New Features and Improvements Over the Original Mark 2
The Stringking Mark 2V lacrosse head builds upon the success of the original Mark 2 model by incorporating innovative new features and design improvements. As one of the top lacrosse head brands, Stringking aims to continually evolve their equipment to maximize performance for players.
The Mark 2V retains the defining qualities of its predecessor, including the stiff yet responsive scoop, narrowed throat, and strategically-placed stringing holes. However, it also introduces upgrades that enhance ball control, durability, and handling.
One of the most significant changes is the new Wing Wall technology, which strengthens the sidewalls to provide more defined pocket channels. By stiffening the sidewall into distinct wings, it gives players more accuracy on passes, catches, and shots. The pocket itself also maintains its shape better through contact.
In addition to the Wing Walls, Stringking tweaked the design by angling the top of the scoop slightly forward. This gives players an improved angle for picking up ground balls quickly. The scoop itself maintains its signature stiffness for snagging tough grounders.
The designers also slightly lowered the throat of the head to allow for more ball control and hold. With a narrower channel, players can feel the ball sit more securely in the pocket. This results in better feel on cradles, and more power on hard shots and checks.
By optimizing the flex profile, the Mark 2V gives lacrosse players the best of both worlds – enough stiffness for accuracy, with some give for absorbing checks. The head feels solid yet responsive.
The strategically-placed stringing holes allow players to customize pocket placement and style. More holes around the scoop area allow you to create a deeper pocket for added hold. You can also string a more mid-pocket setup for quicker release.
By combining a lightweight yet durable head design with smart stringing hole placement, the Mark 2V gives you options for creating your ideal pocket and hold. Whether you want a baggy back pocket or a tighter channel setup, you can string this head exactly how you want.
While retaining the best qualities of the original Mark 2, the 2V version improves stiffness, durability, scooping, and stringing versatility. The thoughtful tweaks enhance what already worked well, creating one of the most well-rounded lacrosse heads on the market. It balances hold, feel, and quickness impressively.
For players looking to step up their game, the Mark 2V takes an elite head to the next level. Given Stringking’s reputation for high-performance lacrosse gear, the 2V model demonstrates their commitment to constant innovation and improvement.
Stiffness and Flex Profile for Optimal Ball Control
One of the standout features of the Stringking Mark 2V is its dialed-in stiffness and flex profile that offers players the ideal blend of ball control and responsiveness.
Stringking designed the 2V with a stiffer, more defined scoop and throat area to improve hold and feel for cradling, passing, and shooting. By optimizing the stiffness in these key zones, it gives players more confidence to thread tough passes through traffic or rip high-velocity shots.
The scoop itself retains the signature sturdiness of the Mark 2 line, allowing for quick ground ball pickups. Its slightly angled shape also helps you get lower to dig out tough grounders. The defined stiffness helps shovel up ground balls with accuracy to your stick.
They narrowed the throat area ever so slightly to improve ball retention and security. When combined with the Wing Wall technology that better defines the sidewall channels, it gives players a noticeable upgrade in ball control and feel.
Throughout the rest of the head, Stringking strategically tweaked the flex profile to offer a responsive sweet spot. While maintaining overall stiffness for performance, the Mark 2V has enough flex and “give” to absorb checks. This helps ensure the head doesn’t deform, but rather pops back into shape after contact.
By finding the optimal balance between stiffness and flex, it performs well as both an offensive and defensive head. On defense, you can throw accurate checks without worrying about warping. On offense, you maintain passing accuracy after getting knocked around.
The stiff yet pliable flex profile results in excellent ball control all over the field. You can corral tough ground balls, power through checks on drives, and quick stick passes on the run.
Additionally, the head shape and sidewall structure make cradling smooth and effortless. The defined channels keep the ball secure and centered without extra movement. Precise cradling leads to cleaner handling up and down the field.
Whether looking to enhance your two-way midfield game or dominate at attack or defense, the Mark 2V gives you confidence in your ability to possess the ball. Thanks to the tuned stiffness and flex profile, you feel totally in control.
By optimizing the structure instead of maxing out stiffness, Stringking avoids making the head too rigid and unforgiving. The Mark 2V strikes an impressive balance between responsiveness and performance. It caters well to a variety of player positions and styles.
The Mark 2V demonstrates Stringking’s engineering prowess by improving stiffness where needed without sacrificing feel and playability. The well-rounded flex profile makes it one of the most versatile heads on the market in terms of all-around ball control.
Strategic Stringing Holes for Maximum Pocket Customization
One of the standout features of the new Stringking Mark 2V lacrosse head is the strategically positioned stringing holes that allow for maximum pocket customization.
With lacrosse stick technology constantly evolving, heads feature more stringing options than ever before. The Mark 2V capitalizes on this by optimizing stringing hole placement to let players customize pocket depth, shape, and style.
The designers focused on opening up the entire upper area of the head around the scoop by creating additional top string holes. This allows players to string a deeper pocket for increased ball control and hold.
By adding more holes near the scoop, you can create a pronounced mid to high pocket tailored exactly to your preferences. More holes mean you can fine tune the pocket shape as needed for your position and playing style.
For players who prefer a quicker release pocket, you can utilize the lower and mid-area holes to create a mid-pocket setup. The versatility of the stringing options means you can string it up with a baggy back pocket or a tighter channel.
No matter your stringing preferences, the Mark 2V gives you the freedom to string the ideal pocket for your game. The thoughtful hole placement truly unlocks the head’s customization potential.
In addition to pocket depth, the holes allow for different shooting string angles. You can attach shooters straight across or on more of an angle to alter release speed and ball spin.
More holes around the scoop also let you tweak the top stringing to control ball hold. You can opt for a tighter channel up top or more of an open design based on your cradling and scooping style.
By maximizing hole positions, the Mark 2V maintains the consistency and performance of a pre-engineered head while offering the adjustability of a customizable option.
The ability to customize your pocket setup brings out the best in the head’s design. You can maximize the benefits of the scoop, sidewalls, throat and flex profile by personalizing the stringing.
No matter if you tie a simple mid pocket or string up a intricately woven masterpiece, the Mark 2V gives you options. Pocket placement can make a world of difference in lacrosse, and this head really empowers players to create their ideal setup.
For high level midfielders, attackers, and defensemen, unlocking the stringing versatility enables you to maximize your full potential. When you can customize your equipment to fit your game, you set yourself up for success.
Ideal Scoop and Throat Design for Quick Ground Balls
In addition to enhancing overall ball control, the Stringking Mark 2V lacrosse head features an ideal scoop and throat design tailored for winning ground balls.
Securing ground balls off faceoffs, on clears, and in battles around the cage can make all the difference in today’s fast pace game. The Mark 2V gives players an edge on loose balls thanks to its optimized scoop area.
The scoop itself keeps the signature stiffness of the Mark series while introducing a slightly lower sidewall and angled front. This improved geometry helps drive the scoop lower to dig out ground balls.
By getting underneath the ball for optimal lift, you gain those extra precious seconds to secure possession and look up field. Even against bruisers trying to clamp down on the ball, you can lever it out with the stiff scoop.
The forward angle also improves your ability to shovel up grounders while on the run. Especially on faceoffs and when chasing down clear opportunities, the angled scoop lets you scoop and go.
Once you gain possession, the narrowed throat area keeps the ball tucked securely into the pocket’s deep channel. This allows midfielders to grab grounders and transition up the field with confidence.
On the defensive end, the defined sidewalls and throat give you excellent clamping power to pick up failed clears. You can quickly clamp down, tuck it away, and look to push transition.
The scoop’s design makes ground balls feel almost effortless. By getting underneath cleanly and levering it into the pocket, you waste no time securing possession.
Thanks to the materials and construction, the scoop holds its shape well even after repeated ground ball jousts. You don’t have to worry about warping or deforming over time.
Once you gain possession, the strategically stiff throat keeps the ball locked and centered in the pocket through contact. You have the confidence to drive through traffic or handle checks once clamped.
Whether at the faceoff X, on man down, or battling around the net, ground balls are a constant. The Mark 2V ensures you have every advantage needed to come out on top in ground ball battles.
With ground ball play continuing to factor more prominently into possession-driven lacrosse, investing in top-tier scoop and throat technology is key. The Mark 2V delivers with an optimized head shape designed for ground ball dominance.
Pros Share Their Thoughts on Using the Mark 2V
The Mark 2V from Stringking has quickly garnered buzz in the lacrosse world, with many pro and top-level players already making the switch.
Well-known lacrosse stars like Paul Rabil, Connor Fields, Jake Carraway and others have given glowing reviews after taking the new head for a test drive.
Paul Rabil, one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, praised the Mark 2V for its pinpoint accuracy, both for hard shots and quick touch passes. The stiff yet balanced flex profile allows him to place the ball exactly where he wants.
MLL and NLL star Connor Fields talked about how the head improved his catch and release shooting. Thanks to the angled scoop and defined sidewalls, he feels more confident winding up from awkward angles and releasing quickly.
Jake Carraway, a dynamic NCAA midfielder, noticed how the head maintained its shape and crispness even after taking a pounding. The durability gives him confidence challenging defenses all game long without losing performance.
Across the board, players noted how quickly the head breaks in while still feeling game-ready right off the shelves. The minimal break-in period means you can take it straight to gameday.
In addition to pro players, many elite high schoolers have already made the swap and seen their games elevate. The top prospects like how the head caters to an athletic, up-tempo style of play.
While opinions varied on which flex profile and pocket setup felt best, the ability to customize was a universal positive. Players loved being able to string the head to perfectly match their game.
Considering how quickly it has been picked up by premier talent, it’s clear the Mark 2V impresses at the highest levels. The world’s best lacrosse players quickly realize the performance benefits it offers.
Seeing pros like Rabil, Fields, and Carraway adopt the latest tech right away reinforces the brand’s reputation for engineering excellence.
For developing players striving to reach that elite level, using the same gear as the pros sets you up for success. If the Mark 2V is the top choice for the world’s best, it will undoubtedly take your game to the next level.
The overwhelmingly positive reviews from lacrosse stars reaffirm what the Stringking designers set out to achieve – high performance and complete customization in one head. The Mark 2V delivers.
Best Stringing and Pocket Setups to Maximize the 2V
To get the most out of the Stringking Mark 2V, dialing in the optimal stringing and pocket setup is key.
One of the biggest advantages of the 2V is the versatility to customize your pocket to your exact preferences. However, with so many stringing options, finding the right setup can be daunting.
Here are some of the best stringing methods and pockets to maximize the head’s performance:
- Mid-High Pocket – Utilize multiple top string holes to create a mid to high pocket for added hold and control. Ideal for midfielders and attackmen.
- Mid-Low Pocket – Focus stringing on the middle and lower sidewall holes for a quicker release pocket. Perfect for defenders and faceoff specialists.
- Baggy Back Pocket – Weave shooting strings in a baggy pattern to create a deeper rear pocket for extra ball control. Ideal for attackmen working behind the cage.
- Tight Channel – String a tight channel setup by pulling top strings tightly for improved accuracy. Great for midfielders moving the ball in transition.
- Straight Shooters – Run shooting strings straight across for smooth, consistent release and passing. Angled shooters add whip and speed.
- Double Weave – Interlace shooting strings for optimal hold in a deep pocket. Provides excellent ball control for dodging attackmen.
- Cross Lacing – Criss-cross sidewall strings from top to bottom for defined pocket channels that increase hold. Especially effective on Wing Walls.
In addition to pocket style, personalizing details like pocket depth, whip, hold, and channel width enables you to maximize performance.
While a universal best setup doesn’t exist, high-level players typically recommend a mid to high pocket for attackmen and middies, and a mid-low pocket for defenders and faceoff guys.
No matter what position you play, you’ll want to focus on dialing in hold and release point by customizing shooting strings and sidewall patterns.
Be sure to balance hold for control with quick release for passing and shooting. Finding your ideal pocket sweet spot may take some trial and error.
The beauty of the Mark 2V is that you can restring it several times to experiment. Don’t be afraid to tweak details as you go until the pocket feels like an extension of your stick.
While pre-set universal pockets work for many players, optimizing the Stringking 2V setup to your game is ideal. The ability to customize everything from pocket depth to shooting strings makes this head a stringer’s dream.
Investing the time to find your perfect pocket enhances control, feel, and performance. Unlocking the 2V’s full potential requires dialing in the optimal stringing for your needs.
Value and Investment Considerations for Lacrosse Players
For lacrosse players looking to upgrade their gear, the Stringking Mark 2V represents a premium investment opportunity with excellent value.
At around $90-$100 price range, the 2V sits on the higher end of the market, on par with other elite-level heads from top brands.
While not cheap, the price reflects Stringking’s reputation for innovative designs, high-grade materials, and stringent quality control. You certainly get what you pay for in terms of performance and construction.
Considering heads at this level often last 1-2 full seasons or more, the per-use cost makes it reasonably affordable, especially for higher level players.
The key question becomes how much extra performance you gain for the higher price tag versus more budget-friendly options.
For developing players, the 2V may be overkill. More affordable heads around $50-70 can offer similar playability. However, they compromise on durability, consistency, and optimized shape.
For experienced high school, college, and pro players, the investment pays dividends by elevating your game. The same may apply to hardcore lacrosse dads looking for any advantage.
The key factors become the proprietary technologies like Wing Walls and optimized scoop design that offer measurable performance differences. Not to mention the ability to fully customize the stringing and flex.
Considering those advantages, paying up for the Mark 2V delivers excellent value, especially if you plan to play at a high level where those small details matter.
For youth and casual players, more affordable heads likely make more sense. But for committed athletes pursuing greatness, the 2V provides a wise investment.
At the end of the day, if you rely on your equipment to perform at an elite level year after year, investing in a premium head like the 2V from a top brand is the smart play.
When your gear directly impacts game performance, choosing engineered excellence over saving a few bucks is well worth it.
Helpful Tips and Recommendations for Stringing the 2V
Stringing up the Stringking Mark 2V lacrosse head for the first time? Here are some helpful tips and recommendations to get the most out of the stringing process.
- Start by mapping out hole placements and planning your desired pocket structure on paper.
- Tie knots tightly and keep stitches close together for optimal durability.
- Use high-quality mesh and stringing cords like Type III nylon to minimize stretching.
- Experiment with different shooting string angles to fine-tune release and hold.
- Maximize the lower middle sidewall holes to create a quick release channel.
- Utilize the additional scoop holes to string a deeper pocket for control.
- Weave shooting strings wider on the scoop side for increased hold and ball control.
- Keep the channel and diamonds consistent for even pocket break-in across the head.
- A double or triple threat shooting string setup adds consistency for passing and shooting.
- Account for natural pocket settling by initially stringing it slightly shallower than desired.
When experimenting with pocket placement, start low and work your way up if needed. It’s easier to increase pocket depth than decrease it.
Be sure to keep the pocket symmetrical across both sides and symmetric from top to bottom. An even pocket improves performance.
Don’t be afraid to tweak string placement by a hole or two to balance whip and hold as you break-in the pocket.
Take time shaping and forming each mesh diamond consistently during the stringing process to optimize shape.
Follow any special stringing instructions for attaching shooters around the new Wing Wall technology for maximum results.
While getting pro help is great, don’t hesitate to string it yourself. With practice and patience, you can customize your perfect pocket.
Investing time dialing in pocket specifics pays off big time. Masterful stringing amplifies the performance engineered into the Mark 2V.
Following lacrosse head stringing fundamentals while taking advantage of the 2V’s versatility lets you create your dream pocket and unlock the head’s full potential.