For lacrosse players who prefer the traditional feel and playability of leather stringing, choosing the right lacrosse stringing kit is an important decision. Leather lacrosse pockets require more skill and finesse to string properly, but can provide unmatched control and feel for experienced players. I’ve been stringing my own sticks since high school, and over the years I’ve learned what to look for in a quality leather stringing kit.
The key to a great stringing kit is finding leather that is both durable and soft enough to form a nice pocket. Kangaroo leather tends to be the best option, as it lasts forever and can be worked in to create any pocket shape you want. Some other leathers tend to be too stiff or tear too easily. You also want waxed string rather than nylon thread, as it gives you more friction for tying knots and shaping the pocket.
When picking out a pattern, think about your playing style and position. Attackmen typically like a mid to high pocket for quick releases, while defensemen may prefer a deeper pocket for control. I string my pockets in a modified traditional style, keeping the sidewalls a little more pinched up front for crisp passing and shooting.
Once you have your leather and string selected, be sure you’ve watched a few tutorials before stringing up your head for the first time. It takes some practice getting the feel for pulling the right tension as you interlace the sidewalls and tie off the diamonds. Going slow and being patient is crucial. Don’t rush the process!
Maintenance is also key for keeping your leather pocket in peak playing condition. Be sure to keep it conditioned and re-wax the stringing routinely. I apply leather conditioner a few times per season, and before games. This prevents the leather from becoming too stiff or dried out.
While stringing a traditional pocket takes more time up front, a well-strung leather stick is a work of art. The personalized look and irreplaceable feel make traditional lacrosse pockets special. With the right techniques and quality materials, you can string a lacrosse head that you’ll treasure for years. Once you have it dialed in for your playing style, a leather pocket is tough to beat!
As someone who has played lacrosse for over a decade, I’ve had the chance to string many different lacrosse stick heads, from synthetic meshes to traditional leathers. While mesh pockets have become more popular and prevalent, the benefits of a properly strung leather pocket are hard to match for players looking for next-level feel and control.
The biggest advantage I’ve found with leather lacrosse pockets is the unmatched ball control. A broken-in kangaroo leather forms perfectly around the contours of the ball, allowing for excellent cradling and quick releases. The natural grip of the leather gives you much more command over the ball compared to slick synthetic meshes.
Leather also lends itself well to personalized stringing options. You can string a pocket exactly how you want in terms of depth, shape, and shooting channel. I like to string mine with a mid-high pocket, a defined channel, and extra whip on my shooting strings. That’s hard to replicate with mesh.
Additionally, a properly maintained leather pocket can last for many seasons. Unlike mesh that needs to be replaced every year or so, a leather pocket you put time into stringing and breaking in will hold its shape and feel for a long time. It takes some extra care, but pays off in longevity.
While leather lacrosse pockets take more expertise and patience to string up initially, I find that the extra effort is well worth it. The natural materials and hand-crafted customization create a pocket that feels like an extension of your stick. The ball moves with precision right where you place it.
For players looking to master the fundamentals and take their game to the next level, a traditionally strung leather pocket provides an experience that synthetic meshes simply can’t replicate. The unmatched control and personalized options give you everything you need as a player to excel on the field.
When selecting leather for a traditional lacrosse stick, you’ll want to consider a few key factors to get the best performance and feel. The type of leather, thickness, and conditioning process all make a big difference in how the pocket breaks in and handles.
In my experience, kangaroo leather is the best option for lacrosse pockets. It’s durable yet supple, and allows you to string tight channels and a defined shooting lane. Deerskin and cowhide, while cheaper, tend to be too stiff or prone to tearing. The extra cost of kangaroo leather pays off over time.
Look for leather that is at least 3-4 oz in thickness for adequate body and structure in the pocket. Thinner leather under 3 oz will lead to a floppy pocket with less ball control. Over 4 oz tends to be too unforgiving and stiff for my preference.
The conditioning and pre-treatment process of the leather is also key. You want leather that has been waxed or oiled, which makes it more pliable when stringing. Unconditioned raw leather can be nearly impossible to work and shape into an effective pocket.
When sourcing your leather, look for providers that hand-pick and inspect their kangaroo hides. The best leather will be free of nicks, scars or holes that could compromise the integrity of the pocket. Consistency in thickness and quality is vital.
With high-quality kangaroo leather properly conditioned and waxed, you’ll have the ideal material to craft a customizable pocket with unmatched longevity. Take the time to select the right leather, and it will pay dividends in the personalized feel and precise control your lacrosse stick provides.
One of the great benefits of traditional leather lacrosse pockets is the ability to fully customize your stringing for optimal performance. The right pocket shape and shooting strings can make a big difference in your passing, catching, and shooting capabilities.
When stringing up a leather stick, think about the specifics of your game. Do you take most of your shots on the run or from a set position? How is your hand positioning and follow through? Tailoring your pocket’s whip, hold, and release point to your personal shooting mechanics is crucial.
For middies who take shots on the run, a mid-pocket with a rigid channel and fair amount of whip often works well. This lets you carry the ball securely while cradling but get extra velocity on quick stick shots.
Attackmen camping out behind the cage may opt for a slightly deeper pocket for holding the ball, along with a flexible channel for passing and feeding teammates. The depth helps protect sticks checks but still allows for quick releases.
Consider adding more whip or a quicker release point if your shooting motion is on the shorter side. A deeper pocket with a lower release can help players with longer windups achieve more power and accuracy.
Don’t forget about personal preferences too. Some like very minimal mesh pockets with straight rigid sidewalls. Others want more exaggerated prendos and defined shooting rails. Trying out different stringing styles is the best way to find what works for your game.
A leather stringing kit allows you to continually tweak your pocket’s nuances until it delivers the performance and feel you want. Don’t settle for an off-the-shelf pocket – with the right stringing techniques you can create your ideal stick.
The shooting strings on your lacrosse stick play a critical role in ball control, release speed, and accuracy. When stringing up a traditional leather pocket, properly installing shooting strings can take some trial and error to dial in.
Most lacrosse heads have four shooting string holes – two up top and two on the side. This allows you to customize the placement and configuration based on your preferences. In most cases, you’ll want to use waxed hockey laces rather than nylon cord for the shooting strings.
For middies who take a lot of shots on the run, attaching the sidewall strings in the uppermost holes can help add velocity and snap on quicker shots. This high placement reduces friction on the ball as it releases from the pocket. Just be aware it can also lead to some unpredictability on off-center shots.
For more power shooters who get their whole body into it, lower sidewall holes around 4 diamonds down can provide more control and a consistent release point. I personally like the bottom sidewall holes best for consistent accuracy.
The top shooting strings mainly help shape the pocket and give it structure. Some players crank these tight for more rigidity, while others keep them loose for added hold. I try to find a happy medium of decent hold with quick release.
No matter what setup you start with, expect to tweak the placement and tension as you break in the pocket. It takes some experimenting to find your ideal configuration for passing and shooting. Don’t settle until you get that smooth, consistent release every time.
Proper shooting strings are a make or break factor for maximizing a leather pocket’s performance. With the right placement and tension, you’ll notice a marked improvement in shot power and accuracy.
When crafting a perfect traditionally strung lacrosse stick, starting with the right head is crucial. While most heads can work for leather pockets, some key factors set apart the best traditional lacrosse heads.
For starters, look for a head with a medium to high pocket and pinched sidewall design. This helps grip and control the ball in the leather pocket. Heads with lower sidewalls or wide scoops don’t cradle as cleanly. The STX Stallion and Warrior Evo Pro 3 are great examples of ideally shaped heads.
Weight is also an important consideration. Traditional wooden lacrosse sticks are heavier than modern composite heads. A head on the heavier end of the spectrum – 155g or above – will feel more balanced with a leather pocket.
Next, examine the sidewall stringing holes. Heads optimized for leather have more holes down low for intricate stringing. You also want holes that are cleanly drilled for durability when pulling tight knots. Avoid cheap heads with messy molding flaws around the holes.
For my style of play, I love heads with a flexible yet controlled scoop and throat design. This allows for easy ground ball pickups but still provides rigidity for accurate passing and shooting.
Finding the right traditional head with the ideal shape, weight, stringing options, and flex profile is imperative. It serves as the foundation for crafting a personal, customized pocket. Don’t settle for a generic head – seek out sticks purpose-built for heritage leather pockets. Your intuition and feel for the ball will reach new levels with the perfect tradtional setup.
The sidewall stringing pattern is paramount for creating a customized, high-performing leather lacrosse pocket. Whether you want a mid-high pocket or a deep traditional set-up, the stringing technique makes all the difference.
For starters, use high-quality waxed linen or nylon string – this holds knots better than cotton alternatives. Begin by anchoring the bottom of the sidewall string at the scoop and work your way down methodically.
Tie each knot carefully with consistent tension – you want taut sidewalls but not so tight that you warp the head. Keep the diamonds uniform in size and shape. Pulling the knots too loose or uneven leads to sloppy wall definition.
As you string, create graduated diamonds, keeping the first few near the scoop smaller and increasing size as you go down. This naturally shapes the pocket formation. Place control diamonds at key flex points to influence pocket depth.
Think about the amount of midi-plasties, or crosses between the main diamonds. More midi’s pull the sidewall inward for a narrower channel and defined shooting strings. Fewer keeps the pocket wider for added hold through the main pocket area.
Don’t forget to keep the sidewalls symmetrical. Any imbalance leads to poor ball control and erratic throwing and shooting. Take your time and double-check spacing as you go.
Perfect pocket formation requires meticulous, graduated sidewall stringing. Follow the prime patterns learned from the pros and tested over decades. With practice and patience, you can string a traditional pocket with ideal shape and control.
Finishing off the top stringing on your lacrosse head is just as important as the initial sidewall pattern. Properly tying off the sidewalls locks everything into place for optimal ball control and pocket structure.
Start by threading the working end through the last sidewall hole and across to the opposite sidewall hole. Pull it so the walls are evenly tight and symmetrical. Confirm the diamond shapes graduated properly from top to bottom.
Tie a simple overhand knot close to the hole, then wrap the string over itself 3-4 times going back down toward the scoop. Keep tension firm and make sure the wraps stay tight to the head.
Next, tie another overhand knot as close to the head as possible. Stretch the tag end while tightening it down to really cinch it. Then follow up with 2 more overhand knots for security.
At this point you can trim the excess string with scissors, leaving only about an inch. Melt the end with a lighter so it doesn’t fray. Press it flat against the sidewall.
Take a moment to push and flex the head, confirming everything stayed put. Fine tune any diamonds as needed until the pocket feels evenly strung.
Patience and precision when tying off the sidewalls completes the pocket. Follow the techniques of veteran stick stringers to ensure your diamonds stay locked in place game after game.
When it comes to lacrosse pocket materials, mesh and traditional leather each have their pros and cons. Understanding the key differences can help you select the best option for your playing style and preferences.
Synthetic nylon mesh pockets have gained popularity for their consistency and low maintenance. Once strung, the fibers and shape stay locked in place season after season. However, mesh can’t match the customizeability and control of hand crafted leather.
Leather forms a natural grip on the ball allowing for excellent feel on cradling, passing, and shooting. The pliability provides a true custom pocket after breaking in. But leather requires more time and skill to string and maintain.
In terms of durability, high-quality leather when properly maintained will far outlast any mesh material. But low-grade leather can become brittle and prone to tearing if not cared for.
From a performance perspective, a well-strung leather pocket offers superior ball control especially in wet conditions. The trade-off is less consistency and predictability shot after shot versus mesh.
Ultimately personal preference rules when choosing a lacrosse pocket. For those seeking the ultimate in customization and vintage feel, investing the time in a leather pocket is highly rewarding.
If easy stringing and low maintenance are higher priorities, mesh is likely the better route. Thankfully players today have access to both traditional and modern materials to suit their stringing preferences.
One of the tradeoffs for the unmatched feel of a leather lacrosse pocket is that it requires more regular maintenance. Properly conditioning the leather and re-waxing the lace helps the pocket last season after season.
Every few months, I gently rub leather conditioner into the pocket with my hands. Massage it into the leather diamonds and let it penetrate overnight before wiping off excess. This keeps the kangaroo hide supple and prevents it from becoming too stiff.
It’s also important to routinely re-apply wax to the sidewall and shooting strings. As you play, the wax coating wears off, reducing grip and friction on stringing knots. I like to use beeswax and thoroughly work it into the laces every 4-6 weeks.
In addition to conditioning and waxing, periodically check for any signs of wear in the pocket. Snip away any stray threads around diamonds and re-melt any knots that may have loosened up. Address any issues promptly to avoid irreparable damage.
Storage is another factor. Keep your stick out of extreme heat or cold when not playing. Allow the leather to dry fully before packing it away to avoid mildew. I keep mine shaped properly with a stick shaper when not in use.
With the proper care regimen, a hand crafted leather pocket will develop a perfect form fit and feel that no synthetic can match. The small amount of maintenance is well worth it for the luxury of a customized traditional pocket.
Beyond shaping the perfect pocket, lacrosse leather stringing kits allow you to add unique personal flair to your stick through customizable color and styling options.
When selecting leather lace for the sidewalls, you can choose from various colors like black, brown, white, tan, red, orange, yellow, and even neon shades. Weave together strings of different hues for a cool fade effect through the diamonds.
Wax dipping the laces before stringing allows you to control the color saturation. Double or triple dipping really makes the colors pop. Just be sure to dip both walls evenly for symmetry.
Using leather lace for shooting strings rather than nylon opens up more ways to add style. Create checkerboard and zig-zag patterns by alternating colors hole by hole. Or go simple with an accent color just for the side shoots.
Dying the raw leather is another option for those with solid stringing fundamentals. Use a leather dye kit to turn boring white kangaroo into a vibrant purple or forest green pocket. Just take care to apply the dye evenly and avoid blotchiness.
Traditional pockets crafted from quality materials provide the perfect canvas for self-expression. Whether you want a clean two-tone look or wild rainbow stringing, the right leathers and dyes make it happen.
Your pocket setup says a lot about your personality. Customize the colors and patterns to your heart’s desire. Lacrosse is about so much more than just the game – it’s a true art form.
Rather than sourcing all the leather, string, and tools piecemeal, the easiest way to get started stringing traditional pockets is to buy a pre-packaged kit. Complete kits provide everything you need and help simplify the process.
When selecting a kit, first look at the leather quality. Top grain kangaroo hide around 3-4oz thickness is ideal. Cowhide and lower grade kangaroo won’t have the right feel or durability. Ensure the leather is pre-waxed for shaping the pocket.
Kits should also include high-quality string for the sidewalls, shooting strings, and cross-lacing. Look for waxed linen or multi-ply nylon rather than cotton thread that frays easily. The string should come pre-waxed as well for grip.
You’ll want enough string and leather included to re-string multiple sticks. Expect at least 200 feet of sidewall lace and 10 feet of shooting string as a minimum. On the leather side, look for at least 2 square feet for starters.
Tools like stringing needles, scissors, and lighters should be provided to help get started. Bonus points if the kit includes a pocket-shaping jig and guide for beginners.
While buying the components separately provides more customization, complete kits offer a convenient all-in-one solution. Just make sure everything included is sufficiently high-end for crafting a smooth traditional pocket.
With quality materials and instructions, first-time stringers can craft pro-level pockets without hassle. Before you know it, you’ll be hooked on the heritage and artistry of traditional stringing.
For those looking to dive into stringing their own traditional lacrosse pockets, there are some excellent DIY tutorials available online. These resources can provide the fundamentals before you get started.
YouTube videos offer a great visual reference for beginners since you can see the stringing techniques in action. Search for channels from experienced stringers explaining diamond patterns, shooting strings, and how to taper the pocket.
Step-by-step lacrosse stringing guides are also handy for breaking the process down. Look for ones covering everything from prep, materials, and knots to finishing the sidewalls properly. Print it out to follow along.
Message boards like Lacrosse Forums have sections dedicated to stringing where you can read threads and ask questions. There is a wealth of community knowledge from seasoned veterans willing to offer tips.
Don’t forget in-person resources too. If you know an elite player or coach who strings their own sticks, ask if they’d be willing to provide some hands-on mentoring. Learning first-hand is invaluable.
Online videos, guides, forums, and in-person help will provide a solid foundation before you tackle your first leather pocket from scratch. Take advantage of all the free resources out there.
With the right preparation and a step-by-step approach, the art of traditional stringing is manageable for any dedicated new player. Before long, you’ll be crafting pro-quality pockets tailored exactly how you want.
Considering the time and effort that goes into stringing a quality leather lacrosse pocket, protecting your investment with a complete kit just makes sense.
The right materials allow you to string an intricate pocket designed to last. Quality kangaroo leather and waxed string withstand the wear and tear of gameplay and weather far better than inferior products.
A fully stocked kit also provides the ability to make repairs and adjustments as needed over time. Have extra leather and string on hand to mend diamond tears or replace shooting laces keeping the pocket like new.
The tools in a kit help maintain optimal shape and function as well. Keep a stick shaper in your bag to retain the precise pocket structure between games and during storage.
Don’t forget about conditioning and waxing supplies too. Keep the leather supple and laces grippy so the pocket performance doesn’t degrade.
While the initial investment is higher, you end up saving in the long run not having to continually buy piecemeal replacements for subpar components.
A quality lacrosse stringing kit is the ultimate insurance for preserving your time crafting the perfect traditional pocket. Take care of it properly, and you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor for seasons to come.
Finding a supplier with top-notch lacrosse stringing components can make all the difference when crafting a traditional pocket. Here are my go-to retailers for quality kits and supplies:
StringKing – This premium stringing company offers pre-assembled kits or a la carte options. Their kangaroo leather and Irish linen lace are second to none. Prices are on the higher side but worth it.
TargetLax – A wider selection of stringing supplies at lower costs compared to other outlets. I’ve had good luck with their basic and intermediate kits for new stringers.
Amazon – Surprisingly good source for beginner level kits and piecemeal string/leather. Convenience of Prime shipping is a plus. Just watch out for cheap no-name products.
Lacrosse Unlimited – For high volumes of string, leather, wax, and tools, this retailer has bulk pricing. Catering more to teams and programs than individuals.
eBay – You can source vintage lacrosse leathers and historical pocket patterns from enthusiasts here. Cool way to recreate old-school styles.
Local Sporting Goods – Don’t forget to check small local shops too. They may carry niche lacrosse brands not found online.
With so many retailers out there, do your homework to find ones that truly specialize in lacrosse stringing. Pay for premium materials and you’ll reap the benefits of better playability and longevity.