Despite being an offensive midfielder, I’ve always loved stepping into the FOSO role. So, when I heard Warrior was marketing the Burn Formula as a face-off head that excels in shooting, I had to test the claim. Since most face-off heads struggle with accurate shooting due to flexibility, the Warrior Burn Formula lacrosse head review was much needed.
Warrior has been experimenting with Face-off heads since the original Burn FO. However, they haven’t been quite successful in terms of durability. Now, the question is, has Warrior finally found the right formula to create a head that’s durable, flexible, and delivers perfect shots?
Key Features Of The Warrior Burn Formula Lacrosse Head
Before I share my experience with the new Warrior Burn Formula Face-off head, look at the key features first.
| Position | Face-off | Offensive Midfielders |
| Weight (oz) | 5.3 |
| Pocket Location | Mid |
| Stiffness | Flexible |
| String Holes | Top Holes: 6Side Holes: 17 |
| Face Shape | Wide |
| Ground pick-up | Excellent |
| Ball Release | Quick |
| Ease of Use | All |
| Spread on Shot | No |
| Level of Play | Intermediate & advanced |
| Legality | All |
| Colors | White | Clear |
| Release Year | 2024 |
Pros
- Durable and lightweight
- Perfectly balanced flexibility and stiffness
- Accurate shooting
- Better responsiveness and warp resistance
Cons
- Low shooting speed
- It doesn’t deliver powerful checks
Warrior Burn Formula Lacrosse Head Ranking
I would rate the Warrior Burn Formula lacrosse head a 9.1/10 on the Drip Meter.
| Attribute | Rating | Details |
| Accuracy of Shot and Pass | 9 | The mid-pocket and pinched face shape deliver consistent, accurate passes and shots. However, it lacks the high-speed release of attack heads. |
| Checking | 8.5 | While not designed for powerful checks, the stiff sidewalls provide decent impact absorption and control during defensive plays. |
| Ball Security | 9.2 | The pinched throat and mid-pocket offer exceptional ball retention, ensuring control during quick movements and tight situations. |
| Catching | 8.7 | The wider face profile and stiff edges aid catching, but rounded edges occasionally deflect the ball during one-handed catches. |
| Ground Pickup Performance | 9.5 | The rounded scoop excels in ground ball pickups, allowing smooth contact and efficient ball control in face-off and loose ball scenarios. |
| Faceoff Performance | 9.3 | The flexible yet durable design allows for quick clamp-and-exit moves. The head retains its shape, providing confidence in tie-ups and scrums. |
| Stringing | 9 | The 17 sidewall string holes enable excellent pocket customization for players seeking mid-pocket setups or unique patterns. |
| Durability (Material and Thickness) | 9.7 | Constructed with Therma-Loc+ material, it resists warping, retains its shape after flexing, and handles intense face-offs with ease. |
| Aesthetics/Brand Integrity | 8.8 | Clean design with modern touches like the clear option maintains Warrior’s reputation for combining performance with style. |
| Cost | 8.9 | Priced competitively for its advanced features, offering excellent value for players seeking a durable and versatile face-off head. |
| Total | 9.1 | An outstanding face-off head with superior durability, accuracy, and control, making it ideal for intermediate and advanced players. |
Who’s This Head Made For?
The Warrior Burn FO and Recovery were more FOGO lacrosse heads with highly flexible profiles. Although the plastic looks similar, the Warrior has significantly improved the design. Thus, my Warrior Burn Formula lacrosse head review will mark it as a FOSO head.
The latest Warrior Burn Formula face-off lacrosse head is slightly thicker than the StringKing Mark 2F and has a wider scoop design. It’s stiffer and immediately snap back to it’s shape as I bent it.
The throat length is nearly identical to the OG Burn FO. However, Warrior removed the throat plug and added two additional screw holes on either side for versatility.
Although I liked the throat plug, the screws offer better functionality. I easily attached it to my ECD carbon MTX lacrosse shaft. The new scoop design also impressed me.
So, let’s move on to the Warrior Burn Formula lacrosse head review and see if it wins the 50/50 groundballs.
Accuracy of Shot and Pass
The Warrior Burn Formula has a longer throat and wider face shape pinched in the center that goes down straight with a minimal curve on the throat. The side walls are also stiffer than the FO Recovery.
As a result, It gave me better feedback, making it easier to aim accurately. I could effortlessly shoot the ball to the target when playing as FOSO. The face profile is decent for feeding and shooting.
Moreover, the mid-pocket design offers a good balance of control and quick release. However, it didn’t give me the lightning-shot speed that I enjoy with the mid-high pocket of an attack head.
Still, I liked the consistency of the ball release, as my every shot was exactly directed to the target.
Besides, the side walls have 17 holes to adjust the pocket. So, you can easily get creative with pocket depth. But, if you want a stiffer head for high-speed shooting, you can opt for Stringking Mark 2F or Nike CEO 3.
Catching and Cradling
In this part of the Warrior Burn Formula lacrosse head review, I am sharing my catching and cradling experience. I found it one of the best face-off heads for elite players.
The head’s pinched throat gives the ball a snug pocket feel, making it excellent for keeping control during quick movements or dodges. Once the ball is in, the head’s stiffness and design allow for strong, confident control. I felt secure even under heavy defensive pressure.
Furthermore, the wider face profile also provides a good surface area for catching ground balls on the run. Unlike the Warrior Burn Recovery, the head doesn’t warp and easily slides the ball into the pocket.
Yet, the rounded edges of the head sometimes deflected the ball, making one-handed catches feel inconsistent. I had a few frustrating moments when the ball glanced off the sidewalls instead of settling cleanly into the pocket.
Thus, if you are a beginner or rely on getting quick passes and run approach, the Warrior Burn FO or a good attack head is more suitable.
Checking
The Warrior Burn Formula lacrosse head is stiffer than its predecessor but not extremely stiff. Therefore, I didn’t experience the powerful checking. Due to the flex profile, I had to apply more force to deliver checks.
Regardless, the sidewalls are sturdy enough to absorb impact. Warrior has added a strut to support the sidewalls and designed them more horizontally than the Recovery. Hence, the side profile is more durable and long-lasting than its predecessor and maintains the head’s shape well.
Besides, famous face-off winner and elite PLL player Trevor Baptiste also praised the durability of Therma Loc+ construction. It’s better than other nylon heads that easily break during face-off battles. Despite weighing 5.3 ounces, the Warrior Formula took the beating without losing the shape.
Hence, it may be an imperfect head for defense or transition middies, but the durability of the flex profile is worth the money.
Ground Pick-Up and Face-off
The scoop design is the crowning glory of the Warrior Burn Formula lacrosse head review. It is much more curved and rounded than the Burn FO, which helped me a lot in making contact with the ball and using the scoop to fling it out from under my opponent.
Moreover, the bail rails are not just a gimmick. They provide warp resistance, making the head sturdier during tough tie-ups and face-off battles. The Warrior Burn Formula lacrosse head didn’t over-flex or feel flimsy. It gave me the confidence to clamp hard without worrying about losing control.
The slight stiffness also lets the head snap back quickly after flexing. So, I could smoothly transition into controlling the ball or executing exits even when I wasn’t in an ideal position against my opponent.
Still, some players may miss the flexibility and smooth twisting of the Warrior Recovery head.
People Also Ask
When Was the Warrior Burn Formula Lacrosse Head Released?
What Colors Are Available for the Warrior Burn Formula Lacrosse Head?
How Much Does the Warrior Burn Formula Lacrosse Head Weigh?
What Is the Key Feature of the Warrior Burn Formula Scoop Design?
What Makes the Warrior Burn Formula Suitable for FOSO Players?
The Warrior Burn Formula lacrosse head is a FOSO head, combining a durable build with elite-level features. Its longer throat and pinched face shape enhance shot accuracy, while the mid-pocket design balances control and quick release.
Moreover, the scoop is excellent for ground ball pickups and winning face-off battles. The diffusers easily direct the ball into the pocket, providing a secure hold when dodging defenders.
Despite the reduced shooting speed and lower strength for powerful checking, it provides accurate shooting and controlled cradling.
However, if the Warrior Burn Formula lacrosse head review doesn’t satisfy your wants for more flex, try the Warrior Burn Recovery or Nike CEO 3.
Furthermore, if you want a stiffer head for high-speed shooting and strong checking, go for an attack head like the Nike Surge Elite.
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