STX's elite women's attack head, built for control, accuracy and precision around the cage. Here's how it plays and what to buy at BattleLax.
CSConnor Stifel · Women's Heads · Updated October 24, 2026 · 5 min read
Drip score9.1/ 10
LaxDrip verdict: a light, accurate, ultra-controllable 10° head for elite attackers. Limited colors are the only real knock. BattleLax doesn't stock it, so we point you to the ECD Halo.
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Overview
With its control, accuracy and precision, the Crux Pro is a top-of-the-line women's head for elite attackers. STX calls it the lightest Crux head yet, with less weight and better performance than the heads before it.
It's made from STX's patented EnduraForm material, which STX says holds up across a wider range of temperatures. DropRail technology improves ball retention and movement, and the SpeedScoop helps on ground balls while protecting the top string.
STX's Offset Technology funnels the ball right to the sweet spot for better hold. The head comes strung or unstrung, so you can pick the durable, controllable ProStrung Lock Pocket or the ProStrung Crux Mesh for the ultimate sweet spot and ball control. Want it to pop? Grab it in the yellow-and-white colorway.
Coach's note: I've watched the girls' game around the crease change completely, from the high school fields in upstate New York to the club tournaments in Virginia Beach and the growing programs in Ontario. Attackers are threading feeds and finishing off-angle shots we never saw ten years ago, and that's because of heads like this. If you live on the doorstep and need the ball to sit in your stick through a double, the Crux Pro is the kind of head that lets you play with confidence.
Heads up: BattleLax doesn't carry the Crux Pro right now. The closest elite women's head in stock is the ECD Halo Unstrung Women's Head ($124.99).
STX designed the Crux Pro with an emphasis on control and accuracy. It's built for top-tier attackers who want the best possible ball control and quickness in high-pressure games. The sleek design helps it play better and doesn't hurt its looks, either.
The Crux Pro is made to fit a shaft with a 10° bend. That 10° refers to the angle where the shaft fits into the head. The design is all about letting you make quick, accurate moves to beat your defender and finish the play.
Material
The Crux Pro's EnduraForm material is an upgrade over the last generation. STX engineered it to hold up longer in extreme weather, whether that's a frozen March scrimmage in Syracuse or a sticky July tournament on the coast.
STX chose EnduraForm to show its commitment to elite-level gear. If you want speed and durability in one head, the Crux Pro is an easy choice.
SpeedScoop and How It Compares
What sets the Crux Pro apart on ground balls is STX's patented SpeedScoop. It's carefully designed to perform on the scoop, one of the most important parts of any head.
On ground balls, the SpeedScoop gives you a real edge. Its design helps you get under the ball fast in a scrum, so you win more of those 50/50 battles when it matters most.
The scoop also protects your top string. That makes the top of the head sturdier and keeps your stringing from fraying.
Stringing
The Crux Pro's stringing goes a long way toward how it plays. You can choose between Pro Strung with Lock Pocket or Pro Strung with Crux Mesh, so you can pick the setup that fits your game.
The Lock Pocket is a hybrid pocket with heavier strings and a knotted pattern. It improves feel, control and durability, and the knots keep the pocket locked in, even in physical games.
The Crux Mesh pocket has a tapered shape that gives you the best sweet spot. It improves ball control, and the carefully built mesh helps you make precise moves with confidence.
Pros & Cons of the Crux Pro
Pros
Lightweight design: STX says it's one of the lightest Crux heads ever, which gives elite attackers more control and mobility.
Stringing options: Pick the Pro Strung Lock Pocket or Pro Strung Crux Mesh. The Crux Mesh gives you even more ball control for different playing styles.
Cons
Limited colors: Only Black/Black, White/White or White/Yellow.
10° shaft only: You'll need a 10° shaft to go with it.
The Crux Pro is built to give elite attackers unmatched control and precision. EnduraForm and its lighter weight help it hold up in any weather, and the offset guides the ball to the sweet spot for better hold. You can get it unstrung or strung with a Lock Pocket or Crux Mesh, and the SpeedScoop gives you an edge on ground balls. The Crux Pro is for elite women's players.
Yes. It's one of the most controllable, accurate heads for elite attackers, with STX's 10° offset, DropRail hold and a top-string-protecting SpeedScoop.
Does the STX Crux Pro need a special shaft?
Yes. The Crux Pro is a 10° head, so it only fits a 10° shaft built for STX's 10° heads.
What pockets does the Crux Pro come with?
You can get it unstrung, pro-strung with STX's Lock Pocket or pro-strung with Crux Mesh.
What position is the Crux Pro best for?
Elite attackers who want maximum control and accuracy around the cage.
Does BattleLax carry the STX Crux Pro?
Not right now. The closest elite women's head at BattleLax is the ECD Halo, and for a ready-to-go stick, the ECD Halo Elite or Gait Whip 2.
Conclusion
The Crux Pro is one of the best women's heads out there for precision, control and durability. Its design and materials are built for elite players. Want to step up your game with an elite women's head you can order today? Go with the ECD Halo Unstrung Women's Head.
10 of the newest women's lacrosse heads from Epoch, Maverik, STX and Gait, with pocket, stiffness and stringing specs, hands-on notes and what's in stock at BattleLax.
CSConnor Stifel · Women's Heads · Updated October 24, 2026 · 15 min read
Top pickWhip 2
Coach's pick: the Gait Whip 2, Charlotte North's head, with the deepest legal pocket on this list. BattleLax carries it, plus the Gait Draw-M for draw specialists.
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Every year, lacrosse gear, especially heads, gets upgraded based on what players and the market demand. It's exhausting to research every head separately without an easy way to compare them.
So I put together this list of the newest women's lacrosse heads so you can easily browse the upgrades and make an informed choice.
Coach's note: The girls' game has changed more in the last five years than in the twenty before it, and you can see it from upstate New York to Virginia Beach to the field programs popping up across Ontario. Offset, mesh and draw-specific heads have changed how girls shoot, carry and win possession. Pick the head that fits your role, then put in the wall-ball reps.
Heads up: BattleLax carries the Gait Whip 2 and Draw-M from this list. For the others, I point you to the closest women's stick they stock. See the full list below.
"Buy" goes to the stick on BattleLax. "Alt" goes to the closest women's stick BattleLax has in stock.
The newest women's lacrosse heads
1. Epoch Purpose 15° 3D Elite Runner Most versatile
PocketZone 4 high
StiffnessAverage
Stringing holes4 top, 22 per side
Released2023
The Epoch Purpose 15° 3D Elite Runner is the most versatile, trustworthy version of the Purpose line. It promises to cover everything an elite player needs: catching, cradling, passing, shooting and ground balls. I was especially curious about the 3D Elite Runner mesh, engineered for the new generation of elite players to give you the benefits of mesh with the feel of leather.
With its patented 15° bottom rail and zone 4 high pocket, I wanted to see how it played. I noticed what it could do right away in my first test run.
High-speed catches were a breeze, with the ball settling into the bigger built-in sweet spot. Cradling up the field felt effortless, though I had to make small adjustments for vertical cradling.
Shooting was a great experience. The ball rolled up high just before release for powerful, bullseye-accurate shots. I hit the corner over 90% of the time. The rounded scoop made ground balls easy.
The tri-diamond stringing (large, medium and small diamonds) added hold and gave me great whip and control, with a deep pocket and minimal side-to-side rattle. Four mesh pillars add structural strength.
I really liked the sturdy but flexible build. The composite injected polymer kept its shape without pinching in, and the lip on top protects the strings. It does need breaking in for a consistent release, but with HT Poly for all-weather performance, it felt like a next-gen offensive head.
Pros
Sturdy build
Tri-diamond technology
3D Elite Runner pocket
HT Poly
Knit pattern
Mesh pillars
Cons
Needs breaking in
Takes skill to use
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Epoch Purpose 15° 3D Elite Runner. For an elite women's stick with a deep, ball-locking pocket, go with the Maverik Sonar Women's Complete Stick ($284.99).
2. Epoch Purpose 15° Cotton Candy Pro Mesh Best looking
PocketZone 4 high
StiffnessAverage
Stringing holes4 top, 22 per side
Released2023
Epoch released a limited Cotton Candy edition of the Purpose 15° Pro Mesh in the summer of 2023. It's one of the few heads that covers everything an elite player needs, from catching and cradling to passing, shooting and ground balls.
Curious about the patented 15° bottom rail and zone 4 high pocket, I took it on the field. High-speed catches drove high into the built-in sweet spot. Cradling was easy, though I had to adjust the ball on vertical cradles.
Shooting was the same story. Right before release, the ball rolled up high and left the head with velocity and accuracy. I hit the corner on 7 of 8 attempts. The rounded scoop helped on ground balls, and the spine-like stringing added depth to the pocket for more whip, hold and control.
The composite injected polymer felt neither too stiff nor too flexible, but that didn't hurt it, since one strut supports the bottom rail. The head didn't pinch in, and the top lip protects the strings.
If you want a unique head that performs well and looks great, this is it, since every head is dyed differently.
Pros
Versatile
15° bottom rail
Zone 4 high pocket
Good whip and control
HT Poly technology
Unique dye
Cons
Average build
Takes skill to use
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Epoch Purpose 15° Cotton Candy Pro Mesh. For an elite, deep-pocket women's stick, go with the Maverik Sonar Women's Complete Stick ($284.99).
3. Maverik Ascent+ Smiley Complete Stick Best for draw middies
PocketMid / front
StiffnessStiff
Shaft⅝" carbon composite
Released2023
The Ascent+ Smiley is built for do-it-all middies like me who like to take the draw. It's for every midfielder who demands the best from her stick.
It has a specialized 22° release angle (between the rail and the scoop) and extra stiffness. It's perfect for middies who want accuracy and power, and my shooting accuracy and power improved noticeably.
X-Rail technology adds stability and control, and with the extra stiffness, I could deliver powerful shots and precise passes consistently.
Like most midfield heads, it has a tight face with a built-in mid-pocket sweet spot. I didn't have to break in the pocket to create a channel. I've never managed to string a mesh-and-braided pocket myself because it's a tough pattern, but Maverik's pros string this one for you.
Catching and cradling were no worry, and the round scoop made ground balls precise and easy. It kept the ball snug even through hard checks. Isn't that a midfielder's dream?
It feels light, with a ⅝" carbon composite shaft that tapers toward the throat for a comfortable grip and more control. The throat plugs in tight, with no head wobble.
Pros
Versatile
22° release angle
X-Rail technology
Built-in sweet spot
Lots of colors
6-month warranty
Cons
Expensive
Not much room to customize
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Maverik Ascent+ Smiley Complete Stick. BattleLax carries Maverik's newest Ascent. Grab the Maverik Ascent Pro Women's Complete Stick ($274.99).
The STX Aria Pro 10° marks a new era for elite offensive players. It's an upgraded, much more refined version of the Crux Pro, which used to be the go-to for elite offense. Having used the Crux Pro, I noticed the weight difference right away. The Aria Pro felt much lighter than STX's other Pro heads.
STX's patented 10° offset is, in STX's words, the ultimate angle for feel and balance, and I have to agree. The ball felt like a second skin.
The mid-high pocket has a built-in sweet spot, and I liked that the ball sat under my hand instead of out front. That gave me the confidence to send cruise missiles to the back of the net.
Catching and cradling are elite. I caught and threw high-speed passes with ease, and the ball sat nicely without riding up or down the narrow face and channel. DropRail technology helped with retention and hold.
Built with EnduraForm plastic for strength and toughness, it has a beefier Speed Scoop than earlier Pro heads, which always felt like a weak spot. It helps on ground balls and protects the top strings from fraying.
Just know you can only use a 10° shaft with it, like the Aria Pro, Crux Pro or Exult Pro shafts. I had mine Lock Pocket strung by STX, and you can get that option too.
Pros
Sturdy build
EnduraForm plastic
DropRail technology
Speed Scoop
10° offset
Built-in sweet spot
Cons
Expensive
Only fits a 10° shaft
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Aria Pro 10°. For an elite offensive women's stick, go with the Warrior Anthem Pro Women's Complete Stick ($299.99).
Straight from Gait, one of the best elite head makers out there, the Whip 2 is a game-changer in performance and weight, and it isn't messing around on offense. Need proof? Charlotte North, the two-time Tewaaraton Award winner, uses it as her main head and scores big with it.
I've been on the field for years, and when I got my hands on the Whip 2, I knew it was special. Gait packed it with features that'll have defenders asking, "What just happened?"
It has a mid-low pocket, and the raised double sidewall holes give you the deepest, meanest pocket that's still legal. I had insane ball control and handling, especially on vertical cradles. The pre-strung Flex Mesh gives you control, hold and accuracy.
Gait widened the face compared to the original Whip, so catching high-speed passes felt like second nature, and the narrow pocket kept the ball snug. After a few targeted shots, it was my favorite offensive head. Shots and passes came off like a laser.
The redesigned Bullnose Scoop makes ground balls business as usual. It does need some breaking in to create your sweet spot, but once you play with the Whip 2, you'll wonder how you played without it.
The Gait Apex Rail Elite combines Gait's Air and Whip heads, and having used both, I think this one's better. The Rail Elite pocket version came out in 2022 (the Apex originally came with Flex Mesh). Built for middies and draw specialists, it's ideal if you want top-level performance.
I was expecting small upgrades, but this midfield head is close to perfect. The hold was insane. Gait's front, low pocket held the ball securely, and I never had to readjust it in the sweet spot.
Double sidewall technology improves control and balance, and I felt confident on the draw. If you're not used to the narrow, elongated channel, it takes some practice. Once you master it, nothing will stop you.
I caught and held possession easily, cradled up the field and passed with consistency and accuracy. The curved offset and great scoop help on checks and ground balls from any side. It's a little beefier up top to protect the strings. All in all, a great midfield head.
An upgrade on the original Gait Draw, the Draw-M is a huge leap forward in quality and function. Ally Mastroianni plays with it. Like a lot of middies, I've always wanted a specialist head, and this one is a draw specialist's dream.
As soon as I held it, I could feel the stiffness and toughness. It's Gait's first complete draw stick built to handle both draws and shooting. Like the original, it has double sidewall technology, but the second sidewall is bigger and the channel is now narrower and longer.
Its flatter front, mid-high pocket kept the ball secure. I can't stress enough how important the reversible pocket is for middies who set the tone. It let me be aggressive on draws, and winning draws and staying on the field got much easier.
Catching and cradling were above par, the curved scoop made ground balls easy, and shooting held up with any midfield head out there. I was worried about warping, but Gait makes the Draw-M in separate ProForm and nylon versions for warm and cold climates.
If you're the one deciding possession at the start of each quarter, after goals and in big moments, this is the head for you.
8. Gait Apex Complete Stick with Flex Mesh Best complete stick
Weight6.2 oz
PocketMid / front
StiffnessStiff
Released2021
Gait has always been one of the best lacrosse brands. Released in 2021, the Apex complete stick is built for middies, with a great mix of speed, balance, control and accuracy. It felt light and easy to handle, and I noticed my shot speed climbing within a few throws.
The Apex has a curved offset and a front-mid pocket. Rail Flex Mesh gave me unmatched pocket control in every part of the head, especially when catching and cradling, and strategically placed double sidewall holes widen the catching area.
The deep, curved offset helped with clean ground balls, and the front pocket sent the ball right to the sweet spot in the narrow channel. I got good whip and release. It held up on controlled checks, but be careful with really aggressive ones.
The shaft is carbon composite, and with a little practice I saw a 7 to 8 mph jump in shot speed. If you're new to multidirectional Flex Mesh, it takes some field time to figure out. It's a good stick for players who take draws.
Pros
Sturdy build
Light
Flex Mesh stringing
Double sidewall
Faster shots
6-month warranty
Lots of colors
Cons
Expensive
Takes skill to use
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Gait Apex Complete Stick with Flex Mesh. BattleLax carries the newer version. Grab the Gait Apex 2 Flex Mesh Composite Complete Stick ($299.99).
As a skilled attacker, I know what a high-performing offensive head is worth, and I've had a great experience with the Gait Whip. It's a versatile, highly accurate head that makes you a threat on the field.
Gait gave the Whip a shallow front-high pocket that delivered peak performance on shots and passes. With its curved offset, I could come at the ball from any angle, and the ball found its sweet spot faster than in comparable offensive heads.
The scoop design improved my accuracy and made ground balls easier, keeping me a step ahead of defenders. The double sidewall narrows the channel for even better control while cradling.
I love Gait's newer stringing-hole design for a big front pocket, which is perfect for attackers. It's plenty stiff and durable.
I did notice an occasional wobble on vertical cradles, like the ball might slip out. With skill and practice I've worked around it, but beginners and intermediate players will need some good practice sessions.
Pros
Strong build
Curved offset
Great scoop design
New stringing-hole concept
Flex Mesh pocket
Cons
Occasional wobble while cradling
Takes skill to use
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Gait Whip Flex Mesh. BattleLax carries the upgraded version. Grab the Gait Whip 2 Flex Mesh Complete Stick (From $299.99).
The STX Axxis was the first women's draw specialist head, so I was eager to put it to the test. STX packed a lot into this patented 10° head, from the Draw Claw to its unique silhouette. It looked like the perfect head for winning draws.
On the field, I felt in charge of the draw from the start. Draw Claw gave me a natural grip on the ball to push or pull with confidence, and the specialized head shape nests into your opponent's head for control as soon as the whistle blows.
It's not just about draws, though. The mid-high pocket has a built-in sweet spot, and the ball rolled in nicely for fast, precise throws. The reinforced Speed Scoop made ground balls easy, and the shortened throat helped my maneuverability. I had mine strung with the Crux Mesh Pro pocket, which boosted my accuracy shooting and passing.
There are some real drawbacks. It takes time to adjust to the Axxis, and as a 10° head, it only fits a 10° shaft. But it's well built and impressively durable, with 3 struts on the rail that keep this light, stiff head from pinching on aggressive draws and checks.
Pros
First-ever draw specialist head
Draw Claw technology
Unique head silhouette
Reinforced Speed Scoop
Shortened throat
Accurate and controllable
Cons
Needs a 10° shaft
Takes skill to use
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the STX Axxis. For a draw-specialist stick you can order today, go with the Gait Draw-M Women's Complete Stick ($299.99).
Prices and stock change, so check the product page before you order.
People also ask
What is the newest women's lacrosse head?
Among the heads on this list, the Epoch Purpose 15° 3D Elite Runner, Epoch Cotton Candy Purpose, Maverik Ascent+, STX Aria Pro and Gait Whip 2 all came out in 2023.
What women's lacrosse head does Charlotte North use?
The Gait Whip 2.
What is the best women's lacrosse head for draws?
The Gait Draw-M and the STX Axxis are both built specifically for draw specialists.
Do 10-degree women's heads need a special shaft?
Yes. 10° heads like the STX Aria Pro and Axxis only fit 10° shafts.
Now that you have the list of the newest women's lacrosse heads, it's time to upgrade your game.
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Overview
The Brine Krown Pro Women's Complete Lacrosse Stick is a game-changer. Its aggressive 14-degree offset boosts both control and power, and the Minimus Carbon shaft and Web-X pocket give you great hold, great feel and a fantastic strength-to-weight ratio.
Updated sidewall struts add stiffness for draw controls and defense, and Therma-Loc+ material keeps the head durable. Interior sidewall notches help you direct the ball on the draw, and the diffuser technology in the scoop makes ground balls quick and clean.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry Brine sticks right now. The closest match they stock is the Warrior Anthem Pro Women's Complete Stick ($299.99) from Brine's sister brand Warrior. It also has a Minimus Carbon shaft and scoop diffusers. I've listed more alternatives at BattleLax below.
Key Features
Brand
Brine
Position
Midfield
Level
Intermediate to advanced
List price
$279.99
Offset
14 degrees
Legality
USA Lacrosse, NFHS, World Lacrosse
Colors
Black
White
White / Yellow
Stick shape
The shaft is octagonal with a mid-size diameter and a soft-feel grip, which keeps the stick comfortable and balanced in your hands. That octagonal shape makes the stick easy to control and move with, so pinpoint passes and shots come naturally. It works for a wide range of players, whether you're cradling through traffic or finishing on the attack.
Material
The Krown Pro uses Brine's Minimus Carbon technology, chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio. The stick is light without giving up strength, so you get a durable stick that doesn't weigh you down.
The carbon composite build also gives you the flex you need for dynamic play, so you can adjust quickly and execute your moves even in the most heated moments. It's a stick built for intermediate and advanced players who want high performance.
Weight
Weight matters when you're trying to get the most out of your stick. The Minimus Carbon shaft keeps the Krown Pro light, which top-level attackers and middies who value speed will love. The lighter weight lets you pass, cradle and shoot faster, and the weight is balanced to give you durability and control.
Flex
Flex is how much the shaft bends or gives. If you want a mix of power and accuracy on your shots and passes, the right flex is a must. The Krown Pro's flex is right in the Goldilocks zone. It's responsive when you play but stays stiff on contact.
A moderate flex gives you just enough whip for powerful shots without sacrificing control. It also makes for quick releases, which helps with fast moves and putting the ball exactly where you want it.
The Brine Krown Pro complete stick.
End cap
The end cap seals off the bottom of the stick and gives it a clean, polished look. It also protects the shaft so it holds up through tough games. It's simple, but it quietly adds to the stick's durability and your comfort on the field.
It's also built with comfort in mind. The smooth, rounded surface feels good in your hand, which matters for players who cradle with the butt end near their body. That design adds control and comfort and makes the game more fun.
Stringing
The head's stringing holes let you adjust and fine-tune the pocket to your liking, and the smart hole placement gives you plenty of room to customize.
Whether you like a higher or lower pocket, the stringing is the key to getting it right. If you want the best ball control and release for your style, take the time to dial it in. You can try different setups on the Krown Pro until you find the one that works.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Minimus Carbon technology: Makes the stick stronger without adding weight, so the Krown Pro is a durable choice.
Great flex: Balances power and control.
Big 14-degree offset: Boosts control and shot power.
Draw-ready head: Stiff sidewall struts and interior notches for draw controls.
Cons
Limited colors: Only Black, White and White/Yellow.
Which shaft shape should you buy?
The Krown Pro comes with an octagonal shaft, but if you're shopping for a new shaft or a different stick, grip shape comes down to how you play and what feels right in your hands.
Here's a quick overview of the five common shaft shapes:
X: Extreme concave shape for a locked-in grip
X+: Extreme concave with extra thickness
O: Concave octagonal, for a traditional feel
R: Ridged profile for extra feel and grip
S: Asymmetrical, octagonal on one side and concave on the other
If you want the most control on draws and checks, a concave or ridged grip helps you feel where the face of the head is. If you like a classic feel for passing and shooting, stick with octagonal.
Coach's note: I've coached girls' programs from upstate New York to Virginia Beach, and the best stick is the one a player has spent the most time with. Whatever you buy, hit the wall every day for two weeks before the season. Your stick should feel like part of your hands by the first draw.
Alternatives at BattleLax
BattleLax doesn't carry Brine sticks right now, but these are the closest women's complete sticks they stock.
Yes. Updated sidewall struts add stiffness in the right places for draw controls, and interior sidewall notches help direct the ball on the draw.
What pocket does the Brine Krown Pro come with?
It comes strung with Brine's Web-X pocket, which is built for high hold and a consistent release.
Is the Brine Krown Pro legal?
The retailer listing says it meets USA Lacrosse, NFHS and World Lacrosse specs, so it's legal for high school, college and international play. Always check your league's current rules.
Who is the Brine Krown Pro for?
Intermediate to advanced players, especially middies who take draws and play both ends of the field.
Final Verdict
The Brine Krown Pro Women's Complete Lacrosse Stick gives you great flex and durability that make a real difference in your game. With a 14-degree offset, a light Minimus Carbon shaft, a draw-ready head and a Web-X pocket, it's built to perform. With its user-friendly design and quality construction, it's a winning choice for players of all styles.
