Best Faceoff Heads for Lacrosse Reviewed
12 faceoff heads tested at the X for flex, warp resistance, throat length and how they play when you stay on, plus how to break one in and keep it legal.
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I played middie my whole career and loved every part of the game: offense, defense, transition. But my favorite part, and probably what I was best at, was facing off.
Before every high school season, I went to Alex Smith's faceoff camps to sharpen my craft and get hundreds of live reps right before the season started.
That's where I first realized how much a good faceoff head matters. Alex, like a lot of faceoff guys back then, used an OG Blade. Warrior had discontinued it, so I searched eBay every day until I finally found one for under $200.
I remember being shocked at how much easier it was to face off with and the edge it gave me. The way it flexed on the ball was unlike anything I'd felt, and I could pinch and pop like never before.
Warrior brought the OG Blade back a few years ago, but there's been a wave of faceoff-specific heads since then that are even better. This guide breaks them down so you can find the best faceoff head for your game.
Coach's note: I've watched faceoff guys come up from upstate New York, Virginia Beach and the box leagues in Ontario, and the best ones all had the same thing in common: they lived on the line. The head matters, and I'll tell you which ones are worth it below. But a hundred whistles a day with a buddy and a ball will win you more draws than any plastic on the market. Pick a head, break it in and get your reps.
Heads up: BattleLax carries most of the heads on this list, including the Logik Force, Weapon X 2.0, Burn Formula, Mark 2F, Mark 2F Stiff and Burn FO Recovery. For the rest, I point you to the closest head they stock, and you'll find the full in-stock list below.
Our top picks
When I was buying my latest faceoff head, I started with the most popular options on the market. After reading and watching countless reviews and heading to my local lax shop to feel them for myself, I narrowed it down to the 12 below, with who each one is best for and what matters most, like warp resistance and flex.
I use "FOGO" (face off, get off) and "FOSO" (face off, stay on) a lot. If you mainly just face off for your team, any of these heads will work. If you stay on and play offense, pick one marked for FOSOs. And if terms like "oblique flex" and "face flex" are new to you, check out the how to choose section below the reviews.
- Best for FOGOs: Maverik Logik Force
- Best for FOSOs: STX X-IT Flex
- Best transition head: ECD Weapon X 2.0
- Most popular: StringKing Mark 2F
- Best face flex: Nike CEO
- Best value: Warrior Burn FO Recovery ($89.99)
Overview of the best faceoff heads
| # | Head | Best for | BattleLax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Maverik Logik Force | FOGO | $109.99 |
| 02 | STX X-IT Flex | FOSO | Alt |
| 03 | ECD Weapon X 2.0 | FOSO | $99.99 |
| 04 | Warrior Burn Formula | FOSO | $99.99 |
| 05 | Nike CEO 3 | FOSO | Alt |
| 06 | StringKing Mark 2F | FOSO or FOGO | $99.99 |
| 07 | ECD Weapon X | FOSO | Alt |
| 08 | Nike CEO | Pure FOGO | Alt |
| 09 | STX Duel 3 | FOGO or FOSO | Alt |
| 10 | StringKing Mark 2F Stiff | FOSO or stiff-head FOGO | $99.99 |
| 11 | Warrior Burn FO Recovery | FOGO or FOSO | $89.99 |
| 12 | Nike CEO 2 | FOGO or FOSO | Alt |
A price goes to the head on BattleLax. "Alt" goes to the closest faceoff head BattleLax has in stock.
Best faceoff head reviews
1. Maverik Logik Force Lacrosse Head (2025) Best for FOGOs
Best for: FOGO
I've been running the Maverik Logik Force for a month, and it does exactly what a FOGO needs. The DuraFlex plastic gives it a balanced flex profile that takes pressure without warping too easily, so it snaps right back after the clamp and exits clean after a win.
The honeycomb texture on the rails adds extra grip when you're locked up with your man, and the narrow throat gave me excellent ball control.
The sidewall holes are spaced out more near the throat, but the mid-low pocket grips well on the clamp and lets go clean on the exit.
I also liked the slightly rounded scoop. It's not too aggressive, but it gets under the ball easily, even in heated tie-ups. The three-strut design keeps it from losing its shape, so I didn't see much warping after a ton of reps.
At about 4.8 ounces, it's lighter than the Nike CEO 2 and more durable than the old Maverik LOCK. It's the best pick for intermediate and advanced FOGOs who want speed and control at the X.
- Sturdy DuraFlex plastic
- Light
- Asymmetrical sidewalls for oblique flex
- Hollowed-out ball stop
- Sidewall holes spaced out at the throat
- A little tricky to string
At BattleLax: In stock now. Grab the Maverik Logik Force ($109.99) straight from BattleLax.
Read more: My full Maverik Logik Force review
2. STX X-IT Flex Lacrosse Head (2024) Best for FOSOs
Best for: FOSO
The STX X-IT Flex is one of my top picks for FOSOs. The softer lower sidewalls and stiffer upper section make it easy to pinch and reverse clamp.
The Trap Tech ridges grip the ball well and keep it secure on the exit, so I could hang onto it in 50/50 scrums. The Reflex plastic snaps back into shape rep after rep.
The Speed Scoop glides under the ball without catching on turf or grass. I rarely had the ball pop out after a scoop, and the way it funnels the ball into the pocket makes ground balls smooth, even on the run.
The short throat lets you choke up for better control in tie-ups and quicker exits. It held its shape well, even after a lot of reps in the heat, which is a must for a FOGO head.
I did see some spread on long-range shots, so I used the 28 sidewall holes to tweak my pocket for more speed. Still, the mid pocket kept the ball secure after a win and made quick passes easy. Going from the X to offense felt natural.
See it live GKL+ on YouTube
- Reflex plastic flexes and holds up
- Keeps its shape
- Lots of sidewall holes
- Stiff top and flexible sides for better shooting
- Some spread on long shots
- A little heavy
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX X-IT Flex. For a flexible faceoff head they stock, go with the Gait Faceoff Flex ($119.99).
Read more: My full STX X-IT Flex review
3. ECD Weapon X 2.0 Lacrosse Head (2024) Best transition head
Best for: FOSO
Next up is the ECD Weapon X 2.0, which is even tougher than the original. The hybrid flex design gives you clean clamps and keeps you in control on second-move battles. The shorter throat also sped up my reactions in tie-ups and got me out faster.
The asymmetrical sidewalls flex enough to twist out of tough locks without losing the ball. The left side has a little of that Burn FO feel. It's one of the best transition heads for players who want a light head with some flex but don't love a traditional flex.
The rounded scoop picks up ground balls smoothly, even at full speed. It has fewer sidewall holes than some heads, but it can hold a deep pocket, so you still get plenty of whip.
It comes in two versions. The Natural is more flexible, which helps on exits but gives up some consistency in tough battles, so it's worth a try for newer faceoff guys. If you want a tougher head and better shot speed for staying on, go with the bone version.
See it live GKL+ on YouTube
- Easy pinching and reverse clamping
- Durable and warp resistant
- Two versions with different flex
- Shorter throat for faster reactions
- A little heavy
- Fewer stringing options
At BattleLax: In stock now. Grab the ECD Weapon X 2.0 ($99.99) straight from BattleLax.
Read more: My full ECD Weapon X 2.0 review
4. Warrior Burn Formula Lacrosse Head (2024) Best for shooting
Best for: FOSO
Most faceoff heads give up shooting accuracy for flex, but Warrior says this one does both. After using it, I can tell you Warrior built the Burn Formula for FOSOs who need a balance of control and shooting.
The first thing I noticed was how much stiffer it is than the Burn FO Recovery. It flexes well on the clamp but snaps back fast and holds its shape. The Therma-Loc+ plastic feels tougher than past Warrior FO heads, and I got great shot speed with plenty of whip.
The curved scoop and wider face made it easier to rake or pluck the ball out of scrums. On exits, I could put the ball where I wanted without losing control.
The mid pocket and pinched face felt natural cradling. I could protect the ball without it rattling around, even with a pole on me.
At about 5.3 ounces, it's a little heavier than the Logik Force. It's not sluggish, but if you like a lighter head, the Nike CEO 2 or the Logik Force is a better pick.
See it live GKL+ on YouTube
- Therma-Loc+ plastic holds its shape
- Resists warping
- Accurate, fast shots
- Extra screw holes for shaft adjustment
- No traditional throat plug
At BattleLax: In stock now. Grab the Warrior Burn Formula ($99.99) straight from BattleLax. There's also a Burn Formula Stiff ($99.99) if you want more backbone.
Read more: My full Warrior Burn Formula review
5. Nike CEO 3 (2023) Best stiff FOSO
Best for: FOSO
The Nike CEO 3 kept what worked in the CEO line but stiffened the sidewalls and tightened the face. I liked that it didn't warp as fast as the CEO 2, even after a year of reps. The shorter throat gave me plenty of leverage, and the zero-friction scoop made knee-down ground balls easier.
Nike also added a predictable flex point so it snaps back right after hard clamps. It took about two weeks to break in, though, and the stiffer build made some finesse moves tougher early on.
I loved how the narrow face kept the ball locked in after a win, and it shoots really well. The stiffer sidewalls soak up checks well, too, at about 4.9 ounces.
The mid pocket sat right where I wanted it, and the tighter channel kept my shots accurate without too much whip. Ground balls were mostly clean, but the steeper scoop angle popped the ball off the plastic on uneven turf.
Because those stiffer sidewalls take a while to break in, beginners should go with the StringKing Mark 2F instead.
See it live Northern Soul Sportswear on YouTube
- Accurate, fast shots
- Durable and light
- Zero-friction scoop
- Long break-in
- Not for beginners
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Nike CEO 3. For a FOSO head they stock that's easier for newer players, go with the StringKing Mark 2F ($99.99).
Read more: My full Nike CEO 3 review
6. StringKing Mark 2F Most popular
Best for: FOSO or FOGO
The StringKing Mark 2F was one of my final two when I was buying my last faceoff head. If it had just a little more offset, I probably would have gone with it.
It's also what I see most elite college and high school faceoff guys using lately.
Like the Weapon X, it has great warp resistance, plenty of stringing holes and a scoop that makes ground balls a breeze.
One of my favorite features is how thin the plastic is. That makes it really easy to flex your head under your opponent's sidewall, grab the ball and drag it out.
Even with thin plastic, it's super durable and warp resistant. It snaps back into place after every faceoff, so it's another great option for staying on and playing offense.
It takes some getting used to and some breaking in, since it doesn't crush down on the ball quite like the Weapon X or Nike CEO. For some players, it may resist flexing the way they're used to.
Overall, it's a great choice for FOGOs and FOSOs, which is why so many top college faceoff guys use it. I came really close to buying it, and I know I would've been happy.
See it live Justin Inacio on YouTube
- Very light
- Great warp resistance
- Good on offense
- Lots of stringing holes
- Short throat
- Thin profile gets under other heads
- Doesn't face flex well
- Takes time to break in
At BattleLax: In stock now. Grab the StringKing Mark 2F ($99.99) straight from BattleLax.
7. ECD Weapon X My pick
Best for: FOSO
After all my research, I ended up buying the ECD Weapon X, mainly for its offense and warp resistance.
My final two were the Weapon X and the Mark 2F, and the Weapon X's full offset was the deciding factor. I carry the ball a lot and often start the offense, so a full offset gives me the hold and release I'm used to.
The offset can take some getting used to at the X if you're coming from a head with little or no offset.
Besides the offense, it's an amazing faceoff head. It takes some time to break in, but once it does, it flexes just about any way you want. A lot of that, plus the warp resistance, comes from the asymmetrical sidewalls, which let the bottom sidewall flex up into the ball while the top collapses down.
The FlexForm plastic snaps back into shape after every faceoff. Compared to heads like the CEO and Burn FO, it doesn't warp easily and holds up much better over time. You won't be passing and shooting with a crooked head, which is huge.
See it live GKL+ on YouTube
- Great for offense
- Full offset
- Great warp resistance
- Has a throat plug
- Lots of stringing holes
- Amazing scoop
- Heavier than some
- Takes time to break in
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the ECD Weapon X. Its successor, the ECD Weapon X 2.0 ($99.99), is the one they stock.
Read more: My full ECD Weapon X review
8. Nike CEO Best face flex
Best for: Pure FOGO
The Nike CEO wasn't built to be a faceoff head. Nike originally made it for attackmen who like a really tight pinch. It just turned out the sidewall design made it amazing at the X, and it's been the most popular faceoff head since the OG Blade.
The way the struts are designed lets the head collapse on itself, which creates great face flex. You can pinch the ball securely in the throat even while the rest of the head bends back.
If you're a pure FOGO who doesn't have to worry about offense, it's one of the best options. The way it flexes and grabs the ball is unmatched.
On the downside, this head warps a lot and isn't very durable. The top quickly starts bending forward and to the side, which makes it really hard to use on offense, and you may have to worry about it being legal.
If you just want a head to face off with, the CEO is one of the best. Just be ready to keep bending it back into shape and buying replacements once it breaks or warps beyond use.
See it live The Official Beast Lab presented by Greg Gurenlian on YouTube
- One of the most popular faceoff heads ever
- Very flexible
- Best face flex of any head
- Great for grabbing 50/50s
- Warps very easily
- Breaks easily
- No shortened throat
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Nike CEO. For a very flexible faceoff head they stock, go with the Gait Faceoff Flex ($119.99).
9. STX Duel 3 Best STX
Best for: FOGO or FOSO
The newest member of the STX Duel family is the best one yet, in my opinion.
The Duel 3 has the same general shape as the original, but the Reflex plastic holds its shape longer, and it has a straight throat instead of the Duel 2's angled throat, which a lot of faceoff guys didn't like.
It also has STX's Speed Scoop, one of the best in the game, plus a shortened throat with a throat plug and sidewalls built to flex on the ball.
It's one of the best heads for staying on and playing offense, thanks to its offset and shape retention. It also has a lot more stringing holes than earlier Duels, so you can customize your pocket.
Plenty of college and pro faceoff guys, like Joe Nardella, have used it and like it.
- Tougher than the Duel and Duel 2
- Great warp resistance
- Good on offense
- Short throat with plug
- Not as much long-term feedback as older heads
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Duel 3. For an all-around FOSO head they stock, go with the Warrior Burn Formula ($99.99).
10. StringKing Mark 2F Stiff Best stiff head
Best for: FOSO or stiff-head FOGO
I'll keep this one short, since most of what I said about the regular Mark 2F applies to the stiff version too.
If you like a stiffer head at the X or you also play LSM or D, the Mark 2F Stiff is your best bet. It has the same warp resistance and shape as the regular 2F but uses a stronger plastic to stay stiffer.
- Great for players who like stiff heads
- Great warp resistance
- Good on offense
- Lots of stringing holes
- Great scoop
- Short throat
- No throat plug
At BattleLax: In stock now. Grab the StringKing Mark 2F Stiff ($99.99) straight from BattleLax.
11. Warrior Burn FO Recovery Best face flex value
Best for: FOGO or FOSO
Warrior teamed up with Trevor Baptiste to create the Burn FO, which quickly became one of the best faceoff heads on the market. In 2022, Warrior released the Burn FO Recovery, and it's a huge improvement.
Like the Burn FO, the Recovery face flexes on top and flexes obliquely on the bottom, but it grabs the ball much better. With the original, you almost had to fully clamp to pinch the ball. The Recovery pinches it without a full clamp.
The plastic is another big upgrade. It's a little more flexible than the original but holds its shape much better, snapping back after every faceoff.
If you liked the original Burn FO, you'll love the Recovery. Same face shape, but it flexes better and the plastic is much better. If you didn't like the original, the shape may still not be for you, but it's a huge improvement.
- Great warp resistance
- One of the few heads that face flexes well
- Flexible right out of the bag
- Short throat with plug
- Pretty heavy
- Wide face
- Not much offset
At BattleLax: In stock and on sale. Grab the Warrior Burn FO Recovery ($89.99) straight from BattleLax. The original Burn FO ($89.99) is there too.
12. Nike CEO 2 Most durable CEO
Best for: FOGO or FOSO
Once the original CEO took over the faceoff market, Nike released an update meant to fix a lot of its problems.
It definitely fixed a lot of the durability issues, but the CEO 2 doesn't flex quite as well, or the same way, as the original.
Like the Burn FO, it has a pretty wide throat, which makes it harder to grab the ball, and it face flexes some but not nearly as much as the original.
Still, if you're tired of going through a CEO every couple of months, the CEO 2 is a good option. It feels similar enough to the original that switching should be easier than going to a totally different head. Give yourself time to make the switch, ideally in the offseason.
- More durable than the original CEO
- Decent warp resistance
- Short throat
- Not as flexible as the original CEO
- Wide face
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Nike CEO 2. For a durable faceoff head they stock, go with the Warrior Burn FO ($89.99).
Read more: My full Nike CEO 2 review
How to choose a faceoff head
With so many heads out there, it's hard to know which is best for you. Here's what I looked at when I picked my latest head and built this list.
1. Face flex vs. oblique flex
If those terms confused you, here's what they mean. They matter most when you pinch and pop.
Most heads flex at an oblique angle, meaning they bend a little sideways when you pinch the ball. When you lift your left hand for a pinch and pop, the throat still bends back some, but the head mostly flexes so the throat ends up to the left of the rest of the head.
Face flex is when the throat moves mostly straight back, perpendicular to the head, instead of sideways. A head needs a very specific sidewall design to face flex.
Which is better? There's no right answer. It comes down to what you're used to. If you've played with oblique-flexing heads, you'll probably do better with another one, and the same goes for face flex.
2. How much you stay on the field
If you're staying on, you need a head that's decent on offense and defense. If you face off and get off, it matters a lot less. Good FOSO heads have at least some offset and good warp resistance, so they don't bend so much that it's hard to pass, catch and shoot.
3. Your faceoff style
If you like to pinch and pop, you need a head with some flex. If you're more of a power clamper or like to push guys off the ball, go stiffer.
4. Durability and warp resistance
You bend your head a ton at the X, so durability is a big deal. Read reviews and guides like this to see how heads hold up after hundreds of reps. Some heads, like the Nike CEO, are amazing at the X but break and warp so easily you'll be buying a new one every few months, and that gets expensive fast.
5. Throat length
Last, look at the throat. The closer your top hand is to the head, the more control and power you have. You can't put your hand on the plastic, so a shorter throat gives you an edge. Here's more on the head rules.
Breaking in your faceoff head
It's really important to break in your faceoff head before you use it in a game. By that, I mean loosening it up so it flexes the way you clamp and pinch. Even the most flexible heads are a little stiff out of the wrapper. Depending on the head, it can take anywhere from 50 to 500 reps before it flexes the way you like. Break it in first so you're used to how it plays and confident it'll bend when you need it to.
Here are the most common ways to break in a faceoff head and which ones are worth it:
1. Boil your head: not recommended (usually)
If you've ever dyed a head in boiling water, you probably noticed it was more flexible after. That can help with a very stiff head, but for any head on this list, I don't recommend it because it's not necessary. Your head will break in over time, and boiling it can weaken the plastic.
2. Bake your head: not recommended
Like boiling, baking your head softens the plastic, and I don't recommend it for the same reasons. If you really want to soften a head without doing it the natural way, boil it before you bake it.
3. Just face off with it: recommended
My favorite way to break in a faceoff head is to just take a bunch of faceoffs with it. Every head softens up over time, especially faceoff heads, since they're designed to flex over the ball. You'd be surprised how much it loosens up after just 50 to 100 reps.
A note about warping
As your head breaks in, it'll probably warp a bit. Usually that's not a bad thing, up to a point. When you flex your head the same way over and over, the plastic starts to bend that way naturally, so you don't have to flex it as much to pinch the ball.
Think of it like this: if your top sidewall sits 2 centimeters over the ball when it's brand new, that's 2 centimeters you have to clamp or flex down to pinch it. If it warps so it's only 1 centimeter over the ball, you have to move less, and your odds of winning the clamp go up.
Warping gets bad when your head is hard to pass and catch with or becomes illegal. When that happens, bend it back toward its original shape as much as you can, use a softball or something similar to keep the throat wide, or buy a new head.
Keeping your faceoff head legal
As your head warps, you may need some help keeping it wide enough to be legal and to let the ball pop out the back easily. When I play, I stick a baseball or softball in the throat of my head every time I come off the field. It works well, and it isn't hard to get used to the width changing a little during the game.
Popular things to keep your head in shape:
- Baseball
- Softball
- Hockey puck
- Block of wood
ECD and Warrior have also made tools for this. ECD's comes with the Weapon X, a rounded block that slides into your throat. Warrior sells the Wedge, which slides into the throat too.
Make a habit of bending your head back toward center after faceoffs, too. If you pinch and pop a lot, your head will start bending to the left when you look at the face. As soon as the ball leaves my stick after a faceoff, I push the left side back to center so it's straight and ready for offense.
Want to keep learning? A few of my favorite faceoff resources are the Green Knuckles Lacrosse YouTube channel, Greg Gurenlian's YouTube channel and 10 minutes of faceoff whistles for practice.
Gear to pair with your faceoff head
Found your next head? Here are a few things that can take your game at the X to the next level:
- Faceoff shaft: Heads aren't the only faceoff-specific gear. Shafts like the StringKing Composite 3 Pro Faceoff Shaft ($159.99) have a top section shaped for your top hand. Check out our best faceoff shafts guide for more.
- Mesh: A soft, light mesh helps the ball pop out clean after a win. The ECD Hero 4.0 Semi-Soft Mesh ($24.99) is a great place to start.
- Warrior Wedge: The tool from above that keeps your head legal between shifts.
- Tape: I always tape the top quarter or so of my shaft for a better grip at the X. Any athletic tape works, but lacrosse tape like StringKing Lacrosse Tape ($4.99) holds up better.
Faceoff gear in stock at BattleLax
Want a head you can order today? These are the faceoff heads and gear BattleLax carries right now.
| Gear | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Maverik Logik Force | Faceoff head | $109.99 |
| ECD Weapon X 2.0 | Faceoff head | $99.99 |
| Warrior Burn Formula | Faceoff head | $99.99 |
| Warrior Burn Formula Stiff | Faceoff head (stiff) | $99.99 |
| StringKing Mark 2F | Faceoff head | $99.99 |
| StringKing Mark 2F Stiff | Faceoff head (stiff) | $99.99 |
| Warrior Burn FO Recovery | Faceoff head | $89.99 |
| Warrior Burn FO | Faceoff head | $89.99 |
| Gait Faceoff Flex | Faceoff head | $119.99 |
| Gait Faceoff Stiff | Faceoff head (stiff) | $119.99 |
| StringKing Composite 3 Pro Faceoff Shaft | Faceoff shaft | $159.99 |
| ECD Hero 4.0 Semi-Soft Mesh | Mesh | $24.99 |
| StringKing Lacrosse Tape | Grip tape | $4.99 |
Prices and stock change, so check the product page before you order. See all faceoff gear at BattleLax.
How we rate faceoff heads
We take our ratings seriously and only recommend gear we'd use ourselves. As a faceoff guy, I know how hard it is to judge a faceoff head from a manufacturer's description.
To rate the heads on this page, we tested them ourselves, dug into the specs (weight, stringing holes and so on), and read reviews and talked to players we know who use them. We took at least 500 faceoff reps with each head to see how it breaks in, warps over time and performs at the X.
If you have feedback on any of these heads or want us to add one, reach out and let us know!
People also ask
How do I improve my faceoffs in lacrosse?
Take reps every day, go to a faceoff camp, work on your technique, break in your head and study the best faceoff guys on film.
What is a faceoff in lacrosse?
A faceoff is the battle for possession that starts play at the beginning of each quarter and after every goal.
What is the faceoff called in girls lacrosse?
In girls lacrosse, it's called the draw.
What counts as a faceoff win?
You win a faceoff when you or your team gains possession of the ball off the faceoff.
What are the best faceoff heads for FOGOs?
The Maverik Logik Force, Nike CEO, StringKing Mark 2F and Warrior Burn FO Recovery are all great picks for pure FOGOs.
How do you break in a faceoff head?
Take a lot of faceoffs with it. Most heads loosen up in the way you flex them after 50 to 100 reps, and fully break in after a few hundred.
Tying it up
I hope this guide helps you find your next faceoff head. If you have questions or want to share your experience with a head, drop a comment below or contact me.
Want our other top picks? Check out our guides to the best lacrosse heads, best attack and middie shafts and best faceoff shafts.
