The great parent debate: Learn to string or pay to string?
You’ll notice there is no third option. That’s because I am inferring that you know how important it is to have a properly strung head to play lacrosse.
Such an inference is clearly folly.
One of the things that doesn't transfer from other sports to lacrosse very well is the concept of the stick itself. It’s not just a one-size-fits-all thing or even one piece of gear to be assessed and sized for use.
A good stick is three pieces of gear — a shaft, a head and stringing — smushed together to create an oftentimes too customizable relationship with the player and the ball.
You’re forgiven for thinking otherwise. It’s important to know, though, that of those three parts, the most misunderstood is the stringing.
You’ve already paid $100 for the head and another $100-plus for the shaft. Why should you pay another $30-$60 for the stringing?
Because the pocket is the most important part of the stick.
Look, I’m a huge gear head. I’m into new and shiny things like an ADHD raccoon, but I know that there is a world of difference between a brand-new setup with a factory-strung pocket and a run-down backup with a perfectly broken-in pocket. The difference is that I know how to string, and you probably don’t.
But there is hope. Again, you have two options:
Option A: You can learn to string thanks to the magic of the internet followed by hours of practice.
Option B: Or you can choose a seasoned (re: professional) stringer to construct your son or daughter’s weapon of choice.
If you choose Option A, it’s going to be an extremely frustrating and arduous journey. That said, you will be rewarded with cool mom/dad status and you will save money in the short and long run.
If you have younger kids, Option A is a lot more palpable.
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