Soft mesh is one of the “Original Two” styles of mesh that evolved from players repurposing minnow nets and using them to string their sticks. Like the name says, Soft Mesh is well…soft. It comes out of the package ready to string and play with because it is easily manipulated for the desired result.
Soft Lacrosse Mesh is for:
- Soft Mesh is very popular in Box Lacrosse. If you play Box Lacrosse then checking out Soft Mesh would be a great idea for killer fakes and a better feel in your stick. Soft Mesh will allow you to be an offensive threat that can handle the ball much better than you could with a much harder mesh. Learn about box pockets
- This being said, infield lacrosse Soft Mesh would be better for an offensive player that is looking to be a finisher/dodger or a defensive player that needs more ball security. The consistency of Soft Mesh is not one of its strong qualities so using this as a feeder, outside shooter, or a player that is looking for a role would not be recommended.
- If you are a parent/coach that is looking to teach very young kids the proper mechanics and fundamentals then Soft Mesh would be a great choice for the young players. The mesh will help with their ability to catch, ground ball, and cradle at a young age so they can potentially move on to a different mesh once they have those skills down.
Advantages to Soft Lacrosse Mesh
- The mesh is not only easy to string, but it is ready to play with immediately as well. Unlike Hard Mesh, which takes some break-in time, Soft Mesh is instantly going to perform and hold the ball in a snug way to help with control.
- Soft Mesh performs like a well-broken-in traditional that shifts with the ball when you play.
- The ability for soft mesh to provide amazing feel, superior control and instant performance made soft mesh a popular choice in Box Lacrosse.
- The mesh lets players always know where the ball is in their stick because of the “flimsy” quality of the mesh; but, this does come with some downsides.
Disadvantages to Soft Lacrosse Mesh
- Every piece of mesh has some negatives and Soft Mesh is no exception. The mesh is normally untreated, or barely treated, compared to other styles of mesh such as Hard Mesh. This means that the mesh has no coating, which allows for the soft feel and “flimsy-ness”.
- The downside to this is that the mesh does not last well in the outside elements; this is why it became more popular for Box, which is played inside.
- Soft Mesh also does not retain its shape and will stretch or “bag-out” over time. This means that there will be more maintenance needed for a soft mesh stick over time than Hard Mesh or Performance Mesh. The desired shifting of the pocket that soft mesh provides will make it move out of place and require some restringing the more you use it to keep the pocket that you want. This means inconsistency if you are not always keeping your stick in tip-top condition.
