Grip N' Rip: Max Hubbard

Each week Lacrosse Playground features a different lacrosse athlete as part of our “Grip ‘N Rip” series, where we’ll find out what the best use to fine tune their game. This week we are featuring Swarthmore's scoring threat Max Hubbard. Max is Jesse Hubbard's brother, who continues the great legacy established by his older brother by ripping nets and rocking Warrior. Check out how Jesse strings his wands HERE.

What head do you use?
Evo X6.

What handle do you use?
Original kryptolyte. I must have had this shaft since 3rd grade.

Where does your pocket sit/what type of pocket do you prefer?
I like my pocket higher up, but close to the middle, because I can feel the ball better. I don't cradle with one hand much so I don't need a low pocket.

Who is your stick doctor? Do you string it yourself or have a go-to-teammate/friend?
I string my own sticks. I don't like having to rely on someone else if something goes wrong with my stick.

What kind of mesh do you use (Hard, soft, traditional/leathers, marc , etc.)? Why?
I use warrior hard mesh. It's really durable so I don't have to restring my stick as often. Once I have my pocket the way I want it, I want to keep it as long as I can.

What is your preferred glove?
I've been using the Brine King II's this year. I like them better than the K18's I used in high school which were really bulky.

How much whip does your stick have?
My stick has a fair amount of whip. I like being able to feel the ball come off the plastic when I release it.

Anything unique you do to your head or shaft (pocket up-keep, tape jobs, alterations, etc.)?
The refs are strict about having a butt end this year, but since I don't really like the big ends that most sticks come with, I put a 2 liter bottle cap on the end. I tape that on, and put some tape a little less than half way up for my top hand when I shoot. As far as up-keep, I re-tape before every game, and try to keep my pocket from getting flattened or pushed in my locker. I usually take it home the night before games to fine-tune it.

How long do you keep a stick before you get a new one?
I try to keep it as long as I can. I probably restring my stick 2 or 3 times a season. I don't break that many sticks.

What’s most important to you in a stick/what makes a good stick?
The most important things for me in a stick are the release and hold. I don't play with a bag, but I play with more confidence when I can feel the ball come out when I pass or shoot, and when I know the ball won't come out unless the defenseman lands a good check.
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