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A lacrosse stick without a head is just a fancy, overpriced shower rod. There’s no better way to say that the head is the most important component of your game. It is the connection you have to the ball and is as important to a lacrosse player as a glove is to a baseball player.
With importance comes the price, however, and a head can easily turn into one of those budget-breaking pieces if you don’t take the time to find good deals.
To help you out, we’ve done the legwork in finding cheaper, yet quality, lacrosse heads worthy of your consideration. This guide will cover the best cheap lacrosse heads currently available that offer some relief to your wallet at a time when relief isn’t easy to come by.
Best Cheap Lacrosse Heads
Considering the head is the meatball to lacrosse’s spaghetti, there are a ton of options out there to choose from and just as many that earn the “cheap” moniker. Many lacrosse retailers put lacrosse heads on clearance to make room for newer models.
To help out, we’ve done the heavy lifting, combing through cheap heads on the market for attackmen and middies, defensemen, and goalies to find the value that will benefit not just your pocket but your game.
Click to jump down to a section:
Cheap Attack & Midfield Heads
1) STX Surgeon 700
Details
- Brand: STX
- Weight: 5.55 oz
- Throat design: Short throat with plug
- Stringing holes: 20 per sidewall, 7 on top
STX released the Surgeon 700 head in 2018 as a premium output designed as a leap forward in on-field control and durability. It’s proven both consistently over its three-year run as it transitioned into an affordable, discounted but still top shelf option for players.
The Surgeon 700 is formulated for an improved stiffness and toughness that can withstand even the most extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Design elements such as the scoop enhanced tip and throat plug provide a confidence in the stick’s feel and ability to execute tasks in tight quarters.
As stiff as the Surgeon 700 is, it does not carry over that rigidity into the string game. An insane amount of sidewall holes and an added “Channel Lock” point at the very top provides you with customizable stringing options and a pinpoint personalization of your pocket’s position.
The major on-field knock comes with the weight—the Surgeon 700 skews to the heavier end of the spectrum for an attack head. The throat plug may also make the head incompatible with carbon fiber shafts.
Although it is an older model head, the Surgeon 700 is still quality for the current price point and worthy of consideration for those attackmen not looking to break the bank.
Pros
- Improved toughness & durability
- Easy to form different pockets
- Great scoop makes ground balls a breeze
- Reduced head rattle
Cons
- Heavy for an attack-oriented head
- Older generation of head (2018)
- Throat plug fit may limit choice of shaft
2) Stallion U 550
Details
- Brand: STX
- Weight: 5.0 oz
- Throat design: Standard
- Stringing holes: 14 per sidewall, 6 on top
Another STX offering appears in the form of the Stallion U 550, one of the older heads out there (on the market since 2015) that is still going strong.
The Stallion U 550 embodies flexibility in its dual sidewall design, providing the leverage required for hard checks and tight ground balls while still valuing stability in your scoop and shot. A mid/high to high pocket placement promotes more whip and hold, making this a great utility weapon for the box-to-box midfielder who also shoots a lot.
The flipside to the Stallion U 550’s flexibility is some cracking and warping issues that may appear with extended use. When it comes to cracking, the dual sidewalls have shown something of a shelf life that may meet their maker with a hard check or an excessive bend on a ground ball. Warping has proven to be more of an issue for FOGO’s as one too many scrums at the center line may leave the head a bit lopsided.
Still, the Stallion U 550 has been relevant to the game for the last six years for a reason: it is an affordable, high-level head for midfielders that appreciate a good poke check as much as ripping net on a top corner shot.
Pros
- Versatile head that can be used for multiple positions
- Great for mid to mid/high pockets
- Stays stiff in all weather conditions
- Decently light
Cons
- Older generation of head (2015)
- Cracking issues on sidewall
- Warping after prolonged faceoff use
Buying Options:
>> Amazon
>> View on SportStop
3) StringKing Mark 1
Details
- Brand: StringKing
- Weight: 4.94 oz
- Throat design: Standard
- Stringing holes: 19 per sidewall, 6 on top
As a long pole that dabbled at LSM and values the pain of a good poke check, the opportunity to include the StringKing Mark 1 on this list is one too good to pass up.
In stark contrast to Stallion 550, the Mark 1 is an ultra-stiff head that values consistency in play and feel over all else. This stiffness comes in handy when matching with its aggressive scoop design that makes ground balls a breeze.
While it may be stiff and durable, the Mark 1 is still quite lightweight, clocking in at just below 5 ounces making this a solid box-to-box option especially for an LSM.
The rub with the Mark 1 comes with it not being a great faceoff head—ultra-stiff is not a great quality when trying to plunge in a faceoff. Additionally, early outputs of the Mark 1 had an adhesive issue when it came to the ball stop which the company is aware of and has corrected for the most part.
Overall, the Mark 1’s consistency and stiffness make it a great option for long poles looking to leave a lasting impression on their opponent and shorties who value quick ball movement and feeding around the crease.
Pros
- Ultra-stiff construction for consistency
- Rounded scoop is great for ground balls
- Versatility in stringing
- Lightweight & durable
Cons
- Adhesive issues on early model ball stops
- Too stiff for many faceoff guys
4) Brine King 2
Details
- Brand: Brine
- Weight: 5.2 oz
- Throat design: Standard length w/ throat plug
- Stringing holes: 17 per sidewall, 6 on top
We round out our offense-oriented list with the classic Brine King 2 that has seen quite a long run on the field and for good reason.
The King 2 adds sidewall and topside reinforcements meant to retain rigidity in the head shape regardless of weather conditions. This creates dependable consistency in the head’s scooping and throwing that make it a great choice for attackmen and middies.
A lock throat on the head also minimizes rattle that couples with a more pinched throat to provide ball security regardless of being in a full cradle or one-handed dodge. These elements also allow for a quick-snap release that’s great for rapid ball movement.
The main knock on the King 2 is that this is a bit heavy for an attack head which is the price paid for its durability. Additionally, the lock throat design is not compatible with all shafts (mainly carbon fiber shafts) so you may want to put in some extra research before adding this to your arsenal.
Overall, the King 2 is a great, versatile head that can be used by attackmen, middies, and LSMs alike, that you can also find often discounted.
Pros
- Scoop design for easier ground balls
- Sidewall & topside reinforcement for better rigidity
- More pinched design improves control
- Throat plug minimizes head rattle
Cons
- Heavier end of the spectrum for attack
- Not compatible with certain shafts
Cheap Defense Heads
1) STX X10
Details
- Brand: STX
- Weight: 5.4 oz
- Throat design: Short throat
- Stringing holes: 13 per sidewall, 4 on top
STX enters the fray on the defensive end with the X10 head—the perfect weapon in your war on attackmen’s ribs and forearms.
An ultra-stiff construction strikes hard and scoops better than the competition making this a great addition for every pole out there. The wider surface area provided also sets the X10 apart as the perfect intrusive force on offensive passing lanes.
The mid-high pocket and defensive capabilities make this head a force in turning defense into offense, promoting a quick passing movement to your middies.
The X10 is an older head, having debuted in 2012, which has exposed some problems with its prolonged use such as bending and warping.
Still, the X10 is a great head to consider especially for those top of the box poles that like to chop down passes and slam checks into charging midfielders.
Pros
- Extra stiff for harder checks
- Wide head helps w/ intercepting passes & laying checks
- Good for mid/high to high pockets
Cons
- Older generation head (2012)
- Bends/warps from prolonged use
2) Brine King 2 ST
Details
- Brand: Brine
- Weight: 6.2 oz
- Throat design: Standard w/ throat plug
- Stringing holes: 17 per sidewall, 6 on top
The defensive counterpart to the Brine King 2, the King 2 ST (the ST stands for stiff) is another affordable top shelf output from Brine.
The King 2 ST adds even more stiffness to an already rigid design, making every check and scoop as assured and consistent as the hundred that came before it.
The same throat lock as the King 2 eliminates that pesky rattling that can disrupt ball feedback for a pole and give the player confidence in their control.
As with the 2 though, the King 2 ST is heavy even for a defensive head at well over six ounces. Additionally, the lock throat design is not compatible with all shafts so you may want to put in some extra research before purchasing.
Overall, given the added weight on the King 2 ST, this is a solid, durable head for a close pole that does not mind handling the extra heft.
Pros
- Good scoop for ground balls
- Sidewall & topside reinforcement for more rigidity
- Maintains stiffness regardless of weather
- Throat plug minimizes head rattle
Cons
- Heavier end of the spectrum even for defense
- Not compatible with certain shafts
3) Adidas Blockade
Details
- Brand: Adidas
- Weight: 5.85 oz
- Throat design: Short throat
- Stringing holes: 15 per sidewall, 6 on top
And our last defensive output comes from…Adidas? For real? Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you—the Blockade is an Adidas head and our last great affordable option for D poles.
The Blockade is a pretty standard defensive oriented head with plenty of sidewall space to customize its hold to your liking. The real positive is how much of a blank canvas this head is to dress up to your specifications when it comes to the pocket.
Reinforced sidewalls do provide added stiffness to compliment flexibility along the scoop to give you some maneuverability in tight groundball spaces.
The main knock on the Blockade is that this is an Adidas head. As well known and respected as the company is, it’s foray into lacrosse has been less than enthusiastic and possibly has ended as quickly as it began. The Blockade hit the market in 2015 and not many other waves have been made by Adidas since.
Still, the Blockade is one of the more affordable heads on our list and is a great traditional option to consider for a backup pole or a young player looking to cut their teeth on the defensive end.
Pros
- Equally prioritizes flexivity, weight, & durability
- Reinforced sidewall design for stiffness
- Recessed channels along topside for string protection
- Highly discounted
Cons
- Older generation head (2015)
- Adidas as a lacrosse brand
Cheap Goalie Heads
1) Brine Eraser 2
Details
- Weight: 11.3 oz
- Throat Design: Standard length w/ some grip points
- # Stringing Holes: Many
- Year Released: 2014
The Brine Eraser 2 is an ultra-affordable head option at a position that can break the bank with the specialized goalie gear required. It strings easily for a goalie head and provides customizability to the pocket you need which is invaluable when it comes to a keeper who likes to start the break.
But, the drawback to the Eraser 2 comes in its durability. Relatively heavy in-season use will likely render this head ineffective as users have noted some issues with warping and even full breakage over just a few months of use.
The Eraser 2 is a decent option for a backup head or a player just dipping his toes into life in the cage.
Buying Options:
>> Amazon
>> Lax Monkey
2) STX Shield
Details
- Weight: 12.6 oz
- Throat Design: Ergonomic throat to improve grip & wrist mobility
- # Stringing Holes: Average
- Year Released: 2013
The STX Shield really pushes the bounds of what can be considered “affordable” but, given the price point at the goalie position, we can say this is “relatively” cheap.
The Shield is a lightweight head that has demonstrated some noticeable accuracy when it comes to those all important outlet passes. Reinforcement along the head provides extra sturdiness that will not cower in the face of a hard shot.
On the market since 2015, the STX Shield is a trustworthy weapon for a warrior between the pipes that demonstrates superior reliability at a “relatively” cheap price point.
Buying Options:
>> Amazon
>> Lax Monkey
>> Dick’s Sporting Goods
How to Choose a Cheap Lacrosse Head
Each passing year brings another wave of cheap head options discounted or put on clearance to make way for that season’s new crop of product. This floods the market with so many options, which is a very good problem to have.
It’s important that you are equipped with the tools needed to navigate this flood to find a head that is not only affordable but meets the needs of your play and position. Here are some things to consider when choosing a head that works best for you.
Your Position
This is the biggest key to this whole equation because it will inform every other category we go over. Different positions require or value specific elements to a lacrosse head that you should consider before clicking buy.
Specific aspects in a head will be highlighted as being preferable for attack, middie, defense, or goalie as we rundown your subsequent considerations before purchasing.
Shape
The shape is no doubt the first thing you will notice when combing through thumbnail after thumbnail of head options—it’s the literal structure of the head from top to bottom.
As a rule of thumb, attacking players and those left to carry the ball for prolonged periods value more of a pinch to their head shape. This promotes ball retention which comes at a premium for offensive players.
Defensive players prefer wider heads that give them more surface area for laying checks and intercepting/deflecting passes.
Weight
Weight is a huge indicator of a head’s purpose on the field. Attack-oriented players put more stock into lighter-weight heads that allow them to move their stick quickly and efficiently without the added heft.
Most elite-level attackmen like to stick with a head at, if not under, five ounces.
Conversely, heavier sticks lean more in the direction of defense because added weight usually equates to better durability and increased stiffness. Why is this important to a D pole? Well, the added amount of checks and ground balls put an emphasis on the need for a sturdy, stiff head that will remain rigid even under constant usage.
Durability
Durability works hand-in-hand with flexibility and stiffness. Your valuation of these two aspects comes down to your position.
As covered underweight, a heavier head will provide extra stiffness which normally equates to longer durability for its use. This is a must for consideration for long poles as constant checks can eventually warp a head to make it pretty much inoperable if it does not have the durable stiffness the position requires.
As attack-oriented players spend less time checking, added flexibility is not a bad thing—it can help cushion the force of hard passes and plunging a ground ball in tight quarters. But this will come at the expense of prolonged usage.
In the end, attackmen have to come to terms with the fact that being the poster boy for ripping net may come at an actual price as it relates to the number of heads you will have to purchase over the course of your career.
Stringing Holes
Two factors to keep in mind when looking at stringing holes are the amount and width. The amount is important in providing options when it comes to customizing your pocket shape and position. For those who like to string their sticks personally, more is definitely better.
Hole width is equally important if you’re one of those double-wrappers that likes extra torque on the sidewall strings. A head like the Brine King 2 provides a bit more clearance space to put some extra sidewall security in your pocket.
Scoop
It seems like every head nowadays has some specially designed angulation or system that promotes ground ball retention along the scoop. This puts more of an emphasis on the minuscule details of a scoop to stand out from the pack.
One of the primary elements worth considering is the shape of the scoop. Rounded scoops make picking up ground balls more easily, especially when approaching the ball at angles other than straight on.
This last part—stiffness—is extra pertinent to you long poles out there. Added rigidity to the scoop will make those poke checks sting just a bit more and provide the extra durability the position requires.
Throat Plug
This honestly feels like a newer element worth considering when buying a head—a lock or plug that extends from/within the throat of your head that is a stabilizing element to cut down on the dreaded head rattle and promote control and feedback.
Head rattle used to be an issue that was solved with extra tape but companies are finally taking action in combating it. The throat plug is a great addition to consider if you want that extra bit of sturdiness and dependability in your spoon.
However, prioritizing a head that comes with a lock/plug may lead to a further costly overhaul of your spoon if you are not careful—locks/plugs are not one-size-fits-all. Make sure you do your research and verify the compatibility of your new head with the shaft that you plan on using it with.
Most often, throat plugs don’t work with solid carbon fiber shafts. Instead, look for a metal shaft or hollow carbon fiber shaft if you want to use a throat plug.
Customer Reviews
Last but not least, always consider the customer reviews and player feedback available for a product before clicking to buy. Luckily for you, the clearance lacrosse head market usually consists of many older products, so there tends to be quite a bit of feedback for these options.
Still, be sure to do your own research and look into every available feedback forum 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.
Complete Your Stick
Here are some other guides you may be interested in to complete your new lacrosse stick:
Photo credit: Flickr
