Read This Before Buying the Best Lacrosse Mesh in 2023Read This Before Buying the Best Lacrosse Mesh in 2023
Choosing the Right Lacrosse Mesh Type for Your Position
As an attackman, midfielder, or defender, the type of lacrosse mesh you choose can make all the difference in your game. The mesh determines how the ball releases, so picking the right one tailored to your position is key.
Attackmen tend to prefer a soft mesh with a deep pocket to cradle and maintain possession on drives to the cage. A soft mesh also provides excellent hold on quick sticks and feeds. Popular soft mesh choices for attack include Stringking Type 3F or 3X. The flexible nylon strings and traditional wider diamond shape make cradling and catching easier.
For midfielders, a mesh with more structure balances hold and release. You need control carrying the ball upfield through checks but also the quick release to make crisp passes. A semi-soft option like Stringking Type 4F provides the best of both worlds. The stiffer mesh gives you accuracy on passes but still enough pocket depth and hold.
Defensemen generally opt for stiff mesh that allows for elite stick checks and quick ground ball scoops. A mesh like Stringking Type 1s gives maximum ball control to corral ground balls and intercept passes. The ultra-stiff nylon and narrow diamonds release the ball immediately on checks or clears. You can count on the ball releasing as soon as your stick makes contact.
Testing out mesh types to find what works best for your game is key. An attackman’s dream mesh may be a turnover nightmare for a defenseman. Consider your position’s specific needs and try out different pocket styles to determine the optimal balance of hold, release, and control. Dialing in your mesh will take your lacrosse game to the next level.
Finding the Best Lacrosse Mesh for Faceoffs and Ground Balls
Winning faceoffs and scooping ground balls quickly is critical for gaining possession and starting the transition game. As a faceoff specialist or defensive middie, having a lacrosse mesh optimized for these crucial game situations can give you an edge. The key is finding a pocket that provides maximum ball control for clamping 50/50 balls and outlet passing after the draw.
The best faceoff and ground ball mesh options tend to be on the stiffer side. This allows for quick ball release when poking the ball out on faceoffs and less ball rattle inside the head when scooping ground balls. Popular stiff mesh choices like Stringking Type 1s, Warrior Noz 2, and ECD Rebel Pro provide elite ball control. The ultra-stiff nylon diamond shapes grab errant ground balls with ease. The lack of flex helps clamp down on a contested faceoff and prevent the ball from squirting loose.
While you want a rigid mesh, pocket depth is still important to secure the ball after the clamp and prevent turnovers in transition. A medium pocket around the midline of the head is ideal. This allows you to gain possession off the whistle with balls to walls, push transitions, or quick outlets. Shallow pockets increase the chances of turnovers, while deeper pockets make it harder to get clean exits.
For the best faceoff mesh, experiment with different pocket styles and shooting strings to fine tune control. You can string the bottom half tight for security but keep the channel more open up top for cleaner exits. Use a straight or bagged nylon shooter to take some sting out of passes. Get your mechanics and technique down during live draws before over-tweaking your pocket. With the right stiff mesh and pocket broken in, you’ll be ready to own the possessions battles on the X.
Weatherproof Mesh – Staying Consistent in Any Condition
Dealing with the elements is part of lacrosse, whether it’s wind, rain, snow, or extreme heat and humidity. Having a weatherproof lacrosse mesh that performs consistently in all conditions can give you an advantage. The last thing you want is your pocket getting soaked and heavy in the rain or mesh going soft and sloppy in the heat.
The key to weatherproof mesh is using materials that maintain their structure and shape despite the environment. Premium synthetics like Mark 2F from Stringking or the Reactor line from ECD are designed for stability across temperatures. The proprietary blends and coating processes keep the diamonds rigid and the channel open.
You also want durable materials that won’t bag out or degrade over time. Multi-layer mesh constructions reinforce the shape better than single layer mesh prone to stretching. The fusion of nylon, polyester, and other synthetics creates a finely tuned balance of control and consistency.
When stringing up a weatherproof pocket, focus on tight channel definition on the sidewalls and diamond rows. This keeps the ball centered regardless of weather and prevents sideways pocket sag. Use a consistent nylon cross lace to box in the diamonds, adding definition to the channel. Shane from Stringking recommends a 1-straight shooter set-up for keeping the pocket structured in wet or humid conditions.
In extreme heat or cold, give the head a quick dunk in warm or cool water before games to stabilize the mesh temperature. During games, use shammies to wipe off excess water weighing down the pocket. While no lacrosse mesh is 100% impervious to weather, advancements in materials provide much more consistent performance in all conditions.
What Makes a Lacrosse Mesh Legal for High School and College
Winning faceoffs and scooping ground balls quickly is critical for gaining possession and starting the transition game. As a faceoff specialist or defensive middie, having a lacrosse mesh optimized for these crucial game situations can give you an edge. The key is finding a pocket that provides maximum ball control for clamping 50/50 balls and outlet passing after the draw.
The best faceoff and ground ball mesh options tend to be on the stiffer side. This allows for quick ball release when poking the ball out on faceoffs and less ball rattle inside the head when scooping ground balls. Popular stiff mesh choices like Stringking Type 1s, Warrior Noz 2, and ECD Rebel Pro provide elite ball control. The ultra-stiff nylon diamond shapes grab errant ground balls with ease. The lack of flex helps clamp down on a contested faceoff and prevent the ball from squirting loose.
While you want a rigid mesh, pocket depth is still important to secure the ball after the clamp and prevent turnovers in transition. A medium pocket around the midline of the head is ideal. This allows you to gain possession off the whistle with balls to walls, push transitions, or quick outlets. Shallow pockets increase the chances of turnovers, while deeper pockets make it harder to get clean exits.
For the best faceoff mesh, experiment with different pocket styles and shooting strings to fine tune control. You can string the bottom half tight for security but keep the channel more open up top for cleaner exits. Use a straight or bagged nylon shooter to take some sting out of passes. Get your mechanics and technique down during live draws before over-tweaking your pocket. With the right stiff mesh and pocket broken in, you’ll be ready to own the possessions battles on the X.
Weatherproof Mesh – Staying Consistent in Any Condition
Dealing with the elements is part of lacrosse, whether it’s wind, rain, snow, or extreme heat and humidity. Having a weatherproof lacrosse mesh that performs consistently in all conditions can give you an advantage. The last thing you want is your pocket getting soaked and heavy in the rain or mesh going soft and sloppy in the heat.
The key to weatherproof mesh is using materials that maintain their structure and shape despite the environment. Premium synthetics like Mark 2F from Stringking or the Reactor line from ECD are designed for stability across temperatures. The proprietary blends and coating processes keep the diamonds rigid and the channel open.
You also want durable materials that won’t bag out or degrade over time. Multi-layer mesh constructions reinforce the shape better than single layer mesh prone to stretching. The fusion of nylon, polyester, and other synthetics creates a finely tuned balance of control and consistency.
When stringing up a weatherproof pocket, focus on tight channel definition on the sidewalls and diamond rows. This keeps the ball centered regardless of weather and prevents sideways pocket sag. Use a consistent nylon cross lace to box in the diamonds, adding definition to the channel. Shane from Stringking recommends a 1-straight shooter set-up for keeping the pocket structured in wet or humid conditions.
In extreme heat or cold, give the head a quick dunk in warm or cool water before games to stabilize the mesh temperature. During games, use shammies to wipe off excess water weighing down the pocket. While no lacrosse mesh is 100% impervious to weather, advancements in materials provide much more consistent performance in all conditions.
What Makes a Lacrosse Mesh Legal for High School and College
When stringing up a new lacrosse mesh, it’s important to ensure it meets regulations for your level of play. High school, college, and pro leagues govern the minimum dimensions for pocket depth, shooting string height, and other specifications.
For high school lacrosse, the mesh must be attached directly to the sidewalls with no more than 1″ of shifting up and down. This helps limit deep pockets that increase ball control to unfair levels. Shooting strings must be straight and can be no closer than 3″ to the scoop at the top and 1.5″ up from the bottom. High school pockets also have a maximum depth of 3″ at the deepest point.
NCAA men’s lacrosse mesh rules closely mirror high school but are slightly more strict. The top shooting string must be at least 5″ from the top of the scoop (instead of 3″) to decrease pocket depth. The bottom shooting string minimum moves up to 2″ from the bottom. Mesh weaving must be attached within 1.5″ of the sidewalls instead of 1″.
Women’s sticks follow a different specification with mandated pocket dimensions based on ball sizers. Mesh must be shallow enough that a ball dropped in sits above the sidewalls. Shooting strings can be no closer than 4″ and 7″ from the top and bottom of the head respectively.
Before games, officials use a pocket depth tester to ensure legality. Sticks found to be too pinched or deep are removed from play until corrected. Following manufacturing specs and gradually working in mesh helps prevent excessive stretching. While regulations aim to control advantages of deep pockets, creativity in stringing allows for optimized legal pockets.
Lacrosse Mesh for Beginners – Get Started the Right Way
If you’re new to lacrosse, choosing the right mesh and pocket setup as a beginner can be confusing. With so many stringing styles and options, where do you start? Here’s a guide on the best mesh and pockets for lacrosse beginners across positions.
For first-time attackmen and middies, start with a soft mesh like Stringking Type 3s. The flexible strings make catching passes easier as you build hand-eye coordination. Have your local lacrosse shop string a mid to deep pocket, around 3-4 diamonds deep. This gives you some hold as you work on cradling and switching hands.
Beginner defenders benefit from a stiffer mesh like Stringking Type 1s for quick ball control. Have it strung with a shallow 1-2 diamond pocket to force you to play with two hands. Work on scooping ground balls in the sweet spot along the midline rather than deep in the pocket.
Goalies should use a mesh with extra structure like Stringking Goalie or ECD Mirage. Start with a pre-strung pocket or have a coach string a pocket with a depth you’re comfortable with. Focus on centering the ball in the pocket and controlling rebounds.
Regardless of position, keep the shooting strings basic as a beginner. Start with a single nylon straight at mid pocket until you develop proper mechanics. Advanced set-ups like v-nylons can wait until you have a consistent release point.
Don’t overlook the importance of simply playing with mesh and getting it broken in. Soft meshes will bag out while stiff pockets will soften over time. Stay with a beginner pocket for at least a season before making drastic changes. Learning proper fundamentals and stick skills takes time along with dialing in your mesh.
10 Lacrosse Mesh Brands Trusted by Pros
When shopping for new lacrosse mesh, there are a handful of elite brands trusted by professional and college players. These top manufacturers engineer high-performance mesh technology and materials used on championship fields.
Stringking has exploded in popularity the past decade with pro-level soft, stiff, and goalie mesh options. Their proprietary Stringking 2F and 3F blends optimize consistency, durability, and pocket feel.
Warrior remains an industry leader, evolving classic meshes like Money Mesh into advanced iterations each season. Top sellers like Noz 2, Noz X, and Cookie Mesh balance control and ball feel.
ECD has pushed mesh innovation with patented Sharktech plastic blends reinforcing the structure. The Bravo and Rebel lines offer adaptable levels of flexibility and stiffness.
Maverik has built a loyal following for meshes like Prime and Striker through innovative stringing techniques and premium materials.
Gait continues the tradition of quality Canadian mesh like Torque and Gait Mesh optimized for box and field lacrosse.
Nike meshes like Elite and Pro Combat have been elite faceoff and all-around meshes since Nike entered the sport.
STX traditional meshes like X10, X40, and Duel are a staple from youth to pro levels.
Epoch meshes like Dragonfly and Gecko provide a unique feel through advanced polymer materials and a four-side adjustable top string system.
Under Armour highlights include benchmarks like Shift and Command that grip, move, and release the ball effortlessly.
East Coast Dyes (ECD) pro-caliber customization and heritage synthetic meshes have redefined consistency and feel.
Soft Mesh vs. Stiff Mesh – Weighing the Pros and Cons
One of the big decisions in lacrosse mesh selection is soft versus stiff mesh. Attackmen tend to prefer soft for ball control, while defense relies on stiff for quick release. But how do you decide what’s right for your position and playing style?
Soft mesh like Stringking Type 3F or ECD Bravo provides excellent hold on cradles, makes scooping ground balls easier, and gives you some margin for error catching passes. The flexible pocket helps absorb passes and dampens bad throws. The trade-off is decreased ball speed on passes and shots compared to stiff mesh.
Stiff mesh like Warrior Noz 2X gives you ultimate control checking and exceptional touch on ground balls. The rigid structure makes for tight channel definition and consistent accuracy passing and shooting. The lack of flex means mishandled passes often bounce out though.
For midfielders, a mesh with moderate stiffness balances the strengths of both. Stringking Type 4F blends the feel of a broken-in mesh with structured sidewalls. ECD Rebel and Throne meshes also strike the right chord. The mid-flex lets you rip shots but retain versatility moving up and down the field.
Consider your position, style of play, and skill level when choosing soft versus stiff. It’s less about attack vs. defense than optimizing for control vs. release. Dialing in pocket depth and style is key too. An attackman can get pops from a stiff mesh set up with a deep pocket. Finding the sweet spot for you takes experimenting between the extremes.
How Lacrosse Mesh Affects Your Passing and Catching
The type of lacrosse mesh you string into your stick’s head can significantly impact your ability to pass and catch the ball cleanly. Finding a pocket optimized for your playing style takes experimenting with different meshes and stringing configurations.
In general, soft mesh makes catching errant passes easier by absorbing the impact rather than bouncing out. Soft meshes like Stringking Type 3F allow you to cradle smoothly and provide margin for error. The trade-off is decreased passing speed and accuracy due to the mesh absorbing energy.
Stiffer meshes offer maximum passing speed and precision on cuts but make catching requires clean hands. The ball rebounds out of tight channels on off-target throws. Popular stiff options like ECD Rebel Pro give you pinpoint passing at the expense of ball control.
To balance catchability and passing prowess, midfielder meshes with moderate structure work best. Stringking Type 4F or ECD Throne provide a composite feel with defined sidewalls but forgiving pocket. Focus on dialing in pocket depth during stringing to optimize control.
Consider adding a nylon shooter to the midsection of the pocket to take some sting out on passes while still maintaining sidewall stiffness. Make sure the mesh is well broken-in before altering the pocket too drastically. Achieving your ideal balance of control and crisp release takes patience and fine tuning over time.
Focus on fundamentals and use mesh as an enhancement, not a crutch for catching and passing. No amount of engineering can replace good mechanics and technique. Master the basics first before trying to maximize mesh performance.
Why Lacrosse Mesh Channels Matter for Ball Speed
The way a lacrosse mesh pocket is strung can significantly impact ball speed on shots. Optimizing pocket channel width and shape is crucial for generating maximum velocity.
Mesh with consistently narrow diamond rows creates a defined channel that focuses energy down the center of the head. Popular stiff meshes like Stringking Type 1s and Warrior Noz 2X allow for tight channel stringing. This forces the ball through the fastest part of the head during the release.
Wider diamond meshes make consistently tight channels more difficult. Soft meshes like Stringking 3X naturally bag out and stretch over time. This leads to slower shots as energy dissipates across the loose pocket. Frequent restringing helps optimize the channel for maximum speed.
During stringing, focus on keeping diamonds stacked with gradual width reduction towards the top. Consistent 1-2mm diamond rows enhance feel and ball speed. Use multiple anchor knots up the midline of the head to prevent diamond shifting.
Shooting strings play a key role in fine-tuning channel width as well. Placing the bottom nylon farther up in the throat creates a fast break point above it. For maximum velocity, use a single centered top nylon to form a ramp into the pocket’s fastest point of release.
Dialing in pocket shape and shooting strings takes experimentation and attention to detail during stringing. Keep a log on what works for you as meshes break in. No matter the mesh, optimizing the channel is essential for generating ball speed when you need it most.
Lacrosse Mesh Maintenance Tips – Making it Last
Taking proper care of your lacrosse mesh extends pocket life and optimizes performance. Simple maintenance between string jobs prevents premature bagging out and breakdown.
Be sure to break in mesh gradually over multiple practices to develop ideal pocket feel. Don’t leave a brand new mesh strung up outside in extreme weather that could loosen diamonds before it’s game ready.
After wet games or practices, use a shammie to soak up excess moisture weighing down the diamonds. Let equipment fully air dry before packing it up to prevent mildew buildup.
Minimize unnecessary dyneema sidewall string contact with the mesh that can lead to premature wear. Cover any plastic screw heads on the sidewalls as well.
When storing sticks between practices, keep mesh tensioned in the heads using strap systems rather than letting diamonds sag. This maintains shape so you spend less time re-breaking in pockets.
Consider periodically re-boiling mesh to reset the shape, especially on softer meshes that tend to bag out. This reduces the frequency of full re-stringing jobs.
Spot clean mesh using gentle foam cleaners rather than harsh chemicals that could degrade materials. Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterwards.
Take time re-lacing and straightening diamonds every few practices to optimize channel shape and shooting strings before bad habits form.
With some simple diligence, you can extend the sweet spot of a perfectly broken-in pocket for multiple seasons. Paying attention to mesh maintenance ensures consistency game to game.
