What Makes the DNA Lacrosse Head Unique
The DNA lacrosse head stands out from other lacrosse heads on the market due to its innovative sidewall design and scoop shape that give players improved ball control and quick release. This head was first introduced by East Coast Dyes (ECD) in 2009, and it quickly gained popularity among lacrosse players for its unique style and performance benefits.
One of the things that makes the DNA head distinct is its hourglass shape, wider at the top and bottom and narrowed in the middle. This contour cradles the ball perfectly and gives you excellent hold on ground balls and tighter control cradling the ball as you run down the field. The scoop on DNA heads has a defined ridge that makes picking up ground balls smoother and allows for quick transfers and fast passing.
The sidewall design is another important innovation on these heads. Instead of a flat sidewall, the DNA head has raised side rails that grip the ball better during catches and provide added stability when carrying the ball one-handed. Players report that they feel much more confident carrying the ball in DNA heads without losing possession. The sidewalls also add stiffness that improves the head’s durability and longevity.
Overall, the hourglass shape, angled scoop, and sidewall rails come together to form a head optimized for control. This gives players at any position, from attack to midfielder to defenseman, better command over the ball during play. DNA heads have become popular both for youth and elite players because of the enhanced ball handling they provide. Their ability to cradle and pass cleanly has made them a favorite for players looking to develop their fundamental lacrosse skills.
DNA Lacrosse Heads Offer Great Ball Control
One of the standout features of DNA lacrosse heads is the superior ball control they give players. The unique contours and sidewall design help cradling, catching, scooping, passing, and shooting. For developing offensive skills and protecting possession, DNA heads are a top choice.
The hourglass shape of these heads improves control because it securely cradles the ball with less rattling around. The ball sits centered in the head’s pocket, allowing for one-handed carries and smooth handling as you run down the field or dodge defenders. Sidewall rails on DNA heads grip the ball from the sides, giving you the confidence to carry or pass one-handed even under pressure.
Ground balls are also easier to pickup and maintain control of with a DNA head. The angular scoop shape helps funnel ground balls directly into the pocket, rather than bouncing out. This allows midfielders to gain possession and quickly transition on the counterattack after forced turnovers.
Passing and feeding also become more accurate with these heads, thanks to the cradling control and quick release enabled by the scoop design. Middies can feed their cutters in tight windows without the ball wobbling. The stiffness of DNA sidewalls transfers more energy to shots as well, resulting in faster passes and improved shooting velocity.
For youth players first learning the fundamentals of cradling, carrying, catching, and scooping, DNA heads provide a great training tool. The enhanced control builds confidence early and allows young players to focus on developing skills rather than fighting to control the ball. Experienced players at higher levels also appreciate the tight command these heads provide in competitive play.
By optimizing the way the head grips and centers the ball, DNA engineered heads reduce floating, wobbling, and errant passes. This gives players at any position the control they need to excel during intense gameplay. The right lacrosse head can make a big difference, and DNA’s dialed-in ball control has made these heads popular from youth to college levels.
How the Scoop and Sidewall Design Improve Performance
DNA lacrosse heads have an innovative scoop and sidewall design that gives players better ball control and quicker release. These features create real performance advantages on the field.
Starting with the scoop, DNA heads have a raised ridge along the top of the scoop and more defined angular shape overall. This helps channel ground balls directly into the pocket for superior ground ball play. Midfielders can quickly pick up a grounder and transition to offense after a turnover. The ridge also provides a focal point for accurately passing and shooting the ball.
On cradling, the angled scoop promotes a faster release when passing or shooting after a dodge or drive to the goal. By keeping the ball centered in the pocket and higher in the head, you can get off passes and shots quicker thanks to optimal ball placement. This split-second advantage helps offenses beat slides and capitalize on transition opportunities.
The sidewalls are another game-changing innovation on DNA heads. Rather than flat walls, these heads have raised side rails that grip and cradle the ball. This enables confident one-handed carries while sprinting upfield or evading defenders. It also provides added stability that prevents the ball from rattling around in the pocket.
With more defined sidewall rails, DNA heads transfer more energy from cradling into passing and shooting as well. You get faster velocity on shots, harder passes that lead receivers, and an overall quicker release. The head places the ball perfectly for passing and shooting accuracy.
Together, the engineered scoop and sidewalls on these heads optimize ball control, quickness, and centering. This allows players to enhance fundamental lacrosse skills like cradling, scooping, passing, and shooting. By improving control and release speed, DNA heads help players make smarter decisions during intense gameplay.
The scoop and sidewall design innovations represent a major evolution in head technology. After over a decade on the market, DNA lacrosse heads continue to provide a performance edge thanks to these features that dial in ball control.
Choosing Between Mid and High Pocket DNA Heads
DNA lacrosse heads come in two main pocket styles – mid pocket and high pocket. Choosing the right one for your position and style of play is important to maximize the head’s performance.
Mid pocket DNA heads offer a moderate pocket depth that balances control and ball retention with quick release shooting and passing. The mid pocket suits most midfielders who need to rifle passes upfield but also dodge and drive to the goal. They provide versatility for all-around play.
Attackmen who play behind the net and finisher middies often prefer a DNA head strung with a high pocket. This deeper pocket improves ball control for big dodges and provides superior hold. The high pocket cradles more smoothly but sacrifices some quickness on release.
For defenders who handle the ball less, a mid pocket DNA is a good choice since it allows quickly moving the ball upfield after turnovers and checks. Goalies also tend to use a mid pocket to outlet passes smoothly after saves.
When stringing your DNA head, consider how you utilize it most in games. Middies dodging from up top and behind may want a higher pocket for control carrying the ball and absorbing checks. Attackmen who receive passes from X and finish around the crease will also like the ball security of a high pocket setup.
For players who take rips from up top and need to feed cutters precisely, a medium pocket optimizes quick release while still cradling smoothly. This pocket style also helps defenders quickly clear the ball after causing turnovers.
Work with your coach or an experienced stringer to determine the right pocket height based on your position and style of play. In general, a mid pocket DNA head provides the most well-rounded performance for balancing control with quick passing and shooting.
With some adjustments to shooters and nylon placement, you can tweak the pocket height of your DNA head to suit your needs. This customization potential allows players to maximize the versatile DNA head shape for their individual game.
Why Young Players Benefit from DNA Lacrosse Heads
DNA lacrosse heads are a great choice for young athletes first learning the sport. The enhanced ball control these heads provide helps build fundamentals and confidence.
For youth players developing their cradling, scooping, passing, and shooting skills, the tight command of the ball that DNA heads offer is invaluable. The defined scoop and sidewall rails help new players control ground balls and work on cradling without losing possession.
Since the ball sits centered in the head’s pocket rather than rattling around, young midfielders and attackmen can work on stick handling and one-handed carries. This allows coaches to focus practice time on skills rather than re-gathering loose balls.
The quick release DNA heads provide helps young players succeed with passing and shooting as well. Faster shots gain power and accuracy needed to get by youth goalies. And tight passing from a DNA head builds habits that support smart offensive play.
For defenders, the DNA head’s smooth handling fosters fast breaks after caused turnovers and developing skills like checking and positioning. Goalies also benefit from tighter outlets with DNA heads after making saves.
By building confidence early with superior control, young players can accelerate development on both individual techniques and team offensive and defensive systems. Having the ball behave consistently allows coaches to advance skills faster.
While elite players love DNA heads, the enhanced fundamentals they foster also make them ideal for athletes new to the game. By taking the guesswork out of ball handling, DNA heads help create stick awareness and skills that young players will carry throughout their careers.
The right equipment provides a huge advantage when introducing kids to lacrosse. DNA heads have become wildly popular at the youth level for the way they allow players to progress quickly during a critical window for building abilities and passion for the sport.
How the ECD DNA Improves on the Original Design
The ECD DNA head from East Coast Dyes built upon the original DNA lacrosse head design with some key upgrades in performance.
ECD launched their DNA head in 2016, aiming to enhance the pioneering shape and sidewall design DNA lacrosse first introduced years earlier. ECD’s version molded the head with more advanced materials to make it more durable and responsive.
They focused on dialing in the scoop and sidewall features that made DNA heads game-changers in the lacrosse world. The ECD DNA has a pronounced ridge along the scoop to smoothly guide ground balls into the pocket. This enables faster ground ball play and tighter passing from up top.
The sidewalls on the ECD DNA form defined rails that improve ball control and passing/shooting speed. By gripping the ball firmly from the sides, this head provides unmatched command for one-handed cradling and dodging through traffic.
ECD also optimized the flex points to give their DNA more whip on shots. When paired with the stiff sidewalls, ECD DNA’s provide lightning-quick release and added velocity on passes and shots. Attackmen can feed tight windows thanks to the quick, accurate release.
While maintaining the signature hourglass shape for control, ECD tweaked the bottom to flatten it out slightly. This helps stabilize the head during checking and keeps the pocket balanced. Face shape was also tuned for improved ball retention during big hits.
Through material upgrades, strategic stiffening, and refinements to the scoop and sidewalls, the ECD DNA improved what was already a revolutionary lacrosse head. It shows how incremental improvements to a pioneering design can produce big performance gains on the field.
ECD’s DNA head carries on the DNA lacrosse legacy of unprecedented control. With ECD’s enhancements, it continues to be a top choice for elite players years after DNA first changed the game.
Stringing Tips to Maximize Your DNA Head’s Potential
Proper stringing technique brings out the best in DNA lacrosse heads. Here are some tips for optimizing pocket shape and sidewall design to maximize performance.
When stringing a DNA head, focus on creating a smooth, consistent pocket that centers the ball. This amplifies the precision cradling and quick release these heads provide. Using a three-shooter setup with a nylon and two leathers provides great holding power and ball control.
For midfielders, a medium pocket depth around 5-6 diamonds down from the scoop is optimal. This balances cradling with quick passing and shooting. Attackmen can string pockets 1-2 diamonds lower for increased ball retention when dodging defenders.
Don’t string too tightly across the top rails. Allow a little wiggle room for the ball to sit deep in the pocket. This takes advantage of the sidewall holds for superior control during one-handed carries.
When interlocking sidewall strings, start 2 diamonds down from the scoop and stagger diamonds on alternating rails. This locks in the ball while still enabling smooth distribution and hold across the entire head.
Focus double up strings and shooting string placement lower in the head to create mid-to-high pocket control. Avoid over-tightening strings at the scoop area to prevent inhibiting passing speed.
Consider adding a nylon shooter at the throat of the head to enhance hold and ball retention for big dodges. Combining leathers and nylons through the middle sidewall area optimizes pocket feel.
With the right techniques and patterns, you can fine tune the pocket of DNA heads for your position and style of play. Follow these tips when stringing to maximize the elite control, command, and quickness these heads deliver.
The Importance of Pocket Shape and Depth
Tuning the pocket shape and depth when stringing a DNA lacrosse head is crucial for optimizing performance. The right pocket enhances ball control, release speed, and overall playability.
Midfielders and attackmen who handle the ball up top need a pocket with a smooth hold and centered ball placement. This allows running with the ball one-handed confidently. A medium depth around 5 diamonds down provides versatility for all-around play.
For middies looking to rip shots after driving from up top, a slightly mid-to-high pocket depth is ideal. This puts the ball higher in the head for quicker shooting after dodging past defenders. The pocket should hold the ball firmly but release it cleanly.
Attackmen who receive passes behind the cage and finish around the crease prefer a high pocket up to 6 or 7 diamonds down. This deeper pocket cradles smoothly with maximum ball retention for bull dodges and absorbing checks.
Shallow pockets in DNA heads less than 4 diamonds down tend to create a lot of wobble. This takes away the precision handling and quick release benefits of the head shape. Too deep over 7 diamonds hampers passing speed.
Focusing double up strings and nylon placement lower in the head keeps the ball centered and seated deeply. Balancing across the sidewalls creates an evenly distributed pocket. The right depth and shape amplifies the DNA head performance.
Testing pocket depth and making adjustments during stringing ensures you maximize control, command, and quickness. While pocket preference varies by player, the 5 to 6 diamond mid-high pocket range is optimal for most midfielders and attackmen.
Reviews of the Most Popular DNA Lacrosse Heads
DNA lacrosse heads come in a variety of models from different manufacturers. Here are reviews of some of the most popular options on the market.
The ECD DNA is one of the highest-rated DNA heads thanks to its optimized face shape, pronounced ridge scoop, and stiff sidewalls. Attackmen praise its excellent ball retention and quick release. It also holds up well with advanced composite materials.
The Maverik Optic is a more budget-friendly DNA head perfect for youth and high school players. The Optic provides great ball control at a lower price point. Its mid-tier stiffness means less whip for shots though.
STX’s Stallion DNA brings STX’s proven head shape to the DNA design. It focuses on a rigid scoop and sidewalls for increased passing and shooting speed. The Stallion DNA is on the pricier side but delivers premium performance.
Warrior’s Burn DNA combines the Burn head shape with DNA sidewall geometry. It excels at ground balls but has less defined rails for cradle control. The Burn DNA is ideal for more physical, two-way middies.
Maverik’s Tank DNA has a wide flare and maximizes stiffness for heavy checks. Its stiff sidewalls and scoop excel for defensemen who see limited offensive touches. The Tank DNA is built to withstand abuse.
Nike’s CEO DNA provides great versatility at a lower price for young players. It lacks the stiffness of premium DNA heads but offers great fundamentals for developing skills.
There are many solid DNA options to suit different budgets and needs. Try out a few to experience the performance differences before choosing your head.
Comparing DNA Heads to Other Brands on the Market
While DNA lacrosse heads have grown in popularity, how do they stack up against other elite brands on the market?
Against traditional heads from companies like STX and Maverik, DNA heads excel in ball control and quick release shooting. Their engineered sidewalls and scoop shape outperform most standard heads in passing, cradling, and ground balls.
Newer heads with advanced technology like the Epoch Dragonfly pose stiff competition though. With carbon fiber construction, the Dragonfly matches DNA’s ball control and passing speed with even more stiffness and durability.
Brands like Warrior and STX have also developed heads to rival DNA’s performance by focusing on sidewall geometry. Heads like Warrior’s Burn and STX’s Stallion mimic aspects of the DNA design.
While DNA heads retain an advantage in ground ball play and tight cradling, other top brands have narrowed the gap. Leading manufacturers now optimize heads for quickness, hold, and ball centering like DNA first introduced.
At the face-off position, DNA heads excel thanks to scoop and sidewall grip on clamp wins. But for specialized FO heads, they lack the extreme flares of heads like the Weapon X that maximize clamps.
DNA still set the standard that other elite brands work to match. But through advanced materials like carbon fiber and technical sidewalldesign, competitors have stepped up innovation to rival DNA’s coveted control.
For pure command over ground balls and cradling though, experienced players still argue DNA heads provide the pinnacle of performance lacrosse heads have achieved so far.
Tips for Caring for Your DNA Head to Extend Its Life
DNA lacrosse heads are designed for elite performance, but you need to care for them properly to get the most life out of your head.
Be sure to periodically check all screws on the head to ensure they are tightened properly. Vibration from playing can loosen screws over time, and this puts more stress on the plastic.
Avoid leaving the head outside in extreme heat or cold, which can warp the head shape over time. Store heads in a mesh bag or with a cover when not in use.
Clean heads with just water and towel dry them after use to prevent dirt buildup and material degradation from chemicals. Be gentle around the scoop and sidewalls when cleaning.
Re-wax mesh regularly, at least every few months during heavy use. This maintains the proper pocket shape and prevents over-stretching of older mesh.
Consider touch up stringing each season to maintain the ideal pocket placement and depth. Sidewalls can stretch with heavy use.
For solid faceoff heads, rotate clamp areas that show wear to evenly distribute it. Avoid dry wall clamping when possible.
Spot check for cracks along the scoop and sidewalls that may hamper stiffness. Even hairline cracks warrant a replacement to prevent catastrophic breaks.
With some diligent care, you can get multiple seasons out of elite heads like DNAs. Proper maintenance preserves the high performance these heads deliver game after game.
Customizing Your DNA Head with Unique Stringing and Dye Jobs
One of the great things about DNA lacrosse heads is the potential for customization through unique stringing, dyeing, and styling.
Due to the head shape, DNA pockets can be strung very specifically to a player’s preference. You can string high pockets for increased hold or mid pockets for versatile play. Experienced stringers can create masterful pockets with these heads.
Sidewall stringing allows for creativity in developing personalized stringing lock points and tension balance. Combining different leathers, nylons, and laces opens up many possibilities for pocket feel and ball placement.
Dyeing DNA heads is another way to showcase original style. Brands like East Coast Dyes have signature dye techniques that transform the heads into vibrant works of art.
A variety of colors, fade effects, geometric patterns, and custom logos can turn a DNA head into a one-of-a-kind lacrosse styling piece. Warrior, Gait, and other brands also offer custom dye jobs.
For players who really want to show off, combining pro-quality pocket stringing with eye-catching dye designs creates a truly unique head. Sidewall fading, metallic dyes, and engraved side panels take it to another level.
While DNA heads perform amazingly right out of the box, customizing your head makes it a personal gear extension of your playing style and personality. Taking the time to develop the perfect pocket and dye technique allows DNA heads to become an individualized gear highlight.
Finding Great Deals on New and Used DNA Lacrosse Heads
DNA lacrosse heads are premium performers that tend to come with a higher price tag. But savvy shoppers can find deals on new and used heads with some searching.
Watching for seasonal sales and holiday promotions from major retailers can mean big savings on the year’s DNA models. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and New Year’s deals offer good discounts on lacrosse gear.
Buying last year’s unused stock that retailers are looking to move can provide major bargains too. The performance will be the same on a nearly new model from the previous season.
Used heads in good condition offer great value as well. DNA heads have excellent durability, and many players trade in gently used heads each year.
Browsing lacrosse forums and gear trade groups enables finding high-quality used DNA heads at reasonable prices. SidelineSwap is a trusted marketplace for secondary gear.
For younger players still growing, used DNA heads offer premium quality without the same investment as new. Experienced players also appreciate the savings on used heads.
Considering package deals that bundle heads, shafts, gloves, and other gear can maximize value too. The DNA head may still carry a premium but overall gear savings compensate.
With smart shopping tactics, players can experience the elite play of DNA heads without overspending. Seeking sales, trades, and used deals makes these heads more accessible.
DNA Heads Excel for Both Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse
While originally designed with men’s field lacrosse in mind, DNA heads have become top choices for women’s lacrosse as well thanks to their unmatched control.
For women’s midfielders and attackers, the DNA shape helps master fundamentals like cradling, protecting the ball on drives, and maintaining possession through contact. The enhanced ball control builds confidence.
The quick release DNA heads provide helps female players make crisp, accurate passes to cutters and finish shots under pressure. Precise passing is crucial for maintaining offensive possessions.
For draw specialists and two-way midfielders, DNA heads reinforce fundamentals needed to gain possession off the draw. Scooping, protecting the ball, and tight cradling translate directly from men’s field.
On the defensive end, the heads’ stiffness withstands checks while still enabling smooth clears once possession is gained. Defenders can quickly move the ball to transition.
While some women’s specific heads like the STX Crux offer wider heads for increased checking and throwing space, DNA heads optimize overall control and command of the ball.
By mastering the most fundamental skills like cradling, scooping, and passing, female players gain confidence to expand their game. DNA heads build a foundation applicable across positions in women’s lacrosse.
The unmatched ball control DNA engineered heads provide translates directly to elevating women’s lacrosse play. Their performance and durability make them viable for both men’s and women’s field lacrosse.
Why DNA Lacrosse Heads Have Developed a Cult Following
Over a decade after first hitting the lacrosse scene, DNA heads continue to have a cult following among devoted players who swear by their performance and style.
The unparalleled ball control DNA engineered heads provide creates almost a magical feel for cradling, scooping, passing, and shooting. Players become enamored with the command and quickness these heads enable.
The unique aesthetics are part of the appeal too. Through custom stringing and dye jobs, players make DNA heads true individual gear expressions that become their personal styles on the field.
By optimizing such a feel-driven part of the sport – ball handling and command – DNA heads create passion among players. The confidence and connection players experience translates into brand loyalty.
Seeing elite Division I, NLL, and international players excelling with DNA heads further builds their iconic status and aspirational appeal.
Lacrosse equipment forums feature constant discussions of the latest DNA heads, optimal stringing, and comparisons to the latest heads. Fans dissect and analyze even minor changes and tweaks.
For those devoted to mastering their lacrosse stick skills, DNA heads provide such a performance edge that they become treasured objects passed down year after year.
That initial innovation and improvement in how heads control and release the ball sparked a following that continues to drive DNA’s legendary status in the lacrosse world.