Introducing The New StringKing Metal 2 Lacrosse Shafts
Nov 4, 2016
Stringking Metal 2[/caption]
Take a look at StringKing’s flow chart above. First of all, we just have to call out the “less recommended” section. Ha! That’s awesome - translation - do not buy a shaft that is too heavy because that wouldn't be the best choice, and don’t buy one that is too light for your age because you are gonna snap them like twigs! Kidding aside, we do like what our pals at StringKing did with the black section of the graph. Basically, advancing youth players need 125 and 135 gram shafts. Ask any coach, youth program director, or simply anyone who knows anything about teaching developmental lacrosse, and they will tell you that lighter is better when it comes to choosing a shaft at that level.
For the middle school and JV crowd, the benefits of super-light are also well known. Shoot faster, feel the ball better, learn to play with one hand, and advance your dodges. All of these are easier and more controlled with lighter weight, for sure. It’s no secret that most major manufacturer’s missed the ultra-light wave that swept the shaft markets two years ago. StringKing killed it with their Metal series release and now their following is growing even more with the Metal 2. It’s all about balance. As kids grow and put on weight and get stronger, they want their shaft to be right at the cusp of light as possible, combined with enough strength that they aren’t snapping all the time.
To be honest, many high school and collegiate players are treating these shafts the way people use hockey sticks. Play with them right at the edge of the lightweight strength to weight ratio - and if they break or snap - its just a small price to pay for having the lightest thing possible in your hands when you are asked to perform. High level players don’t think twice about having a quality backup stick or extra shafts in the bag. Do you really want to show up to a prospect camp and borrow a stick half way through? We know the answer, and that would be NO.
[caption id="attachment_20391" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Stringking Metal Lacrosse 2 Shafts[/caption]
The best way to buy a Stringking Metal 2 is to start with the chart above. Where do you fit in the spectrum? It’s not really about the price, because they are only a few dollars apart, its about the weight and strength. If you are a bigger, stronger 14 year old, you should be in the 145 weight UNLESS you are willing to step down to the 135 knowing the risk that you might snap it but want to trade that for the lighter weight. High school guys, you know you should be in the 155 class, but it’s just a matter of tradeoff. We are seeing high school guys buy three and four of these in the 135 class. They know they are going to push them to the limits, but they don’t care, they want that featherweight feel at any cost.
So here is the bottom line, newer younger players, get the 125 and 135 shaft weight. College and high school guys, be smart, but you can push it a bit. These Metal 2 s are tough for sure, but if you want to try and cross check a charging 200 lbs. middie into the bleachers then you need to bring the right gun to the fight. If you are primarily a shooter and dodger, then go lighter. If you mix it up, ground ball hog, defensive - middie type, then you need to pack some more grams on.
StringKing has a six month warranty on the Metal 2, so you can rest assured that if you make an initial decision and go to light, that they have you covered. The Metal 2 has such demand already that we are anticipating a really big 2017. We anticipate that these Metal 2 shafts will be all over the youth and high school fields this season.
If you have any questions about what might be the right gram shaft for you or your player, feel free to give our Pro’s a call at 855-255-5294. We will be able to tell you what we think is right based on your age, ability and position. Also, be sure to download the LAX.com FREE mobile app. We push our most amazing deals there and you will also gain access to the newest gear as soon as it hits the market.
See you on the fields!
The Lax.com Pro Staff
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