StringKing MARK 2A Attackmen Head
A lightweight, stiff, narrow attack head that was a game changer in 2017. Is it still worth buying today? Here's what we found on the field.
LaxDrip verdict: great vertical cradle, checks and ground balls, but catching and shot power need work. Its successor, the Mark 3V, is the better buy today.
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Overview
I recently had the chance to try the StringKing MARK 2A attackman head, which launched in 2017. Although it was a game changer back then, I gave it another go and did extensive testing on the field to check whether a MARK 2A is still worth buying all these years later. Here is my in-depth review, covering everything from its pros and cons to its performance in every part of the game.
I put it through the same work I give every attackman I coach, whether it's a kid from a Virginia Beach club team or a box player from Ontario learning the field game: inside finishes, time-and-room shots from 12 yards, catches on the run, and getting rid of it under a check.
Key Details
- Brand
- StringKing
- Position
- Attack / Offense
- Cost
- Unstrung $99.99 · Strung $159.99
- Level
- Universal
- Legality
- NCAA & NFHS
- Year released
- 2017
- Colors
- Unstrung: White
- Raw
- Black
- Strung: White/White
- Raw/White
- Black/White
- Black/Black
Product Specs
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4.56 ounces |
| Pocket Location | Mid-low |
| Stiffness | Stiff |
| String Holes | Sidewall: 29 on each side | Top Holes: 6 |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Face Shape | Narrow |
| Ground Pickup | Narrow |
| Ball Release | Late |
| Ease of Use | Intermediate and Advanced |
| Position | Offense |
| Gender | Male |
| Spread on Shot | Slightly right for right-handers, slightly left for left-handers |
| Level of Play | All |
Battle Lax doesn't carry the Mark 2A anymore, but it does carry its successor, the StringKing Mark 3V ($119.99), along with two of the alternatives we name below: the Maverik Optik Force ($109.99) and the ECD Mirage 3.0 ($109.99).
StringKing MARK 2A Head Ranking: Drip Meter
Each row ranked between 0 and 10.
| Category | Bar | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy of Shot and PassIt showed subpar practical performance with slower shot speeds and dispersion issues, so you'll need practice to maximize its potential. | 7 | |
| CheckingOne of the best features of the MARK 2A is its checking ability because of the rounded scoop and larger offset. | 8 | |
| Cradling Performance / Ball SecurityVertical cradling performance was good on the field. | 7.5 | |
| CatchingThe narrow face requires a higher skill level to make consistent catches. The ball often rebounds. | 6 | |
| Ground Pickup PerformanceGreat at picking up ground balls, with a rounded scoop and a flatter angle that funnels ground balls into its secure narrow pocket. | 8 | |
| Faceoff PerformanceThe head has enough flex and warp resistance for faceoffs. The larger, flat offset angle will require you to get lower to the ground. | 8 | |
| StringabilityAn above-average 29 sidewall stringing holes allows for a very versatile pocket setup (low, mid, and high). | 8.5 | |
| Durability (Material and Thickness)A durable attack head built with a stiff plastic that appears to be ordinary. | 7 | |
| Drippiness / Aesthetics / Brand IntegrityThe MARK 2A looks like it's on the cheaper side. There is no uniqueness to it. | 6.5 | |
| CostThe pricing is fine for the unstrung head, but the strung head is expensive relative to its utility. | 7.5 | |
| Total | 7.4/10 |
Pros/Cons of Head
- Lowered side profile
- Lightweight head
- Rounded, stiff, and flatter scoop
- Larger offset
- Multiple pocket customization options
- Good with vertical cradling
- No head rattle thanks to the lock bolt design
- 6-month durability warranty
- Ordinary plastic material
- Kind of a late release
- 4 useless sidewall holes around the throat on each side
- Requires skill to use
- Pre-strung head is expensive
Shop the Mark 3V at Battle Lax View new drops on Battle Lax
Who's This Head Made For?
The StringKing MARK 2A head was launched for attack and offensive players in 2017. This offensive head is geared toward players who prefer lightweight, stiff heads. Isn't that what all attackers look for? It has a low to mid-low pocket with a narrow face because of the lowered sidewall profile. (Not sure which head fits your position? Start with our best attack lacrosse heads.)
Interestingly, I noticed there was no head rattle (at least initially), thanks to its lock bolt feature. For a head launched in 2017, that was a great feat. Nevertheless, there is much more to the MARK 2A attackmen head that you should know.
Accuracy of Shot and Pass
The StringKing MARK 2A has a narrow throat and face width. In theory, that makes it easier to control the direction and speed of passes thanks to a quicker release. The lowered side profile and pocket help with vertical control.
It's all good on paper. However, when I took it to the field, it felt a little underwhelming (or should I say, you need some good practice sessions with the MARK 2A). Since I'm a right-handed shooter, my shots went a little right of the target line. I'm guessing the same will happen to lefties in the other direction.
Although it was quick enough to release the ball, the shot speed was not what I expected. Despite the 29 sidewall holes on each side, I found the MARK 2A underpowered and a little dispersive with shots. Nothing that can't be corrected with some good muscle and a little extra practice. (Need to dial in your pocket? Here are the different types of lacrosse pockets.)
Offensive players looking for a head with a better balance of power and accuracy may prefer alternatives such as StringKing's newer Mark 3V, the Maverik Optik Force, or the STX Surgeon.
Catching and Cradling
As mentioned earlier, the MARK 2A features a narrow throat and face shape. It has a well-defined narrow channel that lives up to StringKing's claim of unmatched vertical cradling. With a narrow profile and low pocket, the margin for error isn't there.
On the field, I found the MARK 2A less convincing at catching than other attack heads. Either you catch and cradle with perfection, or you get some practice regaining possession. It took me a while to figure out catching with the MARK 2A. I had to work on ball retention because 7 out of 10 times, the ball rebounded. Instead of settling in snug, it tended to roll upward.
However, I must commend the vertical cradling. It was on point. Because it's so light, intermediate and advanced players will get easy one-handed cradling and more agility dodging defenders while keeping control of the ball. If you're not used to a narrow profile, though, it will be less forgiving. A good trade-off, in my opinion, would be a slightly wider attack head like the STX Surgeon 900.
On paper it's a sniper's head. On the field, it's a head that rewards the kid who already has soft hands.
Checking
The MARK 2A has a rounded scoop with a larger offset. With the increased surface area, it improves checking with a better angle of attack when making contact with an opponent's stick. This larger offset allows for more precise checks, increasing the chances of dislodging the ball from the opponent.
The head is lightweight, but its stiffness and durability let players go all in on intense checks, especially when you're riding a defenseman trying to clear. On the field, I found it to be good on checks. The slightly pinched face gave me a tighter grip on the ball, and when I went in for a check, it was difficult for my opponents to hold onto it. They lost the ball 5 out of 7 times.
A good trade-off, in my opinion, would be any offensive head with an aggressive offset, such as the STX Surgeon 900 or ECD's Mirage line (now the Mirage 2.0 and the Mirage 3.0).
Ground Pick-Up and Faceoffs
The rounded scoop shape of the MARK 2A makes for efficient ground ball pickups. It has a flatter scoop, so you might need to bend and get low to the ground, and it may take some practice to make your pickups swift. However, the flatter angle helps you get under the ball more easily.
In my experience on the field, this head holds up well on faceoffs. I found the MARK 2A flexible enough and warp-resistant at the X. Although the MARK 2A offers multiple mesh and pocket options, a low pocket is going to be your best shot on faceoffs. (Specialists should still check our best faceoff heads.)
Final Remarks
The StringKing MARK 2A offers a lightweight, stiff design for offensive players but struggles with catching due to frequent rebounds, and shot and pass accuracy take practice. However, it excels at checking with its rounded scoop, though you may need to adjust to its low, flat ground ball angle.
Consider alternatives like the StringKing Mark 3V, STX Surgeon, Maverik Optik Force, or ECD Mirage 3.0 for a better balance of power and accuracy. For the full field, see our best lacrosse heads and newest men's lacrosse heads, and pair your head with one of the best lacrosse shafts.
See it live
Want to see the Mark 2A in action?
More Mark 2A videos:
Battle Lax: StringKing Mark 3V Unstrung Head$119.99
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