Stringking 2S Mesh – A Diamond Weave for Superior Ball Control
The Stringking 2S mesh has become a go-to choice for many lacrosse goalies due to its diamond weave pattern and consistent pocket formation. The diamond shape of the holes allows for excellent ball control as the ball sits deep within the pocket. As you move laterally or clear the ball, it won’t easily slip out. The nylon material has a natural amount of grab, providing a responsive feel as you guide the ball out of the stick. Stringking leverages a technology they call StringLock, which treats the nylon fibers to ensure the mesh keeps its shape after heavy use. This consistency means you can break-in the pocket quickly and it will maintain that same feel after hundreds of shots. The 2S mesh is a prime option if you want a deep pocket with strong ball control. It pairs well with wraps and hard sidewall stringing for extra stiffness. The diamond pattern gives you a blend of hold and quick release. While not as quick as a mesh with larger holes, the 2S diamond weave is designed not to slow you down drastically. If you face a lot of heavy outside shots and want to feel locked-in, Stringking’s 2S mesh is an excellent choice.
Grizzly Goalie Mesh – Ultra Durable Performance Mesh
When durability is your top priority, Grizzly Goalie mesh is an excellent choice. This heavy nylon mesh is designed to withstand the abuse that goalie heads take during gameplay. While many meshes will bag out or deteriorate after constant bombardment from 90+ MPH shots, Grizzly Goalie mesh maintains its shape and pocket. The thicker nylon strands are woven together in a traditional style pattern, which provides enhanced durability over a diamond weave. While not as pinched or defined as a diamond pattern, the traditional pocket allows for decent ball control and hold. The main advantage of Grizzly mesh is longevity – you can put hundreds of hours of gameplay into a Grizzly pocket before needing to replace it. The stiff nylon also provides a very responsive, rigid feel when clearing the ball. You’ll get a nice audible pop and the ball will spring out of the pocket with authority. For goalies that play year-round in all weather conditions, few meshes stand up to the test of time like Grizzly. It might not be the softest or most flexible option, but Grizzly is tried and true for keepers that need a mesh they can count on game after game.
Stringking Goalie Mesh – Optimized Performance Mesh for Goalies
While Stringking’s diamond mesh is popular among all lacrosse players, they also produce a specialized Goalie Mesh specifically tailored for netminders. The Stringking Goalie mesh utilizes a pinched traditional pattern to give goalies the control and responsiveness they need. The pinched design forms defined diamonds along the upper part of the pocket for excellent hold on saves and outlet passes. However, the lower portion of the pocket uses a traditional style weave that allows the ball to channel cleanly on clears. This creates the quick release you want while still maintaining control. The nylon material is treated with StringLock just like the Stringking 2S mesh, ensuring the pocket doesn’t bag out or lose its shape. Stringking Goalie mesh gives you the best of both worlds – the ball control of a stiff diamond pattern up top, and the quick release of a traditional pocket below. For goalies that want a mesh designed specifically for their unique needs in the crease, Stringking Goalie mesh delivers optimally tuned performance in one piece of nylon.
Types of Goalie Mesh Weave Patterns – Pinched, Diamond, Traditional
When selecting a lacrosse goalie mesh, one of the most important choices is the weave pattern. There are three main types – pinched, diamond, and traditional. A pinched pattern tightly packs the weave to form very defined diamonds and a stiff pocket. This gives maximum ball control and hold. Shots will stick in the pocket rather than bouncing out. Pinched mesh is often preferred for colder weather when the mesh may swell. The downside is that it can slow down clears as the ball sticks in the pocket. Diamond mesh provides a middle ground – a clearly defined diamond shape but more space between the woven strands. This gives good ball control while still allowing faster release on clears and outlet passes. Diamond mesh is popular for all-around performance. Finally, traditional mesh uses an open weave with no pinching. The pocket forms in a channel rather than a defined diamond. This allows the quickest release and is ideal for goalies who play a fast-paced outlet game. However, traditional mesh sacrifices some ball control compared to a pinched or diamond pattern. Considering the style of play and field conditions helps determine the best weave pattern.
Mesh Hole Size – How it Affects Ball Control and Speed
In addition to weave pattern, the size of the holes in lacrosse goalie mesh impacts performance. Mesh with smaller holes tends to provide more ball control and hold. This gives you a more defined pocket and can help prevent stingers from squirting out on saves. However, small mesh holes reduce ball speed on clears. The ball nestles deep in the pocket and can’t build momentum. Larger mesh holes allow the ball to sit higher in the channel and release faster. Clears will be quicker and you can deliver stronger outlet passes. The downside is that oversized mesh holes provide less control – balls are more likely to take bad bounces out of the pocket. For most goalies, a medium hole size around 1.3mm to 1.5mm offers the best blend. But if you play a slow-paced, control game, err smaller. If you like to run and gun, go bigger. Dialing in mesh hole size is key to balancing hold vs. quick release.
Sidewall Stiffness – Impacts Power and Placement of Shots
An overlooked factor in lacrosse goalie mesh selection is the stiffness of the sidewalls. Sidewalls are the bands of nylon that run along the sides of the mesh, from top to bottom. Some meshes like Stringking use a soft, flexible sidewall material. This allows the pocket to form naturally for better ball control. Other meshes like ECD Rebel Optik feature stiff, rigid sidewalls. This keeps the channel and diamonds uniform, and provides more rebound power as shots spring out with force. Softer sidewalls move and “give” as shots impact the pocket, dissipating some power. Stiff walls maintain their shape, directing all energy back at the shooter. Sidewall stiffness also impacts ball placement – soft walls allow some variance in where shots come out, while stiff walls put the ball in very precise spots. Goalies that play an aggressive blocking style may prefer the predictability of rigid sidewalls. Keep the differences in mind as you test meshes for your playing style.
Pocket Depth – Controlling Hold and Release of the Ball
One of the most impactful adjustments a goalie can make to their mesh is pocket depth. How deep the ball sits in the channel greatly affects hold and release. A shallow pocket allows for the quickest passes and clears, as the ball sits high and can roll out cleanly. However, you sacrifice some control on saves as the ball will be less likely to stick. Conversely, an extremely deep pocket allows you to cradle and control the ball well, but clearing and passing require extra effort as the ball has to work its way out. Mid-range pocket depth is ideal for most goalies, providing a compromise. Adjusting pocket depth is done by stringing the diamonds higher or lower, using more or less mesh, or adding a deeper roll top. Take the time to experiment with depth to find your ideal balance of control vs. quick release for your style of play.
Mesh Materials – Nylon, Dyneema, Polyester Options
The actual material used to construct lacrosse goalie mesh affects performance as well. The majority of mesh is made from nylon, which provides a nice blend of durability, consistency, and affordability. However, some meshes utilize advanced materials for unique properties. Dyneema is an ultra high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber renowned for its exceptional strength. Dyneema mesh is very durable and weather/UV resistant. It holds its shape extremely well and typically has very crisp throws and quick release. The downside is the premium cost. Polyester mesh is also growing in popularity – it tends to be very consistent with less quality variance between batches. Polyester forms a defined pocket quickly with good maintainability over time. While nylon is still the standard, Dyneema and polyester meshes offer interesting performance traits to experiment with as a goalie.
Break-In Time – Allowing Mesh to Form Correct Pocket
One aspect of lacrosse goalie mesh that is often overlooked is the break-in period. When mesh is freshly strung, it will take some time for the diamonds and channel to form correctly. The fibers need to compress and conform through repeated impacts from shots. Mesh with a coating like StringKing’s StringLock technology may minimize break-in time. But most meshes require at least a few practices before the pocket is fully defined. Be prepared to invest some time working a new piece of mesh to get a feel for shots and clears. Don’t expect it to perform the same out of the box as a well-broken-in pocket. Have patience and work through the adjustments during break-in. Once settled in, the mesh will become consistent and customized to your playing style.
Replacing Mesh – Frequency Depends on Use and Material
Determining when to replace lacrosse goalie mesh depends on several factors – amount of use, mesh material, and maintenance. Lower quality nylon mesh may need replacement every few months from bagging out. Premium meshes with technical coatings or made from Dyneema can potentially last over a year with heavy use. Goalies should check for consistent pocket shape and make sure the mesh retains its original properties. If the diamonds become misshapen or the channel changes, it’s time for new mesh. Some visible fraying or minor tearing is normal, but major holes or rips require replacement as well. With proper stringing technique and pocket maintenance, most elite meshes should last at least 6 months under rigorous use. But keeping an extra piece on hand for emergencies is always smart.
Personal Preference – Trying Various Meshes to Find Your Style
With the wide variety of lacrosse goalie mesh options on the market, finding the best match ultimately comes down to personal preference and trial and error. The “ideal” mesh varies based on playing style, skill level, weather conditions, and more. Be open to experimenting with different meshes to see what works for your needs. String up traditional, pinched, and diamond patterns to get a feel for pocket shape and release. Try meshes with different sidewall stiffness and hole sizes. Test nylon, polyester and Dyneema materials. Adjust pocket depth and break-in time. It takes time to dial in your perfect mesh, but when you find the right one, you’ll know. Don’t be afraid to pull ideas from pro goalies, but realize their preferences may not match your style of play. Keep an open mind and let your individual performance be the judge when selecting goalie mesh.
Proper Maintenance – Keeping Mesh in Top Shape
To maximize the longevity and performance of lacrosse goalie mesh, proper maintenance is essential. This starts with stringing the pocket correctly and tightening knots appropriately so they won’t loosen over time. When not in use, store the head in a stick bag out of direct sunlight to prevent UV damage. Periodically check sidewall strings and shooting strings for any loosening and re-tighten if needed. After wet conditions allow the mesh to air dry fully before storage to prevent mildew or rotting. Use a stiff brush to remove caked dirt and debris that could wear on the fibers. Avoid over-washing mesh as the repeated soak and dry process breaks down materials prematurely. With mesh costing $20 or more, taking the time to care for it properly ensures you get the full potential lifespan out of each piece. Well-maintained mesh pays dividends in consistency and durability.
