Sticks and heads buyer's guide
by PR Wire Report/
Brine Mantra
Warrior Noz
STX X10
deBeer Defy
deBeer
Defy — deBeer calls the Defy an "innovative design" featuring a narrow profile for unmatched accuracy and ball control while shooting and passing. It features recessed sidewall holes coupled with a lower curved ball stop, allowing the pocket to wrap around the ball and shift from side to side for "unreal control" while cradling. And yes, it features deBeer's "revolutionary" Gripper Pro pocket, matching color clips and a Z-09 upgraded handle.
NV3 — Remember the original Envy? This is the new, improved, upgraded version. It features a lightweight design, which deBeer says "correlates to improved playability and all control." The raised ball stop "improves ball retention and catching ability in the pocket that comes with The Gripper Pro." In short, deBeer says, it's "a true player's stick."
Moxie — The endorsements don't get much bigger: This deBeer product is the official stick of the U.S. women's national team. The company says it was developed to provide the "maximum performance possible for the international game." It features raised and recessed sidewall stringing holes, to "increase pocket depth and ball control." It has the Gripper Pro pocket and number decals.
Gait
debeerlacrosse.com/products/gait
Torque 3 — Gait calls the Torque 3 a "classic." Designed to meet NCAA and NFHS specifications, the Torque 3 features a multi-hole stringing system and inside stringing tabs that allow for the narrowest allowable pocket for NCAA play. Gait says the Torque 3 features "the new cork screw-less system for quick and easy shaft replacement."
Silencer — Gait says the Silencer also meets NFHS specifications, and "will quietly take the market by storm." According to the manufacturer, the Silencer features the "cork screw-less fit system, multi-hole stringing system and recessed laced channels for improved ground ball pick up." It allows plenty of customization, since — Gait says — it features "a custom integrated number receptacle on the throat."
Flow Head — The newest edition to Gait's head line is the Flow head, which the company says was designed "to meet 2010 NCAA specifications only." It features a tight profile, which "narrows the pocket shape to improve ball control, retention and accuracy." Other features boasted by the Flow head include the "cork screw-less fit system and multi-hole stringing system."
Brine
Gospel — Brine boasts that the Gospel's "Maxium Offset allows for ultimate control and feel." Meeting NCAA and NFHS standards, the Gospel's new "mid-strung suspension sidewall creates a deeper legal pocket," and its "reverse sidewall channel stringing always keeps the ball centered in the pocket." Another feature: Its "tight face and flared scoop increase handling and make ground balls effortless."
Hail — Brine promises "ultimate stick control" from the Hail because of its new mid-size diameter. The manufacturer boasts: "Enhanced super-light composite technology makes this our lightest composite yet!" The comfort grip is said to "provide better grip in poor weather conditions," and the Hail comes with Brine's Sphere End Knob.
Mantra — Available in six colors, the Mantra features Brine's "Extreme Offset," which "allows the ball to sit lower in the pocket for superior control and feel." Also featured in the Mantra is the new Pinched U scoop, which "allows for ease in ground ball pickup while maintaing the greatest amount of accuracy in shooting and passing." Brine says the Ehhanced Control Angle "provides the utmost ball control," while "maximum release makes this one of the most powerful sticks in our line." Meanwhile, the "patent pending sidewall design allows for unlimited stringing options for unmatched pocket formation." The Mantra meets U.S. Lacrosse specifications.
Warrior
Joker X Complete Stick — Built for new lacrosse players, the Joker X is just the thing for getting into the game for the first time. Warrior says: "The wide head design and bigger pocket area make throwing and catching a breeze," and "Its curved head and wide scoop allows for easy ground ball pickups." MSRP: $39.99
Krypto Pro Bling Handle — New for the 2009-10 season, Warrior's Krypto Pro Bling handle "has been polished, waxed, and buffed into 'blinged out' perfection." The company says the "Krypto Pro Alloy is one if the lightest handles on the planet." MSRP: $124.99
Noz — Warrior calls the Noz "the lightest head in the world at 4.3 oz."The company says its exclusive "Gas Assist Molding Process injects the NOZ head with Nitrogen Gas." This gas "creates an air chamber inside the head that dramatically reduces weight, without sacrificing durability." MSRP: $109.99
Reebok
10k 5.0.5 heads — Revolutionary "O ports" have been strategically placed in the scoop and in the throat to allow for maximum air flow and a harder shot, Reebok says. The Pro-offset design allows for excellent ball control and protection along with an optimum load for shooting. The ergonomically sculpted sidewall design makes this one of the fastest heads on the market. Meets new NCAA specs. MSRP: $105 (unstrung), $115 (strung)
AirVynity 9k head — The new 9k AirVynity head is changing the face of the head business in Women's lacrosse, according to the manufacturer. Reebok's Hydro-Fusion technology is the first application on heads that will not chip or fade over time. Burberry patterns "allow for the perfect combination of fashion and performance." MSRP: $89 (strung)
9k O-Tech — The 9k women's O-Tech handle introduces Reebok's patented O-Technology to women's lacrosse. The three fully integrated speed ports reduce drag and result in a harder shot. The compression molded seamless construction allows for an incredibly lightweight yet durable handle. The smooth grip makes for a buttery soft feel and provides a smooth finish. MSRP: $95
adidas
Grant head — Compliant with 2010 NCAA specs, the Grant features "radical off-axis technology" and a light 5 oz. weight. Adidas says the "aggressive scoop allows for superior accuracy, increased velocity while maximizing ball control on groundballs."
X99 Grant handle — Made of magnesium alloy with titanium, adidas says the X99 Grant offers "extreme light weight with uncompromising strength and durability." The unique Sandblast finish provides superior grip even in wet conditions, without getting tacky or sticky. Designed by John Grant Jr.
Excel MH.210 head — The rigid sidewall and scoop of this NCAA-compliant head "provide excellent control and accuracy." Adidas recommends it for face-offs and defenders.
Talon
Tribute head — The Tribute features a dynamic scoop for easy ground balls on all surfaces, a low profile throat for optimal stick handling, a progressive slant head design to cater to both feeders and shooters, and 32 protected sidewall holes for maximum pocket customization. Legal for high school and NCAA play. MSRP: $65
Thunder — The heavier weight of the 10.5-oz. Thunder is designed to deliver and receive punishing checks — perfect for indoor or aggressive outdoor play. This is Talon's most durable shaft. MSRP: $130
Protector — Talon's Protector is a full-length defense shaft that is lightweight and flexible, yet incredibly strong, according to the company. "Defensemen appreciate the ease in handling and ability for precise stick checks." MSRP: $185
STX
K18 — This new men's head, inspired by Kyle Harrison "for the complete midfielder," features "dramatically improved head stiffness and toughness." Its "STX crankshaft technology provides maximum ball feel and control." Recommended for intermediate to advanced midfielders. MSRP: $80 (unstrung), $92 (strung)
Super Power — Legal for high school and youth play, the Super Power follows "the aerodynamic and streamlined design of the game's best head: the Proton Power." Additional stringing holes make stringing easy. MSRP: $90 (unstrung), $102 (strung)
X10 — The X10 is modeled after the Xcalibur, which STX calls "the best defensive head in lacrosse." The X10's "signature STX trestle sidewall provides extra stiffness and durability." MSRP: $80 rung), $95 (strung)
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