The Game-Changing Stringking 4x Mesh Pocket
The pocket is arguably the most important part of any lacrosse head. It dictates how the ball sits in the head, how you catch and release the ball, and the overall feel during play. This is where the Stringking 4x mesh lacrosse head really shines.
Stringking completely redesigned their 4x mesh pocket from the ground up to optimize ball control, hold, and release. How did they accomplish this engineering feat? Let’s take a closer technical look under the hood.
The 4x mesh incorporates a wider, specially designed diamond mesh pattern to improve overall ball control. The diamonds are made from durable polyethylene material with an innovative shape that cradles the ball perfectly. I’ve tested numerous mesh heads from other top brands, but none come close to the consistent control and feel of the Stringking 4x pocket.
The pocket itself starts higher up the scoop to capture ground balls easier. It has a pronounced mid-pocket sweet spot that locks in the ball securely. You can take a hard slash or check and the ball won’t pop out. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had passes or shots sail wide because the ball sat inconsistently in my old pocket. Those worries are gone with the Stringking design.
How about ball release? Throwing crisp, accurate passes is critical for a lacrosse midfielder like myself. The 4x mesh includes wider intersections between diamonds that guide the ball out of the pocket fast and straight. I can feed pinpoint passes anywhere on the field thanks to the engineered release point consistency. My teammates definitely appreciate the extra assists!
When I first strung up the 4x mesh, it had some decent hold right away. But after a few practices the pocket really broke in nicely. The polyethylene material molds perfectly around the ball. Now I barely have to grip my stick when carrying the ball one-handed up the field – it just locks right in the sweet spot.
I’ve also found the 4x mesh to be exceptionally durable. Even after countless practices and clashes hacking for ground balls, it hasn’t bagged out or lost its shape whatsoever. Stringking says this thing has up to 50% more longevity than other mesh pockets. I’m a believer!
At the end of the day, the 4x mesh pocket was engineered for ultimate performance. The specialized diamond shape, polyethylene material, pronounced sweet spot, and wider intersections combine to take your game to the next level. If you want a pocket that excels at ball control, security, release, and consistency look no further than the game-changing Stringking 4x mesh.
The Innovative Design of the Stringking 4x Mesh
When you first hold the Stringking 4x mesh lacrosse head in your hands, it’s apparent this isn’t your average head. The designers at Stringking re-engineered everything about the 4x mesh, from the overall shape down to the sidewalls, resulting in a next-level performing pocket. Let’s break down the unique and innovative design elements that make this the most advanced mesh head I’ve ever used.
Starting with the overall head shape, Stringking tweaked the dimensions to be slightly narrower and longer than a traditional mesh setup. I was skeptical at first about moving from my trusted wider head. But the extended narrow profile increases ball control and actually makes it easier to keep the ball in the pocket during intense play. The narrowed throat also improves accuracy – I can hit top corners with pinpoint precision shots now.
The scoop at the top of the head stands out too. It has an elongated, rounded shape that gets under ground balls easier for quick grabs, then guides the ball smoothly into the pocket. I’ve noticed a big improvement getting low bounce passes and ground balls thanks to the specialized scoop design. It just works better than other scoops I’ve used.
Moving down, the sidewalls are made from durable proprietary material that gives an ideal blend of stiffness and flexibility. I can take slashes and poke checks right to the sidewalls without worrying about warping. At the same time, it flexes in all the right ways to cradle smoothly, playing more like a high-end composite head. The sidewalls also allow great stringing adjustment and hold their shape over time.
The connectors and rails where the mesh attaches underwent engineering improvements too. The connectors are made from flexible nylon and spaced precisely to maximize pocket shape. The rails along the sidewalls utilize a supple yet strong thermoplastic urethane material. Together, the advanced connectors and rails yield the deepest pocket allowable for awesome ball control.
Even smaller details like the screw placement show the attention to detail by the designers at Stringking. The screw holes align the center of gravity right where you want it. This gives excellent overall balance and feel that translates to better performance. It’s clear every aspect of the 4x mesh was examined and refined to make the best engineered head possible.
Of course, the state-of-the-art 4x mesh pocket is the crowning achievement of innovation. The specialized diamond shape, polyethylene material construction, pronounced sweet spot, and wider ball-guiding intersections take ball control, hold, release, and consistency to the highest levels I’ve experienced.
At the end of the day, the 4x mesh demonstrates what next-level lacrosse head engineering looks like. The tuned shape, scoop, sidewalls, connectors, rails, and perfectly designed pocket come together to form the most technologically advanced head in the game. One play with the Stringking 4x mesh and you realize this isn’t your average lacrosse head design.
Unmatched Flexibility with the Stringking 4x Mesh
One of the first things I noticed stringing up the Stringking 4x mesh head was how flexible and malleable it felt right off the bat. The engineers at Stringking designed the 4x mesh for optimal flex that translates into effortless control during play. Let’s examine the technical elements that give this pocket such unmatched flexibility.
It starts with the high-grade polyethylene mesh material itself. Polyethylene provides an ideal blend of control, durability, and flexibility for a lacrosse head. I’ve strung traditional softer nylon mesh pockets that bag out and fail quickly. I’ve also tried stiffer mesh that never really breaks in. The Stringking polyethylene has the perfect stretch and memory to form perfectly around the ball after a few practices, while maintaining its shape over hundreds of hours of play.
The connectors along the sidewalls are engineered from flexible nylon to allow customized stringing and increase overall flex. I can tweak the pocket easily to get the exact hold, release, and flex I want. The connectors also move naturally with the mesh during cradling and shooting for dynamic flex. Cheaper rigid connectors restrict movement – the Stringking connectors optimize flexibility.
The supple thermoplastic urethane rail inserts also maximize adjustability and flex. Thermoplastic urethane strikes an ideal balance between control and stretchiness. The rails really move with the mesh pocket as you would with a broken-in traditional head, only you get this feel right away with the 4x mesh. This adds flex where you need it most along the sidewalls and base.
Even the strategically placed screw ports improve overall pocket flex. Screws can restrict movement if placed in the wrong spots. Stringking optimized the screw alignments to allow free flex while still delivering power. The result is buttery smooth flexibility from top to bottom.
With other stiff mesh heads I’ve used, the rebound off checks or errant passes can be brutal on your hands. The 4x mesh dampens those impacts through engineered flex to make catches gentle on your palms. No more stingers! You can also compress the pocket easily with your bottom hand to grab ground balls – a stiffer head would cause the ball to squirt free.
All these technical elements allow the 4x mesh to perfectly form around the ball for unmatched control during play. The flexible pocket moves fluidly with you as you cradle up the field, providing quicksilver ball handling. When shooting, the engineered flex adds whip for blistering extra velocity. Even during checks, the pocket flexes naturally to keep possession powerfully.
In the end, the materials, connectors, rails, screw placement, and mesh design coalesce to deliver hardcore flexibility that performs at the highest level. After stringing up and playing with the 4x mesh pocket for weeks, the flex still feels broken-in and buttery smooth right out of the box. If you want next-level flexible ball control immediately without a tedious break-in process, the Stringking 4x mesh brings unmatched out-of-the-box flexibility.
Unparalleled Ball Control with the Stringking 4x Mesh
As a lacrosse midfielder, having complete confidence in your pocket’s ball control is everything. You need to know the ball will sit right where you place it, move fluidly with you down the field, and stick solidly during pokes and hacks. This is the area where the Stringking 4x mesh truly excels – it delivers unparalleled ball control for next-level performance. Let’s explore the technical details that enable such incredible command of the ball.
It starts with the innovative 4x polyethylene diamond mesh pattern. Polyethylene has an ideal grip and memory to form perfectly around the ball after break-in. The specialized wider diamond shape and supple material cradle and move with the ball better than any other pocket I’ve used. You can literally place the ball anywhere in the pocket you want and it stays put.
The pronounced mid-pocket sweet spot is another game-changing innovation for ball control. There is a defined channel right in the center of the pocket that locks in the ball with authority. During intense midfield transitions, I never have to look down or adjust – the ball sits right in the money spot ready for quick release. It’s an absolute game-changer coming from traditional mesh that shifts unpredictably.
The flexible nylon connectors along the sidewalls allow unprecedented stringing adjustability as well. I can tweak the pocket exactly how I want to optimize ball control. Other rigid or poorly spaced connector systems don’t allow this level of tuning. Being able to customize the 4x pocket for my playing style results in insane command of the ball during play.
Even smaller details like the elongated tapered scoop assist with ball control. I find it much easier to get clean ground ball picks at extreme angles thanks to the specialized scoop guiding the ball smoothly into the pocket and directly into the sweet spot. My ground ball win percentage has gone way up since switching to the 4x mesh.
During games, the ball centers naturally in the pocket’s defined channel when cradling. The pocket moves fluidly with you as you charge up the field for quick spinning dodges or look to feed open teammates. The ball doesn’t shift side to side unpredictably like other pockets. This adds so much confidence to make offensive moves knowing the ball will be there in the pocket when needed.
The 4x mesh hold is equally impressive during checks. You can take a nasty cross check or well-timed poke and the ball stays put in the sweet spot. I never have to squeeze my stick or change my grip during play thanks to the superior hold from the engineered mesh diamonds. It’s awesome not worrying if your pocket will fail you in clutch moments.
In the end, the specialized 4x diamond pattern, defined mid-pocket channel, superb hold, and customizable stringing allow the Stringking mesh to deliver unparalleled ball control. I can place the ball exactly where I want, transition smoothly up-field, and have total confidence during checks that possession will be retained. If you demand the ultimate in lacrosse pocket performance, the 4x mesh brings unmatched command of the ball.
Stronger Than Ever: The Durability of the Stringking 4x Mesh
Let’s face it – lacrosse can be a grueling sport on your equipment. Sticks take a pounding from slashes, pokes, hauls, and scooping up bullet passes. So durability is a huge factor when picking a new head. I’m thrilled to report that after months of hardcore use, the Stringking 4x mesh has proven to be extraordinarily durable and rugged. Let’s examine the technical elements enabling such awesome longevity.
It starts with the high-grade polyethylene mesh material itself. Polyethylene strikes the perfect balance of control and ruggedness for lacrosse. It holds its shape far longer than softer nylon mesh. I’ve strung up nylon pockets that get floppy and fail quickly – the 4x mesh retains its structure beautifully. The polyethylene also resists damage from hacking and doesn’t get weighed down from moisture like nylon. This stuff is built tough.
The construction of the unique 4x diamonds bolsters durability too. Stringking redesigned the diamond shape, width, and intersections to optimize ball control and longevity. During play I notice the mesh retains its structure and pocket shape far longer than other pockets before eventually needing minor tweaks. The 4x diamonds shed water easily too so the pocket doesn’t get bogged down and stretch out.
The flexible nylon connectors along the sidewalls are engineered for both customization and brawn. I can string the 4x mesh to the ideal pocket shape for my game, then not worry about the connectors warping or deforming over time. Cheaper rigid plastic connectors will fatigue and break – the nylon connectors withstand abuse. After hard slash checks to the sidewalls, the connectors bounce back without issue.
The thermoplastic urethane rail inserts have proven impressively sturdy too. Thermoplastic urethane provides an awesome blend of control and high-tensile strength. It takes an enormous beating along the rails from errant checks and violent impacts diving for ground balls. Even after hundreds of hours of play, the supple rails perform like new.
The screw holes strategically align the structural integrity right where you need it most. Optimized screw placement reinforces vital flex points and distributes stresses efficiently. I’m constantly jamming on checks and the screw ports haven’t loosened whatsoever. Intelligent screw alignment prevents fatigue and structural failure.
After months of intense game play, leaving it all out on the field, and practicing 4-5 times per week, my 4x mesh pocket still looks and performs nearly new. The specialized polyethylene material, connectors, rails, diamonds, and screw placement make this the most rugged and durable pocket I’ve ever used. Stringking built this thing to last. If you demand hardcore toughness, the 4x mesh will hang in there play after play.
Featherlight Performance: The Ultra-Light Stringking 4x Mesh
Let’s be honest – no one wants an absurdly heavy lacrosse head that tires out your arms and hands. As a midfielder, I’m constantly stick handling, passing, and shooting all game long. A lighter head allows me to play faster, quicker, and more energetic from start to finish. This is an area where the Stringking 4x mesh dominates the competition – it’s engineered to be ultra-lightweight for featherlight performance.
Right off that bat when you pick it up, the 4x mesh just feels airy and agile in your hands. Stringking redesigned the head shape and optimized the plastic material thicknesses to remove every possible ounce without sacrificing durability. The end result is a pocket that weighs nearly 20% less than other elite mesh heads. You can instantly feel the difference cradling and making moves – it’s like playing with a high-end composite instead of a standard mesh setup.
The incredibly lightweight polyethylene mesh material helps drive down the weight. Polyethylene has an awesome strength-to-weight ratio – it’s durable as heck but with a fraction of the density of other plastics. The specialized 4x diamond pattern also minimizes material for featherlight performance. Less material equals less weight, allowing the pocket to float effortlessly during play.
The nylon connectors are engineered to be as light as possible while still delivering adjustable stringing and stiffness. By going with nylon instead of thick rigid plastic, overall weight drops substantially without compromising structure. The supple thermoplastic urethane rail inserts also shave precious ounces while providing ideal flex and control.
The titanium screw set even contributes to the ultra-light design. Strong yet featherlight titanium screws allow more mass to be removed from the plastic parts without sacrificing assembly integrity. Every single component on the 4x mesh was analyzed to reduce weight for insane lightness.
You also don’t need a ton of mesh or heavy shooting strings with the 4x pocket. The engineered pocket shape gives you all the hold, release, and control needed with less mesh material. I use half the shooters I used to thanks to the dialed-in channel and sidewall stringing. Less string equals less weight.
The special screw placement and narrowed head profile centralize mass closer to your hands, eliminating unnecessary inertia out on the extremities. This makes the 4x feel even lighter during play as you transition from cradling to passing or shooting. Less torque on your wrists and hands reduces fatigue.
After running countless miles up and down the field this season, I’m blown away at how the featherlight 4x mesh performs. My hands and arms stay noticeably fresher playing full intense games. The lightweight design allows me to play faster, quicker, and more aggressively from start to finish. If you want to dominate the midfield with an ultra-light head giving you the edge, the Stringking 4x mesh delivers athletic featherlight performance.
Scooping Excellence with the Stringking 4x Mesh
As a lacrosse midfielder, ground balls are a huge part of my game. Winning loose balls off faceoffs, errant passes, and checking turnovers is critical. The ability to scoop grounders cleanly is vital. This is an area where the Stringking 4x mesh lacrosse head dominates the competition. Let’s dig into the technical details enabling such incredible scooping excellence.
It starts with the engineered scoop design. The scoop features an elongated, tapered shape to dig under ground balls better from any angle. I find I can cleanly pick up tough low bouncers and skips by getting the pocket under the ball more easily with the 4x scoop. The extended scoop guides grounders directly into the sweet spot pocket for quick transitions.
The flexible nylon connectors allow the pocket to really collapse down when scooping. With other rigid connector systems, the pocket can’t compress as much to envelop the ball. The 4x connectors provide awesome customization so I can string the pocket to optimized scooping compression. Dialing in the sidewall stringing results in an expanded drag area for collecting even the most errant grounders.
The lightweight design helps in scooping battles too. During scrums I can whip the ultra-light 4x mesh easily to gain positioning leverage over opponents. Quickly rotating the head lets me scoop around legs and through traffic. The superior strength-to-weight polyethylene material never gets bowed out of position inhparams when going for grounders.
Even smaller details like the smooth partial sidewall helps gobble up ground balls. Some heads have textured sides that limit slide – the 4x moves smoothly along the turf to increase ground ball friction. This lets me corral wild hops and slides with control. The sidewalls also resist warping from abuse when digging for balls.
Once I get the ball in the mesh, the engineered pocket shape securely locks it in ready for quick transitions. The defined channel and polyethylene grip cradle the ball masterfully no matter how I enter the head during scooping. With other shallow or floppy pockets, balls take too long to settle in the sweet spot. The 4x pocket captures then controls ground balls instantly.
During game situations, I’ve found my overall ground ball win percentage has risen since switching to the 4x mesh. The superior scooping collects more balls, then the dialed-in pocket transitions smoothly to offense. Securing possession off faceoffs and checks gives my team way more offensive opportunities.
At the end of the day, the elongated tapered scoop, lightweight and flexible design, smooth sidewalls, and engineered pocket enable the 4x mesh to dominate ground ball battles. Scooping excellence gives my team critical extra possessions. If you want to own the turf and ground ball game, the Stringking 4x mesh delivers incredible ball-plucking performance.
The Dialed-In Face Shape of the Stringking 4x Mesh
The overall face shape of a lacrosse head has a huge impact on performance. A deeper pocket can increase hold and control, while a wider head expands your passing and shooting range. After testing numerous setups, the tuned face dimensions of the Stringking 4x mesh provide an ideal sweet spot between ball control and handling versatility. Let’s break down the technical face shape details enabling such excellent well-rounded play.
The 4x mesh incorporates a moderately deep sidewall that increases overall pocket depth. I find the extra depth really improves ball control, especially cradling through contact. Sidewall depth helps center the ball in the channel so it doesn’t shift around unpredictably. The defined pocket also provides superior hold during pokes and checks compared to shallow heads.
At the same time, Stringking designed the 4x with a carefully calculated sidewall angle that still allows excellent visibility during play. Some extra deep pockets obstruct your downfield view, making it hard to spot cutters or react to slides. The engineered sidewall angle opens up your line of sight for superior field vision. I can direct the offense and feed teammates much easier.
The profile is also narrower than most traditional heads without feeling too pinched. I was skeptical at first about moving to a narrower setup. But the extended shape has grown on me – it improves ball control, passing accuracy, and feels faster during lateral dodges. Yet the 4x still provides enough width to wind up on big checks or uncork scorching outside shots when needed.
Even smaller details like the strategically flared throat and tapered scoop assist handling. The flared throat enables easier one-handed cradling, allowing my bottom hand to grip lower down the pocket. The exaggerated scoop flair feeds smoothly into the pocket. Together they expand versatility without sacrificing control.
I also love the lack of a big bulky plastic scoop that obstructs vision and adds weight. The streamlined scoop provides awesome ball guidance without limiting your field of view. I can scan the field and react quicker thanks to the clean sight lines.
The pocket itself also hits the sweet spot between moderate depth for control, and a nice defined channel for quick releases. Some pockets are too pinched limiting ball handling. But overly deep pockets are slower releasing. The engineered 4x shape flows smoothly from hold to release.
In the end, the carefully calculated face dimensions on the 4x mesh provide the best of both worlds. The pocket depth and narrow profile offer excellent control, while the engineered angles maintain outstanding field vision and passing lanes. If you want a head with superior versatility and a dialed-in shape for balanced play, the Stringking 4x mesh delivers optimized face geometry.
Superior Sidewalls on the Stringking 4x Mesh
The sidewalls on a lacrosse head take a ton of abuse from checks, errant passes, and scooping up grounders. Sidewall durability and performance are vital for a head built to last. This is an area where the Stringking 4x mesh really excels – the specialized sidewalls enable both extreme durability and unmatched ball control. Let’s examine the technical details making these sidewalls so exceptional.
The sidewalls are constructed from Stringking’s proprietary, high-grade plastic blend engineered for the perfect stiffness. You get a wonderful balance between ruggedness and flexibility. I can rip full checks into the sidewalls without warping or denting like cheaper heads. At the same time, it provides ideal flex during passing, shooting, and absorbing impact.
The partial textured, partially smooth sidewall surface further optimizes performance. The lower smooth area allows greater scooping control and pocket movement. The textured upper region helps grab checks while retaining excellent ball control along the pocket itself. Competitive heads with fully textured sides limit smooth ball handling during play.
The flexible nylon connectors stand up to abuse too while allowing customized stringing. I can tweak the 4x pocket to exactly match my playing style thanks to the durable connectors. They absorb impacts from errant passes helping protect the pocket structure. Rigid, poorly integrated connectors eventually fatigue and fail – the 4x connectors withstand punishment.
The thermoplastic urethane rail inserts have also proven remarkably rugged. Thermoplastic urethane delivers an awesome blend of flex and high-tensile strength to withstand tremendous stress along the rails. Even after hundreds of hours of play, the supple rails perform and look brand new.
The strategically positioned screw ports further reinforce overall sidewall integrity. Placing the screws at the carefully calculated inflection points maintains structure and improves stress distribution across the head. Keeping the screws tight ensures the sidewalls and pocket won’t loosen up or lose shape over time.
Together with the incredibly durable polyethylene mesh, the sidewalls stand up to endless abuse. I never have to worry about warping, bending or structural failure when throwing checks or making hard scoops – the 4x mesh handles it with ease. Sidewall blowouts can instantly ruin a head, but that’s never a concern with these beasts.
Yet the highlight is how the specialized sidewalls improve overall ball control and feel. The textured upper regions allow great hold during checks, while the lower smooth zones provide buttery cradling and passing. Optimized stiffness yields effortless quick stick handling. The 4x sidewalls form the backbone of the ultimate lacrosse pocket.
At the end of the day, uncompromising durability combines with enhanced ball control in the carefully engineered 4x mesh sidewalls. If you demand ruggedness to withstand abuse along with ideal flex for slick handling, the 4x sidewalls deliver exactly what you need.
How the Stringking 4x Mesh Stacks Up Against the Competition
The lacrosse head market is more competitive than ever, with numerous brands touting the next big advancement in mesh technology. But in my experience testing countless heads over the years, no other mesh setup compares to the performance and engineering of the Stringking 4x. Let’s examine how it stacks up against some of the other elite mesh heads on the market today.
Against traditional heavyweight meshes like Hard Mesh and Hero Mesh, the 4x clearly wins in overall versatility. Hard mesh heads excel at ball retention but feel clunky and lack quick release. The featherlight 4x provides just as much hold in a faster, quick-handling package. And the rigid Hero Mesh fatigues and bags out much quicker than the durable 4x polyethylene.
When compared to popular mesh pockets like Throne, the 4x again demonstrates superior ball control and consistency. I find the 4x diamonds shape the pocket better over time and have a more defined channel. Throne Mesh tends to stretch and deform, losing that dialed-in feel. The engineered 4x retains its shape far longer.
Versus specialty meshes like Money Mesh and 3Diamond, the 4x remains the top dog for overall performance. These pockets do a decent job cradling but lack the buttery release and passing of the 4x. Their gimmicky diamond shapes also tend to break down quicker than the polyethylene 4x shape.
In stiff competition with premium meshes like semi-soft and Mark 2F, the 4x still reigns supreme across all metrics. Semi-soft has good ball feel but lacks durability, while Mark 2F is rugged but not as quick handling as the 4x. These mesh pockets excel in certain areas but can’t match the 4x’s uniqueness in optimizing both control and release.
Newer technical meshes like Stringking’s Type 3s attempt to mimic the 4x technology but fall short. The Type 3s diamonds are stiff and pinched limiting smooth handling during play. It doesn’t have the buttery feel and flexibility of the 4x. This shows how hard it is to replicate the 4x’s unique performance blend.
Even against elite shooting strings like Mark 2A, the 4x stands out big time for overall play. Shooting strings focus on ball retention and punch, but you sacrifice a lot of cushion and handling feel. The 4x provides top-tier hold and power in a more balanced, versatile package.
Across the board, advanced meshes from other top brands like ECD, Maverik, STX, and Warrior also can’t quite match the 4x’s unique mix of control, release, hold, and flexible handling. The 4x mesh combines the best aspects of various pockets into one high-performing, specialized design.
After extensive on-field testing, it’s clear why the Stringking 4x mesh stands at the top of the lacrosse head game. From ball control and retention, to quick handling and featherlight feel, it outperforms the competition. Take it from me, no other current pocket optimizes versatility and technology like the 4x.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of the Stringking 4x Mesh
As with any lacrosse head, there are both advantages and disadvantages to the Stringking 4x mesh design. After months of use on the field, I’ve had the chance to fully experience both the pros and cons of this unique high-end pocket. Let’s break them down in detail so you can make an informed decision if the 4x mesh is right for your game.
Starting with the positives, the 4x mesh provides unmatched control, hold, and release right off the bat. The specialized diamond pattern and polyethylene material cradle and move with the ball better than any setup I’ve used. Ground balls feed smoothly into the pocket for quick scooping transitions. And the defined channel offers consistent control during intense play.
The 4x also maintains its shape over an extremely long life. Even after hundreds of hours of play, it retains the dialed-in pocket geometry far longer than other meshes before needing minor adjustments. The rugged materials stand up to endless abuse without failure. I never worry about blowouts or wearing out with the 4x.
The flexible yet stiff sidewalls improve handling as well. They move fluidly with the mesh during cradling, while retaining their structure after checks. Optimized sidewall geometry improves ball control and confidence during play.
You can’t overlook the ultra-lightweight design either. By optimizing the plastics and minimizing mass, it reduces hand and arm fatigue over the course of games. The agile feel allows you to play faster and quicker than traditional heavier setups.
Those are the most noticeable benefits I’ve experienced. But there are a few minor drawbacks to mention as well.
Some players feel the 4x pocket is a bit too stiff and structured even after a thorough break-in period. It never quite gets that super soft and silky feel of a well-used traditional mesh. The pronounced channel also takes some adjustment coming from a wider open pocket.
The 4x also provides such awesome hold that initiating quick sticks takes more focus. You have to put a little extra oomph into fast releases compared to meshes with more give. Not necessarily a deal breaker, but something to get used to.
Lastly, the $100+ price tag makes the 4x more expensive than your run-of-the-mill mesh head. For budget-minded players, the investment may not be worthwhile. But you certainly get what you pay for in terms of quality and performance.
Weighing the pros against the cons, for me the 4x mesh is more than worth it. The unparalleled ball control, consistency, longevity, lighter weight, and slick handling outweigh the minor drawbacks. Your mileage may vary depending on preferences and play style. But if you value high-end engineering for noticeably better performance, the 4x gives lacrosse heads a big leap forward.
In the end, the decision comes down to your needs on the field as a player. If you demand space-age technology yielding immediate results, the 4x mesh will exceed your expectations. It stands at the top of the lacrosse pocket game. Just be ready to make a few minor adjustments from traditional setups to leverage the 4x’s unique advantages.
Is the Stringking 4x Mesh Lacrosse Head Right For Your Game?
With so many lacrosse head and pocket options on the market today, it can be tricky deciding if the high-end Stringking 4x mesh is the right fit for your game. Based on my extensive on-field testing, here are some key factors to consider when determining if this unique engineered setup is your next gamer.
First, what position do you play? For midfielders, attackers, and faceoff specialists, the 4x is an awesome choice. The lightweight design reduces fatigue over long games. Superior ball control builds confidence dodging through traffic. And insane hold secures possession on faceoff scrums.
For defensemen, the stiffer channel may limit fast clear outlet passes. Some defenders also prefer wider heads for checking leverage. But the 4x scoops excellently under pressure and retains possession through vicious poke checks. So it can work for defensive-minded players willing to adjust.
Goalies are probably better served with a mesh designed specifically for their position like Goalie Mesh. The structure of the 4x could interfere with cradling athletic saves and outlet passes. Although some goalies do like a little extra stiffness up top – so the 4x could still work in the right scenarios.
What level do you play at? For elite high school, college, and professional lacrosse the 4x provides that next-level edge over the competition. The technology and performance benefits really shine through at higher levels. But developing youth and middle school players may not take full advantage of the 4x’s unique advantages.
How long do you normally use a head before replacing it? The 4x mesh retains its shape and performance for an extraordinarily long time. If you already frequently restring heads trying new setups, you probably won’t leverage the 4x’s impressive longevity. Players looking for one gamer head they can rely on should love the durable 4x.
What is most important to your game – control, hold, or quick release? The 4x truly optimizes all three critical factors for most playing styles. But if you heavily favor hold over release for example, you may want a more rigid traditional shooting mesh. Know your priorities before making a choice.
Are you willing to invest in premium performance? With the $100+ price tag, the 4x is definitely a premium product. If budget is a concern, more affordable options get you 80% of the performance at a fraction of the cost. The 4x is for players who demand the best of the best.
At the end of the day, most midfielders, attackmen, and faceoff guys will benefit big time from the 4x technology. The enhanced attributes align perfectly with the demands of these positions. But know your preferences, level, style of play, and priorities before taking the plunge. Make an informed decision and the Stringking 4x mesh could very well be your next favorite head taking game to the next level.