How to break in your pocket has long been a topic of much debate, as well as confusion. There are countless methods and tips and tricks are scattered all over the internet and by word of mouth. What works, what doesn’t? Who knows. Until now! Well, sort of…
I bet you thought I was going to just lay it all out for you in one simple post, didn’t you? Not today! Today I tell you about a smartly designed contest which will yield this information directly from the mouthes of stringers themselves. I always like a cool concept and a desire to share knowledge about traditional stringing, so here it is, the
LaxRoom How To Break In Your Pocket Contest!
Head on over to LaxRoom.com/contests to enter and learn more… but here’s the basic idea, and why it’s awesome.
Stringers are asked to string a brand new stick, which they plan on using as their primary lacrosse stick. They are then asked to create a profile where they will post pictures of the pocket, talk about its construction, etc, and then update that profile with new photos and notes about the pocket’s break-in process. What are they doing to the pocket other than wall ball? How much wall ball? You get the idea…
Then this continues for FOUR MONTHS. It’s not some quick contest, which is good, but it’s also important because that’s how long some traditional pockets can take to really break in, and take their final form. Some might wear out, others might change drastically… the point is, we’re going to see a bunch of pockets as they wear, and learn about each one for a third of a year. Maybe I’m just a super traditional nerd, but I find this exciting. Hearing how different people do things, I will surely learn some new tricks.
Then the pockets will enter a bracket to be judged by a panel of guys who truly know their way around a traditional stick. The winners will get some sweet prizes, but we will actually ALL be winners, because the traditional break in process will no longer be a mystery! Head on over to LaxRoom to learn more about the prizes, if that’s your thing.
I have been in touch with the guys running this contest, and because of that, I can’t enter it myself. But I did string up a pocket that is my new gamer with a Pita variant in it, so I’ll be posting photos of that pocket to LAS with updates on the LaxRoom Contest.
Front, Side, Back – Pita Variant
Brand new condition:
Waxed Alum tan leahters in a Nation head by Traditional Lacrosse. Grey and white Pita Pocket large diamond double knot variant.
After 400 Reps on the wall:
Notes on my process so far:
I moved the bottom shooting string up so that all three are stacked on top of each other, without any gaps. I tend to string my personal pockets with just a little looseness in them initially, and then pull that through as they break in. Here I have not had to pull much looseness out yet, and the knots are starting to settle in a bit more. I have not been making adjustments to the pocket or putting a tennis ball in overnight. It has held its form well so far and I think the double knots in the middle of the Pita track help with that.
Ok, now it’s your turn to go enter the contest, and more importantly, share your break in method with the world. For the sake of knowledge, just do it! You have until December 15th to enter!
I’ll post updates in future Traditional Thursday posts on my own break in process and progress.
