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Your lacrosse head is the one piece of equipment you can’t skimp on before taking the field.
Year after year, lacrosse companies implement the newest tech in heads that provide even better hold and accuracy than the season prior, making it all the more important to upgrade to keep the edge on your opponents.
To help you find your fit, we’ve researched the best women’s lacrosse heads on the market to find the seven top options, including heads for each position.
Best Women’s Lacrosse Heads
We’ve scoured the market to find the best of the best when it comes to women’s lacrosse heads. We poured over endless player feedback, technical specifications, and everything in between to narrow down our list to the eight best women’s heads currently available.
Best Women’s Lacrosse Sticks:
- STX Exult Pro: Best for Midfielders
- ECD Infinity Pro: Best for Offense
- STX Crux Pro: Best for Attackers
- Maverik Ascent+: Best for Midfielders
- Epoch Purpose: Best for Attackers
- STX Fortress 700: Best for Defenders
- Gait Air 2: Best for Attackers, Midfielders
- Nike Lunar Fly: Best for Attackers
- Gait Draw-M: Best for Draw Specialists
- STX Axxis Draw: Best for Draw Specialists
- Gait Whip: Best for Offense
- STX Crux 400: Budget/Intermediate Attacker Head
- STX Exult 400: Budget/Intermediate Midfielder/Defender Head
1) STX Exult Pro
- Pockets: ProForm, Unstrung
- Ideal Position: Midfielders
- Key Features:
- STX's lightest Exult ever
- Features STX's beloved SpeedScoop
- Many stringing holes for limitless pocket options
- Shoulders designed for extra leverage on draws
The newly released STX Exult Pro head checks in first on our list of the best lacrosse heads for women.
To start, the Exult Pro is very, very light. It's actually the lightest Exult head that STX has ever created. Unlike some other elite women's heads that use bulkier materials, the Exult Pro Elite is designed for minimal weight without sacrificing durability.
The Exult Pro head has a few other new features that set it apart from the older Exult heads as well as most other options on the market.
First off, it uses DropRail technology to drive the ball to the sweet spot and maximize control. In our testing, we felt like the ball was constantly sitting right where we wanted it and it had a smooth, consistent release.
The Exult Pro head also includes STX's beloved Speed Scoop that makes ground balls a breeze and a ton of stringing holes that make it easy to string a variety of pockets.
Lastly, the Exult Pro head has “shoulders” towards the scoop of the head that are supposed to help grab the ball. While we haven't been able to test it out on a draw ourselves yet, they seem like they would work well.
The head might not, however, be stiff enough to hold up for girls that take most of the draws for their teams since it's so lightweight.
Overall, the STX Exult Pro is an elite option for competitive midfielders. It's lightweight, durable, and has all of the features that advanced women players have come to expect in their heads.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- SpeedScoop makes ground balls a breeze
- Maximum offset improves control
Cons
- May be too flexible for consistent draw use
- Lack of durability feedback at this time
Buying Options
- Unstrung
- Strung
2) ECD Infinity Pro
- Pockets: Unstrung
- Ideal Positions: Attackers, Midfielders
- Key Features:
- Dramatic offset drives ball to sweet spot
- ECD's Diamond plastic is super light but stays stiff no matter the weather
- Tight face shape w/ narrow pinch that flares out towards scoop
The ECD Infinity Pro head is another great option for advanced women’s players of any position, replacing the older Infinity model for the 2023 season.
The biggest difference between the Infinity Pro and the original Infinity is the Pro uses ECD's patent-pending Diamond plastic that is 10% lighter than ECD's standard plastic.
Despite it being so light, it's still one of the stiffest heads we've tested and is designed to maintain that stiffness even on those hot summer days.
Like other heads on this list, the ECD Infinity Pro has a dramatic offset that drives the ball into the sweet spot of your head, giving you more control and accuracy.
One of my favorite things about this head is the number of sidewall holes. This makes it easy to string up any kind of pocket, whether you prefer mesh, leathers, or anything else.
Overall, the ECD Infinity Pro head is an amazing option for advanced women’s players of any position. It's stiff, lightweight, and designed to give great control of the ball.
Pros
- Lightweight yet stiff
- Good for any position
- Dependable ball positioning
- Tons of stringing holes for lmitless pockets
Cons
- Few longterm reviews
- Only available in clear plastic (for those who don't like that)
Buying Options
- Unstrung
3) STX Crux Pro
- Pockets: Full mesh, Traditional
- Ideal Position: Attackers
- Key Features:
- EnduraForm plastic for durability
- DropRail tech for improved ball retention
- Offset Technology to drive ball to the sweet spot
STX’s Crux Pro further cements the epic change in the women’s game with the explosion of offset heads to provide players with more control on the field.
While the Crux Pro can be used for any position (like any women's head besides goalie heads), it is specifically designed for attackers. Its tight face shape, light weight, and minimal sidewall design all make it ideal for those who like to go to goal.
The Crux Pro prioritizes quick offensive play as its 10° design and progressive mesh pocket positions the ball in a broken in sweet spot that allows for improved ball retention and movement.
The integrated top string and STX's beloved SpeedScoop provide superior abilities when the ball hits the deck as well making this the perfect stick to turn loose possessions into offensive breaks.
Note that the 10° design means that you will have to get a compatible 10° shaft. Additionally, this head skews to the more expensive end of the pricing spectrum but it is built for the long haul.
The Crux Pro is a great investment for any offensive-oriented player out there looking for the next generation tech that can give them an edge on the field.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and durable
- Consistent pocket and ball positioning
- Built for long term use
- Elite level head
Cons
- 10° offset head limits shaft options
- On the pricier end of the spectrum
Buying Options
- Unstrung
- Strung
4) Maverik Ascent+
- Pockets: Mesh Runner, Unstrung
- Ideal Position: Midfielders
- Key Features:
- 22° release angle for more control and accuracy
- Performance Mesh Runner System drives ball to sweet spot
- Ground Control scoop makes ground balls easy
The upgraded version of the older Maverik Ascent, the Ascent+, comes in next on our list of the best women’s lacrosse heads thanks to its aggressive release angle, tight face shape, light weight, and great shaft.
The Ascent+ may as well be sent down by the midfield gods as it is clearly built and designed for play between the arcs.
A 22° release angle makes the Ascent+ the ultimate middie weapon with great accuracy and harder shots. Coupled with the Performance Mesh Runner System, you can rest assured that the ball will go straight to the sweet spot and stay there.
Like many of the other top-tier women's lacrosse heads, the Ascent+ does lean into the pricier end of the head spectrum. We've also found it a little harder to find in stores (both physical and online) since its release.
Additionally, it has a blind spot when it comes to durability since it’s a newer head, though it is very stiff and we expect it to hold up very well.
The Ascent+ is a worthy investment for any midfielder looking to elevate their game to the next level.
Pros
- Superior ball retention due to design
- Harder shooting and more accurate passing
- Comes with great string job
Cons
- Lack of durability feedback at this time
- On the pricier end of the spectrum
Buying Options
5) Epoch Purpose
- Pockets: Traditional, full mesh
- Ideal Position: Attackers
- Key Features:
- 15° bottom rail allows for deeper pockets & drives ball to sweet spot
- Strung by Stylin Strings
- Great face shape
- Trusted by UNC Women's Lacrosse
Epoch changed the women’s lacrosse head game when it released the Purpose.
The patented 15° bottom rail allows for a deeper pocket and drives the ball to the sweet spot of the head—giving you more control and a more consistent release.
The 15° offset is much more dramatic than the typical 10° bottom rail of most heads.
Players used to heads with less angled bottom rails may find that the Purpose takes some getting used to, but once you do, it should only be beneficial to your game—mainly by providing you more control of the ball.
In 2019, UNC Women’s Lacrosse signed a multi-year deal with Epoch for them to be the exclusive supplier of equipment to the renowned team—a huge vote of confidence in Epoch’s products.
On the downside, I have found some reviews online saying that the Purpose broke easily—more so than most of the other heads on this list.
Also, because of the aggressive shape of this head, I don't recommend it for beginner and even some intermediate girls.
Pros
- Unmatched 15° bottom rail
- Trusted by UNC Women's Lacrosse
Cons
- Some reports of breaking easily
- May be hard to get used to for some
Buying Options
6) STX Fortress 700
- Pockets: Full mesh
- Ideal Position: Defenders
- Key Features:
- Full-range Speed Scoop for improved ground balls
- C-Channel technology for durability and stability
- Reduced sidewall for deeper pocket
- Strike Plates for increased checking power
The STX Fortress 700 hits our list as the first head on it designed with defenders in mind.
Strike Plates at the scoop shoulder are a highlight as they increase exertion in checks, ensuring enough power to take the ball away from opponents or at least knock them off course.
Reinforced sidewalls also provide the durability and stability you need to withstand the wear and tear of defensive play.
STX's patented SpeedScoop is great for ground balls (hopefully which result from your solid checks). Once you pick up the ball, the Fortress 700's deep offset provides good hold for turning a solid defensive effort into an offensive break.
The rub with the Fortress 700 is that its prioritization of defensive attributes provides less offensive specific elements and adds to the overall weight of the head.
Still, the Fortress 700 is, in our opinion, the best head for defenders currently on the market.
It is stiff, allows for a deep pocket, has a great scoop, and has a tight face shape for a defensive head, giving great control of the ball.
Pros
- Defensive-minded design
- Prioritizes durability for defensive wear and tear
- Tight pinch for a defensive head
Cons
- Less priority for ball control
- Heavier than other heads
Buying Options
- Unstrung
- Strung
7) Gait Air 2
- Pockets: Flex mesh
- Ideal Position: Attackers, Midfielders
- Key Features:
- Head & pocket designed for quick release
- Tight face shape for more control
- Angled scoop is great for groundballs
If you prefer mid pockets with a quick release, the Gait Air 2 is easily the best choice, in our opinion.
Unlike many other advanced heads that have a very aggressive cant forward towards the top of the head, the max offset in the Air 2 is closer to the middle of the head, creating a sweet spot there instead of higher up.
This allows for an extremely quick release, making the Air 2 an awesome option for attackers and midfielders that like to cut towards goal often.
With the benefits of the quick release come some downsides, however. Mainly, the Gait Air 2 has less whip than heads that have a higher sweet spot and more aggressive offset. If you regularly shoot from the outside, you're probably better off going with a different head.
One other benefit of the Gait Air 2 worth mentioning is that it has some sidewall holes towards the middle of the sidewall instead of just at the bottom like most women's lacrosse heads. This allows for the pocket to begin at the middle of the sidewall, creating an artificially deeper pocket, in a sense.
Overall, the Gait Air 2 is one of the best options for those that primarily value a quick release. It is used by Northwestern star Izzy Scane and numerous other college players for good reason.
Pros
- Allows for extremely quick release
- Best head for mid pockets
- Trust by Izzy Scane
- Angled scoop makes groundballs easy
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Less hold than heads w/ high sweet spots
- Not great for outside shooting
Buying Options
- SportStop (Strung & Unstrung)
- Izzy Scane Edition on SportStop
8) Nike Lunar Fly
- Pockets: Mesh runner
- Ideal Position: Attackers
- Key Features:
- Exaggerated scoop angle for extra shot & pass snap
- Runway pocket for maximum control
- Multiple sidewall holes for stringing customization
Nike’s Lunar Fly is another solid option on the market for those looking for an angled stick with customizable options when it comes to stringing.
The 10° angle couples with its mesh runner string job to provide superior passing and shooting control, giving equal voice to accuracy and force.
This is yet another head that drives the ball to the sweet spot and proves dependable for any offensive player looking for a head that excels at quick ball movement.
If you prefer to experiment with pockets beyond the default mesh runner, the Lunar Fly employs numerous sidewall holes that make for near endless options to personalize your pocket.
Some negative feedback has been levied against the Lunar Fly’s factory string job with users complaining about loose sidewall strings that deteriorate far too fast. Thankfully this does not disrupt the integrity of the frame itself and you can always restring the head.
The Lunar Fly is a solid option for players in attacking roles that like to (or know someone who can) restring their heads when needed.
Pros
- Superior passing and shooting control
- Shape and design improves scooping
Cons
- Stringing quality questions
- Limited shaft options due to 10° offset
Buying Options
- Unstrung
- Strung
9) Gait Draw-M
- Pockets: Draw pocket
- Ideal Position: Draw specialists
- Key Features:
- Reverse scoop design to improve draw control
- Hooks drive ball to channel
- Sidewall design allows extra deep pocket on backside
The Gait Draw-M is the newest draw-specific head on the market and it's arguably the best.
At first glance, the Draw-M looks shaped like a normal women's lacrosse head but if you look closer, you'll notice plastic notches on each side towards the bottom of the scoop.
These help in a few ways.
To start, they give you more leverage on draws, allowing you to push the ball to where you want more easily.
Next, they drive the ball toward the center of the channel, allowing for more accuracy on draws.
Also, because of the way the sidewalls are designed with sidewall holes towards the back of the head, the Draw-M allows for a deeper pocket on the backside of the head during draws.
While the Gait Draw-M isn't as good for the field as advanced women's lacrosse heads, it's still a pretty good option. If you take the draw and stay on, you shouldn't have any issues passing, shooting, or doing anything else.
Overall, if you take most of the draws for your team, the Gait Draw-M is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Shape allows extra deep pocket on back of head
- Sidewall hooks provide easier draw control
- String job ideal for draws
- Usable outside of draws
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Not as great for field play as normal heads
Buying Options
- Strung
- Complete Stick
10) STX Axxis Draw
- Pockets: Full mesh
- Ideal Position: Draw specialists
- Key Features:
- Draw Claw technology for natural grab
- Unique design to fit within an opponent’s head
- Reinforced Speed Scoop for groundballing
Just like there are faceoff-specific heads in the men's game, there are now draw-specific heads in the women's game thanks to STX creating the Axxis.
The Axxis' unique design and shape provide for an unmatched ball grab and fit into an opponent’s head during the draw.
The Draw Claw technology uses raised shoulders that hook onto the ball during draws, allowing you to push it wherever you want it to go.
At full speed, the reinforced scoop takes retention on the draw to the ground making this a great stick to consider for midfielders who regularly take draws.
The main knock on the Axxis Draw is what makes it so unique—this is such a specialized stick that it doesn’t match up to more-typical heads for field play.
Additionally, the Axxis runs a bit on the expensive end like many other advanced girls heads.
Still, if you find yourself taking draws regularly, the STX Axxis Draw is a head well worth your consideration.
Pros
- Specifically designed for the draw in mind
- Superior groundball retention
Cons
- Not as good as other options for field play
- On the expensive end
Buying Options
- Unstrung
- Strung
11) Gait Whip
- Pockets: Traditional
- Ideal Position: Attackers, Midfielders
- Key Features:
- Curved Offset Technology for faster ball control
- Scoop designed for easier ground balls
- Composite material for all weather performance
Last but not least is the Gait Whip—an offensive-oriented head that excels in the midfield and attack thanks to its Curved Offset Technology.
The traditional string job creates a narrow channel for additional hold and accuracy. If you like a lot of whip in your heads, the Gait Whip is a great option.
The Whip’s scoop is also one of the best in the game, making ground balls a breeze.
The knock on the Whip is that its string job is not for everyone. This can be restrung of course, but if you are looking for a mesh pocket or mesh runner pocket and don’t know how to restring your head (or don’t have someone that can do it), this head may be worth skipping. There also aren’t many longterm customer reviews yet.
Still, the Gait Whip is one of the more affordable head options on our list and a great candidate for any player who values play between the arcs just as much as attacking the cage.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Scoop design makes for easier groundballs
- Narrow channel for additional control
Cons
- Only comes with traditional pocket
Buying Options
12) STX Crux 400
- Pockets: Traditional
- Ideal Position: Attackers
- Key Features:
- Built specifically for attackers
- Tight pinch towards throat provides better control with a wide scoop for easier catching
- Minimum sidewall height allows for deepest legal pocket allowed
The STX Crux 400 is a great option for intermediate players who are transitioning from youth/beginner sticks to the elite options listed above.
Like the Crux Pro, this head is built specifically for attackers. It has a similar face shape as the Crux Pro—especially with its narrow throat that provides great control—but has a wider scoop that makes for easier catching.
Despite it having a less-aggressive offset than most of the elite options listed above, the Crux 400's sidewall height just meets the minimum requirements, allowing for the deepest legal pocket if strung correctly.
Overall, the STX Crux 400 head is an awesome option for attackers making the transition from the youth game/from just starting out to higher levels of play.
It has many of the same features as elite women's sticks but still prioritizes development.
Pros
- Face shape and offset provide great control
- Great scoop
Cons
- A bit heavier than elite options
Buying Options
- Unstrung
- Strung
13) STX Exult 400
- Pockets: Unstrung
- Ideal Position: Midfielders, Defenders
- Key Features:
- Reinforced corner ledges improve draw control
- Moderate offset helps with control & accuracy
- Relatively stiff & lightweight
The STX Exult 400 is another great head for intermediate players and those looking to save.
Designed after the Exult 600 head, the Exult 400 is designed especially for midfielders but can really be used for any position.
It is pretty stiff (making it a good option for defenders) but is light enough that it won't weigh you down on the offensive end of the field.
For midfielders, it has reinforced corner ledges that help grab onto the ball during draws.
The Exult 400 features a medium-level offset that helps girls get used to the shape of more advanced heads. The all-mesh pocket gives a consistent, accurate release that is easy to adjust should anything go wrong.
Pros
- Pretty stiff & lightweight
- Face shape & offset are great for transitioning to elite heads
Cons
- Can be hard to find in stores
Buying Options
Girls Lacrosse Head Buying Guide
The seven options outlined in this list are only the tip of the iceberg for women’s heads currently on the market. To help you navigate the heads beyond this list, here are some things worth considering before checking out.
1) Offset
The expansion of offset or angled options has drastically changed the women’s game in the past few years. Offset heads provide more control and allow for harder passes and shots.
These offset heads provide a deeper pocket for better ball retention and drive the ball to the “sweet spot” of the head.
Something to consider when looking at offset heads is that they may influence your purchase of the shaft to go with them. This is something to keep in mind if you need to purchase a shaft too.
2) Face Shape
It seems like no two heads are alike when it comes to shape, but these are not aesthetic decisions. The face shape is extremely influential to how the head performs.
Different positions on the field value different shapes. For instance, attacking and midfield players want a tighter face shape with a narrower pinch to promote a channel that provides better ball retention and more consistent shots.
A defensive player may value a wider head for increased surface area to help with interceptions, checks, and scoops.
Additionally, draw specialists want to find a head that is geometrically designed to fit into an opposing head and prioritize “grabbing” a ball on the draw.
3) Scoop
It goes without saying how important groundballs are at any level of the sport. You want to find a head with a rounded scoop that allows you to scoop up balls with ease.
Different heads provide different angles of scoop that benefit different styles of play and positions on the field. Additionally, you may want to find a head with an inset string design to the scoop to help protect the pocket integrity at the top to ensure a long shelf life to your top string.
It may be worth testing out a few of your teammates’ heads to see what type of scoop (flatter, rounder, etc.) feels the best for you.
4) Stiffness & Durability
Women’s lacrosse heads are not a cheap investment, so it is important to find a head with a stiff and durable design.
Stiffness is important especially in scooping groundballs. Flimsy heads often bend to the side when attempting to pick up groundballs, making it difficult. Stiffness also helps keep a dependable structure to the pocket which means consistency to ball position in your stick.
Durability is in the name—with a head that breaks the bank, you want it to last well beyond one season. Reinforced sidewalls and lightweight but tough material will ensure a long shelf life for your head.
5) Pocket Type
If you are looking for a pre-strung head, the pocket type is extremely important to consider especially if you have a pocket type that you are used to.
Traditional pockets using leathers and strings have become less popular since the rule change in 2018 allowing women to use mesh in their pockets.
One of the most popular pocket types is a traditional/mesh hybrid pocket called a mesh runner. Mesh runner pockets create more connection/feel between the head and ball but are still pretty similar to traditional pockets.
There are also full mesh pockets which are much easier to maintain, adjust, and customize for non-experienced stringers. A well-strung women’s mesh pocket can perform just as well as any traditional or mesh runner pocket.
6) Customer Reviews
Always consider the customer reviews and player feedback available for a product before clicking to buy. Some of the heads on the list lack a lot of feedback at this time thanks to them being relatively new to the market.
Be sure to check customer reviews (as we’ve done to create this guide) before pulling the trigger on any women’s lacrosse head. Do your own research and look for feedback wherever you can because a head is an investment not to take lightly.
And as always, be sure to pay it forward—leave your own feedback for purchased gear, and don’t be afraid to amend it as you use it more and more.
7) Budget
Sticking to a budget when purchasing a head is easier said than done. Women’s lacrosse heads can run quite expensive especially if they’re pre-strung.
But, a head is not something to go cheap on. Cheaper girls lacrosse heads often don’t last nearly as long as elite heads. A cheaper head may save you money upfront but is likely to end up costing you more when you have to replace it after just a year or less.
Pricier heads have a sturdier construction and make themselves a worthy investment with durability that can be measured in multiple seasons.
How We Choose the Best Women's Lacrosse Heads
We take our ratings seriously and only recommend products that we would use ourselves.
To come up with our ratings for each product, we test the product ourselves whenever possible, review product specifications (weight, materials used, etc.), and read customer reviews/talk to lacrosse players we know that use the product.
When testing women's lacrosse heads, specifically, our resident women's player, Emily, brings them to a field and tests for passing, catching, shooting, scooping ground balls, and checking. When it's not possible to extensively test a product ourselves, we spend extra time talking to real customers who have used the product for a while themselves.
If you ever have any feedback for any of the products listed on this page or have a recommended addition, please contact us and let us know!
Other Women's Lacrosse Gear Guides
Here are some of our other women's lacrosse guides that you may be interested in:
- Best Women's Lacrosse Sticks
- Best Women's Lacrosse Shafts
- Best Women's Lacrosse Goggles
- Best Women's Lacrosse Cleats
- Lacrosse Goalie Gear
- What Makes Lacrosse Sticks Legal (Heads, Pockets, Shafts)
Photo credit: Flickr
