability. Avoid one-hand cradling and risky behind-the-back moves that can easily go awry.

For passing and shooting, follow through completely and be smooth with your torque bending and release. Sloppy, choppy motion will only accentuate the lack of friction. Take some pace off your passes and keep the ball low when possible.

While the weather may dampen your game, smart strategy with Gait Torque will keep you sharp in wet conditions. Master the moisture, don’t let it master you!

Minimizing Injury Risk from Checks with Gait Torque

While an inevitable part of lacrosse, excessive checks can lead to hand and wrist injuries over a season. Optimizing Gait Torque flex profiles and mechanics can help reduce the risks of getting hurt.

Using a stick with too much whip for your playing style is a common mistake that leads to injuries. Attackmen wanting pure velocity may overdo it with extra flexible heads that don’t provide enough stability when facing constant defensive pressure.

Choose a Gait Torque tuning with a stiff enough throat for your needs. Superior ball control requires minimizing torque twist while still allowing beneficial flex for passing and shooting velocity.

Proper checking technique is crucial as well. Don’t reach out and “poke check” with just your hands and wrists extended. Keep your stick arm slightly bent with the top hand out in front of your shoulder. This provides a stronger, more stable base to absorb contact.

Similarly, deliver checks using core rotation and arms together, not just the wrists. Follow through with control, avoiding the temptation to wildly hack at opponent’s sticks.

Wearing protective gloves with robust padding across the fingers, hands, and wrists can make a big difference over a long season. Taping unstable joints as needed also prevents injury while maintaining feel and dexterity.

While injuries can happen to anyone, smart prevention and Gait Torque mastery will keep you dominating the field in the healthiest way possible.

Extending the Life of Your Lacrosse Head with Gait Torque

While designed for high performance, Gait Torque heads can still have relatively long lifespans when cared for properly. Here are some tips to maximize the longevity of your lacrosse gear investment.

Avoid stringing an excessively deep pocket that contacts the bottom inside rim of the head frequently. This can erode and warp the plastic edges over time, compromising stability.

Similarly, don’t string too loosely and allow the ball to constantly rattle around. This can wear down stringing materials faster. Find the ideal mid-level pocket that retains the ball cleanly.

Inspect for cracks along the sidewalls, scoop and throat after any serious impacts from checks. If detected early, these can often be repaired with adhesive or plastic welding compounds.

Replace older shooting strings and sidewall materials that lose tension or become misshapen. Old degraded mesh and leathers can hinder performance.

Consider an aftermarket screw-in end cap to protect the bottom. Metal caps add structure and resist breakage of the plastic runner tips.

Avoid storing sticks in extremely hot or cold conditions when not playing. Temperature extremes can accelerate degredation of plastics and strings.Clean heads thoroughly after wet, muddy games to prevent residue build up in the pocket and sides potentially leading to reduced life.

Finally, simply avoiding excessive high-impact checks on your stick when able will prolong its usable lifespan.

With proper care and maintenance habits, today’s Gait Torque heads should keep you dominating the field for seasons to come!

Gait Torque Heads For Faceoffs

Faceoff specialists require lacrosse heads with very specific traits optimized for success at the X. Many of Gait’s Torque models provide the ideal engineering for FOGOs.

Maximum clamp strength is essential for controlling the pinch and pluck during draws. Stiff throats with minimal flex are ideal, allowing FOGOs to really bear down at the whistle.

The Gait D and Gait Burn heads have Super Stiff + throats paired with a Mid Flex point for added velocity on draws and fast breaks. The CEO U also utilizes torque construction for brute clamping power.

Wider heads also aid in fully covering and securing possession of the ball. Models like the Gait Recon X have an expanded throat shape to get on top of ground balls.

Control on draws relies on stick feel as much as clamping power. Mid-Low flex points in the right zones provide torque tension that expert faceoff guys can master.

Once the ball is free, FOGOs rely on whip and Middies rely on whip and quick breaks up field or to the wings. The right amount of torque flex becomes crucial here. Heads like the Gait Ice and Gait D provide a good balance.

For the scrambles after the draw, a decent mid-pocket helps secure ground balls and absorb checks. Shooting strings that support but don’t choke the ball also maintain possession through contact.

While often overlooked, grip and handle design also matters allowing for clean, quick transitions between one and two-handed play at the X. Finding your ideal setup starts with the right Gait Torque!

Using Gait Torque For Superior Scooping

Gaining possession off the turf begins with mastering the ground ball scoop. Gait engineers torque technology to provide excellent pickup performance across positions.

For faceoff specialists, wings, and short sticks, maximum stiffness in the throat and scoop is ideal. This prevents flex and vibration that can lead to “bobbling” loose balls.

Heads like the Tank, D, and Burn maintain Extra Stiff or Super Stiff throats combined with a rigid scoop. The pinch point where throat meets scoop stays firmly supported to lift balls cleanly.

Attaching a stiff aftermarket scoop can further enhance ground ball control. This adds structure to channel balls directly into the pocket off the ground.

Longer sticks like defenses require a bit more flex and “give” on scoops to control bounce and leverage balls up. Heads with a Medium or Low Flex 2 throat work well for LSMs and close D.

For field players, a pocket that cradles the ball centered along the natural flex angle of the head is best for securing ground balls. Avoid flat, overly tight pockets that gain no contour advantage.

When scooping, slide your bottom hand low on the shaft and keep the stick head perpendicular to the ground. This uses the torque flex to lift rather than forcing the ball up solely with your wrists.

Finally, practice clean follow through and body rotation to keep balls in your stick and safely away from trailing defenders.

Dialing in pocket geometry and scooping mechanics will have you owning ground balls with your Gait torque advantage.

Maximizing Gait Torque Benefits As A Goalie

While built for field players, Gait’s engineered torque flex profile still provides advantages for goalies.

The key benefit is increased ball control when outlet passing thanks to the extra head whip. Goalies can wind up and deliver crisp, fast starts to clears and fast breaks.

The pinpoint precision torque enables is perfect for hitting cutters or midfielders in stride up-field. Models with a Medium Flex throat like the Gait Keeper TORQ combine decent stability for blocking with enough torque for velocity.

Torque heads are typically lighter than rigid steel which helps reduce strain on goalies’ shoulders and arms over a game. Less mass weight means faster hand and stick movement.

When paired with a soft mesh pocket, torque also offers better “hold” on saves versus a rebound. The flex absorbs some ball impact allowing the goalie to cradle it in cleanly.

For blocking, goalies may need to adjust positioning and technique to not fight the torque. Allowing the head to flex naturally with the ball path results in better save control.

The key for goalies is finding the right balance of rigidity for stopping shots along with torque enabled passing and clears. Models like the Keeper TORQ thread this needle nicely.

While not for everyone, selectively utilizing Gait’s torque tech provides a specialized edge for goalies.

Finding The Optimal Gait Torque For You

With so many torque-enabled options, choosing your ideal Gait lacrosse head is crucial for maximizing performance. Here are some tips for dialing in your perfect flex profile.

Analyze your playing style and needs first. Are you a shooter seeking pure velocity? A evasive dodger needing superior ball control? Or a defensive middie requiring excellent ground ball scoops? Understanding strengths/weaknesses helps target technology features.

Factor in your level of play and experience too. Youth and amateur players new to torque may prefer more forgiving all-around heads, while elite players chase specialized heads optimized for their role.

If possible, demo different heads with pocket and stringing setups similar to your pattern. Get a hands-on feel for the throat stiffness, overall flex, and scoop differences. Notice the balance of control, speed, stability and accuracy each provides.

Read and watch multiple reviews from lacrosse experts for insights on the newest Gait torque heads. See how they compare for shot speed, passing, faceoffs, and other usage. Learn what the pros like or dislike about each model.

Ask for guidance within your program from coaches and veteran teammates. They can advise what flex profiles have worked best for certain players and positions.

Be objective about your abilities too. It’s easy to get caught up chasing the latest tech trends, when a more fundamental head may suit your needs better.

With research and self-analysis, discovering your ideal Gait Torque lacrosse head becomes much more straightforward. The payoff in on-field performance will be transformative!

Gait Torque Technology Continues To Advance

While already a game-changer, Gait keeps innovating and improving their engineered torque flex profiles with each new generation of lacrosse heads.

New manufacturing techniques like dual-shot injection molding allow more intricate blending of stiff and flexible compounds within a single head. This enables endless fine-tuning possibilities.

Leveraging computer modeling and simulation, Gait can virtually stress test new torque designs digitally before prototypes are even built. Technologies like finite element analysis expose complex flex reactions.

Smart flex zones are becoming more position-specific, with heads uniquely optimized for faceoffs, offensive midfielders, defenders, and so on. As players become more specialized, heads follow suit.

New materials like aircraft grade alloys, proprietary polymer blends, and carbon fibers enable lighter and stronger constructions to push torque engineering boundaries.

heads are also incorporating unique asymmetrical sidewall and stringing hole designs to directionally influence torque channels and energy transfer.

End caps, sidewall geometries, scoop shapes, and other structural elements all support advanced torque manipulation in modern heads.

While already dominating the game, expect even more insane velocity, pinpoint precision, and rock-solid ball control in the next generation of Gait Torque lacrosse heads.