Head/Mesh Advice

[ZyCzech]

Hey. Im a hockey player who recently came to lacrosse and I'm looking at buying a new head. Currently I play defense but I would like a head that plays well all positions. Right now I have a Brine Powergrip F15 shaft, but I'll probably buy a new one in the near future.

Also what would be the best all-around pocket to have? Traditional, monstermesh, etc.?

[GBaschski]

I'd say just get a regular hard 8 diamond or something like that. Mesh is the way to go. Trad is a decent pocket, but it's a ***** to deal with if you string it yourself. Any diamond size would work for any position, but I'd stick with the 8 diamond.

[ZyCzech]

If you buy it strung is it usually done crappy? Would it be better for me to get an experienced player to do it for me rather than buy it strung?

For the head, I was looking at the Gait Torque. Good choice?

[Viperlaxer132]

Definately a good choice with the Torque. I have 8D on my torque, as of a week ago, and I love it so far. I would reccommend that as well.

[GBaschski]

I've never used the Torque, but supposedly it's a great head. I think it's pretty pinched though, which makes it harder for beginners to catch...but if you get used to it, you should tear it up out there.
Buying it strung it always a good choice, in my opinion. I've never seen a factory stringing work any different from a custom string job. Getting an unstrung head and having someone else string it would just take another 20 bucks out of your pocket to get the kit.
Besides, if you do end up getting an unstrung head..it's always better to string it yourself. Most kits come with instructions, and you probably will want to learn some time or another, and it's really good to know how to string sticks by yourself. If your first stringing job ends up crappy, then get someone to help you, but make sure you know how they fix it.
The first pocket I ever strung was a traditional pocket (still using it) and, it's nothing pretty, but it works great.

[ZyCzech]

Alright, thanks guys. And 8d mesh is pretty much your standard kind that most people have right?

Like whats with all the "d"s. Sorry if I seem like the ultimate n00b. Its good to know for future reference.

[GBaschski]

'd' stands for 'diamond'.
For example, 5d (Five Diamond) means that in each row of diamonds, there are only five (I think that's how it goes...), meaning that there are less diamonds in the mesh, making them bigger. 5d is also referred to as 'Monster Mesh'.
8d is standard, I think...it actually might be 9 or 10d, I'm not sure, but it's in that ball park.
http://www.e-lacrosse.com/2003/mm/2b.jpg
That picture should give you an idea of different mesh sizes...In the center is 'mini mesh', which is like...15 or 20d, I don't know. On the left there is normal mesh, which is around 8d. On the right we have Monster Mesh (5d).
The difference in the mesh is the hold and release quickness. It's simple...the lower the diamonds, the better the hold, but the slower the release. The higher the diamonds, the faster the release, the less hold.

[ZyCzech]

Alright, I see. Thanks GBaschski.

[GBaschski]

No prob. I hope you stick around the forums, it's a cool place.

[BigTony]

To clarify, 10d is also refered to as "hard mesh," and is what most people have.

[kryptic]

Go check out http://www.lacrosseforums.com/showthread.php?t=14679
our Monstrously Massive Guide to Mesh, it should clear up some questions