Grip ‘N Rip: Mitch Belisle, Georgia Swarm

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Mitch Belisle is everywhere on the field. Give him any size lacrosse stick and he will run the field and do what every he can to win. The Cornell graduate won the Schmeisser Award as the nation’s top defender and has gone on to play for the USA in the box and on the field.

What head and shaft are you using?

I currently use the Under Armour Charge on an Under Armour Charge (box) shaft.  It is heavy and thick enough to deliver cross-checks that playing in the NLL requires.

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Do you string your own sticks? If not, who does?

This year, Throne Lacrosse strung two heads for me and I have a 3rd ready to go by teammate Jordan MacIntosh.

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What kind of pocket are you using?
–  Mesh: 
Throne Mesh

– Pocket placement: Mid to Mid-Low, I just need to be able to scoop loosies

– Shooters:  Three across the top

– Whip: Minimal

How do you tape your sticks?

Well I used to tape my sticks once per year until Jordan MacIntosh yelled at me.  Now I replace the tape pretty much every game to keep him happy.  I tape the bottom 8 inches with hockey tape and then finish off the top with electrical so the tape doesn’t roll up.  I use a 1/3 strip at the bottom of the shaft instead of a rubber end cap.

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Why do you like this set up? (tape and pocket)

I have always said I would just use metal bars or chain link instead of mesh if they’d let me, but I do have to say this year the Throne mesh and string job they provided has been consistent and perfect for my game – grabbing loose balls, cross checking, and scoring one to two goals per season (usually empty netters).  For the tape, so I don’t get yelled at by the sticktape police (see above)

How has your stick changed since college?

It has shrunk! I played close defense in college, so getting back to shorty (which I played in HS) is always fun.  In college I used an E3, which I continued to use in outdoor until two years ago when I realized they hadn’t been in production for like 6 years and I wasn’t able to get any more.

Does your box set up differ from your field set up?

Yes, but only because I am not allowed to use Under Armour in the summer for field.

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Any superstitions or funny stories?

When Throne strung this stick, they accidentally swapped my nickname from Mr. Luxurious to Mr. Fantatic.  I now get fined $5 by the team every time I play with my Mr. Fantastic stick.  It did score a goal in the second game I used it though, so it may be worth the fines!

Lacrosse Playground

In 2009, Adam O’Neill, Harry Alford and Thomas Alford launched Lacrosse Playground as the preeminent site for lacrosse gearheads. For years Lacrosse Playground provided lacrosse fans with tutorials and tips on how to string a lacrosse head, up-close looks at the gear the top players used and sneak peeks at equipment and uniforms before they were released. More than 10 years and millions of visits later, Lacrosse Playground has relaunched with a focus on storytelling. Our mission is to provide comprehensive coverage of the latest lacrosse news, share insights into the sports betting and fantasy lacrosse world and showcase the lifestyles and personalities of the sport of lacrosse through articles, videos and podcasts.

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