What makes the Stringking Metal 3 Pro stand out in the lacrosse defense stick market. How does it compare to other top defense heads. Why do pro and college players prefer this stick for elite performance.
The Evolution of Stringking’s Metal Series
Stringking, founded in 2012 by Johns Hopkins alumni, has revolutionized lacrosse equipment design with their engineering-driven approach. The Metal 3 Pro, introduced in 2018, builds upon the success of its predecessors, offering enhanced features tailored specifically for defensive players.
What sets the Metal 3 Pro apart from earlier models? The Pro version incorporates stiffer sidewalls and an optimized scoop design, significantly improving ball control. These upgrades have made it a top choice among defensive players at both collegiate and professional levels.
Key Features of the Stringking Metal 3 Pro
Lightweight Yet Durable Construction
How does the Metal 3 Pro achieve its remarkable strength-to-weight ratio? The head is crafted from a high-strength magnesium alloy, weighing in at a mere 150 grams. This lightweight construction allows for quick stick movement without compromising durability, enabling players to maintain agility throughout the game.
Optimized Scoop and Channel Design
Ground ball pickup is crucial in lacrosse, particularly for defenders. The Metal 3 Pro addresses this with a lowered scoop and refined channel shape. These modifications facilitate easier and more consistent ground ball scooping, giving defenders a competitive edge in contested situations.
Aggressive Sidewall Flare
Effective checking is a cornerstone of defensive play. The Metal 3 Pro features an aggressive sidewall flare that expands the head’s width at its midpoint. This design enhances power and control during various types of checks, including poke, lift, and slap checks, increasing the likelihood of dislodging the ball from opponents.
Innovative Throat Design
Ball retention and shock absorption are critical for defensive players. The Metal 3 Pro incorporates Stringking’s Tri-Stiff throat design, which lengthens the throat area. This unique feature provides stiffness in the lower throat for excellent ball retention while allowing some flex higher up to absorb checks effectively.
Optimized Stringing Setup
Pocket consistency is vital for defensive players. The Metal 3 Pro offers an optimized stringing setup with a widened channel top and an additional top string hole in the sidewall. These features, combined with strategically placed sidewall holes, allow players to create and maintain their preferred pocket styles, such as the diamond, 14D, or shift.
Comparing the Metal 3 Pro to Other Defense Heads
How does the Stringking Metal 3 Pro stack up against other popular defensive heads? Let’s compare it to some top contenders in the market:
- CEO U: While both heads use robust alloys, the Metal 3 Pro offers a more balanced approach to stick control compared to the CEO U’s aggressive slashing style.
- Maverik Tank: The Metal 3 Pro’s lighter construction provides quicker handling than the heavier Tank.
- STX Hammer 700: Similar to the Tank, the Metal 3 Pro outperforms the Hammer 700 in terms of weight and maneuverability.
Overall, the Metal 3 Pro stands out for its uncompromising focus on elite defenders’ needs, offering a superior combination of lightweight feel, stiffness for checks, excellent scooping ability, and versatile stringing options.
Pro and College Player Feedback on the Metal 3 Pro
What do professional and collegiate players say about the Stringking Metal 3 Pro? The head has gained rapid adoption in NCAA and MLL circles, with players praising its performance across various aspects of defensive play:
- Enhanced ball control, especially during ground ball pickups and checks
- Excellent stiffness for winning clamp battles
- Just enough flex to maintain ball control after big hits
- Consistent pocket retention throughout games
- Overall reliability in high-pressure situations
Many players note a noticeable improvement in their defensive capabilities when using the Metal 3 Pro, citing its perfect blend of balance, durability, and pocket consistency as key factors in their performance.
The Science Behind the Metal 3 Pro’s Performance
What makes the Stringking Metal 3 Pro so effective from a scientific standpoint? The head’s performance can be attributed to several key factors:
- Material science: The high-strength magnesium alloy provides an optimal balance of strength and weight.
- Aerodynamics: The optimized scoop and channel design improve airflow around the head, enhancing ground ball pickup.
- Biomechanics: The head’s design considers the natural movements of defensive players, optimizing for checks and ball control.
- Stress distribution: The Tri-Stiff throat design effectively manages stress during gameplay, enhancing durability and performance.
These scientific principles work in harmony to create a head that excels in all aspects of defensive play, from ground ball pickups to checks and clears.
Customizing the Metal 3 Pro for Individual Playing Styles
How can players optimize the Metal 3 Pro for their specific defensive style? The head’s versatile design allows for extensive customization:
- Pocket depth and placement: Adjust the pocket to suit your preferred style of play, whether you favor a high, mid, or low pocket.
- String tension: Fine-tune the string tension to achieve the perfect balance between hold and release.
- Mesh type: Experiment with different mesh types to find the ideal combination of feel and performance.
- Shaft pairing: Choose a shaft that complements the head’s characteristics and your playing style.
By tailoring these aspects, players can create a truly personalized defensive weapon that maximizes their on-field performance.
Maintenance and Longevity of the Metal 3 Pro
How can players ensure their Metal 3 Pro head maintains its performance over time? Proper maintenance is key to extending the life and effectiveness of this high-performance head:
- Regular cleaning: Remove dirt and debris after each use to prevent degradation of the head material.
- Proper storage: Store the stick in a cool, dry place to prevent warping or damage to the head.
- Pocket maintenance: Regularly check and adjust the pocket to maintain consistency in performance.
- Inspect for damage: Regularly examine the head for any signs of cracks or excessive wear, replacing if necessary.
With proper care, the Metal 3 Pro can maintain its elite performance characteristics for multiple seasons, making it a wise investment for serious defensive players.
The Future of Defensive Head Design
What does the Stringking Metal 3 Pro tell us about the future of defensive head design in lacrosse? The head’s success points to several trends that may shape future innovations:
- Increased focus on material science to further optimize strength-to-weight ratios
- More sophisticated aerodynamic designs to enhance ground ball pickup and ball control
- Advanced customization options to cater to individual playing styles
- Integration of data-driven design processes to refine head performance
- Exploration of sustainable materials without compromising on performance
As technology and materials science continue to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative features in future defensive head designs, building upon the foundation laid by products like the Metal 3 Pro.
The Stringking Metal 3 Pro represents a significant leap forward in defensive head design, offering a combination of features that cater specifically to the needs of elite defenders. Its lightweight yet durable construction, optimized scoop and channel design, aggressive sidewall flare, innovative throat design, and versatile stringing options set it apart from competitors in the market.
Feedback from professional and collegiate players underscores the Metal 3 Pro’s effectiveness in real-game situations, praising its ball control, check power, and overall reliability. The head’s scientific design principles, including advanced material science and biomechanical considerations, contribute to its superior performance on the field.
Players can further enhance the Metal 3 Pro’s effectiveness by customizing it to their individual playing styles, adjusting factors such as pocket depth, string tension, and mesh type. Proper maintenance ensures that the head maintains its performance characteristics over time, making it a valuable long-term investment for serious defensive players.
As the lacrosse equipment market continues to evolve, the Stringking Metal 3 Pro sets a new standard for defensive head design. Its success points to future trends in the industry, including an increased focus on material science, advanced aerodynamics, and data-driven design processes. For defensive players seeking the ultimate competitive edge, the Metal 3 Pro stands out as a top choice, combining innovation, performance, and reliability in one impressive package.
The lacrosse stick market has seen rapid innovation and new technology in recent years, but one head continues to stand out as a top choice for elite defensemen – the Stringking Metal 3 Pro. This head offers an ideal blend of durability, stiffness, balance, and ball control that has made it immensely popular at the college and pro levels. Let’s dive into the details of what makes the Metal 3 Pro such an exceptional defensive head.
An Overview of Stringking’s Metal 3 Pro Defense Head
The Metal 3 Pro exemplifies Stringking’s commitment to designing high-performance lacrosse gear. Founded in 2012 by a group of Johns Hopkins alumni, Stringking brought an engineering mindset to lacrosse equipment. The company has consistently pushed the boundaries of head design, leading to their reputation for having some of the game’s top heads across all positions.
Building on the success of their original Metal line of heads, Stringking introduced the Metal 3 in 2018. The Pro version added stiffer sidewalls and an optimized scoop design for even better ball control. As a result, the Metal 3 Pro has become hugely popular with defensive players looking for every competitive edge.
So what makes this head so ideally suited for defense? Let’s look at some of its key features and benefits:
Its Lightweight Yet Durable Design
Constructed from a high-strength magnesium alloy, the Metal 3 Pro is incredibly lightweight yet able to withstand all the abuse that defenders dish out. At just 150 grams, it lets players move their stick quickly without getting fatigued. The stiff alloy also provides excellent ball control on checks, ground balls, and clearing passes.
Optimized Scoop and Channel for Ground Balls
Stringking lowered the scoop and fine-tuned the channel shape to make picking up ground balls easier. The lower scoop gets under the ball quickly, while the rounded edges smoothly guide it into the pocket. This allows defenders to snag and clear contested ground balls with confidence.
Aggressive Sidewall Flare for Checks
The Metal 3 Pro utilizes an aggressive sidewall flare, expanding the width of the head around its midpoint. This generates more power and control when throwing poke checks, lift checks, and slap checks. By controlling checks better, defenders can dislodge the ball more consistently.
Its Stiff Yet Forgiving Throat
The Metal 3 Pro lengthens the throat area and utilizes Stringking’s Tri-Stiff throat design. This stiffens the lower throat for excellent ball retention, but allows some flex higher up to absorb checks. Together this provides the ideal blend of ball control and shock absorption that defenders need.
Ideal Stringing Holes and Channel
The Metal 3 Pro optimizes the stringing setup for pinched, consistent pocket styles that defenders prefer. It widens the top of the channel and adds an additional top string hole to the sidewall. Combined with the strategically-placed sidewall holes, defenders can dial in pocket styles like the diamond, the 14D, and the shift.
In summary, Stringking engineered every aspect of this head to boost the performance of defensive players. Next let’s see how it stacks up against some other top defense heads…
How It Compares to Other Defense Heads
When debating the Metal 3 Pro versus other defensive heads like the CEO U, Maverik Tank, and STX Hammer 700, the Stringking head stands out for its uncompromising focus on the needs of elite defenders.
Compared to the Tank and Hammer 700, the Metal 3 Pro has lighter-weight construction that provides quicker handling. This comes from the premium magnesium alloy instead of the heavier alloys in the Tank and Hammer heads.
The CEO U also utilizes a robust alloy, but has more dramatic sidewall flare and an open sidewall design. This caters more towards an aggressive slashing style, while the Metal 3 Pro focuses on elite stick and body control.
Across the board, the Metal 3 Pro comes out ahead in terms of its combination of lightweight feel, stiffness for checks, superior scooping, and versatile stringing options. Plus it has the dual-stiffness FlexRail throat design not found in other heads.
Feedback from Pro and College Players
The rapid adoption of the Metal 3 Pro by NCAA and MLL defenders speaks volumes about its capabilities. From LSMs to close defenders, players praise the Metal 3 for its perfect blend of balance, durability, and pocket consistency.
Many cite noticeably better ball control compared to other heads, especially on ground balls and checks. They also appreciate the head’s stiffness for winning clamp battles yet just enough flex to maintain ball control after big hits. With excellent pocket retention even late in games, it delivers on defenders’ need for constant reliability.
The overall consensus is that this head offers the ideal performance package for shutdown defenders. It lacks gimmicks and instead delivers on the fundamentals like no other head out there.
Why It’s Popular in NCAA and MLL
With such glowing reviews from players, it’s no surprise that you’ll spot the Metal 3 Pro all over NCAA and MLL fields. Its rise to prominence has been remarkably fast since it entered the scene in 2018.
College programs like Loyola, Yale, Syracuse, Cornell, and Duke have embraced it as their top defensive head. Take a glance on the sidelines at any NCAA game and you’ll likely spot a fleet of Metal 3 Pros.
In the pro leagues, the head has been equally influential. The Chrome’s, the Atlas’s, the Waterdogs, and other perennial MLL contenders rely heavily on the Metal 3 Pro to lock down opposing offenses. Its reputation and popularity among pros continues to rise year after year.
Simply put, the Metal 3 Pro has cemented itself as the go-to weapon for elite defenders at every level looking to play their best.
Tips for Stringing the Metal 3 Pro
While the Metal 3 Pro comes strung with a basic pocket, most defenders will want to customize the stringing to match their playing style. Here are some top tips for stringing this head:
- Focus on a stiff, consistent mid-to-high pocket like a double diamond or 14D setup
- Use nylon mesh or semi-soft mesh like Stringking Type 3s
- Install a U-shaped bottom string and double up the shooters for maximum ball retention
- Stack the sidewall strings near the scoop for increased hold across the pocket
- Experiment with different top string setups to fine-tune the pocket release point
With its optimized stringing holes, you can really dial in the exact pocket performance you need as a defender in this head.
Is the Metal 3 Pro Right for You?
The Stringking Metal 3 Pro has rightfully earned a reputation as the premier defensive head in lacrosse right now. For field defenders demanding the best technology and performance, it’s hard to beat.
Midfielders and attackers may find it a bit stiff, but for LSMs to close defenders, the Metal 3 Pro provides an incredible toolset. If you take pride in tenacious defense and dominating between the lines, this head will become an indispensable asset in your game.
Stringking burst onto the lacrosse scene in 2012 with a bold vision – to revolutionize the performance and engineering of lacrosse equipment. Since then, they have rapidly risen to become one of the game’s most innovative brands, especially renowned for their cutting-edge head designs.
The roots of Stringking date back to a group of Johns Hopkins alumni, including Jake Steinfeld, who wanted to take a more scientific approach to lacrosse gear. Steinfeld recruited engineers and designers from Apple, Rawlings, and other top companies to form the foundation of Stringking.
The History and Evolution of Stringking Lacrosse
After extensive R&D and testing, Stringking unveiled their first products in 2012 – a line of advanced mesh lacrosse nets. Using a high-quality nylon blend, Stringking’s mesh improved ball control, hold, and longevity over traditional options.
But the team had even bigger innovations in mind. In 2013, they released their first lacrosse head, the Stringking Mark 1. It featured novel technologies like a “co-polymer thermosetRadiate Rail,” a reinforced scoop, and more. This engineering-heavy design approach was unheard of in lacrosse.
The success of the Mark 1 allowed Stringking to expand into a full-scale gear brand. They brought their advanced R&D and quality construction across sticks, gloves, pads, and other equipment. But heads remained their specialty.
After the Mark 2 built upon the technology of the original, Stringking’s Metal line elevated head design even further. The Metal combined aerospace-grade magnesium and groundbreaking structural advancements.
This paved the way for the Metal 2, which bumped the technology up another notch. Stringking really hit their stride with the Metal 3 series, which has cemented itself as an elite head across positions. The Pro version took it a step further for defenders.
Throughout their evolution, Stringking never lost sight of their origins in engineering and research. Even as the product line grew, heads stayed at the core of their identity and reputation.
Cutting-Edge Construction and Materials
A huge part of what sets Stringking heads apart is the space-age materials and construction methods they utilize. They were one of the first brands to move beyond basic alloys into advanced composites and polymers.
This allows their engineers to tweak the geometry, thickness, and stiffness with precision. The result is heads with a level of performance simply unmatched by conventional manufacturing.
Relentless Innovation and Testing
Stringking also leans heavily on relentless research, design, prototyping, and testing. They are constantly experimenting with new concepts and technologies to see what improves performance. No design detail goes unscrutinized.
This scientific approach yields insights and advances that often challenge the status quo. If the data shows an improvement, Stringking isn’t afraid to break from tradition and try something new.
Focus on High-Level Players
While some brands aim for broad appeal, Stringking zeroes in on the needs of elite high school, college, and pro players. Their gear is designed for the most demanding athletes who play the game at the highest level.
Everything from the materials chosen, to flex profiles, pocket shapes, and other specs target top-tier lacrosse. The brand often looks to insights from pro players during product development.
Thanks to this unwavering commitment to engineering and innovation for top players, Stringking has ascended to become a premier name in lacrosse gear. And with products like the Metal 3 Pro, they’ve solidified their status at the pinnacle of head design.
With such an impressive lineage of technology and innovation, the Metal 3 Pro represents the pinnacle of Stringking’s engineering for lacrosse heads. This elite-level defensive head is packed with advancements and details that enable defenders to master their craft.
What Makes the Metal 3 Pro Stand Out
While the entire Metal series delivers incredible performance, the Pro variant takes it up a level for defensive needs. So what makes this version so special?
Ultra-Lightweight Magnesium Alloy
The core of the Metal 3 Pro is an advanced magnesium alloy that provides the ideal strength to weight ratio. Mg-Li-Al weighs just 2 grams per cubic centimeter, while being incredibly stiff and resilient.
This allows Stringking to create an ultra-lightweight head under 150 grams. For defenders who slash checks and manage quick stick changes all game, this helps avoid hand and arm fatigue.
Strategic Stiffness and Flex Profile
Through careful control of wall thickness and geometry, Stringking engineers the exact stiffness profile defenders need. The lower sidewalls and throat are rigid to retain balls, while higher up the head has some flex to absorb impacts.
This blend provides superior ball control, excellent pocket retention, and enough “give” to maintain stick feel after big hits. Other heads are either too stiff or too flexible to achieve this balance.
Scoop Designed for Ground Balls
By lowering the profile and rounding the edges of the Metal 3 Pro scoop, it’s easier than ever to get under ground balls and guide them into the pocket. Little tweaks like this make a big difference in a defender’s ability to collect contested ground balls.
Optimized Sidewall Hole Placement
The sidewall stringing holes are engineered to cater perfectly to a defender’s ideal pocket setup. Whether you string traditionally or with a shift, the holes let you dial in the exact pocket shape, depth, and performance you want.
Combined with the Tri-Stiff throat, u-channel design, and well-balanced top rails, the Metal 3 Pro comes together as a masterclass in head engineering just for dominating defenders.
One of the most crucial balancing acts for any lacrosse head is achieving both lightweight speed and rugged durability. This is especially important for defensive players who need their sticks to withstand constant physicality.
Its Lightweight Yet Durable Design
With the Metal 3 Pro, Stringking’s engineers struck that ideal balance between minimizing mass while maximizing structural performance. Let’s look at how they pulled it off.
Featherlight Magnesium Alloy
By utilizing a state-of-the-art magnesium alloy, Stringking keeps the weight of this head to just 150 grams unstrung. That’s 25% lighter than most elite defensive heads.
Even with thin walls, magnesium provides immense strength thanks to its exceptional stiffness-to-weight characteristics. So the construction remains robust while shedding excess mass.
Strategic Wall Thickness
Stringking uses metal injection molding technology to carefully control the thickness of the head walls. Areas that need most stiffness like the scoop, sidewalls, and throat maintain enough thickness for power.
Yet regions like the top of the sidewalls are thinned out to remove mass without sacrificing durability. This meticulous optimization cuts weight without giving up strength.
Computer-Optimized Geometry
Along with strategic wall thickness, the geometry itself is computer-optimized for maximal stiffness. The sculpted sidewall and throat shapes provide increased structural rigidity and shell strength.
The result is a head that achieves elite-level ball control and durability at an astonishingly light 150 grams. Even after endless checks, slashes, and ground balls, it retains its precise performance and feel.
Premium Coatings and Construction
From its durable matte finish, to anodized aluminum sidewalls inserts, to quality construction, the Metal 3 Pro is built to excel through seasons of intense play. No signs of wear and tear will hold this head back.
In the ever-raging arms race for the perfect blend of speed and toughness, the engineers at Stringking have created the pinnacle with this ultra-light yet supremely rugged lacrosse head.
In the chaotic scramble for a ground ball, milliseconds matter. That’s why elite defenders need every advantage to gain possession, especially when battling multiple opponents.
Optimized Scoop and Channel for Ground Balls
With the Metal 3 Pro head, Stringking looked to optimize scoop design to help defenders emerge from the scrum with ball in hand. Let’s examine the tech that gives them an edge.
Lower Profile Scoop
By dropping the height of the scoop area, the head can get under ground balls faster. Less material above the ball means quicker contact between plastic and ball.
This split-second difference lets defenders scoop away contested ground balls before opponents can react. Lower profile equals faster pickup.
Rounded Scoop Edges
Sharply angled scoops can pinch balls, causing them to pop out or lodge in the throat. The Metal 3 Pro softens the scoop edges so they smoothly guide ground balls into the head.
Combined with the engineered channel and sidewall shape, balls effortlessly transition from ground to pocket thanks to the rounded scoop.
U-Shaped Channel
The U-profile of the channel centers balls as they enter the head. This keeps them from popping toward the sidewalls or bouncing out.
Working synergistically with the lowered scoop design, the entire ground ball pathway is streamlined. Defenders can rake and lift with full confidence that controlled possessions follow.
Flared Mid-Sidewalls
To further enhance ground ball performance, the sidewalls expand outward around the widest part of the head. This exposes more of the channel near the scoop to facilitate clean entries.
Thanks to Stringking’s ground-up engineering for ground balls, the Metal 3 Pro is built to help defenders dominate possessions all over the field.
The ability to throw punishing checks is central to a defender’s role. By mastering poke checks, lift checks, and slap checks, they can dislodge the ball and disrupt offenses.
Aggressive Sidewall Flare for Checks
To amplify the checking prowess of elite defenders, Stringking engineered the Metal 3 Pro head with an aggressive sidewall flare. This amplifies the power and control of all types of checks.
Wider Mid-Section
The sidewalls of the Metal 3 Pro expand outwards around the widest part of the head. This wider mid-section increases the surface area for contacting the ball during checks.
With more plastic behind the check, defenders can slap harder while keeping control. The extra width also enhances ball dislodging ability on pokes and lifts.
Focused Power Transfer
Thanks to the magnesium alloy’s stiffness, force transfers directly into the check without flex or vibration. This allows for pinpoint accuracy and maximum power delivery into the ball.
The head doesn’t absorb any energy, enabling defenders to check with confidence that their fullchecking potential reaches the ball.
Ideal Weight Distribution
By flaring the sidewalls farther down, the overall mass stays balanced and low. This retains quick handling and maneuverability, unlike heads with higher flare points.
The optimized geometry adds check strength right where defenders need it most, maintaining elite control and speed.
This fusion of expanded flare and dialed-in balance unlocks punishing checks without sacrificing agility. The Metal 3 Pro transfers every ounce of power precisely into the ball.
A key dilemma for defensive heads is balancing stiffness for ball retention against flexibility for ball feel and control. The Metal 3 Pro solves this with an ingenious throat design.
Its Stiff Yet Forgiving Throat
Stringking engineered the throat region to be rigid down low where strength matters, and responsive up high where finesse is needed. Here’s how they nailed this delicate balance.
Tri-Stiff Lower Throat
The lower third of the throat uses Stringking’s Tri-Stiff construction. This adds extra material reinforcements to drastically increase stiffness near the scoop.
This prevents losing possession from checks down low. Defenders can retain balls even after the hardest slash, poke, or swipe thanks to the ultra-rigid lower throat.
Forgiving Upper Throat
Transitioning into the upper throat area, the head opens up slightly and loses the Tri-Stiff reinforcements. This allows some engineered flex and vibration dissipation.
Thanks to this give, the Metal 3 Pro maintains excellent ball feel and control even after big hits up high on the head.
Optimized Energy Transfer
This dual-stiffness throat masterfully balances ball retention strength with ball control flexibility through physics.
Lower impacts are absorbed in the rigid lower throat to retain possession. Upper impacts transfer safely into the flexible upper throat to maintain feel.
By dividing the throat functionally, Stringking blended the ideal engineering for tenacious defense and graceful ball skills.
This throat design forms the backbone of the Metal 3 Pro’s impenetrable ball control. Defenders dominate the middle of the field thanks to this brilliantly tuned blend of stiffness and flex.
The quest for the perfect pocket has consumed lacrosse players for generations. For defenders, an ideal setup brings consistency, hold, and quick release in one package.
Ideal Stringing Holes and Channel
To help players find pocket nirvana, Stringking optimized every aspect of the Metal 3 Pro’s stringing configuration. Let’s examine the details defenders need to string excellence.
Wider Top of Channel
Stringking widened the ball channel near the scoop to support deeper pocket sets. This allows sufficient room for a more defined pocket shape all the way up.
The extra space also lets the ball sit deeper in the head, increasing hold while still enabling a quick release.
Added Sidewall Holes
An additional sidewall stringing hole near the scoop enhances options for nailing the ideal mid/high pocket placement.
Stacking strings here helps defines the channel shape, increases hold across the entire pocket area, and fine tunes release points.
Strategic Hole Positioning
Meticulous placement of the sidewall, shaft, and scoop holes caters perfectly to popular defensive pocket styles. This makes dialing in setups like diamonds, modified diamonds, 14Ds, and shifts easy.
No matter your stringing preference, the Metal 3 Pro layout enables unmatched consistency, control, and customization.
Thanks to maximized channel space and optimized stringing holes, defenders finally have a head engineered from the ground up for their perfect pocket.
In the hyper-competitive market for defensive lacrosse heads, the Metal 3 Pro stands at the top of the pile. How does it stack up against other top contenders?
How It Compares to Other Defense Heads
When pitting the Stringking Metal 3 Pro versus heavy hitters like the CEO U, Hammer 500, and Maverik Tank, a few key differences emerge.
Lighter Weight
The magnesium alloy construction keeps the Metal 3 Pro a full 25% lighter than most competitors. At 150 grams strung, its ultra-lightweight feel boosts speed.
Other heads like the Tank and Hammer rely on clunkier alloys. Their greater mass slows stick handling and footwork.
Superior Stiffness
Thanks to the rigid alloy and optimized geometry, the Metal 3 Pro maintains its structure and stiffness longer. Other heads lose their pop over time.
This unmatched consistency boosts ball control and retention season after season. As competitors break down, this head only gets better with age.
Scoop and Pocket Control
With its lowered scoop and dialed pocket design, the Metal 3 Pro simply outperforms other heads in ground ball situations. The ball flows effortlessly into the pocket.
Whether it’s 50/50 loose balls or tough outlets, this head dominates possession battles across the field.
By any metric, the Stringking engineers created the most technically advanced and dominant defensive head in today’s game.
Beyond specs and engineering, the true test for any lacrosse head is how it performs for players at the highest levels. The rave reviews from elite defenders say it all about the Metal 3 Pro.
Feedback from Pro and College Players
From NCAA powerhouses to MLL stars, the world’s best defenders choose the Stringking Metal 3 Pro as their gamer head. Here’s what they love about it.
Elite Level Stiffness
Pros and college players alike praise the Metal 3 Pro for maintaining its structure and stiffness longer than any other head. Season after season it retains its precise pop.
That consistent responsiveness provides the platform for dominating defender play through years of performance.
Superior Ball Control
Thanks to the combination of the lightweight feel, strategic flex profile, and dialed pocket, players report noticeably better ball control in all aspects of their game.
From ground balls to passing outlets, this head offers an unparalleled level of possession dominance.
High-Impact Durability
The magnesium alloy construction withstands endless abuse from checks, slashes, and impacts while laughing it off. Other heads degrade over time, but not this beast.
After huge collisions, players just pick up and keep dominating with no loss of feel or ball control. It’s built to last.
For elite defensive players, the Stringking Metal 3 Pro provides the full package of consistency, command, and ruggedness needed to own the field.
Walk the sidelines at any high-level lacrosse game these days and you’ll be hard pressed not to spot the Stringking logo. The Metal 3 Pro has skyrocketed to become the go-to head for elite defenders.
Why It’s Popular in NCAA and MLL
After exploding onto the lacrosse scene in 2018, this head quickly rose to prominence at the college and pro levels. Here’s why it became ubiquitous overnight.
Perfect Blend of Speed and Power
The lightweight magnesium build and strategically stiff throat give defenders the quickness for footwork and the strength for dominating checks. No other head fuses these traits quite like this.
Elite players immediately felt how this unlocks their physical potential on both ends of the game.
Superior Ground Ball Control
Thanks to the specialized scoop and channel design, players cite a distinct advantage battling for ground balls. The Metal 3 Pro simply collects better off the carpet.
Winning loose ball scrums is mandatory, and this head delivers a big edge in scrappy possession situations.
Elite Level Engineering
From the materials chosen to the geometry optimization, Stringking just flat out engineered a better defensive weapon. There’s a reason their name is synonymous with cutting-edge tech.
MLL and NCAA players recognize and demand that technological superiority the Metal 3 Pro provides.
It’s no wonder why locker rooms everywhere started filling up with these heads. For pure competitive advantage, this is the metal other metals strive to be.
While the Stringking Metal 3 Pro ships with a basic factory stringing, most defenders will want to customize their pocket to match their playing style. Here are some top stringing tips for this head.
Tips for Stringing the Metal 3 Pro
Take advantage of the optimized stringing holes and channel to really dial in your ideal setup.
Focus on Consistency
As a defender, prioritize a stiff, consistent pocket like a double diamond, modified diamond, or 14D. These enable superb ball control and retention for protecting sticks.
Use Stiffer Mesh
Pair the head with nylon mesh or a semi-soft option like Type 3s. This adds extra hold and stability to the pocket shape.
Maximize Ball Retention
Consider a U-shaped bottom string and double up the shooters for maximum ball control. This locks the ball in place when outlets and clears matter most.
Define the Channel
Stack the sidewall strings near the scoop to enhance the channel shape. This increases hold across the entire pocket area.
Fine Tune Release
Experiment with different single, double, or triple top string configurations to find the ideal release point for quick sticks and passes.
With the right stringing adjustments, this head offers defenders the perfect blend of consistency, hold, and explosiveness needed to dominate.
Finding the perfect pocket setup can be a game changer for defenders. Here are some of the best stringing configurations to try in the Stringking Metal 3 Pro.
Recommended Pocket Styles and Shooter Setups
Take your stringing game to the next level with these high-performance pocket options.
The Diamond
A classic diamond topstring paired with a U-shaped bottom string creates an elite defensive pocket. It’s consistent, durable, and offers great hold across the entire channel.
The Modified Diamond
Slightly tweak a traditional diamond by spacing out the top string holes for a more defined point and channel. Increased hold meets smooth release.
The 14 Diamond
Adding additional diamonds up the sidewalls forms the 14D. Maximum ball retention meets effortless channel access in this pocket perfection.
The Shift
Offset the top string by skipping holes to “shift” the pocket over. Creates unique hold points while still retaining a clean release.
Double Shooters
For added insurance down low, run shooters through both bottom string holes. Locks in balls for outlet passes and clears.
With the right stringer magic, the Metal 3 Pro lets defenders create their dream pocket for dominating play.
The Stringking Metal 3 Pro is an incredibly versatile head, but getting the most out of it requires understanding its strengths. Here are tips for maximizing performance.
How to Get the Most Out of This Head
Unlock the full potential of this elite defensive weapon with these key pieces of advice.
String It Tight and Low
The head is optimized for a stiff, tightly strung pocket down low in the head. This takes full advantage of its superior ball retention abilities.
Keep it Clean
Don’t let hard checks and ground balls wear down the sidewalls. Keep the head in peak condition by periodically cleaning out grit and grime.
Upgrade the Shaft
Pair it with a lightweight yet durable carbon or composite shaft to get the most out of the head’s quick handling.
Practice Protecting Topside
Master throwing strong checks with the reinforced scoop and stiff sidewalls to deny opponents’ top-side dodges.
Develop Your Outlet
Hone quick outlet passes using the superior ball control. Look off defenders before hitting middies in transition.
With the right stringing, shaft pairing, and defensive emphasis, the Metal 3 Pro unleashes dominance all over the field.
With its elite-level engineering and performance, the Stringking Metal 3 Pro stands in a class of its own for defensive lacrosse heads. But who should look to wield this dominant weapon?
Is the Metal 3 Pro Right for You?
Here’s an overview of which players stand to benefit most from this head.
Elite High School Defenders
For those starting defenders with advanced stick skills, the Metal 3 Pro provides an edge over opponents still using beginner heads.
Top Division College Players
Across D1, D2, and D3, this is the go-to head for shutdown college defenders. Its performance separates the best from the rest.
MLL and Pro Defenders
From LSMs to close defenders in the MLL, NLL, and PLL, this head is ubiquitous at the professional level for good reason.
Serious Club Lacrosse Athletes
Youth, high school, and college club players looking to reach that next level will appreciate the advanced tech in this head.
While a great option for developing defenders, elite high school and college players tend to benefit most from the Metal 3 Pro’s specialized advantages. It takes an experienced hand to fully master this weapon.
If you take pride in lockdown defense and seek any competitive edge, the Stringking Metal 3 Pro belongs in your arsenal.