StringKing Grizzly Mesh Review

Grizzly Mesh 1

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).

Grizzly Mesh 3

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.

Grizzly Mesh 4

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.

String League: Throne of String Week 1

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Welcome to String League, lacrosse’s biggest stringing competition. Week one is meant to challenge and stretch competitors’ problem solving, and adaptability. Our first week of the finals belongs to Throne of String. Throne‘s owner Joe gives us some background on his lacrosse company based out of Brooklyn, New York. This week’s challenge for contestants @Brostrings, @Laxisbae, @lacrosseman, oldratlax, @mclaxstrings is the Throne pocket. This is a highly complex four leather custom pocket invented by Joe involving an “O” channel, double interlocks, and contingent stringing. Entries will be judged on symmetry, pocket shape, tension, amd overall presentation by Chris, Throne of String’s lead stringer. Watch our weekly video installment on Stringleague.com and be sure to check out the leaderboard and root for your favorite stringer. 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.

SOSO 52 : Rasta Sticks and Fake Mustaches. Custom Strung Sticks and Dye Jobs

Check out Stylin Strings latest Ship Out Shout Out. This installment highlights our new intern MikeAtron and America’s favorite stringer T-Bird. This week Mike wears a goalie hat and gets drawn on, Frank kills it, and Skaggs catches the stick of the week. This episode features a Maverick Optik U with a StringKing mesh T-Bird pocket, a Las Reinforced Pita, and East Coast Mesh Warrior OG Blade. Our contest winner is announced and don’t forget to enter to win a Headstrong themed mesh kit. Finally we are taking new nicknames for #Irishmike so enter your ideas today.
Enjoy!

Check out the sick Lacrosse Sticks we build here at Stylin’ Strings Lacrosse, Media, and Apparel. You can check out our site for all of your Stringing and Dying needs, and our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube for up to date info on what we are up to at the studio and get the lowdown on some cool contests and events. Links below.
Call or e-mail if you have a unique request
(717)-846-0800
sales@stylinstrings.com

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C-12 Lacrosse Celly Line Handle

Celly Line - C-12 Lacrosse - 3.18.2015

This week we got a chance to review C-12 Lacrosse’s Celly Line Midfield handle. The shaft definitely looked sharp coming out of the box, so we were hoping that it would hold up to the beating we would put it through. After reading about C-12’s Flex Minimizing Technology (FMT) is was certainly interesting to see what some of the harder shooters around Baltimore had to say. Ratings and comments below.

SHAPE 9 out of 10

This handle is pretty traditional with no real distinctive differences from others out on the market. It was simple to handle and was easily up to the standards that most elite players are used to. As one player mentioned “there was nothing that you had to get used to therefore it was a solid universal shaft that can be good right out of the box”.

WEIGHT 8 out of 10

This shaft is light. We don’t have exact statistics on it, but we are sure the folks at www.c12lacrosse.com/ can give you more specifics. This carbon fiber handle seems like it is made out of space ship parts as it is a solid combination of light and sturdy. C-12 specializes in carbon fiber technologies so they are one of the standard setters in that realm. Perhaps slightly unfair, it got an average grade in this category because of concerns over it’s sturdiness long term due to it’s weight properties. That sturdiness concern will be addressed later.

Celly Line Trial 3

GRIP 10 out of 10

The players that tried this handle raved about its “tackiness” for lack of a better term. They commented how it wasn’t sticky and likened it to sandpaper where you could loosen your grip and slide easily over the surface and then tighten your grip at a moments notice and immediately get the desired control. Players who typically used tape on their handles, said that “tape wasn’t even necessary for this one”. This solid grip also comes into play in the lacrosse “early season” where weather is less than desirable. We ran our testers through multiple stick handling drills and all came away impressed with the grip.

DURABILITY 10 out of 10

We sent this shaft out for some college practices and club team games and it held up really well. It didn’t crack, chip, or dent. It was definitely designed to limit the impact of checks and therefore provides the player with greater stability when controlling the ball. After sending it out on assignment, we decided to give it a certain “real world” test. The goal was to try and crack or chip the outside coating in whatever way we could. We whacked it against stone walls, chain link fences, and concrete pillars (certainly more than it would ever take in a game), and we couldn’t chip it. This was certainly surprising given the weight of this shaft. We came to the conclusion that we would probably have to saw it in half to break it.

FLEX 8 out of 10

This handle is true to advertising. It was characterized by players as “rigid” and many said that they couldn’t generate any flex-related torque due to the lack of flex. This lack of flex seemed to offer them greater control and precision when it came to shots, however many players said there was an adjustment period needed. We at LPG noticed that a lot of the initial practice shots with this handle were sailing high because players were used to more flex in their daily lacrosse stick. However, with a little adjustment all the players became comfortable with difference. This stick is certainly not flimsy.

Celly Line Trial 1

LOOKS 9 out of 10

The handle we tested had a blue to black fade (depending on which end you looked at). Most players liked the subtle styling. It was also appealing to the players because it didn’t have advertising all over it and no crazy patterns. It also comes in red, green, white, and yellow.

OVERALL 9 out of 10

This shaft is definite quality so it rates a 9 out of 10. If you are looking for a light weight shaft that can take a beating than this is it. It has an excellent balance of strength with lightness and it will certainly not crack or dent like some $50 shaft on the market (this one goes for about $150). Overall the players who tested it, recommended it for high school players and up because they felt it’s properties would benefit the more “advanced” player. Given it’s awesome grip it is play ready right out of the box once you add a head.

SoSo #51: Beards Cut, RWB Giveaway, Mini D-poles, HEADstrong Goalies

Check out Stylin Strings latest Ship Out Shout Out. This installment highlights our latest guest host MikeAtron. This week Skaggs shaves his beard and gets Mike a coffee, and we announce giveaway winners. This SOSO features NCAA women’s pockets strung for Franklin & Marshall University, a Stallion ECD Replica Plus, a GPRO, and the supply order of the week. There is also a custom red, white, & blue stringing kit giveaway, a and the announcement for new Under Armour heads. Enjoy!

Check out the sick Lacrosse Sticks we build here at Stylin’ Strings Lacrosse, Media, and Apparel. You can check out our site for all of your Stringing and Dying needs, and our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube for up to date info on what we are up to at the studio and get the lowdown on some cool contests and events. Links below.
Call or e-mail if you have a unique request
(717)-846-0800
sales@stylinstrings.com

Buy here: www.stylinstrings.com
Instagram @Stylin_strings
Twitter @Stylin_Strings
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/StylinStringsLacrosse
Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/user/StylinStrings
Order SSLAX stuff here!
http://www.stylinstrings.com

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Here’s Why You Should Pay Attention to GW Lacrosse

GW Wrap 2014

SidelineSwap is putting the spotlight on MCLA programs doing big things on and off the field. George Washington gear can be purchased here.

Facta non verba, George Washington was fond of quoting. Deeds, not words.

Deeds. Like huddling in central Pennsylvania during 1777’s version of the Snowpocalypse. Like sneaking across the Delaware River to attack battle-tested Hessian mercenaries. Like harrying the biggest, baddest imperial power on the planet until it said, in so many words: “Uncle.”

JD Englehart, who helms the up-and-coming MCLA team at Georgie’s eponymous university, is a deeds-first guy – and he knows a thing or two about underdog stories. He played at Dulaney High, the public school juggernaut often overshadowed by Baltimore’s better-resourced private schools. He walked on at Washington & Lee and made captain his senior year. This year, he has the Colonials very close to matching their win total in 2013 and 2014 – and they’re only three games in.

And unlike their namesake, whose army wore tattered, homemade clothing during the winter at Valley Forge, these guys are doing it in style.

Snow

Here are three reasons you need to pay attention to GW:

1. They’re good, and they’re getting better.

They’re 2-1, with wins over Central Michigan and Rhode Island. They’ve done that behind senior attackman Charlie Frattini, who led the MCLA in points per game in 2014 (a “physical dodger with a cannon,” says Englehart), and stout netminder Kyle Webb. Frattini and Webb are savvy players who’ve grown into leadership roles. Best of all, both are pursuing careers in the armed forces after college.

In the summer, Englehart will be busy kicking the recruiting tires. He’ll be at the big summer circuit events, to be sure, but his main focus will be on GW’s talent-rich backyard. “One of the biggest things I’d like to rectify in my tenure as head coach is attracting talent from the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (“the DMV”),” he says. “Right now, our roster of 30 has zero DMV players, which I have been addressing by aggressively connecting and engaging with as many high school programs and coaches as possible.” [In the DMV area and looking to play at an up-and-coming MCLA power? Drop Coach a line.]

2. The MCLA is getting better – and so is GW’s league.

“As someone who knew very little of the MCLA before coaching in it, I am constantly raising my expectations for the talent and product of the MCLA,” says Englehart. “It’s been an awesome education and compeuppance, and now I feel like it’s on me to pass that on to more people like me, who maybe grew up in a hotbed area and wasn’t exposed to the MCLA until it was too late.”

Englehart has his eye on Virginia Tech (#10) and Liberty (#14). “Those two games are ones that we have circled for a very long time,” he says. “I think the guy to watch at Tech is senior captain Joe Rittenhouse who has had back-to-back 35+ goal seasons. A few hours east, Liberty junior Ryan Miller, a DC-area native, is the type of attackman you have to account for at all times, and just burned a stout Davenport team for 7 goals this past week.”

GW wrap 2015
3. Their gear is very, very cool.
Coach delegates designs to a player “committee,” which has delivered in a big way. This season, look out for a matte grey helmet with navy and gold wrap featuring DC icons: the Capitol, the Monument, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. The look also incorporates General Washington’s regimental battle flag, which is the white stars on the blue background. [The Wrapz can be ordered here.]
“I tend to stay out of the design process,” says Coach, “because it’s the student-athletes’ program. Us coaches just want to facilitate and help steer the ship, and the guys love the swag and the culture that surrounds it, so it’s a logical place for them to step up. We’ve had a great partnership with the folks at HeadWrapz and Lax World. On the gear and apparel side, GW is a Nike school, so we stay consistent with what the wider GW sports community is doing and wearing.”

Brooklyn Lacrosse Club 2015 Gear

can never go wrong with matte grey... ever

The Brooklyn Lacrosse Club is a post-collegiate club team based in Brooklyn, NY. The club is a member of the American Lacrosse League and compromised of Division 1, 2 , 3, MCLA and MLL players. Founded in August 2005, the club is in it’s 10th year of competition.

Check out the Brooklyn Lacrosse Club’s gear spread for 2015.

matte grey goes well with, just about every color.

that Brooklyn green…

nike for BK

nike for BK

Brooklyn B!

Brooklyn B!

New Stylin Strings SOSO #50

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Check out Stylin Strings latest Ship Out Shout Out. This installment highlights our latest guest host MikeAtron, and the Bird who discuss life narration voiceover choices, the spelling of vicariously, ECD helmets and perfect high fives. There is also a full custom traditional stringing Kit Giveaway, a great pita and cali plus pocket with Stringking mesh and the new StringKing pockets. Enjoy!

Check out the sick Lacrosse Sticks we build here at Stylin’ Strings Lacrosse, Media, and Apparel. You can check out our site for all of your Stringing and Dying needs, and our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube for up to date info on what we are up to at the studio and get the lowdown on some cool contests and events. Links below.
Call or e-mail if you have a unique request
(717)-846-0800
sales@stylinstrings.com

Buy here: www.stylinstrings.com
Instagram @Stylin_strings
Twitter @Stylin_Strings
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/StylinStringsLacrosse
Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/user/StylinStrings
Order SSLAX stuff here!
http://www.stylinstrings.com

The Lacrosse Network | Partnered Channel

Subscribe to The Lacrosse Network for more great lacrosse content!
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http://www.thelacrossenetwork.com