Category: Equipment

Welcome to String League, lacrosse’s biggest stringing competition. Week three is focused on using two pieces of mesh to make the most aesthetically pleasing and functional pocket possible. Our third week of the finals belongs to JimAlax and is titled “In a Land Without String”. Jim from JimAlax came up with this challenge which gives each stringer two pieces of Money Mesh to string an accurate functional pocket into a STX Surgeon 10. Jim chose the winners for this week’s competition is @Lacrosseman who won a $50 JimAlax gift certificate and coming in second place is @MClaxstrings.

Watch our weekly video installment on Stringleague.com and be sure to check out the leaderboard and root for your favorite stringer on Instagram @brostrings, @laxisbae, @lacrosseman, @oldratlax, @mclaxstrings. We want to thank all of our sponsors The Lacrosse Network, Stylin Strings, Throne of String, East Coast Dyes, Encore Lacrosse, LAX Allstars, STX, and JimAlax.

Minneapolis, MN – April 1, 2015 — Today Epoch announces that the next series of The Hawk will have Built-in Wi-Fi. So, The Hawk will create its own Wi-Fi that any of your devices can connects to. The Hawk is leading the way with the only lacrosse head that offers the built-in 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing players the ability to seamlessly connect their smart devices to the internet on and off the field.

Connecting The Hawk’s built-in Wi-Fi to your smart device is simple. It is automatic with an Android™-powered smart device. For iOS users, go to Settings on your phone, into the Wi-Fi settings, and select the network SSID. It begins with the name Epoch Hawk followed by a string of letters and numbers. Once you’ve selected the Network SSID, you can open your browser or any apps that that require Wi-Fi, as the connection is now established.

“Epoch prides ourselves on being the leader in technologically advanced products and the new WiFi enabled version of The Hawk is a perfect example of this.” said James Miceli “Imagine your parents sitting in the crowd and they can look at their Apple Watch and see how fast you shoot the ball when you scored. This is truly innovation at the highest level, He added. “

Live. Play. Be.

EPOCH FIREFLY IQ5 –

This year Epoch has partnered with us here at Lacrosse Playground for a serious heavy duty review of almost every handle they have on the market. It started with the F30 and has extended to the rest of the lineup including the Firefly handles. Many of the Epoch handles carry similar technologies but subtle differences. Certain aspects do carry over from handle to handle but each has its own specialty. The Firefly is a great handle for that player who wants to advance their game with a technology driven aid without breaking the bank. This handle grows on you quickly and in many ways.

SHAPE 9 out of 10

The Firefly features a unique concave shape when using the handle. Obviously concave octagonal handle shapes aren’t new but the way the Firefly feels is. The handle feels like a cross between a more rounded handle like the old STX handles and a true concave octagonal like the Kryptolyte. This shape is unusual for all of about 30 seconds, throw on your gloves and hit the wall and after 3 or 4 passes it will feel insanely natural in your hands and give you a solid feel when performing any action. The shape of the Firefly may not be something you’ve seen before but it definitely earns a comfortable rating. 9 out of 10.

WEIGHT 10 out of 10

Firefly and Dragonfly aren’t just cool names for shafts but they live up to the names by being feather light. The Firefly like most Epoch handles feels just as light as the competition for hyperlight handles such as the Burn Pro and Gait Ice. Not a ton to be said here. 10 out of 10.

GRIP 10 out of 10

Epoch’s SlipGrip should be famous if it is not already. Companies have tried for years to create a grip that players actually enjoy, can feel, and that doesn’t wreck your gloves. For the most part companies have either gone to rubberized grips that peel or are way too sticky or a sandblast that in order to not do damage to gloves often can barely be felt in a way that makes you say “Wow I really like this”. The SlipGrip on the Firefly is so perfectly laid. Other than a little tape for the bottom to keep the end cap on I don’t need any to have the perfect feel on the shaft. It also is not too sand papery to the point where I feel like it is scratching on my hands during wall ball without gloves. No matter what the position a handle with SlipGrip will immediately make a quality impression on you.

DURABILITY 8.5 out of 10

The Firefly is a cheaper model from the Epoch line but don’t think that it isn’t strong. We pounded on this shaft and it held strong, we did end up breaking a competitor’s top of the line handle with a Firefly during a check but also cracked our first Firefly in the process. We spoke with James Miceli of Epoch about this and he was thoroughly shocked as they have never seen this happen. He immediately replaced the shaft without question calling into effect the 1 year warranty that Epoch stands by and will stand by their products no matter what. Not only did the shaft get replaced, but we have since put the new Firefly through the same kind of beatings and it has withheld the force without so much as a scratch. We are definitely viewing that first break as a fluke. The Firefly will hold strong in your hand through absolute full force play and definitely deserves your confidence. 8.5 out of 10.

FLEX 9 out of 10

The Firefly made with Epochs Advanced Carbon Layering (A.C.L.) technology using unidirectional weave carbon fiber with multidirectional layering without fiberglass add ins creates a consistent flex along the handle so no guessing when you decide to let it rip or get in hard on the crease. Being an IQ5 handle the Firefly holds tight for outside rippers who are looking to add consistency and hide the ball from the goalie as the release timing definitely changes. When shooting with the Firefly the shot feels almost as though it lags behind you but when radar tested the ball does not lose any speed from a standard metal shaft over to a Firefly. This lag can also be beneficial as goalies tend to have a hard time adjusting to 90 mph shots that just don’t seem to come from the same spot or timing that they are used to. Inside shooters will love that the shaft stays stable though as the flex is strong enough to give when checked on the crease just enough to keep your shot from being as heavily changed by good defense. Check out the flex test here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nKzHOfFnv0

The Defense variant of this shaft is more similar to the older Dragonfly handles than the new Gen 5 series. It is an IQ 8 giving it solid flex during play. When checking you can feel the flex but the lack of “Reload Technology” it has a good feel but maybe not the extra snap you get from a Dragonfly. Clearing passes feel good and snap through like a traditional handle so getting them on point should be no issue here. The controlled flex of the Firefly may take some adjustment but once you do it is definitely a feature you will enjoy. 9 out of 10.

LOOKS 10 out of 10

Epoch made the Firefly with a different design in mind. The thick Pantone 382c stripe down the side with the labeling and “Live Play Be” reminder on the back of the shaft gives the Firefly a unique design that you just can’t help but love. By keeping it simple while standing out the Firefly gains a 10 out of 10 in the looks department.

OVERALL 9.3 out of 10

Want to give an Epoch handle a try without breaking the bank? Looking for a solid backup to your already awesome C30 IQ5? Just want a sick handle that performs well and looks the part too? Well the Firefly may just be the handle for you. It certainly has been for us. 9.3 out of 10.

Epoch C40 Goalie Handle –

Goalie handles are becoming less common and are often just thinner weaker versions of popular short sticks. Epoch has spent a good amount of time addressing this and coming out with the Dragonfly Gen V C40. This is another handle in the C series, but 40 inches longer for the keeper and with its own flare. This handle may be a favorite for more traditional goalies who love the longer handle.

SHAPE 10 out of 10

The C40 has the traditional octagonal grip that has dominated the market for years with a concave flare to it. The shape of this handle is well defined and a little thinner than your traditional C series handle. This allows you to really get a solid grip and not let the handle spin on hard shots. We had multiple goalies pick up this handle and every one couldn’t get over how well the shape of this handle was done 10 out of 10.

WEIGHT 10 out of 10

Our goalie went from using a cut down midgrade dpole as his goalie stick to the C40 and even though the C40 is much longer than his old stick it is noticeably lighter. This handle is almost hard to notice that you are holding it with how light it is. Getting off ball hip shots is just easy as the difference in weight between the head and the shaft is so great the stick will just naturally rotate under for you. These handles will definitely not make you feel heavy in the 4th quarter. 10 out of 10.

GRIP 10 out of 10

So we said that Epoch spent a lot of time developing this shaft and a lot of it was spent on the grip. There is literally no need for tape for goalies here, as a combination of SlipGrip and what Epoch calls a 3 Zone Grip provides super tacky feel in the zones where you need it to make saves. Goalies aren’t normally throwing poke checks so this grip doesn’t cause any issues and even on heavy bomb shots the stick stays even more solid than a handle with tape on it. Clearing the ball while running still feels good as the SlipGrip is layered between the 3 Zone giving you a great feeling when cradling the ball. Getting a solid grip is no problem here. 10 out of 10.

DURABILITY 10 OUT OF 10

Check the pipes, make saves, take checks, or throw them without any worry with the Gen V C40. Our goalie has since taken slashes when clearing, saved a few shots with the handle, given some hammers back to attackman camping on crease and routinely checks his spacing on the pipes and his shaft has no damage to it whatsoever. Rafael is no small guy and even under some frustration when he smacked the pipe with the handle it held up strong with no frustration breaks here. 10 out of 10.

FLEX 10 OUT OF 10

At an IQ3 the C40 is one of the stiffest handles in the Epoch Gen V lineup. This makes sense as they are going to be attached to much heavier heads and make long 40 yard passes routinely. At an IQ3 with a goalie head on this handle though the combination of stiffness and “Reload Technology” make clearing passes just a simple flick of the wrist. Reload Technology is a system of tighter weaves and added product while rethinking the multidirectional layering in all the Gen V handles by Epoch. It really is a noticeable addition during certain actions. In the case of the C40 the Reload tech gives the longer handle an added snap without having to try and throw harder, allowing you to really control your outlets while keeping them on a string over a longer distance where often goalies have to really force their pass which leads to overthrows or just bad passes all around. The flex of the C40 will give goalies an unbelievable advantage when looking to be the first line of offense after a great save. 10 out of 10.

LOOKS 10 out of 10

Looks don’t count in your final grade here, they don’t make you a better player or make a piece of equipment better but they still matter to a degree to every player. Nobody wants to look like a tyedye explosion on the field and Epoch keeps it clean with all of the Gen V handles sticking to simple color schemes of Carbon Grey. The Pantone 382c logos just stand out in the right way, keeping it looking clean. 10 out of 10.

OVERALL 10 out of 10

No brainer here, it’s not often that goalies are really supported by product development in a meaningful way but the guys at Epoch have you covered as a keeper. Push the pace and be a brick wall with the Epoch Gen V C40. 10 out of 10 fellas.

Welcome to String League, lacrosse’s biggest stringing competition. Week two is meant to challenge and focus each stringer on functionality and accuracy. Our second week of the finals belongs to Encore Brand Lacrosse and is titled “In a Land Without String”.

Greg rose form Encore came up with this challenge which gives each stringer one 22″ sidewall string, one 11″ sidewall, one shooter, and one piece of mesh to string an accurate functional pocket into a STX Surgeon 10. Then each stringer needs to hit a box painted on a wall 9 times in a row from 9 yards away. Greg chose all the winners this week and the winner will be getting an Encore lifestyle on and off field pack. Off Field – Encore jeans hemmed to your length, and Encore Tee, Encore Hat and an Encore Hoodie. On Field – Johnny Christmas’ LXM Pro On-Firld pack including LXM shooter and shorts & encore socks.

Watch our weekly video installment on Stringleague.com and be sure to check out the leaderboard and root for your favorite stringer on Instagram @brostrings, @laxisbae, @lacrosseman, @oldratlax, @mclaxstrings. We want to thank all of our sponsors The Lacrosse Network, Stylin Strings, Throne of String, East Coast Dyes, Encore Lacrosse, LAX Allstars, STX, and JimAlax.

Franklin & Marshall is a prestigious 4-year private co-education college located in Lancaster, Pensylvania. Their Division III women’s lacrosse team boasts 11 conference and two NCAA championships, one in 2007 and one in 2009. They started this year ranked #8 in the IWCLA poll and now after seven straight wins they look to keep their undefeated season and No. 1 raking against one of the toughest teams in women’s college lacrosse, the Salisbury Seagulls.

Recently Stylin Strings was contacted by Mike Faith, Head Coach of the Franklin & Marshall women’s lacrosse team for professional stringing services for his program. Mike decided to provide his players with 12 sticks to use this season. The team chose six STX Crux 500 and 6 Under Armour Regime heads to be custom strung with the new STX Launch center channel. The pocket placement was a bit limited due to the constraints of the STX launch center channel however the players loved our product and have been using them every game this season.

As with all NCAA programs that we have the opportunity to work with we are very appreciative and humbled to be a part of such a prestigious college lacrosse team. To be able to facilitate the top ranked women’s team in the nation with the highest quality sticks is something we are very proud of and every stick that is watched on such a level continues to grow the game of lacrosse, and that is what we strive to do on a daily basis.

MEMPHIS, TN – After 10 years crafting handles for the top brands in the lacrosse industry, True Temper Sports announced today the launch of its own brand, TRUE Lacrosse. Now, the sport’s leading engineers and designers can bring top design and elite performance directly to athletes at a great value.

“Players at all levels have long trusted us to deliver on the field. Today we can finally introduce ourselves,” said Jerry Scott, Director of Lacrosse at True Temper Sports. “The launch of TRUE Lacrosse frees us to pursue our own, uncompromised vision on behalf of lacrosse athletes.”

TRUE Lacrosse aims to cut through the confusion in the marketplace that can overwhelm even the savviest players and coaches.

“Our competitors have flooded the sport with hard-to-distinguish products at never-ending price points,” said Scott. “We’ve put our effort and technology into a focused number of handles so athletes can get out of the stores and onto the field. Players, coaches and parents will be relieved and impressed.”

Introduced today, as the first products under the TRUE Lacrosse name are the Alloy 2.0 and COMP SF 4.0 handles for men.

The Alloy 2.0 features a superior strength-to-weight ratio thanks to the 7075 alloy, a favorite of the aircraft industry. Suitable for all ages and levels of play, it offers solid performance at a great price with a sand-blast finish for greater grip and feel.

The COMP SF 4.0 has the ideal balance of strength, weight and flex for power or finesse players at every position. Designed for elite athletes, the TRUE COMP 4.0 features TRUE’s exclusive SmartPly and SmartFlex technologies.

SmartPly optimizes the angles and order of 25 layers of unidirectional carbon fiber for an unmatched bond of weight, balance and impact strength. SmartFlex enhances a handle’s stiffness profile allowing TRUE’s engineers to control where, when and how a handle flexes. This delivers the right snap, control, feel and accuracy for every style of play.

Both the ALLOY 2.0 and COMP SF 4.0 are available starting today at http://www.lacrossemonkey.com/true-lacrosse-new-items.html Women’s models will be available this summer with additional men’s and women’s handles coming in the fall.

To give players and coaches a chance to try out the initial products, TRUE Lacrosse is looking for participants for its TRUE Testing Program. Testers will receive a handle and offer feedback to TRUE Lacrosse on how to improve the handles’ performance. The number of testers is limited. To become a TRUE Tester, players can visit http://www.true-lacrosse.com/sign-up

For more information about TRUE Lacrosse products and where to purchase them, visit www.true-lacrosse.com. Become a fan on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About TRUE Lacrosse
TRUE Lacrosse was established to design, engineer and manufacture the best performance-driven lacrosse products available. For ten years, TRUE Lacrosse developed handles for the most respected brands in the game. Now, TRUE has taken its product directly to the players.

About True Temper Sports
With manufacturing facilities and offices located throughout the county and the world, True Temper retains the largest market share globally in golf shafts. The company markets a complete line of golf shafts and performance sports products in more than 30 countries throughout the world. True Temper Sports is proudly represented by 1,000 individuals in ten facilities located in the United States, Europe, Japan, China and Australia. For more information visit www.truetemper.com

StringKing Grizzly Mesh:

Grizzly Mesh Kit (white) on a Lime Green STX Shield:

Last Fall StringKing contacted us at Lacrosse Playground to get some testing done on their Type 2 mesh. We tested that mesh out with one of the best goalies I’ve seen play and have had the privilege to coach, Carter Kusek, of Flagler Palm Coast High School. He had just won standout player during the Wounded Warrior Veteran’s Day Tournament in Palm Coast, FL and asked if the hat he had won could be changed for a piece of StringKing goalie mesh (if they were making one). Long story short we knew Grizzly Mesh was coming back in October and StringKing was stoked to have Carter be the tester for this product. He along with several other goalies performed this review but for Carter this mesh is a game changer for any goalie.

BREAK IN TIME: 10 out of 10
The mesh is instantly broken in once the head is fully strung up with shooters and all. The pocket almost forms spontaneously as you tie the final knot on your shooters. Once adjusted this mesh feels better than any mesh that took days to break in or required tons of adjusting. The mesh was in and set in minutes and quickly became obvious that it is really on another level from other products on the market.

HOLD: 10 out of 10
The lightweight mesh has the same amount of hold that a wax mesh would have. What makes it better is its smooth release off the shooters even though it has a great amount of hold. Clearing the ball quickly becomes a dream for the goalie and a nightmare for anyone trying to ride as it isn’t going to come out till you make it. When you do decided to let it rip, its crisp and on a line making you the obvious first line of offense.

WATERPROOF: 9.8 out of 10
The mesh does resist a heavy amount of water when playing in damp environment, but all together, the shooters are a part of the mesh kit and it added a very minuscule amount of weight to the head. The clears over all as it didn’t change much when damp or soaked but it is a minor change so we felt the need to note it. (Seriously though it would be difficult to actually have this affect your game negatively).

SAVES/REBOUNDS: 10 out of 10
This mesh is amazing in this category. When I first used this god-created mesh I was astonished by the amount of rebounds there were. The number was cut in half within the first day of use. The mesh absorbs the shot from a varsity level lacrosse player like it’s not even trying. I like to compare the mesh to a vacuum for one reason only. It sucks the shot up and keeps the ball in your stick.

LOOKS: No Numerical Rating
This is a very white mesh, so after a few uses it does lose its bleach white coloring but what white doesn’t get dirty? Its mesh for a goalie so it has to get dirty to get the job done. The pocket on the other hand is very defined when fully strung. The mesh strung up better then I thought it would at first as it comes out of the package pretty soft.

OVERALL: 10 out of 10
Grizzly Mesh is just perfect as there isn’t anything bad about this mesh in any format that we could find. Carter was really one of the best players to test this as he plays for a team that for the most part is very young and very inexperienced therefore allowing him to make many more game situation saves than the average goalie. Speaking to that point, in 8 games, Carter made just over 200 saves. In his words, “This mesh doesn’t make you a great goalie, hard work does, but it certainly makes the hardest working goalies jobs much easier by removing the option of a rebound for the offense.”

Writers Note:
This review was a ton of fun we really do recommend this mesh to any goalie at any level. I had the privilege of coaching Carter for the past year and to see some of his high school games this season. He is a leader on the team and spends time working with youth players to improve their game. The above save numbers are real as he is a brick wall in net. Any coach who reads this or hears about it and would like to meet or talk to hands down one of the hardest working players and students I’ve had the opportunity to work with can contact Lacrosse Playground and we will get the contact made. Thank you StringKing for the opportunity to test out this product.