Is Your Head Dead? How to Know When It’s Time to Restring Your Stick
Every lacrosse player knows the feeling — when your stick just doesn’t have the same pop, hold, or accuracy it used to. Maybe your passes feel off, your shots sail high, or your pocket feels soft and unpredictable. That’s what we call a “dead head.”
At Lacrosse Unlimited, we believe your stick is your most important tool on the field — and when it’s not dialed in, it can kill your control, consistency, and confidence. That’s why we’re helping players everywhere answer the question:
Start With a Free Setup Evaluation
The first step to bringing your stick back to life is knowing where it stands. You can stop by any Lacrosse Unlimited location for a FREE setup evaluation from our stringing professionals. We’ll take a look at your mesh, shooters, sidewalls, and head to see if your setup is still game-ready — or if it’s time for a tune-up.
- Mesh is stretched or fraying – Over time, mesh fibers lose their shape, causing pockets to bag out and throw inconsistently.
- Sidewalls are loose or broken – Damaged or soft sidewalls can change your channel and make your pocket unreliable.
- Shooters are uneven or off-center – Worn shooting strings can mess with your release point, making every shot unpredictable.
- Head feels warped, cracked, or heavy – A warped or cracked head won’t hold tension properly, which can completely throw off your control.
If you notice any of these warning signs, your setup is likely dead — and you’re losing valuable performance every time you step on the field.
Why a Dead Head Matters
A dead head doesn’t just affect your throw; it affects your entire game. When your pocket loses shape, your mesh sags, or your shooters loosen up, your stick stops working with you — and starts working against you.
- Less control on ground balls and passes
- Inconsistent shots that don’t go where you aim
- Loss of confidence every time the ball hits your pocket
Get Back to Life With a Fresh String Job
The good news? It’s an easy fix. A fresh string job from the professionals at Lacrosse Unlimited can instantly revive your setup and bring your stick back to life.
Our stringing experts have decades of experience dialing in pockets for players at every level — from youth beginners to pros. Whether you prefer whip or a quick release, we’ll customize your pocket to fit your playstyle perfectly.
After a proper restring, you’ll notice:
- ✅ Faster release
- ✅ Cleaner hold
- ✅ Better feel
That’s the difference between a dead head and a setup that’s alive and ready to dominate.
Visit Us In-Store or Restring Online
Bring your stick to any Lacrosse Unlimited location for a free evaluation and restringing consultation — our in-store stringing pros will walk you through every option to get your stick tuned up and game-ready.
Can’t make it in? No problem. Use our online restringing service — ship your head to us, and we’ll restring it with the same expert care you’d get in-store. We’ll even cover shipping both ways.
Since 1990, we’ve been helping players across the country get the most out of their gear. Every restring, every evaluation, and every recommendation comes from players who know the game — because we live and breathe lacrosse, just like you.
So if your stick feels off, don’t wait for the next missed pass or shanked shot.
Come see us. Let’s bring your game back to life.