Author: connor

  • Best Lacrosse Heads

    34 Best Lacrosse Heads Reviewed | LaxDrip
    Independent lacrosse gear reviews/Men’s · Women’s · Goalie

    34 Best Lacrosse Heads Reviewed

    The heads worth your money at attack, midfield, defense, goalie and faceoff, with specs, pros and cons for every one.

    LaxDrip: 34 best lacrosse heads

    LaxDrip is reader supported. When you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we review.

    Your lacrosse head is the single most important piece of equipment when it comes to performance. Sure, helmets and pads are important for safety, but your lacrosse head helps determine how well you pass, shoot, catch, pick up ground balls, check, and much more.

    We broke this list down by position so you can jump straight to the heads built for how you play. Every pick has its specs, pros and cons, and a link to buy.

    Our top picks

    Compare all 34 heads

    #HeadPositionBuy
    01StringKing Mark 3VAttack4.5 oz$119.99
    02Maverik Optik ForceAttack4.85 oz$109.99
    03STX Surgeon 1KAttack4.83 ozShop
    04Gait Torq 3Attack4.5 oz$99.99
    05Maverik Kinetik 3.0AttackNA$109.99
    06ECD Mirage 2.0Attack5.0 ozShop
    07Maverik Optik 3.0AttackNAShop
    08STX Surgeon 900Attack4.4 ozShop
    09StringKing Mark 2AAttackNAShop
    10Gait MustangAttackNA$99.99
    11Warrior Burn XP2-OAttackNA$119.99
    12Nike Surge EliteAttack4.7 ozNA
    13Maverik Tactik 3.0MidfieldNA$109.99
    14STX Stallion 1KMidfieldNAShop
    15Nike L3MidfieldNANA
    16RC1Midfield4.9 ozNA
    17Nike CEO 3Midfield4.9 ozNA
    18STX Hammer 1KDefenseNAShop
    19StringKing Mark 2DDefense5.2 ozShop
    20Maverik HavokDefenseNAShop
    21ECD DeltaDefenseNAShop
    22Warrior Burn XP2-DDefense5.6 ozShop
    23Maverik Tank 2.0Defense5.5 oz$109.99
    24STX Eclipse 2GoalieNAShop
    25StringKing Mark 2GGoalieUnder 11 ozShop
    26Warrior Nemesis 3GoalieNAShop
    27Warrior Nemesis LiteGoalie11.4 oz$99.99
    28STX Eclipse 3Goalie15 ozShop
    29StringKing Mark 2FFaceoffNA$99.99
    30ECD Weapon XFaceoffNAShop
    31Nike CEOFaceoffNANA
    32Warrior Burn FormulaFaceoffNA$99.99
    33STX X-IT FlexFaceoffNAShop
    34ECD Weapon X 2.0Faceoff5.15 oz$99.99

    Best attack heads

    Speed and accuracy: tight faces, low to mid pockets, quick release. We ranked 12 heads for attack.

    1. StringKing Mark 3V Top pick

    StringKing Mark 3V

    Position Attack Weight 4.5 oz Price $119.99

    Specs: Wide face shape, mid-pocket location, 8 top string holes, 32 sidewall holes, tapered throat design.

    Pros
    • Durable enough to maintain shape under extreme weather
    • New ultra-strong plastic build
    • Good long-distance shooting accuracy
    • Secure cradling with mid-pocket design
    • Ample stringing options for customization
    Cons
    • Very stiff to cradle in tight situations
    • Requires extra strength for clamping

    Buy now Read review

    2. Maverik Optik Force

    Maverik Optik Force

    Position Attack Weight 4.85 oz Price $109.99

    Specs: Low to mid-low pocket location, 6 top string holes, 20 sidewall holes, extremely stiff, short throat design.

    Pros
    • Lightweight and extremely stiff
    • Accurate long-distance shooting
    • Multiple sidewall holes for customization
    • Better ground-ball control and cradling
    • Stylish honeycomb ball stop design
    Cons
    • Requires pocket customization for optimal control
    • Slightly wider face may not be optimal for some players

    Buy now Read review

    3. STX Surgeon 1K

    Position Attack Weight 4.83 oz

    Specs: Redesigned face shape, maximum offset, Speed Scoop design.

    Pros
    • Lightweight feel
    • Enhanced shooting accuracy
    • Great for ground balls
    • Exclusively for attack-minded players
    Cons
    • Higher price point

    Shop at BattleLax Read review

    4. Gait Torq 3

    Gait Torq 3

    Position Attack Weight 4.5 oz Price $99.99

    Specs: Wider face profile, moderately angled and parallel sidewalls, reduced weight.

    Pros
    • Lightweight and durable
    • Well-spaced sidewall holes for pocket customization
    • Wide face for easy catching
    • No spread on shots
    Cons
    • Lower walls offer minimal flex, which can sometimes result in slight rattling on off-centered hits

    Buy now Read review

    5. Maverik Kinetik 3.0

    Maverik Kinetik 3.0

    Position Attack Price $109.99

    Specs: Slightly narrower face shape, Duratuff material, curved scoop, Tension Lock feature, shorter throat, dual screw holes.

    Pros
    • Narrow profile for better control
    • Tension lock system for improved stringing
    • Warp resistant
    • Durable Duratuff material
    Cons
    • Less surface area for angled catching
    • Higher price point

    Buy now Read review

    6. ECD Mirage 2.0

    Position Attack Weight 5.0 oz

    Specs: Pinched face, deep offset design, high pocket placement, stiff top rail.

    Pros
    • Durable and weather-resistant
    • Warp resistance
    • Offers a smooth release
    Cons
    • Heavier than some alternatives
    • Fewer sidewall holes for customization

    Shop at BattleLax Read review

    7. Maverik Optik 3.0

    Position Attack

    Specs: Shorter throat, 20 sidewall holes on each side, tight pinch, stiff, low offset.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Stiff & durable
    • Tight face shape
    • Shortened throat gives more control when one-handed cradling
    Cons
    • Not great for mid-to-high pockets

    Shop at BattleLax Read review

    8. STX Surgeon 900

    Position Attack Weight 4.4 oz

    Specs: Narrow face shape, EnduraForm plastic, Speed Scoop.

    Pros
    • Extremely light
    • Narrow face shape
    • Great scoop
    Cons
    • Not as stiff as some alternatives

    Shop at BattleLax Read review

    9. StringKing Mark 2A

    Position Attack

    Specs: Slightly wider face shape, pinched towards throat, flares lower, traditional offset, numerous sidewall holes, flat scoop.

    Pros
    • Many sidewall holes
    • Great scoop
    • Very light
    • Low offset helps w/ one-handed cradling
    Cons
    • Wider face than alternatives

    Shop at BattleLax Read review

    10. Gait Mustang

    Gait Mustang

    Position Attack Price $99.99

    Specs: Wider face profile, slightly pinched-in side rails, aggressive scoop, 6 top holes, 18 side holes.

    Pros
    • Aggressive scoop design for high-speed shooting
    • Durable and stiff
    • Many side holes for pocket customization
    Cons
    • Heavy

    Buy now Read review

    11. Warrior Burn XP2-O

    Warrior Burn XP2-O

    Position Attack Price $119.99

    Specs: Wider face with high pinch and flare, maximum offset, deep channel, rounded scoop with ridges, 20 side holes, Thermaloc+ material, X-TRUSS technology.

    Pros
    • SPINE TRACK design for consistent throws
    • Protecting diffusers and thermaloc+ built
    Cons
    • Slightly expensive
    • Scoop design may cause trouble for beginners

    Buy now Read review

    12. Nike Surge Elite

    Position Attack Weight 4.7 oz

    Specs: Lakota 3 face profile, aggressive scoop, mid-high pocket, 6 top string holes, 18 sidewall holes, moderately stiff, narrow throat design, PowerForm material.

    Pros
    • Accurate high-speed shooting
    • Durable PowerForm material construction
    • Weather resistant
    • Warp resistant
    • Plenty of sidewall holes for pocket customization
    Cons
    • Long break-in period
    • Stiff for beginners

    Not currently sold at BattleLax

    Best midfield heads

    All around heads that balance stiffness, weight and a scoop built for transition. We ranked 5 heads for midfield.

    13. Maverik Tactik 3.0 Top pick

    Maverik Tactik 3.0

    Position Midfield Price $109.99

    Specs: CoreControl technology, level 3 bottom rail, great stiffness-to-weight ratio, great scoop, more pinched face than Tactik 2.0.

    Pros
    • Very stiff
    • Relatively light
    • A ton of sidewall holes
    • Great scoop
    Cons
    • Sidewall holes are a bit small

    Buy now Read review

    14. STX Stallion 1K

    Position Midfield

    Specs: Speed Scoop, narrow pinch that opens toward scoop, Innerlock technology, offset toward middle to top of head.

    Pros
    • Stiff & durable
    • Speed Scoop is amazing
    • Lightweight
    • Great face shape
    Cons
    • Not great for low pockets

    Shop at BattleLax Read review

    15. Nike L3

    Position Midfield

    Specs: Smooth face shape, wider face, smooth flare, offset toward middle, average number of sidewall holes.

    Pros
    • Very lightweight
    • Easy to string
    • Stiff
    • Good for a variety of positions
    Cons
    • Wider face shape than alternatives

    Not currently sold at BattleLax

    16. RC1

    Position Midfield Weight 4.9 oz

    Specs: Mid pocket location, average stiffness, 6 top string holes, 23 sidewall holes on each side, wider face shape.

    Pros
    • Budget-friendly price
    • Suitable for all-rounder positions
    • Good balance between flexibility and stiffness
    • Numerous side holes for customized stringing
    Cons
    • Mesh quality could be improved
    • Average cradling hold
    • Not ideal for face-offs

    Not currently sold at BattleLax

    17. Nike CEO 3

    Position Midfield Weight 4.9 oz

    Specs: Mid pocket location, slightly wide face shape, 4 top string holes, 16 sidewall holes, stiffer build, shorter throat, zero-friction scoop.

    Pros
    • High durability
    • Sharp shooting accuracy and speed
    • Strong side rails with multiple holes for pocket customization
    • Versatile for midfielders and face-off specialists
    Cons
    • Long break-in period
    • Uncomfortable throat edges
    • Less flexible for beginners

    Not currently sold at BattleLax

    Best defense heads

    Stiff, durable heads that throw checks and scoop ground balls in traffic. We ranked 6 heads for defense.

    18. STX Hammer 1K Top pick

    Position Defense

    Specs: Improved EnduraForm plastic, pinched toward throat, high offset, Speed Scoop, InnerLock technology, 15 sidewall holes on each side.

    Pros
    • Very stiff
    • Durable
    • Great scoop
    • Nice face shape
    Cons
    • Fewer sidewall holes than competitors

    Shop at BattleLax Read review

    19. StringKing Mark 2D

    Position Defense Weight 5.2 oz

    Specs: Sharp angle scoop, dramatic forward cant, above-average stiffness, locking bolt in throat, numerous stringing holes, high pocket.

    Pros
    • Very light
    • Above-average stiffness
    • Great scoop design & head shape for ground balls
    • Tons of stringing holes
    Cons
    • Hard to string a low pocket in it

    Shop at BattleLax Read review

    20. Maverik Havok

    Position Defense

    Specs: Tighter pinch toward throat, opens toward scoop, decent stiffness, Ground Control scoop, forward canting top half.

    Pros
    • Face shape helps give more control in transition
    • Great for ground balls
    • Relatively light
    Cons
    • May take getting used to for D players used to wide heads
    • Not as stiff as some D heads

    Shop at BattleLax Read review

    21. ECD Delta

    Position Defense

    Specs: Stiff construction, X-shaped sidewall struts, 18 side holes, wider face, tighter throat design.

    Pros
    • Stiff and durable design
    • It doesn't warp on strong checks
    • Smooth ground ball pickups for get-and-go
    • Minimal spread on long shots
    Cons
    • Limited ground ball control in traffic

    Shop at BattleLax Read review

    22. Warrior Burn XP2-D

    Position Defense Weight 5.6 oz

    Specs: Highly stiff, thermalock hybrid build, wider throat design, steeper face, deeper pocket, recessed stringing holes.

    Pros
    • Durable and weather-resistant
    • Perfect Offset for consistent performance
    • Minimal impact on checking
    • The pocket needed minimal break-in time
    Cons
    • Scoop design is not good for offensive middies

    Shop at BattleLax Read review

    23. Maverik Tank 2.0

    Maverik Tank 2.0

    Position Defense Weight 5.5 oz Price $109.99

    Specs: Low pocket location, moderately stiff construction, 6 top string holes, 20 sidewall holes, moderately wide face, rounded scoop.

    Pros
    • Durable construction designed for aggressive play
    • Excellent ball control and quick release
    • Smooth ground ball pickups
    • Ample stringing options for customization
    Cons
    • Stiffness may challenge cradling in tight situations
    • Heavier than some attack-focused heads
    • Not ideal for offensive play styles

    Buy now Read review

    Best goalie heads

    Big catching area, stiff rails and a throat you can control. We ranked 5 heads for goalie.

    24. STX Eclipse 2 Top pick

    Position Goalie

    Specs: New throat design, doubled stringing holes, offset design.

    Pros
    • Stiffer than the original Eclipse
    • Upgrade ergonomic throat gives you more control
    • Plenty of stringing holes so you can customize your pocket
    Cons
    • Slightly heavier than some alternatives
    • More expensive than other options

    Shop at BattleLax Read review

    25. StringKing Mark 2G

    Position Goalie Weight Under 11 oz

    Specs: Extremely light, good surface area, good stiffness, shortened low-profile throat, 42 sidewall holes.

    Pros
    • Extremely light
    • TONS of stringing holes
    • 6-month warranty
    Cons
    • Not much room for grip on throat

    Shop at BattleLax Read review

    26. Warrior Nemesis 3

    Position Goalie

    Specs: More struts along sidewall, 1.1 oz lighter than Nemesis 2, stiff.

    Pros
    • Stiff
    • Many stringing holes
    • Pretty light
    Cons
    • No ergonomic throat design

    Shop at BattleLax Read review

    27. Warrior Nemesis Lite

    Warrior Nemesis Lite

    Position Goalie Weight 11.4 oz Price $99.99

    Specs: Very stiff rails, rugged sidewall design, flared sidewalls, triangular face shape, narrower bottom.

    Pros
    • Large catching area
    • Stiff and lightweight
    Cons
    • Uncomfortable throat end

    Buy now Read review

    28. STX Eclipse 3

    Position Goalie Weight 15 oz

    Specs: Firm construction, refined throat design, narrower grip, updated strut pattern, angled scoop, two screw holes in throat.

    Pros
    • Weather resistant and doesn't warp
    • Enduro Foam construction
    • Smooth throat for better hand placement
    Cons
    • Bulky design
    • Stiff pocket

    Shop at BattleLax Read review

    Best faceoff heads

    Flex for the clamp, warp resistance for the possession after. We ranked 6 heads for faceoff.

    29. StringKing Mark 2F Top pick

    StringKing Mark 2F

    Position Faceoff Price $99.99

    Specs: Great warp resistance, many stringing holes, excellent scoop, thin plastic, shortened throat.

    Pros
    • Very light
    • Great warp resistance
    • Good offensive performance
    • Many stringing holes
    Cons
    • Shortened throat

    Buy now Read review

    30. ECD Weapon X

    Position Faceoff

    Specs: Full offset, asymmetrical sidewalls, FlexForm plastic, throat plug, many stringing holes.

    Pros
    • Great for offense
    • Full offset
    • Great warp resistance
    • Has throat plug
    • Many stringing holes
    • Amazing scoop
    Cons
    • Heavier than some alternatives
    • Takes time to break in

    Shop at BattleLax Read review

    31. Nike CEO

    Position Faceoff

    Specs: Sidewall struts designed to collapse, tight pinch, great face flex.

    Pros
    • One of the most popular faceoff heads of all time
    • Very flexible
    • Best face flex of any head
    • Great for "grabbing" balls in 50/50s
    Cons
    • Warps very easily, making it hard to use on offense
    • Breaks easily
    • Doesn't have shortened throat

    Not currently sold at BattleLax

    32. Warrior Burn Formula

    Warrior Burn Formula

    Position Faceoff Price $99.99

    Specs: Flexible sidewalls, stiff scoop, slightly curved scoop, shorter throat design, mid-low pocket.

    Pros
    • Flexible sidewalls to win loose draws
    • Aggressive scoop design for easy ground ball pick-ups
    • Pocket friendly
    Cons
    • The top strings were torn out early
    • Average shooting speed

    Buy now Read review

    33. STX X-IT Flex

    Position Faceoff

    Specs: Mid-pocket location, extremely flexible design, 4 top string holes, 28 sidewall holes, angled sidewalls, rounded scoop.

    Pros
    • Shorter throat design for better control
    • Multi-angle flexibility for quicker break-in
    • Lightweight and highly durable reflex plastic
    • Ample stringing options for customization
    Cons
    • Uneven string hole patterns
    • Less effective for delivering strong checks

    Shop at BattleLax Read review

    34. ECD Weapon X 2.0

    ECD Weapon X 2.0

    Position Faceoff Weight 5.15 oz Price $99.99

    Specs: Low to mid-low pocket location, hybrid-flex design, 6 top string holes, 14 sidewall holes, rounded scoop, durable flex foam construction.

    Pros
    • Durable flex foam construction
    • Lightweight design
    • Engineered flex points for better control during clamps
    • Two variants available for different flexibility needs
    Cons
    • Spread on long-distance shots
    • Average shooting speed
    • Not stiff enough for powerful checks

    Buy now Read review

    How to choose a lacrosse head

    Seven things decide whether a head fits your game.

    1. Face shape. Pinched heads give more control; wider faces make catching easier.
    2. Weight. Offensive players lean lighter; defenders favor heavier, stiffer heads.
    3. Stiffness & durability. Usually rise with weight. Stiffer heads hold shape on checks.
    4. Pocket placement. Set by where the head reaches maximum offset: low, mid or high.
    5. Scoop design. Shapes how easily you pick up ground balls.
    6. Stringing holes. More holes mean more ways to customize your pocket.
    7. Prestrung vs unstrung. Prestrung is ready to play; unstrung lets you build your own pocket.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the best lacrosse head for shooting?

    Among our attack picks, the StringKing Mark 3V and Maverik Optik Force lead for speed and accuracy. Both are stiff, light and built for long distance shooting.

    Does your lacrosse head affect performance?

    Yes. Your head helps determine how well you pass, shoot, catch, pick up ground balls and check, which makes it the most important piece of equipment for performance.

    What head should a long stick midfielder or defender use?

    Start with our defense picks. The STX Hammer 1K stood out for durability, and the StringKing Mark 2D for light weight with above average stiffness.

    Should I buy a prestrung or unstrung head?

    Prestrung heads are convenient and ready to play out of the box. Unstrung heads let you or a stringer build a custom pocket for your position.

    Shop the heads we reviewed

    Top pickStringKing Mark 3V
    Buy now
  •  ECD Ion Head Review: Lightest ECD Attack Head (4.7 oz)

     ECD Ion Head Review: Lightest ECD Attack Head (4.7 oz)

    Drip Level: (add your drip level graphic)

    The lightest head in the ECD lineup, built for attackmen who live on quick dodges, tight stick protection, and fast releases.

    Key Details

    • Position: Attack
    • Level: Intermediate/Advanced
    • Legality: all levels of play
    • Colors: Galaxy, Clear, Ruby, Lime, Frost, Sapphire, Lava, Midnight
    • Cost: $119.99
    • Year Released: 2022
    • Weight: 4.7 oz

    Other Places to Buy

    Battle Lax – ECD Ion Unstrung Lacrosse Head

    We may receive a commission if you make a purchase through a link on this page about the ECD Ion head review at no cost to you. This helps us keep this site free & we appreciate your support!

    ECD Ion Drip Score

    Category Score
    Stiffness 0.8
    Durability 0.9
    Material 1.0
    Scoop 0.9
    Stringing (20 sidewall holes) 1.0
    Weight 1.0
    Pinch 0.9
    Name / Brand Name 1.0
    Colors 1.0
    Overall Look 1.0

    Shape, Material, & Scoop

    Most attackmen I’ve coached fall into one of two camps. Either they want a head that feels like an extension of their hand, or they want something with enough beef to hold up when a pole is hacking at their top side hand. The ECD Ion is built for the first camp, and it doesn’t hide it.

    At 4.7 oz, this is the lightest head ECD makes and one of the lightest on the market. Light heads are fast through the air. When you’re snapping off a split dodge or rolling back from X, a lighter head gets through the motion quicker and takes less effort to cradle through a full 60 minutes. It also helps your hands in tight spaces when you’re feeding off the crease or hitting a cutter in the alley.

    The face shape is tight, which is what you want on attack. A narrow face gives you better ball control and makes it harder for a defender to get a clean check on the ball. It also helps with accuracy. When you only get a half second look at the cage, a head that tracks where you point it matters.

    The head is made with Diamond Plastic, which ECD describes as ultra durable and semi transparent. The material is a big part of how they get the weight so low without making the head feel like a toy. Any time you go this light, there’s a trade off in stiffness. A head in this weight range is going to feel more responsive than rigid, so if you’re a hard shooting attackman who likes zero give in the head, you’ll want to feel it in your hands first.

    The scoop is built for attack play, and it handles well on ground balls. GBs for attackmen are about quick, clean pickups off the ground, especially in transition or on a riding play when the ball is loose. A lighter head lets you get in and out fast.

    Stringing is where this head gives you a lot of room. It has 20 sidewall holes, so you can string almost any pocket setup you want. The head is designed around a low pocket, which fits what most attackmen want: a quick release and a ball that comes out clean. With that many holes, you can dial in your whip and hold exactly how you like it. I always tell players to string a pocket around how they shoot, not how the head looks on the shelf.

    The look is the other big selling point. Diamond Plastic’s semi transparent finish gives it a different look than a typical solid color head, and ECD offers it in eight colors. Galaxy and Lava stand out on the product page, and Clear is a clean option for guys who want the mesh and sidewall strings to show. It’s Made in the USA, which a lot of players care about.

    Pros & Cons of the ECD Ion

    Pros

    • 4.7 oz, one of the lightest heads on the market
    • Tight face for ball control and stick protection
    • Low pocket setup suited to quick releases
    • 20 sidewall holes for pocket customization
    • Diamond Plastic is lightweight but marketed as durable
    • Eight color options
    • Made in the USA

    Cons

    • $119.99 is on the higher end for a head
    • Lighter heads can feel less stiff than heavier options
    • Not a fit for midfielders who need a heavier head for checking
    • Better suited to intermediate and advanced players than beginners

    Who is the ECD Ion for?

    This head is made for attackmen, plain and simple. If you play behind the cage, dodge from X, or work the wing off a quick stick feed, the Ion fits how you play.

    Offensive minded midfielders who run the box, play a lot of top side dodging, and don’t need their head to take a beating could look at it too. Defensemen and LSMs should look elsewhere. You want more weight and a stiffer head when you’re checking, sliding, and clearing.

    If you’re newer to the game, this head will work, but it’s built for players who already have solid stick skills. A low pocket and a light head reward good hands. They won’t hide bad ones.

    Final Verdict

    The ECD Ion does what it says. It’s light, fast, and made for attack. If you play a quick, skilled game built on dodging and finishing, this is one of the better lightweight options available. The trade off is the usual one with ultralight heads: you’re giving up some stiffness for speed.

    At $119.99, you’re paying for the weight and the look, and for most attackmen who want a head that disappears in their hands, that’s worth it. Just be ready to string it right.

    Check the ECD Ion Lacrosse Head at Battle Lax →