The Ultimate Lacrosse Head Evaluating the Command X from Under Armour

The Ultimate Lacrosse Head Evaluating the Command X from Under Armour

Unmatched Ball Control from the Command X Head

The revolutionary design of the Command X lacrosse head gives players unprecedented control over the ball. Under Armour engineers optimized the scoop, sidewalls, stringing holes, and rail shape to take ball retention to the next level. Unlike most heads which focus purely on defensive checks or quick releases, the Command X allows middies and attackmen to cradle smoothly, catch cleanly, and protect the rock during dodges and drives.

By tweaking the traditional scoop shape, Command X improves bad ball pickup. An oversized yet lightweight scoop with tapered edges gives you extra real estate to coral ground balls. Once the ball makes contact, the Command X locks it in using its minimal sidewall flex and strategic stringing options. Stringing holes line the entire head rather than cluster around the sidewalls. This opens up huge possibilities for crafting a custom pocket optimized for your style of play and position.

During development, Under Armour worked closely with elite collegiate and professional lacrosse athletes to design the ideal head shape. They landed on a design that cuts through the air with precision while providing excellent ball retention. Field tests confirmed the aggressive geometry could withstand the slash, poke, and body checks that midfielders and attack routinely face. D3O technology in the rails absorbs vibrations and impact while proprietary polymer blends keep weight low.

In summary, the Command X utilizes cutting-edge materials and an engineered shape to offer lacrosse players consistent control over ground balls, catches, passing, cradling – any maneuver requiring contact with the ball. Its ability to excel in all facets of ball control from pickup to passing separates it from specialized heads. The Command X truly lives up to its name when it comes commanding the ball across the field.

Scoop Built for Quick Ground Balls

In the fast-paced sport of lacrosse, ground balls are a crucial yet unpredictable part of the game. Whether from an errant pass, a block, or a straight up checked stick, the ball ends up on the ground a lot. Securing loose balls before the other team is a key factor in gaining an advantage. The Command X understands the importance of ground balls and specifically engineers its scoop to gain an edge.

Most lacrosse heads feature a standard curved or pointed scoop area that allows for decent ball pickups. However, Under Armour took a fresh approach by widening and tapering the Command X’s scoop, yielding better ball control. The wider diamond shape provides more surface area and upside down corners to help corral and capture ground balls. Once the ball makes contact, the tapered edge helps guide it into the pocket.

In addition to shape, the material composition optimizes ground ball pickup. The Command X utilizes a proprietary blend of polymers that delivers an ultra-lightweight yet stiff and durable scoop. This ensures the scoop holds its widened shape to guide balls in without adding extra weight. Small perforations in the polymer further reduce weight while retaining structure. Any additional weight savings helps with handling and quick stick moves.

During fast paced transitions when the ball hits the turf, players need to react in a split second to gain possession. The Command X’s engineered scoop shaves precious tenths of a second off ground ball recovery time compared to conventional heads. Those fractional gains accumulate over the course of a game, especially in scrappy contests where ground balls make the difference. In a sport like lacrosse where pace and possession are huge, the Command X’s scoop delivers a competitive edge.

Minimal Sidewall Flex Improves Accuracy

Precision passing and shooting requires a lacrosse head that offers accuracy and control. Flexible sidewalls that deform on impact can spray shots and passes in unintended directions. The Command X utilizes a stiff yet lightweight polymer blend in the sidewalls to improve accuracy for offensive players.

Most lacrosse heads designed for defense feature more flexible sidewalls. This helps defenders protect their stick when slashed and checked. While great for defensemen, all that whip and bounce can be detrimental for offensive sticks. When cradling, passing, or shooting, you want the head to retain its shape instead of absorbing energy.

Engineers at Under Armour developed a custom polymer formula that strikes the ideal balance of stiffness and durability in the Command X sidewalls. The blend adds rigidity to the sidewalls and resists warping from checks, slashes, and routine contact. When passing and shooting, the head retains its precision geometry which improves accuracy.

During extensive field testing, players noticed a significant boost in passing and shooting precision with the Command X compared to more flexible heads. Less dispersion means more shots find the net and passes hit their targets. For midfielders and attackmen who live on the offensive side of the field, accuracy boosts offensive production.

Of course, the Command X still meets all required flexibility and safety standards for high school, college, and professional leagues. But within those rules, Under Armour optimized the sidewall stiffness of the Command X head to offer players a more accurate offensive weapon.

Strategic Stringing Holes Enable Custom Pockets

One of the key customization options for lacrosse heads is stringing your own pocket. The pattern and style of lacrosse head stringing impacts handling, ball retention, and release. The Command X features strategic stringing holes to empower players to craft a custom pocket optimized for their position and playing style.

Rather than just drill the usual stringing holes along the sidewalls, Under Armour engineers carefully plotted the placement of each hole on the Command X head. Holes line nearly the entire frame rather than just clustering around the scoop and throat. This allows players endless options for crafting their ideal pocket.

By plotting holes along the entire width and flare of the head, players can dial in pocket placement, depth, and style. Want a deeper pocket with more whip? No problem. Prefer a mid-range pocket for quicker releases? You can string that too. The versatility supports everything from a tight traditional pocket to a wide mesh set up.

During R&D, Under Armour brought in stringing experts to ensure the holes enabled optimal string paths for any pocket style. They also worked with players across positions to see what custom pocket setups worked best for their needs. The end result is a head with holes strategically mapped to empower customizable pockets.

While the Command X ships with a decent factory stringing, the possibilities are endless once you cut those strings and string your own pocket. The strategic placement of holes gives you creative control to craft a pocket perfect for your game.

Durable Yet Lightweight Head Construction

To create a high-performance lacrosse head capable of withstanding heavy-duty game play, Under Armour engineered the Command X using innovative materials and construction methods. The result is a remarkably lightweight yet supremely durable head.

Rather than rely on traditional metals like aluminum and titanium, Under Armour crafted the Command X head from advanced polymer blends. The proprietary formulations create a stiff, resilient plastic shell optimized for lacrosse. Perforations in the material further reduce weight without compromising strength.

In high stress areas like the scoop, sidewalls, and face, the Command X integrates a material called D3O. This “smart” polymer has unique shock-absorbing properties that stiffen on impact. D3O provides additional protection right where players need it most while minimizing any weight gain.

The Command X also employs something called Overmold technology, where the head gets encased in a second layer of polymer. This reinforces potential break points and improves overall durability. Under Armour developed this technique specifically for the Command X head to boost resilience.

During lab testing, the Command X withstood over 1 million impacts and violent torsional forces. Field testing confirmed it was practically indestructible under real-game strain. While incredibly robust, the head still weighs in at a svelte 5 ounces. This fusion of maximum durability and minimum weight makes the Command X a standout performer.

Aggressive Shape Great for Middies and Attack

The Command X lacrosse head features an aggressive geometry optimized for offensive players like middies and attackmen. Its curved profile and pointed scoop cuts through the air with precision while retaining the ball.

Many lacrosse head shapes align with player positions. Broader, more flexible heads favor defense while narrower, stiffer heads cater to offense. The Command X falls into the latter category with a shape honed for dodging, quick passing, and shooting.

Engineers at Under Armour conducted extensive player testing to determine optimal geometries for various lacrosse positions. For midfielders and attackmen, the ideal shape balanced ball control, quick release, and speed through the air. This led to the development of the Command X’s compact yet curved profile.

The curved sidewalls increase ball retention during runs up the field. The narrowly flared scoop cuts down on wind resistance for improved stick handling. At the same time, the Command X provides excellent hold while allowing for quick, accurate passes and shots on goal.

While defense and goalie heads prioritize protective checks, the Command X focuses on pure offensive play. Its aggressive style equips players to move the ball downfield quickly and precisely. For middies and attack players who live on the offensive side, the Command X offers a shape optimized for their needs.

Meets All HS, College, Pro Specs

While engineered for elite-level performance, the Command X adheres strictly to high school, college, and professional league specifications. Under Armour designed the head to provide players with a legal competitive edge at all levels of lacrosse.

NCAA and NFHS rules dictate specific requirements for lacrosse stick heads to standardize play and promote safety. These include parameters like overall width, pocket depth, ball retention, and rebound on impact. Professional leagues like the PLL, MLL, and NLL abide by slightly modified but comparable rules.

During the multi-year development of the Command X, Under Armour continually tested the head against these specs. Engineers fine-tuned the geometry, materials, and construction to optimize performance while adhering to regulations. The final dimensions and properties allow the Command X to pass muster across all rule sets.

While providing elite-level ball control and handling, the head offers no unfair advantages. The Command X simply takes advantage of engineering and material innovations to maximize legal boundaries. Players gain an edge from its design, not from exploiting loopholes in the rules.

So whether you play for a varsity high school or face off as a pro, rest assured the Command X meets all the guidelines. Its performance-boosting shape and construction never violate regulations at any level. That means players can take full advantage of the Command X from youth leagues to the pro ranks.

Tested to Withstand Harsh Game Conditions

The Command X underwent rigorous lab testing to confirm its durability under the harsh conditions of live lacrosse games. Using specialized equipment, Under Armour simulated the most intense stresses and impacts a head will experience on the field.

In contrast to casual backyard play, organized lacrosse exposes sticks to extreme forces from checks, pokes, slashes, passes, and shots. The margin between victory and defeat depends on gear that can withstand the punishment. So the Command X gets tested well beyond normal playing conditions.

The head attaches to a robotic arm programmed to replicate the most violent in-game collisions. High speed cameras record the impacts from multiple angles. Engineers can then analyze how the head absorbs blows and watch for signs of cracking or warping. The Command X withstood over 1 million such impacts without failure.

Under Armour also uses torque testers that violently twist and bend the head from multiple angles. This evaluates structural integrity under the forces of faceoffs, checks, and errant collisions. Again, the Command X tolerated forces far surpassing real-world strains.

In addition to lab tests, Under Armour recruited elite college players to use the Command X in practices and scrimmages. Their feedback helped refine the final product to ensure it could flourish on the field, not just in controlled tests. Only after intense lab evaluations and athlete testing did the Command X qualify for game time.

Developed with Input from Top Lacrosse Players

Under Armour designed the Command X in close collaboration with elite lacrosse players. Their insights and feedback played a critical role in optimizing the head’s performance and playability.

While engineers can capture quantitative data in labs, nothing replaces play testing in real game scenarios. Throughout the R&D process, Under Armour worked extensively with top high school, college, and pro players to gather qualitative feedback.

Under Armour started by consulting pros on the ideal head shape, stiffness, balance, and stringing options. They also took into account the unique needs of different positions, tweaking the geometry to optimize the head for midfielders, attackmen, defensemen, faceoff specialists, and goalies.

The company provided prototype heads for athletes to test during practices and workouts. After intense training sessions, the players gave notes on comfort, control, ball retention, shooting, passing, and durability. Under Armour iterated the design based on this real-world insight.

Finally, the finished Command X underwent full game play testing by lacrosse stars across the country. Their endorsement and minor fit and finish suggestions led to the final product that ships today. The commitment to player input at all stages led to key improvements that separate the Command X from the competition.

Unique Rail Design Adds Stiffness and Strength

The Command X incorporates an innovative rail design that provides additional stiffness and durability to the sidewalls and scoop area. This helps the head retain its structure during checks while reducing flex upon impact.

Lacrosse heads see a lot of contact from pokes, slashes, and collisions during gameplay. Repeated impacts can weaken the structural integrity and degrade performance over time. So Under Armour reinforced vital regions of the Command X through a smart rail system.

By adding slim rails along the sidewalls and outlining the scoop, Under Armour strengthened two of the most vulnerable areas of the head. The rails function like the frame of a house, bolstering the overall structure. This extra reinforcement better retains the head shape and precision.

The rail construction also allowed engineers to strategically incorporate shock-absorbing D3O material along the sidewalls. This “smart” polymer stiffens to diffuse impact while minimizing vibrations. Adding D3O to the rails enhances protection and energy transfer.

On top of boosting durability, the sleek rails reduce weight versus conventional bulky plastic beams. This lightweight support preserves the Command X’s quick handling while creating a stiff, strong foundation able to withstand intense game play.

Face Shape Optimized for Excellent Ball Retention

The shape and curvature of the Command X head are strategically designed for superior ball control and retention during play. Under Armour engineers spent years optimizing the geometry for secure cradling and quick releases.

A flat or overly pinched face can lead to a lot of errant passes and dropped balls. But shape the head correctly, and it grabs hold of ground balls and securely cradles possession during runs up field. The contour of the Command X does just that thanks to smart engineering.

Using player feedback and motion capture data, Under Armour refined the angles and dimensions of the Command X face. The resulting lightly curved profile improves stability when cradling balls but still enables quick passing and shooting.

During testing, engineers noticed far fewer accidental drops and misdirected passes versus conventional heads. The Command X’s optimized face contour cradles cleanly, enabling players to retain possession and make plays under pressure.

Under Armour also textured the face impart more friction and “grip” on the ball. A series of micro ridges help grab loose balls and provide reassuring control during cradling. Combined with the thoughtful geometry, these textures let you command the ball with confidence.

Under Armour Innovates Again with Command X

The Command X represents another impressive innovation from Under Armour’s engineers. It leverages cutting-edge materials and construction methods to push the limits of lacrosse head performance.

Under Armour entered the lacrosse gear market just over a decade ago, bringing their technology and design expertise honed on the football and baseball fields. Since then, the company has consistently introduced game-changing equipment like the Command line of lacrosse heads.

The Command X represents the culmination of years of research, testing, and athlete insights to create the ultimate lacrosse head. Everything from the shape to the materials to the stringing layout stem from smart engineering and innovation.

Proprietary polymers, special additives like D3O, and pioneering manufacturing techniques come together to enhance ball control like never before. The novel rail system provides structural support right where it’s needed most. Strategically placed stringing holes enable fully customized pocket setups.

Under Armour even developed new performance testing protocols tailored specifically for the Command X. Years of research went into optimizing every last detail. That commitment to innovation gives lacrosse players an unprecedented edge with the Command X.

Compare to Other Elite Lacrosse Heads

The Command X lacrosse head stands out even among the top heads from leading brands like Maverik, STX, and Warrior. It sets a new standard for performance thanks to smart engineering and design.

Most players turn to trusted names like Maverik’s Optik and STX’s Stallion when looking for an elite offensive head. But the Command X outpaces even these stalwarts. Let’s see how it stacks up to some of the most popular high-end options.

First and foremost, the Command X provides superior ball control through its strategically engineered shape. The flared scoop and curved sidewalls cradle better while the stiffness improves accuracy. Materials like D3O absorb impacts other heads transmit to the ball, affecting release.

Durability is another standout area for the Command X. Lacrosse heads face a beating, yet the Command X withstands over a million impacts in lab tests. Its sturdy polymer blends and smart rail system outlast most metal and composite competitors.

Despite the robust build, the Command X still feels incredibly light thanks to perforations and special additives. At just 5 ounces, handling feels effortless. You get premium protection without sacrificing responsiveness.

When it comes to major metrics like ball control, shot precision, durability, and weight, the Command X outperforms even the top lacrosse heads available today. It’s simply engineered to a higher level.

Excellent Value for a High-End Head

Considering its elite-level performance, the Command X provides outstanding value. It competes directly with premium lacrosse heads costing much more.

As one of the top lacrosse heads available today, the Command X belongs in the same conversation as high-priced options from Maverik, STX, and Warrior. But while those competitors retail for $150 and beyond, the Command X delivers equivalent quality at just $99.

During development, Under Armour engineers worked tirelessly to utilize innovative materials and construction techniques to maximize performance. The goal was to spare no expense engineering the absolute best head, regardless of production cost.

Fortunately, breakthroughs like lightweight polymer blends and Overmolding prove more affordable to implement at scale than old-school titanium and exotic alloys. This allowed Under Armour to concentrate on premium design without driving up the retail price.

Considering its elite-caliber ball control, handling, durability, and customizable stringing options, the Command X presents a tremendous value. Players gain every advantage of the $150+ heads on the market at a budget-friendly price point.

Ideal for Elite High School and College Players

From its optimized geometry to advanced construction, the Command X caters to elite high school and college lacrosse athletes seeking a high-performance edge.

While versatile enough for any skill level, the Command X truly shines in the hands of experienced, competitive players. Everything about its design targets the needs of high school varsity and college players looking to raise their game.

The stiff yet lightweight build improves the quick, precise passing critical for advancing up the field. The engineered shape boosts control around the crease when dodging defenders. Strategic stringing holes let players dial in the optimal pocket and whip.