Types of Lacrosse Mesh

Lacrosse sticks have a woven pocket where the ball is caught and thrown. These pockets can be traditional nylon pockets or mesh pockets. Mesh pockets require less maintenance than traditional pockets and reduce rebounds, but give less accuracy to throws. There are many different types of mesh from which to choose, and you might have to experiment with different types to see which works best for your style of play.

Hard Mesh

Hard mesh is the mesh most commonly used for players of all skill levels. Hard mesh may have a varying number of diamonds across the mesh; the fewer number of diamonds across the mesh, the better it holds the ball, but the worse for throwing. Although 10-diamond mesh is the most commonly used type of hard mesh, many types of hard mesh are available. Mesh that has fewer than 10 diamonds is called monster mesh, with different kinds of monster mesh ranging from the unpopular five-diamond mesh to the more popular eight-diamond mesh.

Micro Mesh

Micro mesh is constructed of very small diamonds and is usually uncoated. It is a soft mesh and has limited uses in lacrosse, making it a less popular choice than other kinds of mesh.

Canadian Mesh

Canadian mesh comes in hard mesh and soft mesh. Canadian hard mesh is twice as thick as standard mesh. It is good to use in wet weather, as it holds up well and has a fast release for throwing. It takes longer to break in, compared to other types of hard mesh. Canadian soft mesh is also twice as thick as other types of soft mesh.

Composite Mesh

Composite mesh can be used for all levels of play and holds up well in inclement weather. Made from different types of yarn, this mesh may not be as good for ball handling as hard mesh, but helps provide consistency for throwing and does not react to rain.

Fresh Mesh and Rail Mesh

Fresh mesh and rail mesh are not popular types of lacrosse mesh. Fresh mesh is made from synthetic plastic rather than nylon. It tends to wear out easily and takes a while to break in. Rail mesh is a mix between traditional nylon lacrosse strings and mesh. Rail mesh never gained much popularity because it does not provide good ball handling.