The ultimate guide to the new Epoch Hawk prequel lacrosse head

The ultimate guide to the new Epoch Hawk prequel lacrosse head

Overview of the Epoch Hawk prequel lacrosse head

The newly released Epoch Hawk Prequel lacrosse head has quickly become one of the most anticipated heads for offensive players in 2023. As the successor to the incredibly popular Hawk head line from Epoch, the Prequel aims to build upon the strengths of the Hawk while improving stiffness, scooping, and ball retention.

The overall shape of the Prequel is slightly more pinched at the throat and wider at the scoop compared to the previous Hawk heads. This allows for a quicker release on shots and passes, while the flared scoop helps grab ground balls. Epoch developed a new “Stack Sidewall” technology for the Prequel which stacks carbon fiber strips along the sidewalls to strengthen the head without adding extra weight. This boosts stiffness substantially compared to the original Hawk heads.

Inside the head, Epoch tweaked the sidewall and stringing pattern to create optimal pocket placement. The Prequel comes pre-stringed from Epoch with a mid-high pocket, but can be customized across various pocket styles depending on preference. The angled sidewalls and centered channel provide excellent hold while the widened scoop lets you retain possession after scooping ground balls.

While exceptionally stiff for quick shooting and passing, the Prequel maintains enough flex to absorb checks without warping or losing its original shape over time. At only 5 ounces strung, the lightweight feel won’t weigh down your stick either. The durability improvements allow it to hold up well in wet conditions too.

For midfielders or attackmen looking for the perfect blend of hold, speed, and stiffness, the Epoch Hawk Prequel deserves serious consideration. It takes the Hawk lineup to the next level as one of the elite lacrosse heads on the market today.

Head shape and stringing options

One of the standout features of the Epoch Hawk Prequel is the versatile head shape that allows for customized stringing and pocket placement. The Prequel has a narrower sidewall channel and more defined corners in the throat than previous Hawk heads.

This tapered throat creates a quicker release point for shots. Epoch also designed optimized stringing holes across the top and sidewalls that widen the sweet spot for improved passing and catching. The angled sidewalls promote an even pocket formation, allowing you to string a mid, mid-high or high pocket easily.

Due to the stacked carbon strips on the sidewalls, the Prequel pocket doesn’t bag out or get too loose over time like some heads. You can string it to be pinched and rigid for extra hold or opt for a slightly more flexible setup. Either way, it maintains the pocket shape far longer than most heads on the market.

For stringing, Epoch recommends using thicker mesh and nylon strings to complement the stiffer sidewalls. This combo allows the pocket to bed in and form nice channel without losing too much definition. As you break in the pocket, it will soften up a bit while still providing great ball retention.

The Prequel comes pre-strung with a mid-high pocket from Epoch, but advanced players can customize it to their exact specs. The molded channel ridge at the scoop provides consistent pocket depth. With the right stringing and pocket placement, the Prequel gives you full control over passing, catching, and shooting with phenomenal hold.

Whether you like a mid, mid-high or high pocket setup, the Epoch Hawk Prequel head delivers customizable stringing options to match your preferences. The defined sidewalls and throat shape support any pocket style exceptionally well.

Stiffness, flex and ball retention

Finding the right blend of stiffness and flex is critical for a high performing lacrosse head. Too stiff and the head won’t absorb checks, while too flexible leads to lost energy and ball retention issues.

With the Epoch Hawk Prequel, Epoch engineered the carbon stacked sidewalls to create ideal stiffness levels. This co-molded carbon adds substantial rigidity to improve ball control, shot speed and passing accuracy.

By strategically layering the carbon fiber along the sidewalls in strips, the Prequel maintains enough flex and “give” to absorb checks. This prevents warping or losing the original shape over time. The carbon sidewalls combined with the other Prequel enhancements result in up to 15% more stiffness than the previous Hawk heads.

Despite the increased stiffness, it still has some bend and flex to it, especially up by the scoop area. This hybrid of carbon rigidity and engineered flex provides the best of both worlds for performance.

The stiffer sidewalls also hold the pocket shape longer and prevent sagging or loosening over time. This leads to excellent ball retention and control even with a well-broken in pocket. You won’t be constantly fighting to keep the ball in the head after catching passes or when rotating around defenders.

Epoch spent extensive time testing pocket placement, stringing holes and sidewall angles to optimize ball retention. The Prequel excels at holding the ball securely in the pocket, even on hard checks and late season ground balls where scooping can be a challenge.

By combining the ideal amount of stiffness and engineered flex, the Epoch Hawk Prequel provides awesome ball control, extremely quick release, and confidence that your pocket won’t lose its shape halfway through the season.

Weight compared to other heads

In the quest to add stiffness while maintaining high performance, many lacrosse heads gain weight which can negatively impact feel and control. The Epoch Hawk Prequel manages to achieve exceptional stiffness levels without bulking up the overall weight.

Thanks to the strategic use of layered carbon fiber strips and lightweight but durable materials, the Prequel comes in at only 5 ounces strung. This keeps the feel extremely lightweight in your hands for quicker shot releases and smooth, controlled passing.

Compared to other elite stiff heads on the market, the Prequel shaves precious ounces off the overall weight. The lightweight profile combined with pinched throat and flared scoop gives it an incredibly balanced, high-performing feel.

The stealthy carbon stacked sidewalls offer all the added rigidity you need without weighing down the head. Epoch also focused on optimizing the interior plastic ridge designs to remove any unnecessary material inside the head.

During playtests, Epoch engineers noticed that stripping back excess internal plastic for a streamlined interior significantly reduced overall weight without compromising durability. The result is a super lightweight feel and increased stiffness.

The Prequel’s 5 ounce strung weight is right in line with many of the popular lightweight offensive heads on the market. Midfielders and attackmen report that it feels extremely nimble and quick right out of the box.

By emphasizing weight reduction and material innovations like the carbon sidewalls, Epoch created one of the lightest elite performing heads ever with the Hawk Prequel. The weight to performance ratio is truly best in class.

Shooting and passing performance

When engineers set out to design the Epoch Hawk Prequel, two of the main performance goals were optimizing shooting velocity and improving passing accuracy. The technologies built into the Prequel deliver big results for both shooting and passing.

The narrowed throat and pinched sidewalls create an accelerated release point to add velocity on shots. Epoch reshaped the entire throat area to give shooters more whip on shots, especially low-to-high rips.

During testing, players noticed shot speed gains of 10+ mph versus previous heads. The Prequel puts more energy into the ball during the shot, leading to lighting fast shot velocities.

On passes, the centered ball channel and enhanced hold from the Sidewall Stack technology provides excellent passing accuracy. The pocket shape holds the ball securely, allowing you to place crisp passes exactly where you want.

The lightweight feel also promotes smooth, controlled passing. You can fully extend your arms and step into passes without the head dragging you down. Between the hold and quick release, the Prequel improves both shooting and passing performance.

With a well-strung mid or mid-high pocket, you get the ideal combination of hold and quick release. This pocket gives you the control needed to hit tight windows in the shooting zones or place touch passes anywhere on the field.

The engineers at Epoch ran repeated testing with robots and human players on shooting speed and passing precision. The results clearly showed measurable improvements versus earlier generations of Epoch heads.

Any lacrosse player looking for shooting velocity gains along with enhanced passing should strongly consider the Epoch Hawk Prequel. It delivers the goods whether you like ripping corners or placing dimes.

Scooping ground balls

Gaining possession off ground balls is a crucial element of lacrosse, especially at the elite levels. The Epoch Hawk Prequel integrates several technologies to make scooping grounders easier than ever.

Epoch widened the lower sidewall channels and flared out the scoop area to improve ground ball scooping. The lowered channel gives you more surface area to get underneath the ball, while the flared scoop helps guide balls into the pocket.

During ground ball drills, players picked up 30-50% more ground balls with the Prequel versus other heads. The expanded lower channel is a major factor allowing players to dig out tough grounders.

The scoop shape itself also plays a role. Epoch designed a compact but effective scoop flare that doesn’t extend the full width of the head. This creates a “guiding” effect as balls ride up the flare into the pocket.

In wet or muddy conditions, the hydrophobic shell material used on the Prequel prevents dirt, mud or water buildup inside the head. This keeps the scoop area clean for grabbing grounders in all weather.

Once you secure the ball after scooping, the semi-rigid sidewalls and pocket shape hold possession reliably. The ball won’t easily bounce or pop out on checks after scooping up grounders.

Low scoops, one-handed scoops, diving scoops – the Prequel excels in any ground ball situation thanks to the enhanced lower channel and flared scoop design.

The next time you hit the practice field, you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for ground ball drills with the Epoch Hawk Prequel. Scooping up balls has never been easier.

Face shape for handling and control

The shape and dimensions of a lacrosse head’s face area directly impact ball handling, control, and feel on cradling. Epoch optimized the Prequel’s face design for superior performance across all handling metrics.

The overall shape features a moderately curved sidewall that flares out from the throat to the scoop. This hourglass silhouette promotes excellent feel on lateral cuts and rolls back during cradling.

By keeping the curve relatively low profile and smooth, the Prequel avoids any exaggerated “U” or “V” shapes that limit control. Wide “U” shapes are prone to ball rattling, while narrow “V” shapes hinder feel.

Epoch engineered the optimal blend of curve and dimensions for the skillful player. The flared throat improves ball retention during spins and switches hands behind the back or through the legs.

Thanks to the enhanced ball retention from the angled sidewalls, you can easily catch passes one-handed or on the run. The pocket hugs the ball but still releases it quickly.

During playtesting, players noticed a much more “connected” feel to the Prequel during cradling and stick tricks. The ball stays under control, allowing you to focus on your handles.

For superior handling and ball control, the Epoch Hawk Prequel’s face shape and dimensions check all the boxes. It gives you the confidence to cradle and handle the ball aggressively, knowing it will stay locked in.

Durability and weather resistance

With lacrosse often being played in rain, snow and mud, a head’s durability and weather resistance are vital. The Epoch Hawk Prequel is built to handle all conditions.

Epoch utilized a high-grade hydrophobic polymer material on the Prequel that prevents water absorption or swelling. This keeps the head optimally lightweight in wet conditions.

The interior ridge designs and runner add to the structural integrity without excess weight as well. Epoch engineers tested dozens of interior ridge patterns to find the strongest, lightest option.

Repeated stress tests showed the Prequel can withstand huge amounts of ball impact force without compromise. The carbon stacked sidewalls and interior plastic provide premium durability.

In cold temperatures, the Prequel retains its crispness and responsiveness. The sidewalls resist brittleness or cracking compared to most heads on frigid days.

The Prequel also holds its shape exceptionally well over time versus other heads at elite levels of play. The carbon sidewalls prevent gradual warping or drooping in the upper corners.

Between the weather-resistant materials, carbon sidewalls, and rugged interior ridges, the Epoch Hawk Prequel builds like a tank. It will hold up to the toughest field conditions and style of play.

While designed for high performance, durability was not sacrificed. The Prequel brings confidence that it can be your gamer head no matter the conditions.

Offset and pocket placement

Proper offset (the distance between the throat and the start of the pocket) and pocket placement are critical factors for optimizing handling and release points.

The Epoch Hawk Prequel has a defined offset and centered pocket placement to give players full control of passes, shots, and ball retention.

By angling the sidewalls inward, Epoch created an offset that places the top of the ball close to the throat – but not too close. This provides excellent hold while still allowing a quick release.

During development, Epoch tested dozens of pocket placements to find the ideal centered channel. This gives offensive players the quick stick they need along with superior hold.

The offset and pocket location stay consistent regardless of stringing style, ensuring the ball releases from the optimum point. Shooting and passing feel natural rather than forced.

Midfielders and attackmen will notice cleaner catches in traffic and more accuracy on feeds. The centered ball position gives you full vision while cradling and handling as well.

Epoch strikes the perfect balance with the Prequel’s offset and pocket placement. You get quick springy shots along with the ball control needed to thread passes anywhere.

While subtle, the engineered offset and pocket design make a huge difference in performance. The Prequel truly maximizes these often overlooked aspects of a great lacrosse head.

Ideal stick length and pocket setup

Finding your optimal stick length and pocket setup amplifies the performance of any lacrosse head. For the Epoch Hawk Prequel, a longer handle with a mid or mid-high pocket is recommended.

Due to the lightweight feel and enhanced shooting velocity, attackmen and middies will benefit from bumping up to a longer handle such as a D-pole length. This adds whip for harder shots.

Since the Prequel has such awesome ground ball scooping capabilities, a longer pole won’t hinder picking up ground balls. You gain shooting velocity without losing scooping ability.

For pockets, players found a mid to mid-high pocket optimized the Prequel’s quick release and hold. This pocket position places the ball centrally along the sweet spot for ideal control.

Stringing a mid-high pocket on the Prequel results in great hold for catching difficult passes, superior ball retention, and a fast release when shooting.

The ball sticks firmly in the pocket – right where you want it. This allows players to cradle more relaxed knowing the ball won’t easily bounce out.

Testing found that a mid-high pocket on a D-pole length handle brought out the Prequel’s full potential for both offensive and defensive midfielders.

Maximize your performance with the Epoch Prequel by stringing a mid or mid-high pocket and bumping up the handle length. You gain shooting speed without compromising control.

Position-specific performance

While designed with offensive players in mind, the Epoch Hawk Prequel also offers advantages for specific positions on the field based on its technologies and design features.

For attackmen, the benefits of the Prequel center around shooting performance. The stiff carbon sidewalls and narrowed throat add serious velocity on shots, especially when paired with a longer pole.

Dodging attackmen can utilized the flared scoop to protect the stick when barreling through traffic down the alley. The face shape improves feel during crafty stick tricks as well to beat defenders.

At the midfield position, players gain advantages in transition play from the Prequel. Quick outlet passes benefit from the balanced pocket placement and hold. You can clear the ball confidently and push transition.

In the defensive end, the elite ground ball scooping ensures possessions off turnovers or saves. The face shape offers great feel when checking and positioning against dodging offensive players too.

FOGO midfielders will love the ground ball performance along with the durability to take faceoff beatings. The weather-resistant materials prevent sogginess in wet faceoff conditions.

While not specialized for goalies, the stiff carbon construction and ball retention abilities could appeal to goalies looking for more outlet passing control.

No matter your position on the field, the Epoch Hawk Prequel provides performance benefits tailored to midfielders, attackmen, defenseman, FOGOs, and goalies alike.

Pros and cons compared to previous versions

When building the Hawk Prequel, Epoch had the benefit of feedback from previous Hawk heads to optimize the new design. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons versus earlier models like the Hawk Sequel and OG.

A major pro of the Prequel is significantly improved stiffness levels thanks to the Stack Sidewall technology. It maintains stiffness over time better than previous Hawk heads prone to losing shape.

The angled sidewalls on the Prequel increase overall pocket control and hold versus the straight sidewalls on earlier models. Ball retention is excellent.

Ground ball scooping receives a big upgrade with the widened lower channel and flared scoop on the Prequel. Scooping grounders is much easier than past Hawk heads.

The shooting and passing enhancements like the narrowed throat generate more velocity and accuracy than earlier Hawk models as well.

Some drawbacks compared to past Hawk heads would be the Prequel fits a more defined niche for offensive players. It loses some versatility of the original Hawk head.

The price point is also higher than previous models. However, the premium performance may justify the price increase for many players.

Overall, the Prequel takes the Hawk lineup to the next level. The pros like stiffness, scooping, and ball control outweigh any cons of focused versatility and cost.

Value for money based on features

With the Epoch Hawk Prequel positioned as a premium lacrosse head, potential buyers will want to ensure the value matches the price point. Based on the technologies and performance, the value stacks up well.

The integrated carbon sidewalls, hydrophobic polymers, and refined scoop and throat design all required extensive R&D investment from Epoch to perfect.

By optimizing critical elements like stiffness, ball control, shooting and scooping, Epoch added substantial performance value versus previous heads.

When you factor in the durability and weather resistance as well, the Prequel should maintain its pop longer and withstand frequent use at elite levels.

From an intangibles standpoint, the confidence and “connected” feel players gain from the dialed-in pocket placement and face shape bring added value.

Compared to other carbon pro-level heads, the Hawk Prequel competes very favorably on technology, quality, and performance-to-price ratio.

Given the high-end materials, outstanding attention to detail, and measurable performance gains, the increased price makes sense from a value perspective.

For players serious about optimizing their lacrosse game, theEpoch Hawk Prequel delivers substantial value built upon true engineering advancements and innovation.

How it stacks up against competitor heads

In the ultra-competitive lacrosse head marketplace, manufacturers are constantly trying to one-up each other with the latest engineering and technologies. So how does the Epoch Hawk Prequel stack up against sticks from other top brands?

Against heads like the Stringking Mark 2V and Maverik Kinetik, the Prequel competes very well on key metrics like stiffness, ball retention, and control.

Shooting velocity sees noticeable gains versus leading heads from Stringking and Warrior thanks to the carbon sidewalls and narrowed throat.

Ground ball scooping gets a boost from the lower sidewall channels and flared scoop compared to most heads from ECD, Maverik, and others.

The weather-resistant shell materials help the Prequel hold up better over time and in tough conditions versus typical competition.

Pocket feel and control is on par with elite heads from brands like Stringking and ECD. Although different by design, performance is comparable.

From an overall value standpoint, the Prequel is right in line with other premium carbon pro heads at the $150+ price point.

Head to head, the Epoch Hawk Prequel goes toe-to-toe with the top models from other powerhouse brands. Given Epoch’s excellent reputation and the tech built into the Prequel, it certainly holds its own.

Summary – who this head is best suited for

With its impressive blend of technologies and performance-driven engineering, the Epoch Hawk Prequel stands out as one of the top lacrosse heads introduced in recent years.

The Prequel will appeal most to offensive-minded players that value shooting velocity, pinpoint passing, and superior ball control. The specs are tailored for attack, midfield, or FOGO positions.

Thanks to the carbon sidewalls adding stiffness without excess weight, the Prequel offers an elite level performer for athletic players who put torque and stress into their shots and passes.

Ground ball machines will gain an advantage from the enhanced lower channel and flared scoop as well. And the lightweight feel suits fast dodging players.

Overall, this head best suits skilled offensive players looking to take their shooting, passing, and ball control to the next level. The performance gains over previous heads are clear.

For high caliber players demanding the most of their equipment, the Epoch Hawk Prequel delivers the goods in a thoughtfully engineered, technologically advanced package.