The 11 Essential Lacrosse Meshes and Stringing Kits to Master Your Game

The 11 Essential Lacrosse Meshes and Stringing Kits to Master Your Game

Invest in a High-Quality Stringing Kit for Customization

When it comes to lacrosse, having the right stringing kit is a game-changer. Just like a chef needs quality knives to prepare incredible meals, lacrosse players need a solid stringing kit to customize their heads and optimize performance. The key is finding a kit that provides versatility for stringing different mesh and pocket styles while also including quality materials that enhance durability and ball control. Personally, I’ve wasted money on cheap stringing kits that left me frustrated – broken sidewall strings, flimsy leathers, dull needles. But once I invested in a kit from a leading brand like StringKing, ECD, or Hero Mesh, stringing became an art form.

With a complete kit, you can continually experiment to find your ideal setup. I love using soft nylon threads for pocket nylon that move and shift better with the mesh. Waxed linen sidewalls give me the right blend of strength and flexibility when attaching the mesh to the sidewalls. Leather runners spaced evenly create the ideal mid-low pocket for my playing style as an attackman. And quality needles like the StringKing curved ones make it easy to weave intricate sidewall knots that produce the right pocket shape. The key is taking the time to test different stringing methods – interlocks, double lattices, siis, modified siis, etc.

Of course, it does take patience and practice to master advanced stringing techniques. I’ve had to watch numerous YouTube tutorials and ask teammates for advice. But the ability to restring sticks anytime and customize pocket and whip specs perfectly to your game is well worth the investment in a complete stringing kit. Don’t settle for pre-strung heads or basic kits. Take your lacrosse to the next level by becoming a stringing artist!

Goalies Require Extreme Durability and Ball Control

When it comes to lacrosse goalies, having the right mesh and stringing is crucial. The goalie’s stick faces incredible abuse, taking high-velocity shots repeatedly during games and practices. Not just any mesh can stand up to that kind of intense impact. Goalies need elite-level durability to maintain their sticks throughout the season.

I learned this lesson the hard way during my first season in goal. I was using a basic hard mesh that couldn’t handle the barrage. It started fraying and breaking down within weeks, no matter how well I strung it. Once the mesh started deteriorating, I lost all feeling and control. Shots were ricocheting out of the pocket wildly, making saves much more difficult.

After that experience, I switched to a high-quality goalie mesh like the StringKing Goalie or the ECD Hero Goalie. Now I get insane performance and longevity, even after facing over 1,000 shots per week. The 20 millimeter diamond pattern withstands impacts while providing excellent ball control. I can feel exactly where the ball is sitting in the pocket, allowing me to cradle and outlet passes smoothly after each save. And the mesh retains its shape week after week, meaning I rarely have to restring during the season.

Of course, elite goalie mesh carries a higher price tag, but it’s worth every penny. Considering the quantity of shots faced, it actually saves money compared to cheaper mesh that breaks down faster. My advice is to invest in quality goalie mesh and never look back. Brands like Hero Mesh even offer goalie stringing kits with super heavy sidewalls and runners designed specifically for the demands of the position. Do yourself a favor and use gear built for goalies. You’ll gain consistency and confidence, while also saving hours of restringing time.

Defenders Want Consistency and Power Checks

For lacrosse defenders, having the right mesh and pocket setup is crucial for success. Unlike offensive players who want a lot of hold and whip, defenders need excellent ball control and consistency to make clean checks and clears. A pocket that’s too deep or inconsistent can lead to turnovers and goals against.

After moving from midfield to close defense, I had to completely rethink my stringing. I was using a mid-high pocket with a soft mesh for maximum ball control in the offensive end. But all that extra whip made it easy for attackmen to dislodge the ball during checks and ground ball scrums.

On the advice of our top defenseman, I switched to a semi-hard mesh like StringKing Type 3F strung to a mid-low pocket. The stiffer mesh combined with a flatter pocket profile allowed me to cradle tightly during clears without worrying about the ball bouncing free. My checks also became much more accurate and controlled without the deep pocket. I could direct pokes and lifts with precision to dislodge possession.

An added bonus of the semi-hard mesh was increased ball velocity on clears. I could smoke accurate outlet passes with speed to spark fast breaks. And when pressed into offensive duty after a clear, I found I could shoot with more power while maintaining accuracy. The key for defenders is finding the right mix of control and consistency to excel on both ends of the field. A mesh and pocket optimized for defense gives you confidence in every situation. While it takes some trial and error, the effort is well worth it. Don’t settle for an offensive setup – demand a stringing that makes you a dominant defender.

Softer Meshes Create Great Feel and Ball Control

When it comes to lacrosse mesh and stringing, one of the biggest decisions is mesh stiffness. Lacrosse meshes range from super soft and flexible to hardcore stiff. The right stiffness comes down to playing style and position. For players who value excellent feel and control, a soft lacrosse mesh is tough to beat.

I’ve always preferred softer meshes for my offensive game. As an attackman, having the ball stick in the pocket on dodges and spins is crucial. Stiff meshes tend to bounce the ball out more easily in traffic. With a soft mesh like StringKing Type 4X or ECD REMX, I can cradle smoothly in tight spaces while maintaining control.

The soft mesh also provides awesome touch on my shooting. I can place shots with precision by feeling the ball release off my fingers. Some meshes are so soft and flexible that they act like a slingshot, adding whip and velocity to shots as well. And the smooth release helps accuracy too since the ball isn’t ripping out of a stiff pocket.

Of course, soft mesh requires more attention when stringing to get the right pocket shape. I like adding an extra runner halfway down the head to create a nice channel. Soft mesh also bags out quicker, so I restring my sticks more often to maintain the ideal pocket. But the time invested is well worth it for the elite-level control. Give soft mesh a chance, and you’ll immediately notice the improved feel!

Hard Meshes Provide Power and Increased Speed

While soft lacrosse mesh is great for control, hard mesh offers its own performance benefits. Stiff mesh provides awesome power on shots, increased ball speed, and extra durability. For players who like a quicker release or face heavy contact, hard mesh is an excellent option.

I experimented with hard mesh on the advice of our team’s faceoff specialist. He uses a stiff mesh like StringKing Type 3F to gain every advantage in clashes. The rigid structure allowed him to clamp down on ground balls while protecting against slashes. His advice was to string my stick with a hard mesh pocket at midfield to add velocity on shots.

The results were immediate – I gained 10-15 mph on my shot virtually overnight thanks to the rigid launch platform. My release was quick and tight with no wasted motion. Hard mesh also lasted longer against all the hustle and physical play at midfield. I wasn’t constantly restringing to maintain the pocket shape and stability. Downsides were some loss of touch and increased bouncing of the ball in traffic at full speed.

For players who care more about power and durability than finesse, hard mesh is the way to go. Brands like StringKing and ECD offer a range of stiffness levels so you can fine-tune your setup. Trying a silo mesh is a great way to experience the benefits of stiffness without going ultra-stiff right away. Find the right balance for your game.

Waxed Mesh Lasts Longer and Improves Performance

One way to seriously boost lacrosse mesh performance and longevity is waxing. Pre-waxed lacrosse mesh has become very popular in recent years, but you can also wax traditional synthetics yourself. The wax coating significantly extends the life of the mesh while also enhancing key attributes like ball control, hold, and shooting speed.

I first tried wax mesh on the recommendation of my coach. He suggested I wax my usual StringKing Type 3F pocket to reduce my constant restringing. The wax provided a smooth, flexible coating that maintained the pocket shape much longer than uncoated mesh. Even after months of use, my pocket stayed crisp and consistent.

But I also noticed improved performance benefits from the wax. The coating seemed to soften the release while adding hold and control. My shooting grew more precise with the soft feel, yet I still got great power transfer thanks to the stiff mesh underneath. And waxed pockets seem to grab ground balls better while also protecting against rain and moisture. Definitely a win-win modification.

Pre-waxing lacrosse mesh does add cost, with offerings from ECD, Hero Mesh, and Gait leading the way. But applying your own wax is cheap and easy too. Just melt some mesh wax onto the strands before stringing up your head. Once you try a waxed pocket you’ll be hooked by the premium feel and extended longevity between restringing.

Diamond Mesh Patterns Affect Pocket Depth

When choosing lacrosse mesh, one of the key specifications is diamond size. Lacrosse meshes feature a woven diamond or box pattern, and the size of these diamonds directly impacts pocket depth and ball control. Finding the right diamond size for your position and style of play is crucial for optimizing performance.

For most of my lacrosse career, I used a traditional 10 diamond midfield pocket. This moderate diamond size gave me a nice mid-pocket that was versatile for all-around play. But when I switched to attack, I wanted more hold and control. On the advice of our stringing guru, I switched to a 15 diamond attack pocket. The smaller diamonds allowed for a deeper pocket that retained the ball better on dodges and shots.

On the other extreme, goalies and faceoff specialists often use large 20 diamond goalie mesh for enhanced durability and quick ball release. The shallower pocket is ideal for goalies who need the ball to deflect out on shots, while faceoff middies rely on quick ball control when clamping. Finding the right diamond size really depends on your needs.

Of course you can also string different diamond meshes to higher or lower pockets based on the other techniques used. But generally, smaller diamonds will allow you to string deeper pockets while larger diamonds create shallower set ups. Try out a few diamond sizes to find your lacrosse mesh sweet spot!

Match Your Mesh and Strings to Your Style of Play

When it comes to lacrosse mesh and stringing, there is no one-size-fits-all setup. The key is matching the mesh properties and stringing style to your position and individual playing needs. Taking the time to dial in your pocket based on how you play is crucial for maximizing your talent.

For me as an attackman, I need a pocket that emphasizes touch and ball retention across dodges, rolls, and spins. So I string a soft nylon mesh to a mid-low pocket using a double lattice top string and 1.3 mm nylons throughout. This setup emphasizes hold while also allowing me to place shots with feel.

Our faceoff middie opted for a semi-hard mesh pocket with a focus on stiffness and quick release. His game is all about clamping speed on the draw and immediate passing so he can get off the field quickly. A soft pocket would actually hinder him even though he takes some offensive runs.

Go down the line on your team – the LSM may want a stiffer mesh for checks while your feeder wants more whip to sling dimes. The key is thinking about your needs, not just copying the hot trend. Stay within your team’s guidelines, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Finding your personal lacrosse mesh recipe can take your level of play to new heights.

Know When It’s Time to Re-String Your Stick

No matter what type of lacrosse mesh and stringing you use, maintaining peak performance requires regular restringing. As much as we’d love one pocket to last forever, the reality is lacrosse heads require maintenance just like any other piece of athletic gear.

My rule of thumb is to restring sticks at least 2-3 times per season minimum. Even with today’s advanced materials, mesh will bag out, sidewalls will stretch, and leathers will wear. Small changes to the pocket shape can greatly impact passing, catching, and shooting.

I like to restring before each season to reset everything to factory specs. From there, I can feel when my sticks start to degrade through lost ball control, inaccurate passing, and shots sailing high or low. That’s the sign it’s time to freshen up the setup.

Restringing doesn’t have to be painful though. Having a well-stocked stringing kit and some practice makes it pretty quick. Set aside 30-60 minutes, throw on some music, and breathe new life into your stick. Don’t wait until your stick is unplayable to restring – stay ahead of changes and you’ll become confident in your gear.

Shop Top Brands Like StringKing, ECD, and Hero

When selecting your lacrosse mesh and strings, quality matters. Be sure to shop top lacrosse brands known for innovation and consistent performance. Companies like StringKing, ECD, Hero Mesh, and Gait lead the way in advanced lacrosse materials.

I learned this lesson quickly when I cheaped out and bought no-name mesh to save money as a freshman. It warped and bagged out after just weeks of play. The basic nylons frayed quickly too. After fighting my stick all season, I upgraded to a StringKing mesh kit on the advice of my captain.

The difference was night and day – the StringKing mesh maintained shape and feel far longer than bargain mesh. And the composite materials like Fusion 2 gave me confident stringing with less reworking needed. Brands like ECD and Hero Mesh offer the same consistency and quality.

Of course elite gear costs a bit more up front. But by performing better and lasting longer, it saves money over the course of a season. And the top brands innovate constantly, improving ball feel and longevity with tech like wax coatings and advanced polymers. Don’t handicap your game with subpar gear. Invest wisely in the big brands to maximize your talent and enjoyment.

Goalies Have Special Mesh and Kit Requirements

When it comes to lacrosse mesh and stringing, goalies face unique demands that require specialized gear. The extreme ball speeds and constant abuse means goalie mesh needs next-level durability compared to field players. And stick shapes and pocket styles are optimized specifically for the position.

I learned quickly that using field mesh and a normal head in goal was a recipe for disaster. The mesh couldn’t withstand repeated 95 MPH shots, breaking down within weeks. And the deep pocket I strung up wasn’t responsive enough for quick redirects and clear passes.

After struggling, I upgraded to a StringKing goalie head and 20 diamond goalie mesh. The stiffer mesh with larger diamonds withstood heavy abuse. And the shallower pocket let me control and outlet passes quickly after saves. Beyond mesh, specialized goalie stringing kits feature thicker sidewall strings and multi-lace leathers to account for extreme impacts.

Brands like ECD, Hero Mesh, and StringKing cater to goalies with goalie-specific mesh, heads, and stringing components. While pricier than field gear, goalie-grade equipment maintains performance far longer. Don’t handicap yourself with field gear in goal. Get mesh and stringing designed to withstand the intense environment that goalies face.

Keep Trying New Setups Until You Find Your Ideal

Finding your perfect lacrosse mesh and stringing is a process of experimentation. With so many variables like mesh type, diamond size, pocket placement, and stringing style, it takes trying different combinations to discover what truly optimizes your game.

Throughout my career, I’ve gone through a ton of different setups in search of my ideal configuration. I’ve tried hard, soft, and medium stiffness meshes. I’ve strung high, mid, and low pockets. I’ve tested different shooting string placements. It took time and failure, but I eventually dialed in the specs that I feel most confident with.

Don’t just copy the trendy mesh and stringing that the top players are using. While the elite gear is high quality, their choices are based on their own style, not yours. Tweak and test until you find the right feel for dodging, shooting, checking, ground balls, and everything else you do on the field.

This season, make it a goal to experiment with at least 2-3 new mesh and stringing setups. You might be surprised what minor changes can do for your game. Be open to trying unproven configs – you never know when you’ll stumble upon your perfect pocket. The quest is part of the fun of lacrosse customization.

String Your Own Sticks to Master Control and Feel

To truly maximize your lacrosse game, learn to string your own sticks. Stringing your own heads allows you to customize pocket and shooting strings to your exact preferences. Beyond performance, it also saves money compared to paying for stringing services each time.

I regret waiting until my junior year to finally learn stringing from my coach. Before that, I had relied on our team manager or costs at the local store to restring sticks for me. But without stringing knowledge, I could never tweak the pockets on my own between restrings. Once I understood stringing basics, I could adjust pocket and shooting strings as needed to maintain peak feel.

Learning to string complete sticks also let me experiment with different configurations anytime I wanted. I could change mesh types, pocket placement, shooting string angles, sidewall patterns – everything that impacts ball control and feel. Now I restring my gamers every few weeks to keep them perfectly dialed in based on my evolving style and preferences.

Picking up stringing fundamentals takes patience but any player can learn with practice. Start with basic kits and meshes to get your feet wet. Master basic knots and patterns first before moving to advanced techniques. Your sticks will fit like a glove when personalized to your game. Stringing gives you ultimate control over your on-field experience.

Test Unproven Stringing Methods to Find Hidden Gems

To take your lacrosse stringing to the next level, don’t be afraid to experiment with unproven setups. While copying pro patterns is fine, you never know when you’ll discover a novel stringing method perfectly suited for your game.

Some of my biggest stick breakthroughs have come from testing out mesh and stringing configurations I’ve never seen anyone else use. For example, I started adding an extra mid-pocket runner to soft mesh heads for more defined channeling. It improved hold instantly.

Another tweak was using a 1.3mm nylon shooter at the very bottom of my pocket on a whim. It amped up ball speed while retaining impressive accuracy. Top patterns focus on mid-pocket shooters, but going ultra-low worked magic for my style.

Of course testing novel ideas leads to some flops too. But experimentation pays off when you stumble upon that perfect pocket recipe uniquely calibrated for your strengths. Leverage your inner stringing artist. Unexpected breakthroughs await at the intersection of imagination and ingenuity. Think outside the conventional lacrosse box.