Nike Lakota 3 Lacrosse Head Review
A stiff, light PowerForm head built for middies who carry it between the lines, feed from up top and need a twig that holds up to a full season of checks.
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In 2021, many high school midfielders picked the Nike Lakota 3 lacrosse head on the field due to its versatility. Although I was not a fan of the Nike Lakota 2, I tried the latest version to note the differences.
To my surprise, I scored 28 goals in the most aggressive games, and it didn't break. Built with strong, durable PowerForm plastic and a slimmer design, the Nike L3 is incredibly lightweight with a tight face shape for control and accuracy.
The Nike Lakota 3 lacrosse head. Battle Lax doesn't carry Nike heads right now, so see the Battle Lax alternatives or shop all men's heads at Battle Lax.
Key Features and Specifications
- Position
- Offensive midfield, attack, LSM
- Level
- High school and up
- Cost
- $99.99 MSRP
- Year released
- 2021
- Weight
- 4.63 oz
- Material
- PowerForm plastic
- Sidewall holes
- 17
- Mid (strings mid-low to mid-high)
- Colors
- White
- Black
- Limited editions
Pros & Cons of the Nike Lakota 3
- PowerForm plastic build
- Round scoop for easy ground ball pick-ups
- Lightweight but stiff
- Shorter throat with no cutouts
- Versatile all-position head, especially for high school players
- Nike offers a 60-day return policy
- Average shooting speed
- No string protection lip
- Not flexible enough for faceoff middies
Nike Lakota 3 Drip Score
I rate the Nike L3 an 8.2/10 on the Drip Meter.
| Category | Bar | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Stiffness | 0.9 | |
| Durability | 0.9 | |
| Material (PowerForm) | 0.9 | |
| Scoop | 0.7 | |
| Stringing (17 sidewall holes) | 0.7 | |
| Weight | 0.9 | |
| Pinch | 0.7 | |
| Name / Brand Name | 0.9 | |
| Colors | 0.7 | |
| Overall Look | 0.9 | |
| Drip score | 8.2/10 |
Who's This Head Made For?
Nike released the Lakota 3 lacrosse head with a round scoop for attackers and midfielders (LSMs and offensive) in 2021. The head's new PowerForm plastic enhances stiffness without adding weight, keeping it lightweight at 4.63 ounces.
During my high school years, I used it for two straight seasons and found only minimal wear and tear. I wouldn't be wrong to say that it's one of the most lightweight lacrosse heads on the market for men and is of amazing quality.
Its simple design that cuts up in the back makes it an adaptable head suitable for offensive midfielders. Nike has also modified the throat design to improve shooting accuracy and make hand placement easier.
Let's see if the stiffer successor of the L2 had better feedback and response on the field.
The Nike Lakota series. Read more: Best Nike Lacrosse Heads
Accuracy of Shooting and Passing
On the field, I noticed that the Nike L3 lacrosse head's narrower throat and wider face profile significantly improved my long-range passing accuracy. The throat of the Lakota 3 has been redesigned to be shorter and beefier, allowing players to grip higher on the stick.
Compared to the Lakota 2, the Nike L3's better shape did improve my shot accuracy. However, sometimes I felt the stiffness of the L3 a little too much. It made my shots waver, especially when I tried to make quick short-range passes under pressure.
The traditional stringing creates a mid pocket. Since I prefer a mid-high pocket, I used the 17 side holes to customize it for increased balance. You can set up your head pocket to mid-low or mid-high.
The Nike Lakota 3 strung up with a mid pocket.
The stiffer pocket reduced speed and gave me an average shot pace compared to other high-end attacking heads. But if you're looking for a head with more flex, the Maverik Optik 3 and Nike CEO 2 might be a better fit.
Catching and Cradling
The face profile of the Nike Lakota 3 lacrosse head is slightly wider than other middie heads, providing a wide catching area that doesn't pinch in much. It's a few millimeters wider than the L2, which offered me enough surface area for swift catching of high-speed passes and easier ball cradling and security when dodging defenders.
Since the stiffer pocket sits in the middle of the head, it makes catching and cradling easier and more consistent. It's a promising feature of the Nike L3 to help young players improve their catching skills.
I got some strong checks from opponents. However, the consistent shape and stiffness of the head ensured that the ball stayed secure in my pocket while cradling. I conveniently caught the ball and confidently handled it during fast-paced play.
The only thing that affected my performance was the absence of a string protection lip on the scoop. It damaged the pocket strings more frequently during aggressive movements on the field.
Checking
When it comes to checking, the Nike Lakota 3 lacrosse head performed exceptionally well with its durability and stiffness. Compared to the L2's breakable plastic, its PowerForm plastic is significantly tougher.
The opponent's checks only caused slight whips, but I didn't lose the ball or observe any bend after months of using it. I even tried to bend it with my hand, and it took some good force to bend it even a little. It's super solid.
I enjoyed the solid control of the ball while cradling it and liked the sleek design. The cool Nike logo adds a stylish touch. For just $99, you get a long-lasting head that performs on the field.
Ground Ball Pick-Ups
The Nike Lakota 3 lacrosse head's rounded scoop smoothly directed the ball to the center of the pocket. The offset is situated around the center, which gave me an easier ground ball scooping experience.
The rounded scoop on the Nike Lakota 3.
The improved stiffness of the head ensured that it didn't bend or warp, maintaining the accuracy I needed in high-pressure situations.
Although the Lakota 3 provides an amazing response on the field, it tends to flex during shots compared to the CEO 3. I also had difficulty scooping loose balls cleanly, mostly on wet turf. The pocket stiffness gives the ball away slightly as you scoop, causing the ball to pop out if you don't manage it properly.
The issue was resolved after a week-long break-in period. I felt much more confident with ground balls and shots. However, if you are a faceoff specialist, consider alternatives like the Nike CEO 3.
See it live
Want to see the Lakota 3 up close and strung up? Here's a look from YouTube.
More Lakota 3 videos:
People Also Ask
What makes the Nike Lakota 3 lacrosse head suitable for midfielders?
The Nike Lakota 3 is lightweight and durable with a tight face shape, ideal for control and accuracy, making it versatile for midfielders.
How does the Nike Lakota 3 lacrosse head perform in ground ball pickups?
Its rounded scoop and offset center make ground ball pickups easier, although the pocket stiffness may initially cause the ball to pop out.
Is the Nike Lakota 3 suitable for faceoffs?
No, the Nike Lakota 3's wide face profile and stiffness are not ideal for faceoffs. Consider alternatives like the Nike CEO 3.
What are the main pros and cons of the Nike Lakota 3 lacrosse head?
Pros include its durable PowerForm plastic, lightweight design, and easy ground ball pickups. Cons are average shooting speed and the lack of a string protection lip.
How does the Nike Lakota 3 lacrosse head compare to its predecessor, the Lakota 2?
The Lakota 3 is stiffer, lighter, and has a redesigned throat for better accuracy. It offers improved shot accuracy and durability over the Lakota 2.
Final Verdict
The Nike Lakota 3 lacrosse head is a versatile head for LSMs, offensive middies, and attackers. With an aggressive scoop, high durability, and a wider profile, it provides a good shooting experience and feeding accuracy.
Even though pocket stiffness might be a turn-off for faceoffs, its responsiveness and feeding accuracy will win you goals. Consider stringing a looser pocket to adjust the feel, or choose the Nike CEO 3 or Maverik Optik 3 for a different experience. For more options, check our best lacrosse heads guide.
Battle Lax alternatives to the Lakota 3
Battle Lax doesn't stock Nike heads right now, so here's where I'd point a middie or attackman shopping for something similar. The Maverik Tactik 3.0 is our top midfield head, stiff and light with a great scoop. The StringKing Mark 3V is a stiff, weatherproof all-rounder. And if you play more attack and want a low pocket, go with the Maverik Optik Force, the head that replaced the Optik 3 I mentioned above.
Battle Lax: Maverik Tactik 3.0$109.99
Battle Lax: StringKing Mark 3V$119.99
Battle Lax: Maverik Optik Force$109.99