LGR 135: Stick Stringing and Box Lacrosse Goalie with Travis Sandin aka RedBeard

⭐ Episode Overview

Coach Damon welcomes Travis Sinton, better known as Red Beard Lax, to the show. Travis is a box goalie, field goalie, and master stick stringer whose Instagram showcases some of the cleanest pockets in the game. In this episode, he shares his journey from roller hockey goalie to lacrosse, his experiences in box leagues and world games, and his philosophy on stringing heads for performance and accessibility.

“You could be the difference in a game. That pressure is a lot of fun.” “Apples and assists are my bread and butter.”

🧠 Key Topics & Takeaways

Origin Story

• Started as a roller hockey goalie.

• Friends threw him into lacrosse goal because “he can stop a puck.”

• First game: accidentally scored on himself by raking the ball backward.

• Despite the rocky start, stuck with the position and grew to love it.

Box Lacrosse Journey

• Transitioned from field to box after college.

• Invested in full box goalie gear—expensive but worth it.

• Joined Philadelphia Box Lacrosse Association (est. 1986).

• Played in world games, including representing Team Slovakia.

• Loves the challenge of screens, east–west fakes, and sitting on shots.

• Emphasizes patience: waiting for shooters to commit before exploding to the ball.

Field vs. Box Goalie Skills

• Box taught him patience and reading body language.

• Field emphasizes stick saves; box often relies on body positioning.

• Sometimes instinctively makes “box saves” in field (shrugging shoulders, chest saves).

• Recommends hockey‑style cups for field goalies for added protection.

Stringing Philosophy

• Began stringing in high school to customize his own pocket.

• Quickly became the team’s go‑to stringer.

• Founded Red Beard Lax in 2012 to share his work.

• Believes affordable, well‑strung heads help grow the goalie position.

• Restrings older heads (OG Eclipse, Shields, Harrow Barrage) to give kids quality sticks without $250+ price tags.

Mesh & Gear Insights

• Loves 10‑diamond mesh for rebound control, though it sacrifices outlet distance.

• Prefers shallow pockets with smooth release for box outlets.

• Gamer stick: Mesh Dynasty Disciple with a 46‑inch shaft for long, smooth outlets.

• Favorite heads to string: Nemesis and Eclipse II—easy to produce consistent channels.

• Excited about new heads coming from East Coast Dyes and rumors of a Nemesis IV.

• Notes the rise of the Mark 2G in box lacrosse due to its forward offset and stiffness.

Community Impact

• Sees stringing as a way to grow the game.

• Wants kids to feel confident making saves with proper pockets.

• Believes every goalie deserves a stick that “kills rebounds” and inspires confidence.

🎧 Sponsor Mention

Lacrosse Goalie Summit 6 — March 28–April 1 Free coaching sessions from 12 elite goalie coaches. Tickets at GoalieSummit.com.

🔚 Episode Closing

Travis’s story blends creativity, resilience, and passion. From box goalie battles to stringing artistry, he shows how goalies can embrace both tradition and innovation to elevate their game.