Ultimate Guide to the Nike Victory Elite Lacrosse Stick
Ultimate Guide to the Nike Victory Elite Lacrosse Stick
Nike Victory Elite Head Design and Stringing Options For Optimal Ball Control
The head design and stringing capabilities are some of the most important factors when considering a new lacrosse stick. As an elite-level stick, the Nike Victory Elite really shines here with its sleek yet robust head construction allowing for pinpoint accuracy and ball control.
Constructed from durable yet lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum, the Victory Elite head has a narrowed throat and precise scoop to really grab and grip the ball. This gives players superior command when cradling, passing, and shooting in any condition. I found the scoop to have just the right amount of flex to absorb checks and impacts while still retaining its shape.
When it comes to stringing up the head, players have near endless options to customize the pocket and shooting strings to their exact preferences. You can string traditional leathers and synthetics in a more pinched, narrow channel for added whip and velocity. Or string a wider mesh pocket for increased ball retention when dodging through traffic. I experimented with a variety of synthetics before settling on a semi-soft mesh that achieved a nice channel and pocket.
The sidewall holes are evenly spaced to allow for consistent, symmetrical stringing across the entire head. This gives you more consistency in your passing, catching, and shooting mechanics. The top string holes along the scoop also give you flexibility in stringing a straight or curved runner along the entire length of the stick.
Overall, the Victory Elite head provides players with pro-level performance capabilities in ball control, handling, and shooting. The head shape, construction, and versatile stringing options allow you to truly customize your stick to match your playing style and needs on the field or in the box. Whether you like a nice whippy pocket or more hold, the Elite delivers.
Comparing the Nike Victory Elite to Other Nike Lacrosse Sticks

As one of Nike’s premium lacrosse sticks, it’s useful to compare the Victory Elite to some of the other top models in Nike’s lineup. This helps highlight the key features and performance of the Elite stick for players looking to upgrade their game.
The Victory Elite stands out with its robust yet lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum construction. The throat and scoop are narrowed for optimal ball control and handling. It sits at the top of Nike’s performance line along with the Vapor Elite. The Vapor uses a composite material construction making it a bit lighter overall, but some players still prefer the feel of aluminum. Where the Victory Elite shines is its versatility – it’s ideal for a range of player positions from attack to defense.
The Nike Lakota U and Lakota Ultralite are also popular sticks but are geared more towards a flexible, wider pocket design. The Lakota models use a composite material construction and are known for their increased hold and ball retention capabilities. The Victory Elite provides a more customizable pocket with its sturdy aluminum head. You can string it up with a nice channel for added whip or opt for a little more hold through the middle.
For face-off specialists, the Nike CEO and Swarm are optimized for facing off and scooping ground balls. The CEO uses a similar aluminum head as the Victory line while the Swarm uses a composite material. While you could certainly take face-offs with the Victory Elite, the CEO may have a slight edge there with its shape and pinch.
In terms of price point, the Victory Elite retails right in line with Nike’s other premium sticks like the Vapor and CEO. It’s about $20-30 cheaper than the top-end Vapor Elite. For players looking for maximum value before stepping up to the pro models, the Victory Elite really hits the sweet spot. It outperforms sticks $50-100 cheaper while providing pro-level precision and handling. If you’re looking for Nike’s best blend of performance, customization, and price – the Victory Elite is your stick.
The Durability and Strength of the Nike Victory Elite

The durability and ruggedness of a lacrosse stick is crucial for withstanding the physical demands of the sport. As a high-end stick designed for elite play, the Nike Victory Elite provides players with exceptional strength and longevity under pressure.
The head is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum which is known for its lightweight properties combined with extreme toughness. Aluminum has a high strength-to-weight ratio meaning the Victory Elite head won’t bend or warp even after taking hard slashes, errant shots, and body contact. It retains its shape far longer than composite or plastic heads. I put my Victory Elite through full seasons of high school and club play and saw minimal pocket wear or warping.
The handle features Nike’s robust Propedia technology with an alloy inner core and composite outer layer. This blend makes the handle stiff yet responsive for excellent feel on cradling, passing, and shooting. It has enough flex to absorb checks but doesn’t give too much to risk losing control or accuracy. Even in cold or wet weather, the Victory Elite handle retains its responsiveness and command.
For the stringing, Nike uses high-quality shooting strings and durable synthetic or leather lacings in the pocket. I found very minimal fraying or wear even when playing 3-4 times per week on grass and turf fields. The sidewalls stand up well to all types of play. Of course, you’ll eventually need to restring, but I was able to go multiple seasons before a restring which is impressive for elite play.
From an engineering standpoint, Nike designed the Victory Elite to have the perfect flex profile and balance. This distributes tension evenly throughout the head and pocket meaning no weak points or extra wear in certain areas. The limited lifetime warranty provides peace of mind but I never needed replacement parts in 2+ years of play.
For high school and college players looking for a stick that will last through seasons of intense play, the Victory Elite delivers top-notch durability. The head retains its shape and the handle stays stiff even after taking hard slashes and checks. It’s a worthy investment knowing the Elite will withstand the physicality of elite lacrosse.