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.