The Ultimate Guide to Stringing the ECD Rebel Defense Lacrosse Head
The Ultimate Guide to Stringing the ECD Rebel Defense Lacrosse Head
The ECD Rebel Defense Head’s Unique Shape and Design Features Enable Superior Ball Control and Quick Stick Checks
The East Coast Dyes Rebel defense lacrosse head stands out from other heads on the market due to its specialized shape and structure engineered for optimal performance. What makes the Rebel so unique? Let’s dive into the details.
With its dramatically pinched sidewall and hourglass shape, the Rebel allows players to easily scoop ground balls and provides excellent ball retention. The narrowed throat improves ball control upon catching passes, especially in traffic. You’ll notice the sidewalls have angular flex points near the throat – these allow the head to “give” and then snap back into shape, creating lively ball rebounds ideal for fast transitions and quick stick checks.
But there’s more to the Rebel’s advanced design. The flared lower sidewalls expand the sweet spot considerably, giving you more surface area for error-free passing and catching. The top of the head features optimized stringing holes to let players fine-tune pocket placement. An open sidewall design allows more airflow to reduce ball dampening.
Clearly, ECD put tons of engineering into the Rebel’s architecture. All these elements work together to give defenders an exceptionally quick, accurate head with total ball control. The Rebel’s shape lets you snap off hard checks with little effort. Ground balls practically jump into the head’s expansive sweet spot. And the angled sidewalls make slick handles easy when pushing transition. It’s the total package for dominating the defensive end of the field.
So when you see those uniquely angled walls, widened cheeks and strategically placed stringing holes on the Rebel, recognize the immense R&D behind its standout look. The Rebel shape isn’t just aesthetically cool – form follows function with this head. The innovations built into its anatomy deliver a true difference-maker of a stick. If you take defense seriously, the Rebel needs to be your gamer.
Recommended Mesh and Shooting Strings for Optimal Ball Control With the ECD Rebel Head
When stringing up the East Coast Dyes Rebel head for defense, choosing the right mesh and shooting strings is crucial to maximize ball control and handling. What types of mesh and shooting strings work best with the Rebel?
First, you’ll want to use a soft mesh with a good grip, like East Coast Dyes Hero Mesh or Stringking Type 3F. Soft mesh helps the ball sitdeeply in the head’s pocket, while the grippy coating gives you superior control when passing and catching. The softness also allows the pocket to bag out nicely for improved hold. For even more grip, wax mesh like Throne Mesh or Money Mesh are great options too.
You’ll also want to opt for a mid-grade diamond mesh size like Throne Mesh in 10d or Stringking Type 3F in 12d. This mid-range diamond size gives the Rebel pocket nice definition around the channels without making it too pinched and tight. The pocket takes shape beautifully with around 10 to 12 diamonds wide mesh.
In terms of shooting strings, you’ll want to go with softer, multi-filament nylon/polyester blends rather than stiff monofilaments. This helps the pocket retain its shape better and prevents premature breakage. Brands like ECD and Throne Fibers make great multifilament shooting strings that won’t degrade the pocket shape or slap too much. Using a U-string can also focus the pocket’s channel without overly restricting ball movement.
Finally, don’t overlook the importance of sidewall nylon in optimizing the Rebel’s pocket performance. A soft yet durable sidewall nylon like ECD Hero or Stringking Mark 2 will let you pull the diamonds tight without rippling the mesh. This results in better definition along the channel.
By combining soft, grippy mesh with soft multifilament shooting strings and quality sidewall nylon, you’ll achieve awesome ball control and hold with the Rebel head for defense. Focus on flexibility in the pocket and enhanced grip on the mesh during stringing for optimal performance. Considering the head’s design, following these stringing principles will maximize the Rebel’s capabilities.
Achieving the Perfect Mid and Sidewall Stringing Pockets for the ECD Rebel Head
Stringing up the midsection and sidewalls with a properly constructed pocket shape is vital for getting peak performance from the East Coast Dyes Rebel head. How can you best string the midsection and sidewalls to optimize this head’s capabilities?
When stringing the mid pocket area, it’s important to create nice definition down the center without making the channel too stiff. To achieve this, start by tying off the top string near the very end of the head and make sure to leave a decent sized opening up top. This will allow some nice bag to form below for improved hold.
Next, attach the sidewall strings to help shape the midsection, but don’t over-tighten. The Rebel performs best when the sidewalls have some natural give. Make sure to string diamonds slightly larger in the center of the head to encourage flexion along the sidewalls. This extra flex results in quicker pocket recovery after catching passes, giving you superior ball control during play.
When tying off the bottom of the mid pocket, again avoid pulling it too taut. Leave the lower diamonds a bit more relaxed before tying off the bottom string. This helps maintain some flex and increases hold down low. Finally, insert your desired shooting strings, whether U-nylons, straights or V’s. Just don’t over-restrict the channel – a slightly wider opening often plays best with the Rebel head’s design.
For the sidewalls, start by anchoring the nylon cord firmly at each plastic sidewall hole. Make sure to keep consistent tension the entire way up and down each side without over-tightening. This allows the diamonds to bag out softly for added hold and a quicker release. Tie each cord off securely at the tip of the head while maintaining an even level of tension.
Proper stringing technique is especially key for this specialized head shape. By relaxing the midsection, sidewalls and lower portion of the head during stringing, you allow the Rebel to maximize its strengths. The result is a pocket with excellent hold, control, and flexibility – exactly what defenders demand from their sticks. With the right string job, this head really comes alive.
Advanced Stringing Techniques for Added Hold and Quick Release with the ECD Rebel Head
The East Coast Dyes Rebel lacrosse head provides great performance right out of the box, but you can optimize it even further using some advanced stringing techniques. What are some next-level stringing methods to get added ball hold and quick release from the Rebel?
First, consider doubling up the shooters for more defined sidewall pockets. Some players run two U-shoots down each sidewall, using contrasting colors for a cool look. Doubling up like this amps up hold in the pocket while still allowing the quick channel release the Rebel is known for.
You can also experiment with unique top string placements. By shifting the top string higher or lower, you can adjust the overall pocket shape for more pronounced hold or increased speed. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the top string location to customize performance – the Rebel head has holes that accommodate unique placements.
Using an additional Mid-Pocket String is another way to take the Rebel’s hold to the next level without killing release. Adding a nylon Mid-Pocket String just below the existing ones offers more overall structure and stability. It also helps maintain pocket shape over time as the head breaks in.
Some players also recommend widening the bottom diamond rows before tying off the bottom string. Allowing the lowest diamonds to flare out adds tremendous hold down low for securing those tough feeds in traffic. Just be sure to taper the diamond widths gradually so the pocket doesn’t get too pinched up top.
Finally, don’t overlook adding a custom weaved top string lacing intricate sidewall pockets. You can weave leather, nylon cord or front joint materials across the top of the head for unique look and enhanced hold across the sidewalls. Get creative with the lacing patterns to make it your own!
These are just some of the many ways to tweak the Rebel’s stringing for even better performance. The right stringing adjustments make all the difference with this specialized head. So take your game to the next level by using these advanced techniques to customize the Rebel’s pockets.
Maximizing the ECD Rebel’s Strengths for Dominating Defense
The East Coast Dyes Rebel lacrosse head is specially engineered for defensemen. How can you best utilize the Rebel’s structure and design features to maximize its potential on defense?
First and foremost, take advantage of the Rebel’s exceptionally quick sidewall release and recovery. The angled sidewalls and hourglass shape make it easy to execute clean checks without wrapping. Swing through the check and allow the head to spring back into form instantly for staying stuck on your man.
The Rebel also excels at ground ball scooping thanks to its flared lower sidewalls and generous sweet spot area. Use the widened head shape to your advantage and pick up ground balls smoothly, even when angling your stick. The ball finds the pocket easily with the Rebel head’s architecture.
Don’t forget to capitalize on the Rebel’s superior hold and control around the midfield area. The structured pocket shape near the throat gives you excellent command of the ball to dominate midfield exchanges. Push transition confidently thanks to the Rebel’s pinpoint accuracy.
Take some reps to get used to the Rebel’s quick release when making outlet passes. The defined channel and sidewall pockets give you great hold while retaining a fast release. Lead your midfielders perfectly as you push tempo in the clearing game.
Overall, the Rebel delivers on all the key things defenders need. The specialized head shape, stringing and sidewall design coalesce into a ground ball vacuum that excels on checks. Master its nuances, and the Rebel will become an invaluable two-way asset for tormenting opposing offenses.
Any defender looking to play aggressively and push transition should run the Rebel. It’s truly the ideal head for controlling the game defensively through its unique makeup. Allow it to excel at ball control and recovery through smart play, and you’ll be taking your defense to the next level.
Stringing Setups for the ECD Rebel Head Based on Player Position and Style
The East Coast Dyes Rebel lacrosse head is incredibly versatile, but you can optimize it further by matching stringing setups to player position and individual style. What are some ideal pocket configurations for different player types?
For defensive midfielders, try a mid-high pocket for added hold during intense midfield play. This allows you to protect the ball better when pushing transition or working out of a pack. A U-shooter setup also helps define the channel for crisper outlet passes once you gain possession.
Close defenders will appreciate a slightly deeper pocket with some added whip on their crosses. This helps securely cradle the ball within the head during checks and provides some extra scooping power for ground ball battles. Use softer mesh up top for increased ball retention during physical defense.
LSM players can benefit from more of a hybrid setup with a mid-depth pocket. This balances the ball control needed for facing off and clearing with the hold necessary for close defense play. A double U-shooter configuration also delivers firm hold and quick release.
For goalies, consider using pre-woven goalie mesh for more rebound control. Dial in the pocket depth and shape to fit their preferred outlet passing style – mid-depth for control or lowered for fast breaks. Adding an additional midline shooter can further refine the channel for accuracy.
You can also customize the Rebel based on a player’s individual game. For example, aggressive defenders who like pushing transition may prefer a slightly shallower pocket optimized for fast breaks. Players who sit back more can dial up the depth for cradling during extended possessions.
No matter the player or position, the Rebel can be adjusted to fit their needs. This head is a true chameleon. Optimizing pocket setups and styles is the key to extracting peak performance from the Rebel across different roles on defense.
Customizing Your Pocket Depth and Shape for Ideal Performance
One of the best things about the East Coast Dyes Rebel head is the ability to customize the pocket’s depth and shape. How can you best dial in pocket settings to match your playing style?
Start by deciding if you want more of a mid-pocket or a deeper pocket. Mid-depth pockets excel at quick ball movement and transition play, while deeper setups prioritize superior hold. Consider how you like to play defense – aggressively pushing tempo or focused more on lockdown coverage – when choosing depth.
The Rebel gives you a lot of range to play with in sculpting pocket shape. Many players opt for a slight mid-channel to help direct balls cleanly into the stick’s throat. Just don’t overdo the U-channel shape if you want hold lower down. Keep the lowest diamonds more relaxed for securing tough passes and scooping ground balls.
Be sure to test out different shooting string configurations to refine pocket performance. Setup types like double U-shoots or a single straight shooter alter release speed, hold and overall feel. Don’t be afraid to experiment here to get the ball control and handling you need.
It’s also helpful to string up practice heads with different pocket variables – depth, diamond rows, shooting strings, etc. Seeing and feeling the impact of adjustments will make it easier to dial in your ideal setup. Take notes on what you liked and disliked about each configuration.
Keeping an open mind is key. The Rebel allows creativity in stringing, so leverage that flexibility. Let your individual style and tendencies guide fine-tuning the pocket shape as opposed to pure convention. When it “feels right” in your hands, you’ve found your ideal Rebel pocket setup.
Tweaking the Rebel’s pocket takes some work, but pays huge dividends. By personalizing depth and contouring, you maximize control of the head during play. Don’t settle for an average pocket – craft your perfect pocket and take your defense to the next level with the Rebel.
Integrating East Coast Dyes Mesh for Extra Grip and Durability
One of the best ways to optimize the East Coast Dyes Rebel head is by integrating East Coast Dyes mesh during stringing. Using ECD’s high-quality mesh offers some nice benefits for the Rebel pocket.
First, ECD mesh provides awesome grip and friction to increase ball control. Brands like ECD, Throne and Stringking use a soft, coated mesh that grips the ball better on passes, catches and scoops. The tacky coating bites into the ball for superior command during play.
ECD mesh also offers impressive durability to maintain that grippy feel over time. It holds up extremely well, even when strung tightly across the Rebel head. Lower diamond rows tend to bag out without deformation. You’ll notice less premature fraying or wear compared to other meshes.
In addition, ECD mesh like Hero Mesh bags out beautifully thanks to its soft, flexible composition. It conforms nicely to the Rebel head’s hourglass shape, increasing hold down low. The mesh moves naturally for excellent pocket feel and performance.
Making sure to wax and break-in ECD mesh brings out even more consistency and grip. Once waxed up and rolled in your hands, the wax coating activates for pro-level performance. It melds perfectly into the angled sidewalls of the Rebel head.
By starting with higher caliber mesh from ECD, you amplify what the Rebel can do for your game. Mesh matters when stringing up lacrosse heads, so choose the best. Combined with the Rebel’s advanced shape, ECD Hero Mesh allows you to reach peak handling and control out on the field.
Tips for Reducing Clamp Slippage on the ECD Rebel Head
The East Coast Dyes Rebel head has an advanced shape and geometry, which can occasionally lead to some clamp slipping issues during stringing. Here are some useful tips to prevent slippage when stringing up the Rebel.
First, be sure to keep the clamp jaws completely parallel when applying downward pressure. Any slight misalignment of the jaws can allow the head to slip. Take your time setting the clamp to avoid uneven jaw placement.
It also helps to position the clamp strategically before pulling cords taut. Locate it just below string holes when tying off strings to offer more stability. This prevents the angled sidewalls from twisting under tension.
Another trick is to use wider clamp jaws if possible. Standard clamps work fine, but wider surfaces grip the sidewalls more securely. This minimizes twisting and slipping when applying stringing tension.
Don’t forget to reposition the clamp as you work your way up and down the head. Keeping it near string points as you go eliminates slippage that can occur when the clamp is too far away.
Make sure to fully tighten down the clamp’s locking mechanism before pulling cords tight. Any looseness in the locking device makes the head more prone to twisting out during stringing. Keep it firmly locked.
Finally, take care when waxing the threads and mesh. Too much wax on the plastic can temporarily reduce the clamp’s grip. Use wax sparingly or wipe down the head afterward if needed.
Staying cognizant of proper clamping technique is crucial for error-free stringing. But with some extra care taken, you can easily avoid slippage on the uniquely shaped Rebel head. Just remember – parallel jaws, strategic positioning, tight locks and minimal wax will make the stringing process smooth.
Optimizing Shooting Accuracy with Strategic Shooting Strings
Installing shooting strings is vital for controlling the ECD Rebel’s channel and improving passing/shooting accuracy. What are some shooting string strategies to really dial in the Rebel’s performance?
First, consider using stacked shooting strings on each sidewall for added control. Trying a double or triple shooter setup with varying colors refines the channel beautifully. Mixing stiff and soft nylons creates nice tension balance too.
You can also experiment with different shooting string types like U-shoots, straights or V-shoots. Each affects hold, release speed and overall feel differently. Hybrid combinations like U-shoots near the throat and straight runners down low offer tons of tuning options.
Don’t neglect the importance of upper nylon tension on fine-tuning accuracy. More relaxed placements up top allow for a quicker release, while tighter nylons improve hold and control. Find your ideal tension balance.
The angle and placement of bottom shooters also influences passing precision. Running bottom nylons straight across maintaining pocket shape, while angled placements alter release. Zero in on what works best.
Consider adding a lace-in nylon for more defined sidewalls too. Intricate lacing adds structure across the top of the head for increased control during passing and shooting.
As always, test out different setups to understand the impact of shooting strings on performance. Dialing in your shooter placement, tension and style is imperative with the Rebel head shape. Take the time to optimize it, and you’ll notice huge accuracy gains for dominating in the midfield.
Maintaining Pocket Shape and Integrity Over Time
Keeping your East Coast Dyes Rebel head strung up optimally requires some occasional maintenance as the head breaks in. What can you do to maintain the Rebel’s pocket shape and performance over time?
First, periodically check sidewall string tension and tighten up any areas that become too loose. Sidewalls stretching over time degrade pocket definition. Keeping consistent sidewall tension eliminates unwanted balloon pockets.
It also helps to proactively replace shooting strings every few months, or immediately if one breaks. Older shooting strings lose tension and alter pocket shape. Fresh shooters restore performance. Consider a full re-string if shooting strings look worn.
Adding shooter locks can also preserve pocket shape as the head breaks in. Shooter locks prevent unwanted shifting of shooting strings through usage. They help retain your originally dialed-in pocket configuration over the long term.
Don’t forget to check the top string and upper sidewall lace regularly too. These areas see a lot of stress and can loosen quickly. Tighten up any loose spots to avoid distortion across the top of the head.
Finally, occasionally shave down the plastic with fine grit sandpaper to remove buildup. This keeps the head fresh, prevents premature mesh wear, and improves grip. Basic upkeep makes a big difference.
The ECD Rebel exhibits great durability if you stay on top of maintenance. Follow these pocket care tips, and your Rebel will play like new season after season. Consistent inspections and upkeep optimize longevity – don’t neglect it!
Preventing Premature Breakage by Stringing with Finesse
The East Coast Dyes Rebel head is durable, but stringing it properly is key to preventing premature breakage. What stringing techniques can help the Rebel maintain structural integrity?
First, avoid over-tensioning mesh, nylon and laces during the process. Pulling materials too taut stresses the head’s sidewalls and can cause cracking over time. Leave some healthy slack, especially on the first string through holes.
Be extra careful not to bend the head excessively while stringing. The Rebel’s flexible sidewalls can be over-manipulated if forced too aggressively. Gentle bends preserve its springy nature for the long haul.
Make sure to wax mesh, strings and sidewall areas before pulling through holes. Wax reduces friction that can wear down the plastic and cause fraying at stress points. Always wax first.
It also helps to hand-tighten knots rather than using ball-end strings. Repeatedly jamming ball-ends into holes wears them down faster. Hand-tied knots have less sharpness against the plastic.
Consider rotating heads between string jobs to distribute wear more evenly. Strings often degrade in the same weak spots when continually re-strung. Rotation evens things out.
Lastly, clean out plastic shavings, dirt and grime before re-stringing each time. Debris in holes or caked on the head accelerates abrasion. Keep things fresh and clean.
The ECD Rebel can take abuse, but should be strung artfully. By waxing generously, avoiding over-tensioning, bending gently and cleaning thoroughly, you’ll add seasons of life to your Rebel head.
Comparing the ECD Rebel to Other Top Defense Heads
The East Coast Dyes Rebel has emerged as one of the premier defense heads in lacrosse. But how does it stack up against some of the other top options like the Stringking Mark 2V and Maverik Tank?
Overall, the Rebel provides superior ball control compared to other heads thanks to its hourglass shape, defined channel and pinched sidewalls. Scooping, cradling and passing feel extremely crisp with the Rebel head shape leading the way.
When it comes to ground balls, the Rebel is right there with the best of them. Its lower flare is on par with the Mark 2V for gobbling up tough ground balls. The Tank may have a slight edge in ground ball situations, but not by much.
For stringing adjustability, the Rebel is very versatile in dialing in pocket shape. But the Tank may allow more creativity in fine-tuning pocket parameters through its wider array of stringing holes.
In terms of durability, the Rebel holds up well with proper stringing technique, but doesn’t quite match the Tank’s ruggedness. Maverik built the Tank like a tank, so it lasts forever with minimal maintenance required.
For clearing and pushing transition, players again give the Rebel very high marks for its quick release and defined channel. This head excels when it comes to fast breaks off turnovers.
While the Maverik Tank and Stringking Mark 2V provide stiff competition, the Rebel’s specialized shape gives it the edge in ball control and handling. Its advanced design focuses on the nuances that separate a good defense head from a great one.
Balancing Hold and Release When Stringing Topside
The top string area is crucial for optimizing the ECD Rebel head’s hold and release characteristics. What are some techniques for balancing ball control up top during stringing?
First, consider widening the top diamond rows before tying off the top string. Allowing these diamonds to flare outward creates tons of hold up high in the head for securing tough passes.
Just be careful not to overdo diamond widening, or it could restrict release speed. Keep the widest diamonds within the first two rows then taper gradually for ideal shape.
Using a straightTop-string versus split tops also affects hold. Straight across tops offer more control, while splits provide quicker release. Choose your style based on preference.
Top string tension matters too. Start by placing the top string relatively relaxed. You can always tighten it up gradually to increase hold. Too much initial tension kills the pocket.
The exact top string tie-off point also balances control and release. Lower tie-offs open up the channel for faster throws, while higher placements maximize ball security.
Don’t neglect the importance of sidewall tie-offs near the scoop either. These help shape the upper sidewalls for defined hold up top. Get these tension settings dialed in.
Crafting the perfect top string area requires testing and refinement, but it’s worth it. By tweaking top diamonds, string placement and tension, you can achieve the ideal blend of hold and release from your Rebel head.
Achieving Precise Stiffness and Flex with Smart String Placement
Optimizing the ECD Rebel’s unique stiffness and flex characteristics depends heavily on smart string placement. What are some techniques for controlling the head’s precision through stringing?
First, use a soft mesh up top to allow for more graduated stiffening down the head. Soft meshes up high retain flexibility that complements the Rebel’s structural design.
When stringing diamonds into sidewalls, change tension strategically from top to bottom. Keep the upper diamonds and midsection relaxed. Slowly increase tension on lower diamonds for stiffness where you need it.
Vary mesh diamond size too for precision control. Larger diamonds in the central flex area keep it mobile, while tighter diamonds low on the sidewalls add stability.
Consider double shooting strings to fine tune sidewall stiffness. More shooters increase structure, while fewer create flex. Stacked shooters with varying tension generate ideal mobility.
Don’t forget to string the Rebel’s unique mid-sidewall flex points with care. Limit tension here so these flex joints hinge naturally like intended during checks and ground balls.
Focus on maintaining ultimate flex up top and increasing stability lower down through smart string placements. Let the Rebel’s advanced design features shine by avoiding uniform tightness across the entire head.
With the right techniques, you can leverage stringing to either enhance or negate the Rebel’s engineered flex points. Choose your balance of mobility and stiffness, then string accordingly to achieve lacrosse stick nirvana.
