Lacrosse Hard Mesh vs Soft Mesh
Hard, soft, semi-hard, semi-soft and hybrid mesh broken down by durability, feel and weather, so you can string the right pocket for your game.
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Every lacrosse player has to decide which mesh to put in their stick. You've got hard mesh, soft mesh, and in-between options like semi-hard, semi-soft and hybrid mesh. So what's the real difference between hard mesh and soft mesh?
Each type lets you build a custom pocket for your style of play. I've gathered everything you need to know to pick the right one.
In this article, I'll break down the pros and cons of each type of lacrosse mesh, what each one gives you, and how to choose the best one for your game.
What is lacrosse mesh?
Lacrosse mesh is the netting strung in the head of your stick, the part that actually touches the ball.
The type of mesh you use has a direct impact on how your stick plays, from ball control to shot accuracy. That's why picking the right mesh is a big part of getting better. And make sure your pocket stays legal. Check out what makes a lacrosse stick illegal.
Types of lacrosse mesh
There are a few different types of mesh out there, and each has its own advantages depending on what you need. Here's a quick overview before we get into hard mesh vs. soft mesh.
Heads up: Today, most mesh on the rack is sold as semi-hard or semi-soft. True "hard" and "soft" mesh sit at the ends of the scale, so think of them as the extremes when you're shopping.
Lacrosse hard mesh
If you want something durable, go with hard mesh. It holds its shape over time and doesn't stretch or wear out as fast as soft mesh.
Hard mesh gives you consistency, especially in wet weather. New players can find it tough to use, but experienced players appreciate the control it gives you.
- Lasts longer than soft mesh
- Consistent feel, especially in wet weather
- Precise ball control for experienced players who can handle the stiffness
- Takes longer to break in than soft mesh
- Feels too rigid for new players
Lacrosse soft mesh
If you want comfort and flexibility, soft mesh is the way to go. When I started playing, I found soft mesh easy to use. It's more forgiving than hard mesh and molds to the ball, so cradling and catching feel smoother.
Soft mesh is a great choice for beginners or anyone who likes a softer feel on the ball. It doesn't last as long, though, especially in wet weather, when it can stretch and lose its shape.
- Breaks in easily
- Comfortable feel that makes the ball easier to handle
- Great for beginners who want control right away
- Wears out faster than hard mesh
- Stretches in wet weather, so it's less consistent
Lacrosse semi-hard mesh
If you want a balance of durability and feel, semi-hard mesh is perfect. It's less rigid than hard mesh but has enough structure for good ball control.
It breaks in easier than hard mesh and gives you more flexibility without giving up durability. It's a great choice if you want the benefits of hard mesh without spending weeks breaking it in. The ECD Hero 4.0 Semi-Hard Mesh ($24.99) and StringKing Type 5x Semi-Hard Mesh ($29.99) are two of the most popular semi-hard options.
- Balance of stiffness and flexibility
- Easier to break in than hard mesh
- Durable without giving up comfort
- Not as soft or flexible as soft mesh
- Still takes longer to break in than soft mesh
Lacrosse semi-soft mesh
Semi-soft mesh has the softness of soft mesh with a bit more structure. It's the perfect middle ground: softer than semi-hard mesh but better at holding its shape than full soft mesh.
It's ideal if you want a comfortable feel without giving up durability. Try the ECD Hero 4.0 Semi-Soft Mesh ($24.99) or StringKing Type 5s Semi-Soft Mesh ($29.99).
- Soft feel with better control
- Handles wet weather better than soft mesh
- Quick break-in
- Not as durable as semi-hard or hard mesh
- Can still stretch in very wet weather
Lacrosse hybrid mesh
Hybrid mesh combines elements of hard and soft mesh. If you can't decide, this could be your answer. It mixes the durability of hard mesh with the comfort and flexibility of soft mesh.
That makes it a valuable option that performs well in different conditions, giving you the best of both worlds.
- Durable and flexible
- Works well in different weather
- Doesn't excel in any one area like specialized mesh
- Still needs a break-in, depending on how it's built
Coach's note: If you play spring ball in the rain and cold, like early-season games in upstate New York, lean toward semi-hard. If you're a young player or you just want a stick that feels good out of the box, start with semi-soft. You can always restring once you know your game.
Comparison of hard mesh vs soft mesh
Here's a full comparison of hard and soft mesh.
As you can see, both hard and soft mesh have their strengths and weaknesses. The right choice comes down to your style of play and the weather you play in.
Which mesh type do different players prefer?
Here's what different players tend to prefer, though it isn't limited to these picks.
Equipment manufacturers and options
When you're shopping for mesh, you'll find plenty of brands making quality options. Here are some of the best.
ECD Lacrosse
ECD is known for its Hero mesh line, which comes in both semi-hard and semi-soft. The current version is the ECD Hero 4.0.
StringKing
If you want performance and durability, I suggest StringKing. Its current Type 5 line comes in a semi-hard Type 5x and semi-soft Type 5s, plus a full string kit.
Jimalax
My favorite budget pick is Jimalax. It's affordable and comes in a bunch of colors and styles, like the Jima 6 and Jima 10 semi-soft mesh ($9.99 each).
These brands have options for every type of player, whether you prefer hard mesh, soft mesh or something in between. I've also put together a list of the best lacrosse mesh to make it even easier.
Mesh in stock at BattleLax
Ready to string a new pocket? Here's the mesh BattleLax carries right now, from semi-hard to semi-soft.
| Mesh | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ECD Hero 4.0 Semi-Hard Mesh | Semi-hard | $24.99 |
| StringKing Type 5x Semi-Hard Mesh | Semi-hard | $29.99 |
| ECD Hero 4.0 Semi-Soft Mesh | Semi-soft | $24.99 |
| StringKing Type 5s Semi-Soft Mesh | Semi-soft | $29.99 |
| Maverik Boost Semi-Soft Mesh | Semi-soft | $29.99 |
| Warrior Semi-Soft Mesh | Semi-soft | $19.99 |
| Jimalax Jima 6 Semi-Soft Mesh | Semi-soft, 6 diamond | $9.99 |
| Jimalax Jima 10 Semi-Soft Mesh | Semi-soft, 10 diamond | $9.99 |
| Maverik Airwire Mesh | Premium mesh | $49.99 |
| StringKing Type 5x Semi-Hard String Kit | Full string kit | $39.99 |
Shop the ECD Hero 4.0 Semi-Hard at Battle Lax
People also ask
Is hard mesh or soft mesh better?
It depends on what you need. Hard mesh gives you more durability and consistency, while soft mesh is more comfortable and easier to handle, which makes it better for beginners.
Which type of mesh is better?
The best mesh depends on your style of play. Hard mesh is durable and consistent, soft mesh is comfortable and flexible, and semi-hard and hybrid mesh balance both.
What is hard mesh used for in lacrosse?
Hard mesh is used for its durability and its ability to hold its shape. It's ideal for experienced players who want consistent control, especially when the weather changes.
What mesh should I use in lacrosse?
If you need durability, go with harder mesh. For comfort, choose softer mesh. Semi-hard, semi-soft and hybrid mesh give you a balance of both, which makes them the most versatile options.
How does soft mesh impact gameplay?
Soft mesh has a comfortable, easy feel that's great for beginners. It gives you better ball handling, but it stretches out faster, especially in wet weather, which can hurt consistency.
The bottom line
When you're choosing between hard mesh and soft mesh, go with the one that improves your game and feels right in your stick.
Hard mesh is your best bet if you need durability and consistency in any weather. If you care more about comfort and ball feel, soft mesh is the better fit. And if you want a mix of both, semi-hard, semi-soft or hybrid mesh might be the perfect option.
