Reviews

The Ultimate Guide to Hero 20 Mesh Lacrosse Heads in 2023

Soft Mesh Provides Great Ball Feel and Control

The Hero 2.0 mesh lacrosse head utilizes a semi-soft mesh that offers players superior ball feel and handling compared to traditional hard meshes. This proprietary mesh material has a supple texture that cradles the ball perfectly on catches, scoops, and passing.

The softer polyethylene strands flex naturally with the ball to provide excellent hold. You’ll notice the ball sits effortlessly in the pocket, allowing for confident cradling and quick releases on shots or feeds. The tacky coating on the mesh also enhances grip and control when maneuvering the ball around defenders.

Unlike performance lacrosse meshes that are prone to bagging out over time, the Hero 2.0 mesh maintains its semi-soft feel even after heavy usage. The material has an ideal blend of softness and structure right out of the bag, with no break-in period required.

The modified mid-pocket design on the Hero 2.0 complements the soft mesh performance as well. The channel and diamond pattern allow you to finesse the pocket to your exact playing style for customized ball retention and release points. Whether you like a deeper pocket or a quicker release, this head dialed in your preferences with ease thanks to the high-quality mesh.

Advanced and beginner players alike will notice an immediate improvement in their fundamentals with the control-focused Hero 2.0 mesh. Cradling, catching, and shooting all become more consistent and effortless. The confidence you gain by always knowing exactly where the ball will be makes this one of the most versatile and reliable lacrosse heads on the market. If you’re looking for superior ball feel from your mesh, the East Coast Dyes Hero 2.0 is a top choice for your game.

Overview of Hero 2.0 Mesh Features and Benefits

The East Coast Dyes Hero 2.0 mesh lacrosse head comes loaded with innovative features that optimize performance across all facets of the game. From seasoned veterans to beginning players, the Hero 2.0 offers improvements in ball control, durability, and overall playability compared to traditional heads.

The Hero 2.0 starts with East Coast’s high-quality semi-soft mesh material that provides unmatched feel on the ball. The tacky, flexible polyethylene strands grab and hold the ball securely while still allowing for quick, accurate passes and shots. You’ll immediately notice the difference in ball control compared to hard meshes prone to rattling and bobbling.

East Coast also engineered a proprietary sidewall, scoop, and rail design to increase overall stiffness and durability without sacrificing the responsive flex of the mesh. The stiffer head structure ensures the pocket doesn’t deform while cradling or shooting. It also maintains its shape over time, preventing premature bagging out or warping.

For added ball retention, the Hero 2.0 features a modified mid-pocket channel and diamond pattern. This allows players to finesse the pocket to their exact playing style, whether that means a deeper pocket for beginners or a quicker release for experienced middies. The mid-pocket sweet spot is easily adjustable while retaining structure.

The Hero 2.0 also utilizes East Coast’s ECM material on the scoop to improve ground ball pickups. The textured surface helps lift grounders with less effort than traditional heads. Between the control-focused pocket and scoop optimized for ground balls, this head performs well at both ends of the field.

When it comes to value, the Hero 2.0 competes easily with premium mesh heads at half the price. The quality materials and consistent performance rival heads costing twice as much. For players seeking an affordable workhorse option, the Hero 2.0 delivers professional grade quality without breaking your budget.

With its optimized semi-soft mesh, structured sidewalls, versatile pocket, and textured scoop, the East Coast Dyes Hero 2.0 lacrosse head provides players at all levels the features they need to elevate their game. If you want a head that simply performs at a high level across all facets, the Hero 2.0 should be at the top of your list.

Quick Break-In Time Right Out of the Bag

One of the most impressive features of the East Coast Dyes Hero 2.0 lacrosse head is how quickly it breaks in right out of the package. While most elite-level meshes require 10-20 hours of use to reach optimal performance, the Hero 2.0 mesh is game-ready almost immediately.

East Coast engineered their proprietary polyethylene mesh material with an ideal blend of softness and structure. The semi-soft texture provides excellent pocket feel and ball control right away, with no need to wear down stiff mesh diamonds before achieving ideal pocket formation.

In fact, many players report noticing a difference within the first use or practice after stringing up the Hero 2.0 head. The mesh forms smoothly to the stringing style and player’s preferences nearly instantly. You can take it straight to game day with confidence thanks to this quick break-in time.

The Hero 2.0 mesh also maintains its optimal feel and performance over repeated use. It does not bag out or lose shape nearly as quickly as other meshes once broken in. The uniform polyethylene material retains its supple texture that cradles balls securely.

For players who dislike having to pound a stiff mesh pocket for weeks before reaching prime performance, the Hero 2.0 is a game changer. The ability to break in this head on day one and achieve ideal pocket formation is a huge advantage.

Whether you play attack and want that tacky, consistent feel for dodging and shooting right away, or you play defense and need a structured pocket for checks and ground balls, the Hero 2.0 delivers. There is no waiting period to dial in the pocket to your preferences.

The quick break-in time allows players to take this head straight to the field or cage for gameplay, rather than spending valuable practice time wearing mesh down. Considering the quality materials and construction, it’s impressive that East Coast also optimized the Hero 2.0 for instant optimal performance.

Increased Ball Retention Compared to Hard Mesh

The Hero 2.0 lacrosse head from East Coast Dyes utilizes a specialized semi-soft mesh material that offers noticeably better ball retention compared to traditional hard meshes.

Harder mesh materials like those found on most factory strung heads allow the ball to rattle around, especially on checks and contact. This makes keeping possession much more difficult. The stiffer polyethylene tends to bounce balls out rather than cradling them securely.

With the Hero 2.0’s softer mesh texture, the pocket is much more effective at absorbing checks and retaining the ball. The supple polyethylene strands flex and move with the ball, creating a sticky hold even through contact. Instead of rattling out, you can feel the ball settle back into the pocket.

This results in dramatically better ball control overall. You can cradle and survey the field with confidence knowing the ball will remain cradled until you’re ready to pass or shoot. Ground balls are also much easier to securely pick up on the run rather than bouncing out of the pocket.

The Hero 2.0 mesh maintains its enhanced ball retention as it breaks in as well. It does not get too soft or bag out like cheaper meshes. The pocket keeps its structure thanks to the stiffer head design while still providing that tacky feel.

For players who struggle with possession and finding that “sweet spot” for ball retention, especially when facing pressure, the Hero 2.0 is a game-changer. You can finally relax knowing your pocket will cradle smoothly while running, dodging, or absorbing checks.

The difference in feel and performance is noticeable from the first use and only gets better over time. Both beginning and experienced players will appreciate the ball security boost offered by this specialized semi-soft mesh material.

While harder meshes may offer a quicker release, they sacrifice control. For players looking to enhance their fundamentals and build confidence, the Hero 2.0 mesh lacrosse head delivers the improved ball retention you need.

Modified Channel and Mid-Pocket Design

In addition to its high-performance mesh, the East Coast Dyes Hero 2.0 lacrosse head incorporates several optimized design features that improve overall playability and versatility.

One of the most important aspects is the modified channel and mid-pocket shape. Rather than a simple uniform diamond pattern, the Hero 2.0 utilizes a unique shape in the center of the head.

This modified channel allows players to tweak the mid-pocket to their exact playing style. The centralized diamonds can be shifted deeper for increased ball retention, perfect for beginning players who need extra security. Or the pocket can be tightened up for advanced players who prefer a quicker release.

Having this level of adjustability in the mid-pocket area gives players much more customization ability. You can truly dial in the precise pocket feel you need, from a deep catch zone to a pinched hold near the scoop.

The stiffer sidewall and rail design keeps the entire head and channel stable even as you increase depth. You don’t have to worry about losing structure or control when loosening up the pocket for more hold.

In contrast, most traditional heads feature a set diamond pattern that offers little tweaking ability. What you string up initially is often what you’re stuck with. The Hero 2.0’s smarter mid-pocket design removes those limits.

For players struggling to find their optimal pocket or those experimenting with a new position, this versatility is a huge plus. You can make micro-adjustments during stringing and break-in to get the channel and hold exactly as you need it.

The Hero 2.0 gives you the high-performance mesh feel you want with the ability to customize the pocket sweet spot for your game. This advanced yet adjustable channel and mid-pocket design make it one of the most versatile heads available.

Ideal For Beginner and Intermediate Players

While designed for optimal performance across all skill levels, the East Coast Dyes Hero 2.0 lacrosse head is an excellent match for beginner and intermediate players looking to improve their fundamentals.

For starters, the supple semi-soft Hero mesh provides superior ball control and feel compared to stiffer meshes. The tacky polyethylene pocket cradles smoothly, allowing developing players to focus on their mechanics rather than fighting rattling balls.

The quick break-in time also means beginners can use the head at prime performance right away. No need to pound for weeks trying to form the pockets. It’s ready for drills and gameplay immediately.

The Hero 2.0’s mid-pocket adjustability lets new players tweak the depth and hold to their exact needs. Keeping possession is critical when first starting out, so expanding the pocket area provides confidence.

As skills improve, tightening up the channel delivers a faster release and passing/shooting response. You can progress your pocket and mechanics together as you elevate your game over time.

The scoop’s ground ball pickup design also assists developing players who struggle getting clean possessions off the turf. Every ground ball counts, so the textured scoop makes a noticeable difference.

For intermediate players working on shooting mechanics and accuracy, the Hero 2.0 again excels. The consistent pocket formation and tacky feel promote confident cradling, aim, and shooting release. Excelling at the basics depends on reliable equipment.

Considering the quality materials and construction, the Hero 2.0 delivers advanced performance at an affordable price. Beginner and intermediate players get professional grade equipment without the premium cost.

With its combination of control, customization, and value, the East Coast Dyes Hero 2.0 lacrosse head is an ideal choice for optimizing development at any skill level.

Available in a Variety of Colors and Styles

Unlike most lacrosse heads that come in limited colorways, the East Coast Dyes Hero 2.0 is available in a wide range of color and style options to match any player’s preferences.

The high-quality Hero mesh material not only performs better, but allows for more vibrant, consistent colors compared to traditional hard meshes. You can choose from standard colors like white, black, navy, royal blue, red, orange, green, and yellow.

East Coast also produces unique color fades and colorways you won’t find with other heads. There are color shift and splash dye options for players who want to stand out on the field. The colors retain their brightness even after heavy use due to the durable Hero mesh.

Beyond colors, the Hero 2.0 comes in a variety of edition styles as well. These include digital camo, stars and stripes, pride rainbow, and popular athletic brand collaborations. There are even glow-in-the-dark and tie-dye versions for maximum personalization.

Having this expansive selection allows players to pick the exact look and style they want. You’re no longer stuck choosing from just 3-4 colorways. Express your creativity both in your game and through your equipment.

The customizable aesthetics also make the Hero 2.0 an ideal lacrosse head for goalies. The bright colors and designs help them call out directions and stand out from the net when stopping shots.

No matter what position you play or what head style you prefer, the East Coast Dyes Hero 2.0 has an option for you. The performance mesh now comes in every color and edition imaginable.

Finding the best lacrosse head for your game play is crucial, but expressing your personal style matters too. With endless color and edition varieties, the Hero 2.0 delivers the customizeable aesthetics players desire.

Durable Construction Built to Last

In addition to its enhanced performance features, East Coast Dyes engineered the Hero 2.0 lacrosse head for maximum durability and longevity.

The high-grade polymer plastic withstands deformation from checks, slashes, and routine contact. The head retains its structure season after season thanks to the rigid sidewalls, scoop, and rail.

The Hero mesh also maintains its premium feel and control far longer than other meshes prone to premature bagging out. The uniform polyethylene material keeps pockets formed consistently despite heavy use.

By optimizing the plastic stiffness and flex, East Coast created an ideal blend of responsiveness and resilience. You get all the lively playability you need without sacrificing the ruggedness necessary for such a high contact sport.

The Hero 2.0 construction also prevents common breakage points like the throat, scoop, and sidewalls from cracking or warping over time. The broad, flared bracing supports these high stress areas for long-lasting structural integrity.

This rigorous design allows the head to withstand all the collisions, checks, errant slashes, and abuse that are inevitable when playing lacrosse game after game.

Considering the affordable price point, it’s impressive how robust the Hero 2.0 builds stand up over months and years of use. Players report these heads lasting multiple seasons even under heavy use.

For developing players still perfecting fundamentals, the durable Hero 2.0 construction also provides peace of mind. You can focus on improving skills without worrying about damaging the head.

Whether battling in front of the crease or scooping up ground balls in the midfield, the Hero 2.0 is engineered for maximum durability. The sturdy construction gives players confidence that this head will hold up season after season.

Hero 2.0 vs Original Hero Mesh Comparison

The East Coast Dyes Hero 2.0 lacrosse head incorporates key upgrades and enhancements compared to the original Hero head that further improve performance and durability.

The main update is the proprietary Hero 2.0 mesh material. While the original Hero mesh felt softer and more flexible than traditional hard meshes, the Hero 2.0 takes ball control to another level. The upgraded polyethylene blend increases tackiness and pocket feel dramatically.

East Coast also tweaked the diamond and pocket shape on the 2.0 to increase ball retention without losing quick release capabilities. Scoops were redesigned for better ground ball performance as well.

The head styling and sidewall structure on the Hero 2.0 underwent engineering updates too. The 2.0 aims for more uniform stiffness across the entire head to maintain pocket shape. This prevents premature bagging while retaining responsiveness.

Overall weight was dropped slightly on the newer model by optimizing the plastic. Reduced mass helps quicken release speed while maintaining a rigid frame.

When it comes to aesthetics, the Hero 2.0 provides players with far more custom color and style options to match their preferences. The high-quality Hero mesh takes dyed colorways much better than the original.

Considering these substantial upgrades focused on feel, control, adjustability, durability, and aesthetics, the Hero 2.0 is worth the extra investment over the original model for most players.

However, the original Hero head still performs admirably, especially for the affordable price point. It remains a top value option, though the 2.0 does represent a noticeable step up in overall quality and consistency.

At the end of the day, both Hero models provide players premium features and performance well beyond traditional heads. The Hero 2.0 simply enhances the proprietary mesh technology and customizable construction East Coast Dyes is known for.

Works Well with All Kinds of Stringing Techniques

The East Coast Dyes Hero 2.0 lacrosse head is designed to accommodate players’ preferred stringing techniques thanks to its adaptable mid-pocket and sidewall structure.

Whether you like a traditional mid-high pocket, a low single or double shooter setup, or anything in between, the Hero 2.0 mesh beds the strings smoothly. The stiffer sidewalls prevent distortion as you increase pocket depth as well.

For players who prefer more hold, dropping the diamonds deeper is no problem even with a double runner configuration. The channel and scoop area retain their shape rather than collapsing or warping.

If you’re stringing up a quick release mid-pocket for crisp passes, the Hero 2.0 forms tightly. The head won’t lose structure as you decrease depth. You can achieve the rapid response you want from your mechanics rather than the equipment.

The dual-strut sidewall design provides consistent support from the throat up through the scoop so string holes keep their spacing and alignment. This allows for even pocket formation across the entire head length.

No matter what materials you use – nylon, mesh, leathers, shooters – the Hero 2.0 meshes pockets smoothly. It also holds knots and anchor points in place securely thanks to the thicker sidewalls.

Being able to string up your optimal pocket style and depth preferences without fighting the head construction is a huge plus. Players can focus on dialing in the finest details rather than compensating for deficiencies.

Considering the quality Hero mesh and sturdy yet responsive sidewalls, the Hero 2.0 truly allows any stringing style to maximize performance. Your mechanics and technique can shine through rather than being limited by the equipment.

Comparable Options from Other Brands

While the East Coast Dyes Hero 2.0 stands out as a top performer, there are a few comparable lacrosse heads from other brands that offer similar quality and features.

In the mid-tier price range, the ECD Rebel and Maverik Optik provide excellent value with high-grade materials. These heads deliver professional quality without the premium price tag. The Rebel focuses more on a stiff, quick release while the Optik leans into customized stringing.

For players wanting a more flexible and smooth feel, the Nike CEO and STX Surgeon 500 offer responsive pockets great for ball control. Both utilize softer versions of traditional hards meshes along with updated sidewall engineering.

In the premium category, the Warrior Evo Warp and Gait Ice provide professional grade performance but at 2-3x the cost of the Hero 2.0. These pro-level heads cater to elite players with exacting preferences and quality demands.

While these alternatives certainly have their strengths, none quite match the Hero 2.0’s blend of next-level proprietary mesh, adjustable pocket design, sturdy yet lively construct, and reasonable price point.

The Hero 2.0 competes easily with all the major brands’ mid-tier and even premium heads due to East Coast Dyes’ innovative R&D and manufacturing processes. You get professional quality and features without paying professional level pricing.

This combination of performance, customization, durability, and value is what sets the Hero 2.0 apart. It raises the bar across all factors players look for in a reliable all-around lacrosse head.

Hero 2.0 Mesh Heads Offer Superior Value

When comparing features, construction quality, and on-field performance against competitors, the East Coast Dyes Hero 2.0 delivers unmatched value for all types of players.

Thanks to East Coast’s specialized manufacturing technology and processes, they can engineer professional grade heads utilizing cutting-edge proprietary materials without charging premium prices.

The performance and feel of the Hero 2.0 mesh rivals heads from major brands costing 2-3 times as much. You simply get more advanced technologies and quality for your dollar.

The Hero 2.0 also retains its elite-level performance over multiple seasons thanks to the durable construction. Other heads degrade and lose their playability much quicker in comparison.

Between the consistency, customization, quality, and longevity of the Hero 2.0, it’s easy to see why players report it being the “last head they’ve needed to buy.” The value keeps delivering year after year.

Customers also rave about the responsive and knowledgeable customer service East Coast Dyes provides after the sale. The company truly stands behind their products and cares about your experience and feedback.

Considering everything the Hero 2.0 lacrosse head delivers across the board, it’s impossible to find a better value on the market right now. The performance and quality rival the top premium heads at half the price or less.

The Go-To Choice for Performance Mesh Lacrosse Heads

After analyzing the key features and real-world performance, it’s clear why the East Coast Dyes Hero 2.0 has become the go-to mesh lacrosse head for players at all skill levels.

The unmatched feel and control from the high-grade Hero 2.0 mesh outclasses traditional hard meshes. You instantly notice the difference in ball security, hold, and release.

The dialed-in flexible pocket coupled with sturdy sidewalls provides the perfect blend of responsiveness and consistency season after season. Players can customize pocket depth and style to their exact preferences.

The Hero 2.0 requires no break-in period and achieves prime performance immediately thanks to East Coast’s innovative construction techniques and materials. Just string it up and hit the field running.

Superior ground ball pickup and all-around durability allow the Hero 2.0 to excel in both offensive and defensive roles across the field. This head performs everywhere you need it to.

Considering East Coast Dyes delivers professional grade quality and technologies at half the cost of major brands, it’s easy to see the value proposition of the Hero 2.0 as well.

By focusing 100% on lacrosse and leveraging cutting-edge sports engineering, East Coast dominates the high-performance mesh category. The Hero 2.0 showcases their commitment to no-compromise equipment.

For any player searching for the ultimate combination of control, consistency, durability, adjustability, and value in a lacrosse head, the East Coast Dyes Hero 2.0 delivers on all fronts. It sets the new standard for excellence in mesh head performance.