Best Long Stick Midfielder Head

Long Sick Midfielder (LSM for short) is a position that specialized in playing with the defence when the other team has the ball. This position is closely related with defence so it has many of the same traits that you look for in a defencive stick. The only exception is that it's a lot harder to play with a heavier pole, so LSM's typically try to have light, but still very strong shafts. The heads still need to be stiff, however, many players mix it up by playing with more flexible heads. I think the best comination of Head + Stick is the Brine F22/15 and wither a Brine Edge or a Brine Gospel. These will give you great support and durability and little weight.

Position of a Pocket

Many players know how to string a stick, but only a few of them know how to string a stick well. Many players differ from three main positions of the pocket: High, Medium, and Low. Lower stringing provides more support, but will slow down the process of shooting and/or passing. It is the most common among beginning players. A medium pocket is the most common among players of higher levels and are relatively equal in passing/shooting speed and ball retention. The least common is the high pocket, only used by players with very good stick skills. You give up protection but in return, you get higher speeds. This is commonly used among attackmen who don't carry the ball often and who love to score goals. My favorite is the medium pocket, just because it's suited me well over the years. I need ball control and don't really need speed for shooting.

With or Without Rib Pads?

Rib pads offer more protection and are in theory better for you to wear, however, hardly anyone wears them after the middle school level. Everyone probably should wear them, but it's concidered not a very "cool" thing to do and shows your weak.  I am like that myself, I own a pair of pads, but i never wear them because wearing less is more cool, also because I play defense, I don't have the ball often. It would be usefull to attackmen because they get hit hard in the ribs by defenders sometimes, but players still don't wear them.

Which is better: Composite shaft or Metal shaft?

Several players use metal shafts, however, the developing technology of composite shafts has become a popular piece of equipment to have. Composite shafts started out extremely weak, just piling layers on top of each other or weak wood poorly carved.. Now there are solid pieces of carbon bound fibers or dense wood. Composite shafts boast extreme lightweight, but are severly limited by their brittleness. Defenders, attackmen, and all indoors players never use composite shafts because they break too easily. The only people, if any, that use them are typically defenders. Today a metal shaft is definitely better. You substitute weight, but in return you get a lot more strength and durability.

The Best Gloves

Producers claim to make gloves by protection, however, we all know the main focus of gloves is looking good. Players think that having stylish gloves will boost their game, and it just so happenes that the gloves of a player can tell you a lot about them. The most popular gloves include the Brine King III's, Warrior Brass monkey's, and Warrior Wrath. Although the most expensive gloves are the Warrior Rich People's, many people dislike the leather inside. I will say that the King III's are the best simply because they are visually appealing and provide excellent protection and movement.

The Best Goalie Head

Many goalies debate which of the two main heads is better, The Warrior Nemesis and the STX Eclipse. The Nemesis has been around for a long time and has come out with many new models, the most recent being the Nemesis Superlight. The Eclipse was recently developed and boasts sturdiness and perfect release. I have to say that the Eclipse is a winner, but it's a close match. The facts show not much difference, but practicing with both of them, the Eclipse just feels better.

The Best Shaft for Indoors

There is little to be debated with this topic. The Warrior Titan is obviously the best choice for its durability. In indoors, weight doesn't matter as much, but since you're constanly getting hit, it's good to have a strong shaft that will hold up against hit after hit. Having a brittle stick would get broken quickly. Other honorable mentions: Gait Ice, Mavrick Titanium.

Best Short Stick for Outdoor

The best short shaft for playing lacrosse outdoors has to be lightweight with some durability. Several players have told me that the best shafts are always lightweight and not necessarily as durable. That is why I've decided to award the Brine Swizzbeat shaft the best outdoor short stick. Not only is it lightweight and typically durable for a light shaft, but it has 3D grip that assists in shooting, passing, and cradling. Honorable mentions: Warrior Levatation, Warrior Krypto Pro.

The Best Defensive Shaft

The Warrior Titan is without doubt the most durable shaft, however, it's weight hurts its chances in being the best shaft. In my opinion, the best overall series of shafts is the Brine F-series. It is comprised of the F15, F22, and F55. The best F-series shaft is without doubt the F22 because of its ration of weight to durability. The F15 is a close second, but it's slightly less durable with not much weight difference. The F55 is a low third because of how skinny and brittle it is. Some honorable mentions: Warrior Titan, Warrior Krypto Pro, and the Gait Ice.

The Best Midfield Head

There were two stong compeditors I was thinking about for this piece of equipment. Both the Warrior Cobra and Noz are excellent heads, and even though production of the Noz was stopped, I believe that it is the better head. The pinch in the middle of the head makes it easier to put a pocket halfway up the head which is what most people want when stringing a stick. The cobra also has an elevated ball stop which is an obstacle when stringing sticks. The Noz is also lighter than the Cobra, thanks to the lightweight design.

Best Defensive Lacrosse Head

For playing defense, you're going to have the most success with a stiff head that will be able to throw checks without breaking. For this, many companies have made heads with titanium rods built into them. Most defense heads have many intricate workings on the side to make it more stiff. My favorite defensive head is not part of the popular "Revo" series and isn't an "Edge", it is the Brine Gospel. The Gospel is legal for all levels of play, extemely stiff, and very durable. It has many stringing abilities and has a long throat before it expands, giving it the ability to make a good pocket. Next week I will talk about the best faceoff head!

The Best Attack Head

For playing attack in lacrosse, most people prefer a head that's flexible, but still has a sturdy design. That's why the best one for this position is the STX proton super power. I believe that it's design lets it stand up to checks, but still give it a lot of bend. I think this is also the most commonly used head in all levels of play. Like with a different head? let me know, it might influence my decision for the posts to follow.