Reviews

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.

Weight and Balance of the Nike Victory Elite for Cradling and Shooting

The overall weight and balance of a lacrosse stick plays a big role in its performance for cradling, passing, catching, and shooting. As a premium stick designed for elite-level players, the Nike Victory Elite is engineered for perfect weight distribution and feel on the field.

Weighing in at just under 1 lb, the Victory Elite provides a lightweight yet robust feel for all-around play. The head is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, delivering pro-level stiffness without excess bulk. Through the shaft, Nike utilizes a composite and alloy blend to remove unnecessary weight while retaining precision and response.

I found the balance point to sit perfectly in the upper third of the shaft when holding the stick upright. This gives you effortless command when cradling the ball on advances up the field or when switching hands. The lightweight design reduces fatigue allowing you to cradling faster and longer during intense gameplay.

The scoop and narrow channel give you excellent feel and control when passing and shooting on the run. The head flexes just enough on passes and shots to provide some nice velocity but not too much whip to sacrifice accuracy. I was able to hit crisp shots from 20+ yards out after taking just a few repetitions to get a feel for the head’s flex profile.

With its premium blend of weight, balance, and flex profile, the Victory Elite gives players an almost unfair advantage. You can cradle faster, pass more precisely, and shoot with more velocity and control compared to bulkier or improperly balanced sticks. Your hands and arms stay fresher longer allowing you to make plays when the defense thinks you’re out of gas.

For elite high school and college players looking to take their game to the highest level, the Nike Victory Elite delivers with its engineered weight distribution, balance, and flex. After stringing it up to my preferences, it felt like an extension of my hands right from the first use.

Player Reviews on the Performance of the Nike Victory Elite

When researching a new lacrosse stick, reading player reviews can provide great insights into real-world performance and user experience. For the Nike Victory Elite, reviews from elite high school and college lacrosse players highlight just how well this stick stacks up.

In online lacrosse forums and YouTube reviews, players consistently praise the Victory Elite for its versatility across all aspects of the game. Attackmen remark on the excellent feel and control for dodging, cradling, and shooting on the crease. The stiff head provides ample whip without compromising accuracy. Midfielders mention the Elite’s perfect balance for transporting the ball up and down the field along with clean passes and shots on the run.

Due to its robust aluminum head, the Victory Elite gets rave reviews from defensemen as well. The head holds up well against slashes and throws while still providing high-level passing and clearing after turnovers. Goalies also appreciate the stiffness and durability during saves and clear attempts under pressure.

Another common theme is just how customizable the pocket is for players of all positions and preferences. You can string up a nice mid-high pocket for midfield play or a deeper channel for attack around the crease. It breaks in nicely after a few practices and retains that feel through seasons of intense play. The shape allows for excellent hold across the entire width of the head.

Nearly every reviewer says the Victory Elite either meets or exceeds their expectations for a stick in this premium price range. The performance and feel rivals pro-level sticks costing sometimes $100 more. Players report noticeably better passing, shooting, dodging within just their first few times using the Elite after switching from a previous model.

Based on in-depth reviews from elite players spanning attack, midfield, defense, and goalie – the Victory Elite provides a versatile yet customizable experience. It becomes an extension of your hands that enhances skills and performance. For those looking to maximize their talents with a lacrosse stick engineered for domination, the Nike Victory Elite delivers.

Ideal Positional Use of the Nike Victory Elite Stick

With lacrosse sticks, some models are optimized for certain playing positions over others. Given the Nike Victory Elite’s robust yet balanced design, it’s ideal for players across positions whether attack, midfield, or defense.

Starting in the attacking third, the Victory Elite provides forwards and crease attackmen with exceptional control and feel around the net. The stiff aluminum head offers ample whip on quick-release shots while still maintaining accuracy. Attackers can string up a nice channel and mid-pocket for improved cradle and handling of the ball during intense dodging and motion off-ball.

Thanks to its lightweight yet stiff construction, the Victory Elite gives midfielders impressive ball control when moving downfield through traffic. The balance point sits perfectly for securing the ball on longer runs and switching hands on advances. When the quick-stick opportunity arises, midfielders can deliver crisp passes and low-to-high shots from outside.

On defense, the durability of the Victory Elite really shines through. The aluminum head reliably withstands checks, slashes, and ground ball scrums. Defensemen can quickly transition to offense initiating clear attempts with confidence. Goalies also appreciate the stiffness during saves and clearing situations under extreme pressure.

Compared to attack and midfield sticks, defense shafts are a bit longer for increased poke check reach. But the technology in the Elite shaft provides the right flex and responsiveness at any length. Some defenders opt for a bit more whip on shooting while a goalie may string a slightly deeper pocket, but the overall construction aligns across positions.

While specialized sticks exist for facing off, the Victory Elite provides a nice blend of clamping power, ground ball scooping, and ball control once possession is gained. Its versatility allows players to take face-offs but not at the expense of other areas of play.

Overall, the Victory Elite lacrosse stick lives up to its name as a high-performance option across attack, midfield, defense, and goalie positions. With the right stringing and pocket style, players of any position will notice an almost unfair advantage once they master the Elite stick.

Pricing and Value of the Nike Victory Elite Lacrosse Stick

When investing in a new lacrosse stick, especially at the elite level, you want to maximize performance and value from your purchase. The Nike Victory Elite provides pro-grade quality and capabilities at a price point competitive with other top-tier sticks.

The Victory Elite head retails right around $120 for the aluminum head alone. The shaft with Nike’s premium Propedia technology and improved flex profile runs around $80-100. So for the complete stick you’re looking at around $200-220 at full retail pricing.

Compared to other brands, that positions the Victory Elite in the premium bracket along with the top sticks from Warrior, Maverik, and STX. It’s about on par with the ECD Carbon Pro 2, Warrior Krypto Pro, and Maverik Optik. But it comes in $50-100 cheaper than the absolute top-end pro models like the STX Surgeon 700.

Part of the value proposition is Nike’s brand reputation for engineering quality and performance into their equipment. By designing sticks and equipment used by Division 1 NCAA programs and professional players, those technologies eventually make their way into sticks like the Victory Elite.

You’re getting a pro-level head and shaft without paying the $300+ premium of the top professional sticks. Compared to Nike’s other elite-tier sticks, the Victory aligns with the Vapor series while coming in around $20 cheaper on average.

For players looking to maximize value without compromising performance, the Victory Elite hits a nice sweet spot. It provides the lightweight durability, handling, feel, and control on par with sticks costing $50-100 more. Any added costs go more into fancy cosmetics vs. functional technologies.

Overall, by investing in the Victory Elite you get premium quality and capabilities without breaking the bank. It’s built to perform at the highest levels and designed to last seasons making it an excellent long-term value investment to quickly boost your game.

Where to Buy the Nike Victory Elite Lacrosse Stick

As a premium lacrosse stick engineered for elite-level play, the Nike Victory Elite deserves proper stringing and break-in before hitting the field. Knowing the best places to buy provides access to pro-strung sticks and experienced staff.

As a top-tier Nike stick, the Victory Elite is readily available at most major lacrosse specialty retailers online and in-store. This includes Lacrosse Unlimited, Lacrosse Monkey, Lacrosse.com, and ComLax. You can sometimes find prior year models discounted as well.

For the best experience, I recommend purchasing in-person from a knowledgeable lacrosse pro shop. The staff can advise you on the right flex, pocket, and stringing based on your playing style, position, and skill level. You also get to test out the exact stick you’ll be buying which is especially important for a high-performance model like the Victory Elite.

If buying online, go through trusted pure-play lacrosse sites over general athletic retailers. This ensures you get equipment designed specifically for lacrosse by people embedded in the community. Reputable sites also offer pro-level stringing services to get your Elite stick game-ready out the box.

Some pro shops and lacrosse sites allow you to fully customize your Victory Elite with preferred colors, strings, accessories, and decals. This lets you personalize the aesthetics while relying on the staff to deliver an optimized pocket and channel setup.

Be wary of unauthorized third-party sellers hawking discounted lacrosse gear on Amazon, eBay and Craigslist. You run the risk of gray market or expired equipment, especially with technology-driven sticks at the elite level. Going through official Nike-authorized channels ensures you get the real deal.

Do your research and speak to the experts when investing in an elite-caliber stick like the Nike Victory. Getting properly fit and strung from the start will immediately boost your skills, feel, and performance on the field or in the box.

Pros and Cons of the Nike Victory Elite Lacrosse Stick

With any lacrosse stick, especially at the $200+ premium price point, it’s useful to weigh the key pros and cons based on your needs and playing style.

Starting with the positives, the Victory Elite earns top marks for its multifaceted performance. The lightweight yet stiff head provides exceptional ball control and shooting. You can string a nice channel and customize the pocket to your exact preferences. The shaft features technologies used in Nike’s top pro sticks for precision and responsiveness.

The Victory Elite also shines when it comes to durability. The aircraft-grade aluminum head retains its shape and flex profile even after seasons of intense play. The shaft stays stiff and responsive thanks to the internal alloy core and composite outer. This level of quality ensures a long useful life even playing high school or college lacrosse.

Compared to other elite sticks, the Victory sits right in line value-wise while delivering pro-level performance and technology. You aren’t paying extra for flashy cosmetics but rather functional engineering advancements.

In terms of downsides, the Victory Elite’s well-rounded design doesn’t really have standout weaknesses. But it doesn’t quite match specialized sticks built purely for facing offs or individual positions like attack or defense. It’s also right up there in price, so players seeking a budget option may need to look at mid-tier sticks first.

The Victory Elite also requires a careful break-in and pocket stringing to really maximize its capabilities. Out of the box it will be stiff – you need to put in some wall ball time to gain the full flex profile benefits. But for dedicated players, this shouldn’t be a major issue.

Overall, the Victory Elite provides a lightweight, durable, and highly customizable stick for elite play. The precision and performance rival professional sticks costing far more. For players committed to excelling at the high school or college level, the Nike Victory Elite belongs in your hands.

Customizing and Accessorizing the Nike Victory Elite

One of the best aspects of the Nike Victory Elite is the ability to customize the stick to match your playing style through stringing, accessories, and cosmetics.

It starts with stringing up the head to achieve your ideal pocket and channel setup. You can go pinched and narrow for added whip or wider for improved ball retention. I prefer a medium pocket with a nice smooth nylon mesh for fluid handling. The evenly spaced sidewall holes allow for symmetrical, consistent stringing across the entire head shape.

Beyond typical leathers and synthetics, you can add unique shooting strings like hockey laces for extra bite on passes. Roller hockey tape along the scoop minimizes friction allowing for buttery scooping of ground balls. Adding string locks or screws allows you to fine tune shooting string tension and pocket depth.

In terms of accessories, you can upgrade to customized end caps to match team colors or your own style. Adding a screw-on extended motorcycle grip to the shaft provides additional handling and comfort during play. For an extra grippy hold, wrap the upper handle with tennis racquet tape or thin bicycle handle tape.

To upgrade the aesthetics, Nike offers the Victory Elite head in stock colors like black, white and team schemes. Or you can pay a bit more for full custom color combinations and fades exclusive to you. The shaft accepts custom decals along the sides or above the grip for your number, name or inspirational quote.

For youth players, suffix your shaft length by an inch or two shorter than regulation for optimal control as you build stick skills and handling. Then extend length as you get older and stronger. This ensures the proper fit as you progress in the sport.

By taking advantage of all the customization and accessory options, you can create a Victory Elite stick that’s uniquely yours. The technologies and high-performance construction already set you up for domination. Personalizing the aesthetics and dialing in the perfect pocket puts the stick over the top as an extension of your playing identity.

Where to Buy the Nike Victory Elite Lacrosse Stick

Care and Maintenance Tips for the Nike Victory Elite

Investing in a premium lacrosse stick like the Nike Victory Elite requires proper care and maintenance to get the most life and performance out of your stick.

Start by breaking in the head and pocket properly with wall ball sessions and shooting drills. This allows the materials to align and settle into a optimized flex profile. Avoid over-tightening the strings too early as this can inhibit ideal pocket formation.

Inspect the mesh and leathers routinely for fraying, loose strings or holes. Addressing pocket issues early prevents catastrophic failure down the road. Have the shop restring the complete pocket or replace individual strings as needed.

Wipe down the shaft and head after each use with a damp cloth to remove dirt, debris and sweat buildup. Occasionally clean with non-abrasive stick cleanser and let fully dry before storage. Avoid excess moisture infiltration which can damage the materials over time.

After stringing or cleaning, apply a light coat of water-resistant stick wax to the mesh and strings. This minimizes moisture retention and friction, increasing the pocket life. Reapply monthly or as needed.

Avoid exposing the stick to excess moisture or extreme temperatures for prolonged periods. Bring indoor rather than leaving overnight in freezing cold or searing heat. Even premium materials can degrade in harsh conditions.

Check for cracks, dents or warping in the head especially along the sidewalls and scoop areas. Dents will compromise the flex profile and can be difficult to repair. Avoid overstuffing your lacrosse bag and letting items bang against the head.

Consider an extra shaft so you always have a usable stick if the primary shaft breaks or cracks. With the solid construction, I’ve never had issues with the Victory Elite shaft, but it’s good to be prepared as a serious player.

With proper care and maintenance, the Victory Elite head and shaft should deliver seasons of elite performance. Taking preventative measures goes a long way in protecting your investment and helping you dominate the competition.

Customizing and Accessorizing Your Nike Victory Elite

One of the best aspects of the Nike Victory Elite is the ability to customize the stick to match your playing style through stringing, accessories, and cosmetics.

Care and Maintenance Tips for the Nike Victory Elite

Investing in a premium lacrosse stick like the Nike Victory Elite requires proper care and maintenance to get the most life and performance out of your stick.

Is the Nike Victory Elite Lacrosse Stick Right For You?

With so many stick options on the market, it’s important to consider if the Nike Victory Elite is the right fit for your game and goals as a developing lacrosse player.

As an elite-level stick priced around $200+, the Victory is geared first and foremost towards committed high school and college players seeking a performance edge. While a great stick for any level, more casual or budget-focused players may be better served by a mid-tier option.

The Victory really shines if you play competitive club and are looking to make varsity or earn a college roster spot. The technologies and quality allow you to elevate your cradling, scooping, passing, and shooting to the next level.

Due to its versatile yet stiff construction, the Victory Elite works well for offensive and defensive-minded players alike. Middies benefit from the improved control and handling on advances upfield. Attack and defensemen alike appreciate the pinpoint passing and checks.

Consider your position and needs in terms of pocket style and flex profile. Are you a midfielder looking for quicker release and velocity on passes and shots? An attackmen needing more hold around the crease? Work with your stringer to optimize the setup.

The Victory Elite rewards dedicated players willing to properly break in the stick over time. Out of the box the head will be very stiff – continuously working it in with wall ball and shooting practice allows you to unlock the full benefits.

For elite players committed to excelling in the sport and reaching that next level, the Victory Elite belongs in your bag. Middies, attackmen, defenders, and goalies alike will gain an performance edge once they master the technologies and construction advantages this stick provides.