Best Nike Lacrosse Heads for Middies and Attackers
The CEO 2, CEO 3, Lakota 3, Vapor Pro and Vapor Elite tested on the field for faceoffs, middies and attack, plus the closest heads you can buy at BattleLax.
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Nike has been a household name in sports since 1964, with one of the strongest brands in the game. It built on its running shoe dominance with football cleats, apparel and hockey gear, and it got into lacrosse around 2009 through a partnership with STX. Before long, Nike heads, shafts and cleats were all over the field.
Let's focus on the heart of the stick: the head. Heads are built for different positions and playing styles, and a good one has a huge impact on your control, accuracy and power. It's the difference between a fumbled pass and a laser.
Picking a head comes down to a few things. Middies usually want a balanced head, while attackmen go for a stiffer head for shooting and catching. Today, I'm sharing my experience with the 5 best Nike lacrosse heads for faceoff guys, middies and attackmen.
Heads up: BattleLax doesn't carry Nike heads. Under each one, I point you to the closest head BattleLax does stock, with the full list below.
Our top picks
- Best for faceoffs: Nike CEO 2
- Most durable: Nike CEO 3
- Best for middies: Nike Lakota 3
- Best all-around: Nike Vapor Pro
- Best for attack: Nike Vapor Elite
Overview of the best Nike lacrosse heads
Here's a quick overview of the Nike heads I took to the field for this review.
| # | Head | Position | BattleLax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Nike CEO 2 | Faceoff | Alt |
| 02 | Nike CEO 3 | Faceoff | Alt |
| 03 | Nike Lakota 3 | Middie | Alt |
| 04 | Nike Vapor Pro | Middie | Alt |
| 05 | Nike Vapor Elite | Attack | Alt |
"Alt" goes to the closest head BattleLax has in stock.
Best Nike lacrosse head reviews
1. Nike CEO 2 Lacrosse Head Best for faceoffs
I picked up the Nike CEO 2 last spring after years of relying on the original. The CEO 2 is built specifically for faceoffs, and the first difference I noticed was the shorter throat. It lets me get my hand closer to the head for more power and control at the X.
Its light build helps with quick dodges and cuts. The stock strings hold good tension in the pocket for accurate passes coming off the faceoff. I usually prefer a mid pocket, but its high pocket still gave me a good balance of ball control, cradling and passing.
The CEO 2 is also a little stiffer, which helps on hard clamps and gives middies an edge. I liked the wider scoop for easy ground balls off loose faceoffs. It's not ideal for shooting, though, because of the stiffer pocket.
It also has plenty of stringing holes to customize. The stock stringing is decent, but I swapped it for a stiffer setup for even more control. The break-in is short, so it's a good choice for high school players.
- Stiff
- Customizable stringing
- Easy break-in
- Expensive
- Can fold in under pressure because of the stiff build
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry Nike heads. The closest stiff faceoff head they stock is the Gait Faceoff Stiff Head ($119.99).
Shop the Gait Faceoff Stiff Head
Read my in-depth Nike CEO 2 review.
2. Nike CEO 3 Lacrosse Head Most durable
Last season, ground balls chewed up a lot of my Nike heads, so durability became my top priority. I grabbed a new Nike CEO 3, known for its classic feel and toughness.
At first, I worried the extra durability would hurt performance, but it didn't. The CEO 3 is built to outlast the CEO 2 and other options while staying consistent. It locks into my hands perfectly.
The short throat lets me get my top hand super close for maximum control, and the zero-friction scoop is a big advantage. It helped me control ground balls off the faceoff. The flex is on point too, so I could build a nice deep pocket to trap the ball on the clamp.
The CEO 3 is one of the best Nike lacrosse heads, with better plastic and an updated structure. It was stiffer than I like, though, and took longer to break in than other heads I've used. If you're a beginner, go with the CEO 2 or string the CEO 3 with a softer mesh for a deeper pocket.
- Tough and sturdy
- Holds its shape in aggressive games
- Better plastic structure
- Hard to break in
- Tough for younger high school players
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry Nike heads. For a faceoff head they stock, go with the StringKing Mark 2F Unstrung Head ($99.99), or the Gait Faceoff Flex ($119.99) if you want more flex.
Shop the StringKing Mark 2F Head
Read my in-depth Nike CEO 3 review.
3. Nike Lakota 3 Lacrosse Head Best for middies
The round scoop got me interested in the Nike Lakota 3 (L3), and it turned out to be a perfect fit for my game. It helped my ground ball pickups, tightened up my control and cut drag for a smoother, faster feel.
It's a great option for middies. It's light, listed at 144 grams (about 5.1 ounces), so I got faster cradling and quicker dodges on offense.
This head uses Nike's PowerForm material, which doesn't bend easily. It also cuts up in the back for a slimmer look and easier high-hand placement, so you don't give up any control on passes and shots on the run.
The face shape is nice and simple, with 17 well-spaced holes that make it easy to build a pocket. It's perfect for a mid pocket, ideal for middies who need to balance ground balls with passing and shooting.
The body is stiff and sturdy, but there's no string-protection lip. As an offensive middie, I saw a little more wear on my mesh. Overall, it's one of the best Nike lacrosse heads for elite attackmen and middies.
- Great for a mid to high pocket
- Simple face shape
- Very durable PowerForm material
- Light
- Limited string holes
- Expensive
- No string-protection lip
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry Nike heads. For a light offensive head they stock, go with the Gait Torq 3 Unstrung Head ($99.99).
Read my in-depth Nike Lakota 3 review.
4. Nike Vapor Pro Lacrosse Head Best all-around
Next up is the Nike Vapor Pro. It's not a new launch, but I keep it in my collection for offense. I like the design, the feel and the stiff build. I've used it at offensive and two-way middie, and it hasn't let me down yet.
It's not the lightest head, but the weight shouldn't bother you. At about 5.2 ounces, it's right where you want it for quick shots from range, accurate feeds and cradling. The rounded scoop and angular sidewalls add to that balance and give you a wider channel and a more controlled grip on ground balls.
The speed scoop is my favorite part. It gave me a quick release and powerful throws when the game was on the line. The Vapor Pro has plenty of sidewall holes for 7- or 9-diamond setups, so you can string the pocket to fit your game.
The look holds up well, too, even though it doesn't have the latest bells and whistles. If you're an all-around player looking for a budget-friendly head, it's for you.
- Budget-friendly
- Durable
- Customizable pocket
- Lacks the latest bells and whistles
- Slightly heavy
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry Nike heads. The closest middie head they stock is the StringKing Mark 3V Unstrung Head ($119.99).
Shop the StringKing Mark 3V Head
Read my in-depth Nike Vapor Pro review, or see our best attack lacrosse heads.
5. Nike Vapor Elite Lacrosse Head Best for attack
The Nike Vapor Elite was one of my favorite heads when I was in high school. Its pointed stock scoop digs in and picks up ground balls effortlessly.
It has a sleek silver accent on the throat, and well-placed cutouts cut weight without giving up strength. So it's stiff but weighs only about 4.7 ounces.
Durability is another strength. Even after a season and a half, it kept its stiffness and showed no wear and tear. It's one of the best Nike heads for attackmen, offensive middies, dodgers and outside shooters who want a strong pocket.
Stringing the sidewall is hassle-free thanks to all the sidewall holes. The four top and four bottom holes are big enough for leathers, and it works well with both traditional and mesh pockets.
The stiffness gives you a strong foundation for cradling and shooting with power. It also makes the Vapor Elite less ideal for faceoffs. If facing off is your main job, check out the Nike CEO 2 or CEO 3 instead.
- Stiff and durable
- Lightweight
- Great for dodgers and shooters
- Not flexible enough for faceoffs
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry Nike heads. The closest attack head they stock is the StringKing Mark 3A Unstrung Head ($119.99).
Shop the StringKing Mark 3A Head
Read my in-depth Nike Vapor Elite review.
Special editions of Nike lacrosse heads
Nike has always offered special colors and special editions of its heads. For these heads, Nike also released black versions, which it calls "Special Colors."
Alternatives at BattleLax
BattleLax doesn't carry Nike heads, but here's what I'd grab new at BattleLax for each spot on the field.
| Gear | Position | Why | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gait Faceoff Stiff Head | Faceoff | Replaces the CEO 2 | $119.99 |
| StringKing Mark 2F Unstrung Head | Faceoff | Replaces the CEO 3 | $99.99 |
| Gait Faceoff Flex Head | Faceoff | More flex at the X | $119.99 |
| Gait Torq 3 Unstrung Head | Middie | Replaces the Lakota 3 | $99.99 |
| StringKing Mark 3V Unstrung Head | Middie | Replaces the Vapor Pro | $119.99 |
| StringKing Mark 3A Unstrung Head | Attack | Replaces the Vapor Elite | $119.99 |
| StringKing Type 5x Mesh String Kit | Stringing | Mesh and strings for any head | $39.99 |
Coach's note: I've played and coached from Ontario box to upstate New York and Virginia Beach, and I always tell players to keep a couple of heads in the bag: one strung for the X or the shot, one with a little more forgiveness. Whatever brand you pick, the head that fits your position and your pocket will beat the flashiest one on the rack.
People also ask
What should I consider when choosing a Nike lacrosse head?
Think about your position (faceoff, middie or attack), where you want your pocket, stiffness, weight and stringing options. Each Nike head is built for something different, from shooting accuracy to ball control to durability at the X.
What makes the Nike CEO 2 ideal for middies and faceoff specialists?
Its shorter throat gives you a closer grip for more control and power at the X. The light build and high pocket balance ball control and passing, and with plenty of stringing holes and a short break-in, it's a good fit for high school players.
How does the Nike CEO 3 differ from the CEO 2?
The CEO 3 is more durable and stiffer than the CEO 2. It has a zero-friction scoop for better ground ball control and a short throat for maximum control on faceoffs. It takes longer to break in, so it's better suited to experienced players.
Which Nike lacrosse head is best for middies?
The Nike Lakota 3. It's light, uses Nike's stiff PowerForm material, and has a simple face with 17 stringing holes for a custom mid pocket. It helps with ground balls and gives you control on passes and shots on the run.
What are the advantages of the Nike Vapor Pro?
The Vapor Pro is built for offensive and two-way middies, with a rounded speed scoop and angular sidewalls for easy ground balls, a quick release and plenty of sidewall holes for a custom pocket. It's a little heavy, but it's durable and budget-friendly.
Is the Nike Vapor Elite good for faceoffs?
No. It's too stiff for faceoffs, but it's excellent for attackmen and offensive middies who want a strong pocket, powerful cradling and shooting. For faceoffs, go with the Nike CEO 2 or CEO 3.
Final thoughts
Nike has a head lineup with impressive variety and great quality across positions. The CEO 2, with its control, and the durable CEO 3, with its zero-friction scoop, are the best faceoff heads of the bunch. If you're a middie who wants a light head with a customizable pocket, go with the L3.
The Vapor Pro and Vapor Elite are better for shooters, dodgers and offensive players. And if you want a budget-friendly all-around head, the Vapor Pro is the best Nike head for you. Defenders, check out our best defensive lacrosse heads.
Personally, since I play all over the field, I keep a collection of heads. It lets me adjust to whatever the game needs.
