Want Killer Goalie Sticks This Year. Discover the Top 3 Mesh Knots Dominating Lacrosse

Want Killer Goalie Sticks This Year. Discover the Top 3 Mesh Knots Dominating Lacrosse

Introduction to popular goalie mesh knots for 2022

If you’re a lacrosse goalie looking to step up your game this year, one of the best things you can do is optimize your stick setup. And a key part of that is choosing the right goalie mesh and stringing it with knots that match your playing style. The past few seasons have seen some major innovations in goalie head and mesh technology, with new products aiming to boost ball control, quickness, and accuracy.

Three goalie mesh knots in particular have emerged as go-to choices for top netminders in 2022. These knots help create pockets that excel at stopping high-velocity shots, cradling cleanly, and enabling razor-sharp outlet passes. Read on to learn more about these must-know goalie mesh knots dominating lacrosse right now.

The Stringking 2S

Over the past year, the Stringking 2S goalie mesh has become the gold standard. Designed specifically for goalies, the 2S uses a performance nylon/polyester blend to generate excellent feel and control. It comes pre-shaped to make stringing easier, and the stiffer material maintains its structure over time. The end result is a smooth, consistent pocket perfect for today’s faster shots.

To get the most out of Stringking 2S mesh, many goalies are using the brand new 1-and-1 knot. This knot joins a horizontal lace with a vertical lace in an interlocking pattern. It creates strong triangles that deeply pocket the ball while retaining quick release speed. The 1-and-1 is excellent for goalies who like a little extra whip on their outlet passes while still maintaining great hold for stopping shots.

Grizzly Goalie Mesh

Grizzly entered the goalie scene just a couple years ago but has already made major waves with its performance mesh. Grizzly uses a nylon/polyester/rubber blend to generate tons of friction and hold. The result is a super tacky pocket that excels at smothering high heaters. Grizzly mesh is a bit softer and more flexible than Stringking too, optimized for cradling and outlet passes.

To maximize Grizzly’s ball-grabbing texture, savvy stringers are using the updated ball stop knot. As the name implies, this knot works to arrest the ball right in the pocket sweet spot. It joins one horizontal lace and two vertical laces in sequence to form a tacky triangle. The ball stop knot also bags out the pocket tremendously while retaining quick release capabilities. It’s a go-to choice this season for goalies prioritizing top-tier ball control.

Stringking Goalie Mesh

Not to be confused with the 2S, Stringking also produces a dedicated goalie mesh using a slightly different construction. Stringking Goalie mesh uses a soft nylon material and a pre-shaped design to generate excellent feel for stopping shots. It bags out substantially while also retaining crisp throwing release.

To optimize this mesh, many elite goalies are stringing it with the new crosi knot. This knot interlocks two horizontal laces with a vertical lace in an X pattern. It forms three lockdown points to firmly pocket the ball. The crosi knot also widens the channel impressively while allowing the ball to sit deep. For goalies who prioritize visibility and cradling, it’s an excellent choice with Stringking Goalie mesh this season.

The key takeaway is that goalie mesh technology and stringing methods have advanced tremendously in just the past year. Brands like Stringking and Grizzly offer game-changing performance through thoughtful construction and materials choices. And knots like the 1-and-1, ball stop, and crosi allow you to amplify the natural benefits of modern goalie mesh.

So be sure to experiment with these popular goalie mesh products and knots as you dial in your pocket this offseason. With the right setup, you’ll have the confidence and control to take your game to new heights in 2022.

How StringKing 2s mesh creates insane hold and stiffness

In the ultra-competitive world of lacrosse goalies, having the right equipment can make all the difference. And one piece of gear that can truly give you an edge is your mesh. The past few seasons have seen huge innovations in goalie head and pocket technology, with brands like StringKing leading the charge. Their 2s goalie mesh in particular has rapidly emerged as a top choice for elite netminders thanks to its unreal performance capabilities.

But what exactly makes the StringKing 2s mesh so unique? And how does it enable next-level ball control and crisp outlet passes? In this article, we’ll break down the key innovations that give 2s mesh such insane hold and stiffness for today’s lightning-quick game.

Proprietary Fiber Blend

The magic of StringKing 2s mesh starts with the materials used. StringKing engineers spent years dialing in a performance fiber blend that optimizes both structure and feel. The final mix uses nylon for stiffness and shape retention, blended with polyester for improved texture and control. This proprietary recipe gives 2s mesh a more rigid feel compared to traditional soft meshes.

In practice, the result is a mesh that bags out substantially while resisting gravity and retaining its pocket shape over time. Shots sink deeply into the pocket but release cleanly. And the added stiffness also boosts passing velocity for faster outlet feeds to midfielders.

Pre-Shaped Design

Another innovation that sets StringKing 2s mesh apart is the pre-shaped pocket design. Traditional soft meshes require heavy break-in to form an optimal pocket. But 2s mesh comes pre-molded with an ideal shape right off the shelf.

The pre-shaped pocket features a centralized channel and dual sidewalls built in. This lets players string a customized pocket quickly without needing to heavily manipulate the mesh itself. And the pre-shaped grooves also speed up pocket break-in. You’ll notice very quick setup with optimal ball control.

Targeted Stiffness Zones

While overall stiffness is crucial for performance, too much rigidity can hinder ball feel and control. So StringKing engineers cleverly designed 2s mesh with targeted stiffening zones to get the best of both worlds.

The material along the centralized channel and sidewalls contains the highest concentration of stiffening nylon fibers. This retains the overall pocket structure and provides crisp throwing release. But the surrounding areas utilize more malleable polyester blending to boost cradling and scooping capabilities.

Polyurethane Coating

The final piece of the 2s mesh innovation puzzle is the proprietary polyurethane coating. In addition to the blended fibers, StringKing treats the mesh with a thin PU application. This adds extra grip and friction to the material surface, resulting in better ball control.

During play, the PU coating helps the mesh “tack up” on ball contact. Shots stick right in the pocket, and outlet passes feel extremely crisp. The coating also reduces rebound velocity for more balls stopped and controlled per game.

Thanks to this arsenal of groundbreaking engineering elements, it’s easy to see why StringKing 2s mesh has quickly become a top choice for lacrosse goalies across all levels of play. The performance fiber blend, pre-shaped design, targeted stiffening, and polyurethane coating all work together to deliver next-level ball control. If you’re looking for an edge guarding the net this season, a pocket strung with 2s mesh is a surefire way to up your save percentages.

Why Grizzly goalie mesh is loved by top goalies

In the fast-paced game of lacrosse, having a dialed-in pocket is crucial for goalies. As shots get faster and passing gets quicker, netminders need mesh that can keep up. Grizzly Lacrosse burst onto the scene just a couple years ago, but their goalie mesh has already become a top choice for elite players. With its unique texture and innovative features, it’s easy to see why Grizzly has quickly become a favorite among high-level goalies.

But what exactly makes Grizzly mesh stand out? In this in-depth look, we’ll break down the key benefits and innovations that have made Grizzly a go-to for maximizing saves.

Extremely Tacky Feel

The first thing players notice about Grizzly goalie mesh is the incredibly tacky texture. Grizzly uses a proprietary mix of nylon, polyester, and rubber fibers to generate tons of friction. The result is a pocket with Velcro-like ball control.

Shots simply stick in the Grizzly mesh, allowing goalies to smother and contain high velocity shots with ease. And the tackiness also provides excellent outlet pass feel. The ball adheres to the fibers for great cradling and quick releases.

Durable Material Construction

While incredibly tacky, Grizzly mesh also holds up well over time. Through extensive testing, Grizzly engineers optimized the nylon/polyester ratio to provide the ideal blend of grip, structure, and durability. This helps the pocket maintain its shape and performance through tons of use and abuse.

The rubber blended into the material also enhances longevity by providing resistance to fraying or premature degradation. As a result, you can count on that tacky texture lasting all season long and then some.

Enhanced Ball Control

Naturally, the extremely tacky texture of Grizzly mesh translates directly into enhanced ball control. The resistance provided as the ball interacts with the pocket allows for excellent feel on shots.

Balls bite into the mesh and stay put. Goalies can track shots clearly and react quickly thanks to the pronounced grip. And outlet passes feel extremely crisp as well when flung from the tacky Grizzly pocket.

Dye-Friendly Construction

In addition to high levels of performance, Grizzly goalie mesh also enables extensive customization thanks to its dye-friendly materials. The nylon/polyester blend easily absorbs dye for coloring and pattern designs.

This allows goalies to add style and personal flair to their pockets. Given the highly visible nature of meshes, the ability to dye your pocket with vibrant colors or team logos helps goalies get noticed on the field.

For lacrosse players demanding the ultimate in visual ball control and confident outlet passing, Grizzly goalie mesh checks all the boxes. The proprietary construction generates an incredibly tacky feel unmatched by other meshes. And the balanced blend of fibers optimizes both durability and dye-ability for long-lasting performance. It’s no wonder why so many top-tier netminders have quickly come to love Grizzly mesh for taking their game to the next level.

The perfect baggy pocket – finding the sweet spot with StringKing goalie mesh

For lacrosse goalies, dialing in the ideal pocket is a constant pursuit. You want maximum ball control and visibility without sacrificing quick outlet passes. Recently, deep, baggy pockets have become all the rage for providing the ultimate ball-stopping power. But achieving the perfect amount of bag without compromising throwing ability requires finding a delicate balance. This season, more and more netminders are turning to StringKing’s proprietary goalie mesh to effortlessly find that sweet spot.

In their constant drive to boost performance, StringKing’s engineers have developed goalie mesh with some innovative features. These enable stringers to create the ideal baggy pocket profile with ease. Let’s look at why this versatile mesh has become a top choice for the perfect marriage of control and quickness.

Ultra-Fine Nylon Fibers

At the core of StringKing’s goalie mesh is an ultra-fine nylon fiber construction. By utilizing micro-diameter nylon strands, StringKing’s material naturally bags out substantially while retaining structure. This creates copious amounts of friction and surface area for unreal ball control.

The incredibly fine nylon fibers also enable excellent hold even when strung loosely. You can achieve pronounced bagginess without the need to choke up the mesh. This gives you the ball-stopping benefits of a deep pocket without sacrificing crisp release.

Strategic Stiffness Zones

A common problem with over-bagged pockets is delayed throwing release and lack of definition. To combat this, StringKing goalie mesh incorporates strategically stiffened zones along the channel and sidewalls. This retains crisp throwing capabilities and shape definition despite the pronounced bag.

The fused areas provide structure while the looser surrounding mesh bags out freely. You get the best of both worlds – a deep baggy pocket in the sweet spot along with quick, responsive outlet passes thrown from the stiffened channel.

Pre-Shaped Contouring

Further aiding shape retention and quick break-in is StringKing’s pre-shaped pocket design. Traditional soft meshes often require extensive manipulation to achieve an ideal pocket contour. But StringKing’s material comes pre-formed with defined channel and sidewalls.

Thanks to the molded contours, achieving significant bagginess is simple right off the shelf. And the pre-shape also speeds up pocket break-in dramatically compared to conventional meshes. You’ll notice very quick setup out of the package.

Polyurethane Coating

The final piece of the StringKing goalie mesh puzzle is a proprietary polyurethane coating. In addition to optimizing the fiber blend, StringKing also coats the mesh with a thin layer of tacky PU. This adds grip and responsiveness across the pocket surface.

The PU coating enhances ball control on saves and provides extra crispness on outlet passes, regardless of pocket depth. You can over-bag the pocket without sacrificing throwing feel and speed thanks to the grippy coating.

Finding that elusive sweet spot with a baggy yet quick pocket is made easy thanks to StringKing’s dialed-in goalie mesh design. The ultra-fine nylon fibers, strategic stiffening, pre-shaped contour, and PU coating all combine to enable the perfect marriage of control and quick outlet passes – a modern goalie’s dream.

Tips for tying StringKing 2s mesh to any head

StringKing’s revolutionary 2s goalie mesh has taken the lacrosse world by storm over the past year. With its unreal stiffness, hold, and quick release, 2s mesh has become the go-to choice for elite netminders. But while designed specifically for goalies, this high-performance mesh can work wonders strung into field heads as well. The key is understanding the unique properties of 2s mesh and how to optimize it on any head.

In this guide, we’ll provide some pro stringing tips to help you tie StringKing 2s mesh to any lacrosse head and maximize its playability.

Account for Added Thickness

One of the first things to know about 2s mesh is that it has a thicker overall construction than traditional soft mesh. The proprietary blended material contains more fiber content for added structure and stiffness.

To account for the extra thickness, be sure to use one full lace width more mesh material than you normally would. This prevents the pocket from cinching down too tight and allows the mesh to bag out optimally.

Skip Heavy Break-In Stringing

Thanks to the pre-shaped pocket design, StringKing 2s mesh requires very minimal break-in stringing compared to other meshes. It comes contoured out of the package to bag out substantially on its own.

Focus on tying a basic mid-to-low pocket to start. Allow the natural shape of the mesh do most of the work rather than excessive stringingmanipulation.

Focus Pocket in the Right Zone

When stringing 2s mesh, pay close attention to centering the pocket in the optimal zone. You’ll want to capture the pre-shaped channel and sidewall contours in the middle of the head for best performance.

Make sure sidewalls are vertical and the channel lines up with the center rail. This takes full advantage of the built-in shape for quick break-in.

Account for Stiffness During Top Stringing

Due to the stiffer fiber construction, account for StringKing 2s mesh resisting pull and deformation more than other meshes. Keep top stringing and lace spacing on the looser side.

If you typically double up laces, try using single lace top strings with 2s to allow the mesh to retain its structure without bunching.

Let It Bag Out Over Time

Be patient and allow the 2s mesh to bag out naturally as you break in the pocket. Don’t be tempted to excessively re-string it before the first few practices. Let the pre-shape and stiffness do their thing.

After a few sessions catching and throwing, you can tweak stringing to fine-tune. But let that heavy-duty material settle into its natural state first.

StringKing 2s mesh represents a revolution in lacrosse pocket construction. With the right stringing adjustments to complement its uniquely stiff design, it can transform any field or goalie head into a high-performance shooting and passing machine. Master these pro mesh-tying tips, and you’ll be on your way to witnessing the incredible potential of 2s mesh for yourself.

Grizzly mesh review – hearing feedback from goalies

In the highly competitive realm of lacrosse goalies, choosing the right equipment is crucial. And one of the most important pieces of gear is the mesh. A perfectly strung pocket can be the difference between stopping an extra shot per game or not. That’s why when Grizzly Lacrosse burst onto the scene recently with an innovative new goalie mesh, players took notice.

But how has this upstart mesh performed in real-world play? In this Grizzly mesh review, we’ll share candid feedback directly from goalies who have put it to the test. Read on for their thoughts on Grizzly’s impressive ball control, durability, and customization potential.

Unreal Ball Control

The first thing goalies notice about Grizzly mesh is the extremely tacky feel. Grizzly uses a specialized blend of nylon, polyester, and rubber fibers that generate tons of friction when interacting with the ball. The result is Velcro-like ball control that goalies love.

As Mike T., a high school goalie, describes it: “The ball just sticks right in the pocket. I can smother shots with confidence thanks to the ball not bouncing out.” Simon D. echoes this: “The grip allows me to cradle smoothly and direct outlet passes with precision.”

Superior Shape Retention

In addition to ball control, goalies praise Grizzly mesh for holding its structure over time. The hybrid material blend balances grip, stretch, and rebound characteristics to maintain pocket shape.

Per elite club goalie Matt R: “The Grizzly pocket really holds tension and doesn’t bag out like other meshes I’ve used. It stays crisp through heavy use.” Thomas K. agrees: “Very impressive shape retention even after a full season of play.”

Extensive Customization Options

Given the highly visible nature of goalie gear, personalization is important for standing out. Grizzly mesh delivers on this front with its extremely dye-friendly construction. The materials readily absorb dye for custom looks.

Liz W., a top women’s player, loves this capability: “Being able to dye the mesh with our team colors and logo helps my gear pop on the field.” Dan G. also customized his mesh: “Such an easy way to add style and make your setup unique.”

Across all levels of play, goalies agree that Grizzly mesh delivers game-changing performance. The unmatched ball control, shape retention, and customization potential give netminders an impressive competitive edge. As more players discover Grizzly mesh, it’s poised to continue taking over the lacrosse world.

Where to buy Grizzly mesh online for cheap

One of the hottest new lacrosse products on the market is Grizzly Lacrosse goalie mesh. With its incredibly tacky feel and elite-level performance, Grizzly mesh has taken the sport by storm. As more and more pros, college players, and youth athletes make the switch, Grizzly has quickly become the next big thing in goalie gear.

But with insane demand comes high prices from some retailers. Finding Grizzly mesh at an affordable cost can be tricky with sellers hiking up profit margins. Luckily, we’ve done the research to uncover the best places to buy Grizzly mesh online for cheap.

GrizzlyLacrosse.com

For discounted prices direct from the source, check out Grizzly’s own website. They offer combo packs that lower the per-piece cost. A 3-pack of 9 diamond mesh strips goes for around $30 total.

Grizzly also regularly runs sitewide sales and promotions that apply to mesh. Sign up for their newsletter to stay updated on all the latest deals.

Lacrosse Unlimited

Major lacrosse retailers like Lacrosse Unlimited offer solid bulk pricing on Grizzly products. Take advantage of frequent coupon codes and make sure to buy multiple strips of mesh at once.

With big distributor discounts, LU can offer Grizzly mesh for under $10 per strip when buying 3 or more. Their price matching guarantee also ensures the lowest price.

SidelineSwap

Check out peer-to-peer gear sites like SidelineSwap for deeply discounted used Grizzly mesh strips. Players often string a pocket and end up not liking it.

You can score barely-used high-end mesh for under $5/strip. SidelineSwap’s buyer protection helps guarantee satisfaction.

eBay Auctions

Search eBay listings for Grizzly mesh auctions ending soon with no bids. You can sometimes win an auction last minute for crazy low prices.

Sort search results by newly listed and keep an eye on auctions with 12 hours left and zero bids so far. Bid your max price in the closing seconds.

With Grizzly being the hottest new lacrosse product, there are more ways than ever to get your hands on their game-changing goalie mesh. Follow these tips to unlock the lowest prices online and take your game to the next level without breaking the bank.

Creating a money channel pocket with StringKing goalie mesh

In the quest for the perfect lacrosse goalie pocket, prevalence and depth are crucial. You want pronounced ball control and visibility. For these reasons, money channel pockets have become a go-to for many elite netminders. This style uses extra shooting strings to create exaggerated channel bagging.

But achieving the ideal money channel shape requires the right mesh. This season, more and more pros are turning to StringKing’s proprietary goalie mesh. Thanks to its innovative construction, it enables money channels to be strung up with ease.

Start with a Wide Pattern

When stringing up a money channel with StringKing mesh, it’s smart to start with a wider diamond pattern. The 10 or 11 diamond width provides adequate space for pushing the boundaries of bag.

Wider patterns also retain structure better when heavily baggged compared to narrower meshes. This prevents collapsing or pancaking.

Max Out Shooting Strings

Of course, the hallmark of a money channel is extra shooting string layers pulling in the pocket sidewalls. Use at least 4 shooting strings, up to 6 if allowed by the head.

Stacking shooting strings intensifies bagging while also letting you fine tune pocket placement. Spread strings evenly from top to bottom.

Shape and Space U-Strings

Properly shaping and spacing the U-strings is also key with a money channel. Keep U’s low on the sidewalls and space them no more than 1.5 inches apart.

This further exaggerates channel bag while allowing the pocket to retain definition. Closer spaced U’s also increase hold for stopping high heaters.

Account for StringKing’s Stiffness

When stringing an extreme money channel, compensate for StringKing mesh’s added stiffness. Keep knots and lace tension a bit looser than normal.

This allows the mesh to stretch adequately. Overcompensating with tight stringing defeats the purpose of the soft feel.

With its dialed-in performance features, such as strategically stiffened zones and pre-shaped contour, StringKing goalie mesh makes crafting the ideal money channel deceptively easy. Follow these pro stringing tips to experience amazing ball control and visibility all season long.

StringKing 2s vs Grizzly – comparing quality and performance

When it comes to lacrosse goalie mesh, two brands stand out above the rest right now – StringKing and Grizzly. Both companies have made major waves recently with cutting-edge goalie pocket technology. StringKing 2s and Grizzly meshes represent the next evolution in constructing the perfect goalie pocket.

But how exactly do these premier meshes stack up against each other? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll examine the key differences in material quality, weather resistance, pocket feel, ball control, and longevity between StringKing 2s and Grizzly goalie meshes.

Construction and Materials

Both meshes utilize a specialized nylon/polyester fiber blend for ideal texture and performance. Grizzly adds rubber to the mix for extra grip and longevity. StringKing uses higher-denier nylon for increased stiffness and structure retention.

Grizzly offers excellent friction and tackiness at the cost of pocket rigidity over time. StringKing provides unmatched structure and quickness with slightly less natural glue-like feel.

Weather Tolerance

Grizzly mesh exhibits solid water and heat resistance thanks to the rubber content. It maintains tack reasonably well in wet conditions. StringKing 2s uses a proprietary polyurethane coating to deal with moisture well.

Both meshes can develop frost in very cold temperatures. Grizzly potentially has a slight edge in extreme conditions due to the rubber additive.

Pocket Feel and Ball Control

Both StringKing and Grizzly deliver excellent ball lock-in and visibility. Grizzly’s softness allows for more customizable pocket feel through stringing adjustments. StringKing’s stiffness enables more speed on outlet passes.

For players who like maximum ball adhesion and flexible pockets, Grizzly is ideal. For lightning-quick ball release and hold, StringKing 2s is tops.

Durability Over Time

Grizzly mesh maintains its pliable feel longer without bagging out thanks to the rubber content. StringKing is stiffer out of the box, with tightly woven fibers that don’t degrade or fray as easily over time.

For players wanting the same pocket feel all season, Grizzly is the way to go. For structure retention, StringKing is superior.

When it comes to elite lacrosse goalie mesh, you really can’t go wrong with either Grizzly or StringKing 2s. Both represent major innovations in pocket performance and feel. Prioritize tackiness and customization or quickness and hold, and you’ll be thrilled upgrading your game this season.

Steps to install StringKing 2s mesh perfectly on your first try

StringKing’s game-changing 2s goalie mesh has taken over lacrosse in recent years. With its unreal stiffness and quick release, 2s mesh has become a must-have upgrade for elite netminders. However, as a stiffer mesh with advanced construction, installing 2s mesh correctly requires some specialized knowledge.

Follow these pro step-by-step instructions for installing 2s mesh perfectly on your goalie head right away. Dial it in on the first try and take your game to the next level this season.

Start with a Clean Head

Begin the process by completely removing old mesh and sidewall strings from your head. Make sure to clear out any leftover strings or debris in the throat and sidewall holes.

It’s much easier to start fresh with a spotless head and holes. This allows the new mesh to seat cleanly without interference.

Account for Mesh Thickness

Due to the thicker woven material, always use at least one extra full diamond width of 2s mesh compared to traditional soft mesh. This prevents excess tightening when stringing.

If you normally cut soft mesh 8 diamonds wide, use 9 diamonds of 2s. The extra width leaves room for the mesh to bag out optimally.

Install Sidewalls First

Always install the sidewall strings before the cross-lacing with 2s mesh. The stiffness requires sidewalls to hold the diamond pattern in place during lacing.

Securely anchor sidewalls using a strong knot like the cobra X-lock or triple-up knots. Pull tension firmly but not overly tight.

Focus on Center Channel Alignment

When lacing rows, constantly check that the pre-shaped center channel of the mesh remains vertically aligned. Work from the middle row outwards to keep the channel centered.

This allows the structured contour of the 2s mesh to seat correctly within the head for ideal pocket formation.

Patience and care in installation pays off hugely with high-caliber mesh like StringKing 2s. Staying mindful of the material thickness, lacing direction, and contour alignment results in a perfectly strung pocket dialed-in right off the bat. Follow these steps and enjoy immediate ball control and quickness all season long.

My tips for breaking in brand new Grizzly goalie mesh

One of the hottest newcomers in lacrosse goalie gear is Grizzly Mesh. With its ultra-tacky feel and responsive pocket, Grizzly has taken the sport by storm. But to maximize the performance of this elite mesh, breaking in a brand new pocket properly is crucial.

After stringing up numerous goalie heads with Grizzly mesh, I’ve learned some key tips for breaking in this unique material quickly and optimally. Here are my top tricks for getting game-ready with Grizzly mesh right out of the package.

Let It Bag Out Naturally

When freshly strung, Grizzly mesh is fairly stiff. Avoid the temptation to excessively re-string and manipulate the pocket before break-in. Allow the mesh to naturally bag out and soften up with use.

The Grizzly material will conform better if allowed to break in organically. Have some patience as it forms the ideal pocket shape over time.

Use a Lacrosse Ball

To accelerate the break-in process, continually flex and mush the pocket by squeezing a lacrosse ball firmly into the mesh. This helps the materials soften and bag out faster.

Focus on the scoop area and mid pocket. Roll the ball around forcefully to soften up the stitching and Diamonds. 10-15 minutes per day speeds up the process.

Wooden Ball/Shaft Pressure

In addition to a real ball, use a wooden ball or lacrosse shaft to apply pressure to strategic areas. Push outwards on the channel and sidewalls to create structure.

I like to use the handle end of a shaft to roll across the mesh, pushing the diamonds outward. This opens up the pocket quickly.

Heat and Water

As a final break-in technique, apply heat and water to the mesh. Use a garment steamer or hot damp towel to slightly relax and soften the materials.

This allows the nylon and polyester fibers to become more flexible. Be careful not to overdo it and damage the shape.

With its elite-level performance, Grizzly goalie mesh is worth taking the time to break in correctly. In just a few on and off-field sessions using these tips, you’ll have the ideal tacky and responsive pocket ready for action.

How pocket placement affects ball control with StringKing goalie mesh

A perfectly strung lacrosse goalie head with elite mesh like StringKing can be a work of art. Precise diamonds, immaculate stitching, masterfully woven shooting strings – attention to detail matters. But one factor trumps all others when crafting the ideal goalie pocket – placement.

The exact location of the pocket within the head has an immense impact on overall ball control and performance. As you string up your next masterpiece with StringKing mesh, keep these pocket placement principles in mind.

Elevation

Higher pockets in the upper third of the head provide the most stopping power on high shots. The added depth cradles the ball on impact to prevent rebounds.

But pockets placed too high reduce visibility on low shots. There’s a delicate balance between control and reaction time.

Centered Channel

Ensuring the pocket channel runs directly down the center axis of the head enhances cradling, stopping, and passing. Well-centered pockets make the ball feel like an extension of your stick.

Off-center pockets lead to ball wobble during play. Dialing in a straight vertical channel should be a top priority.

Shooting Strings

Strategic shooting string placement defines the actual catch and release points within the pocket. Stacking strings purposefully can create “focus zones” for stopping different shot heights.

Too many strings too close together, however, overcomplicates things. Leave enough space between stringing rows for clean entry and exits.

Sidewall Positioning

The angle and tension of the mesh sidewalls also impacts pocket performance. More vertical sidewalls center the ball efficiently. Steeper angles add hold and control.

But going overboard restricts ball movement during play. The ideal sidewalls enhance feel while allowing free motion when needed.

With its ultra-consistent materials and construction, StringKing goalie mesh provides the perfect foundation for dialing in pocket placement. Take the time to string, test, and tweak until discovering ball control perfection.

Top StringKing 2s mesh patterns to try for more whip and hold

One of the many groundbreaking properties of StringKing’s game-changing 2s goalie mesh is its tunable stringing options. By selecting different diamond mesh widths and lace placements, players can amplify different characteristics in the pocket.

Wider patterns and strategic stringing generate more defined structure, hold, and whip. Here are some of the top 2s mesh patterns to try this season for maximizing outlet pass speed and stopping power.

10 Diamond

Compared to traditional wider goalie meshes, the 10 diamond width with 2s material provides the perfect blend of hold, release, and ball control. The added width opens up the pocket for increased stopping area without losing crisp throws.

With an innate stiffness, the 10 diamond prevents collapse on hard shots. It’s an ideal middle ground pattern.

Staircase Lacing

Building a “staircase” lacing progression enhances hold and whip. Start with a 3-strap setup in the throat, transitioning to 2-straps and finally 1-straps down towards the scoop.

This allows the upper half of the head to bag out for containing high shots. The lower half stays tighter and more defined for passing and scooping.

Triple Up Top Strings

For players who like an extra-stiff collar area, try lacing the top cross strings using a triple-up pattern. This means wrapping 3 lace lengths through each mesh hole instead of just once.

It chokes up the upper diamonds substantially while allowing the rest of the head to form naturally. This adds tremendous passing whip.

Double U-Strings

Adding a second set of U-strings can also enhance hold. Place one near the top of the sidewall for definition, and another set mid-pocket for overall shape.

The extra U’s help form defined pockets and channels. They also provide more contact points with the ball for increased control during play.

Thanks to the adaptable nature of StringKing 2s mesh, playing around with lacing patterns opens up a whole new world of performance possibilities. Incorporate these techniques to experience the ultimate combination of responsiveness, speed, control, and power.

Why Grizzly mesh is preferred for youth goalies vs StringKing 2s

When gearing up with new lacrosse goalie equipment, mesh selection is incredibly important. The optimal goalie mesh depends greatly on factors like age, skill level, and playing style. In recent years, two mesh brands have risen to the top – Grizzly and StringKing 2s.

But when it comes to youth goalies specifically, there are some compelling reasons why Grizzly mesh tends to be preferred over StringKing’s flagship 2s mesh. Let’s look at the key differences that make Grizzly an ideal match for developing netminders.

Softer Feel

The most noticeable contrast between Grizzly and 2s mesh is the overall pocket feel. Grizzly has a soft, malleable feel that new goalies find very forgiving. It cushions off-target catches gently without sting.

The pliability also allows for custom break-in shaping as needed. Grizzly conforms perfectly to a youth player’s evolving preferences.

Greater Durability

With new players still perfecting technique, goalie gear takes some abuse. Grizzly’s thick blended fibers stand up extremely well to young player wear and tear.

The materials retain their texture much longer than 2s mesh, which can become brittle and fade over time. Grizzly’s long-lasting performance is great for parents’ budgets.

Enhanced Grip

Grizzly’s ultra-tacky grip also caters well to developing hands. The pronounced friction helps young players securely catch and control shots during play.

The soft feel and rubber content allow for confident cradling and quick outlet passing. Building confidence early on is vital.

Easy Pocket Shaping

Since most youth players lack advanced stringing knowledge, Grizzly’s overall simplicity speeds customization. Easily moldable sidewalls and diamonds enable DIY adjustments as skills progress.

Tweaking a 2s pocket requires more precision. Grizzly meshes faster shaping with built-in forgiveness.

When prioritizing comfort, control, affordability, and easy adjustments, Grizzly goalie mesh is the best match for budding youth lacrosse talents. Before long they’ll advance to the stiffer, quicker performance of StringKing 2s material.

The best way to wash Grizzly and StringKing mesh after games

One of the keys to extending the life of premium lacrosse goalie mesh is proper post-game cleaning. Top brands like Grizzly and StringKing represent major investments, so keeping them fresh and intact is crucial.

However, because of the specialized materials involved, washing requires some specific care. Here is the best process for safely cleaning Grizzly and StringKing mesh after competitive action.

Use a Lacrosse Head Cleaner

Skip the washing machine – the tumbling can damage strings and materials. Instead, use a specialty lacrosse head cleaner tool. These plastic devices secure the head in place while scrubbing.

Cleaning tools allow you to thoroughly clean the pocket and sidewalls while protecting the integrity of the mesh itself. Rotate and reposition the head during cleaning.

Warm Water is Best

Always use warm but never hot water when washing goalie mesh. Hot water can shrink and misshape nylon fibers. However, warm water helps dissolve built-up dirt, grime, and mud after games.

Position your cleaning tool and mesh under a medium warm bath. The warmth also helps the mesh fibers relax to release trapped particles.

Gently Scrub With a Soft Brush

Use a soft bristle brush or rag to gently scrub the mesh surface as water flows over it. Focus on the thick stitching areas where bacteria and moisture can collect.

Be sure to move the brush across every diamond, gently scrubbing to release any embedded dirt or debris in the pocket.

Air Dry Thoroughly

After washing, allow the mesh to completely air dry before storing it away. Hang it using the head’s throat holes or a mesh hanger accessory.

Trapped moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth damaging the materials. Make sure no moisture remains before bagging.

With the proper gentle cleaning process, Grizzly and StringKing goalie mesh can maintain top performance for multiple seasons. Take the time to wash pads properly, and they’ll deliver season after season.