Alpha, a San Diego based lacrosse shaft manufacturer, is making strides in an emerging West Coast lacrosse market. They make carbon fiber shafts with controlled flex points in shafts have been shown to improve shot speed (we’ll give you a full review when we get our hands on one soon). I caught up with National Sales Manager, Jay Card to learn more about Alpha Lacrosse.
How and when did Alpha Lacrosse start?
“We started in January of 2012, when we were introduced to new Carbon Fiber technology that was making its way from the golf industry into Lacrosse and Hockey. Immediately we recognized this technology as a game changer in the lacrosse handle industry. We set our sights on designing our own line of composite handles that would meet the needs of Elite Lacrosse players.”
What’s up with the name? What is the company’s mission?
“The name Alpha Lacrosse arose from our vision of the Company and the players we were making handles for. The word Alpha – means the first or the leading/dominant individual. Simply put, we want to be the Alpha of the sport, producing equipment for the Alpha’s on the field. Our Mission, to lead the industry, producing leading edge technology for the Elite player.”
Does Alpha Lacrosse sponsor any teams/leagues? Any plans to?
“No sponsorships at the moment. But stay tuned on that.”
What products do you guys make? What kind of innovation goes into Alpha Lacrosse products?
“We make lacrosse handles, hats and tees. We strive to constantly change and update our handles to be the leader in the carbon fiber lacrosse handle market. “
What are some of the challenges of launching a lacrosse company and how have you overcome them?
“Our biggest obstacle has been spreading the word about our Elite handles. Everyone who uses our product loves it. Coming from a non-traditional lacrosse area in San Diego, we embrace the challenge to be the most prominent West Coast lacrosse company.”
What can we expect from Alpha Lacrosse in the future?
“Continued innovations on our Lacrosse Handle, new graphics and, possibly, the other piece of a lacrosse stick that attaches to the handle…”
With a number of technology patents coming to an end this year, we’re going to see more lacrosse companies take the leap and design lacrosse heads. Alpha has established themselves as a new force in the budding West Coast lacrosse scene.
We look forward to getting our hands on these lax shafts for a full review.
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.
Oliver Marti: Starting an NLL Team in Albany and Investing in the PLL and Epoch Lacrosse (Pro Lacrosse Talk Podcast #130)
byPro Lacrosse Talk
On this episode of the Pro Lacrosse Talk Podcast, Hutton Jackson and Adam Moore are joined by three-time All-American at Brown University, investor in the PLL, and the newest NLL owner Oliver Marti. He discusses moving the New England Black Wolves franchise to Albany, New York, why the city of Albany was chosen and share his thoughts on the team’s potential new identity. He also discusses his time playing for Dom Starsia at Brown University, playing for the New York Saints in the MILL, starting the Connecticut Box Lacrosse League, investing in the Premier Lacrosse League and equipment manufacturer Epoch Lacrosse, and his opinion on the current state of pro lacrosse.
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Pro Lacrosse Talk is the flagship lacrosse podcast of the Lacrosse Playground network covering all three professional lacrosse leagues (NLL, PLL, Athletes Unlimited). Each week throughout the season we’ll recap the games, provide analysis on the teams and feature exclusive postgame and off-the-field interviews with professional lacrosse players, coaches and executives. If you’re a fan of lacrosse podcasts like the Unbuckled Chinstrap, The Inside Feed, Lacrosse Classified or The Crease Dive, then give us a listen.