• Flip Naumburg
• Alex Smith
• Dylan Preble

Comments:

I am playing with the Warrior Noz these days, with a Classic Rock-it Pocket.  I like the Noz because it is incredibly light.  It is so light that with a Rock-it pocket I had to almost look to make sure that the ball was really there in the pocket as I cradled.

The nitrogen ‘injected’ technology allows the Noz head to not only be lightweight, but also it doesn’t seem to change in different heat conditions.  It always returns to shape, yet it is not an overly stiff head model.  I also like the Noz because it wants to have the pocket in the middle of the head, and that is where I have always preferred to have the ball sit.  When it sits in the middle the whole stick seems generally more balanced, although I am working on a design that will move that ball balance higher up in the head.  What I have always liked about having the deepest part of the pocket in the center of the head is the ease with which the ball gets ‘rolling’ when you begin the throwing motion, which makes for the most consistent release. 

As for the shaft, I have been using the Warrior Woodrow, which is light as well, but I am switching over to our new RIP Lacrosse Scandium, which we are producing, and which not only looks cool, but is very light, and the grooves on the sides make for a great handle feel.

POCKET FOOTNOTE

Every once in a while I try a mesh pocket, and I hear myself saying, "Yeah, that's good, I like it," or whatever, but then after a fairly short period of time I always find myself tossing the mesh overboard and without hesitation. One reason is that mesh changes so much so quickly, and another is because I don't like the ball sliding around even slightly in the pocket. Mesh does not put any kind of friction on the ball and the ball can slide more easily. I am convinced that leather helps to track the ball by "grabbing" it and forcing the ball to roll, which gives it more speed and crispness when it releases from the stick and pocket.

Besides, how could I ever not use a Rock-it Pocket?

- Warrior Nemesis w/ Hard Mesh Goal-Ex Pocket on Warrior Krypto Pro

Comments: With all the new rules for collegiate heads, I figured I would take a shot at the new 6" rules. Last year, I used the STX Professor with a Bam pocket and loved it once it broke in. This year, I'm moving on to the Warrior Evo Pro X6, also with a Bam, and so far, so good. One reason I moved away from the George pocket was that I thought the pocket moved a little too much for me. Mostly, I just shoot on goalies, so after a time, the pocket would shift up and be a little whippy for my tastes. But a nice, soft Bam seems to give me the consistency I need while still allowing me to have some hold to train my goalies to stay on their line!

For me, I've used Rock-it Pockets for about 10 years and the one thing I can say is that break-in is the most important factor in getting a stick you want to have for a long time. If you are careless or impatient, you won't like your pocket. But if you really take the time to get in tune with your pocket, then it can be something kind of special.

I’m continuing to use a very slightly modified hard mesh Goal-Ex Pocket in my Warrior Nemesis. I played with Trevor Tierney on the Denver Outlaws for a couple of years and basically stole his shooting string pattern, which is just two. We already do almost everything else that Trevor does, but I wanted to take out a little weight. Why don't we string all our goalie sticks like this? The biggest reason is pocket shape. I have the liberty of being able to string up a new stick whenever I want, so it doesn't bother me, but customers want something that will last a little longer and be consistent. That's our hope with our Goal-Ex pockets. 

In terms of goalie handle, I tried out the Dolomite a couple of years ago with the Outlaws, but I have switched to the Krypto Pro.  More than anything, this was because the Krypto Pro is extremely light and I love the shape of the C405 handles.  My handle is pretty short, a trick I got in college from Trevor as well.  Stickhandling and passing is a much easier task with the shorter handles.

- Warrior Evo Pro X6 w/ Bam Pocket on Warrior Krypto Pro

- Warrior Revo Pro X6 w/ Davis Dog Pocket on Brine Ti 22 Long Pole

Comments:

Short Stick

I have been using the Warrior Evo Pro X6 with a Bam Pocket on a Warrior KryptoPro Shaft.  The Bam Pocket pairs well with the whole Evolution line of heads from Warrior because the ball sits right in the head's “sweet spot,” which is just a touch below the middle of the head.  The narrowness of the X6 (all X6 heads are only 6 inches up top) took a little getting used to when catching, but after a couple uses I adjusted and now definitely prefer it.

The lighter weight of the Bam Pocket also pairs well with the light weight of both the Evo Pro X6 and the KryptoPro.  In the past I have favored a heavier shaft, largely because my short stick was always my Box stick so it had to take more of a beating, but now that I play less Box and more field with my short stick, I have grown to like the feel of a lighter shaft.

Long Stick

I have always liked very high pockets on my long stick, which, as a defenseman is my primary stick.  That is why I have been using the Warrior Revo Pro X6 with a Davis Dog Pocket on my Brine Ti 22 long pole.  While generally long poles favor a wider head I have always leaned toward ones with the narrowest tops, because when you like a high pocket, the narrower the top of the stick the more control you will have with the ball.