Warrior Burn Formula Lacrosse Head Review
Warrior says the Burn Formula is a faceoff head that can actually shoot. I took it to the X and then down the field as a FOSO to see if the formula finally works.
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Overview
I'm an offensive middie, but I've always loved stepping into the FOSO role. So when I heard Warrior was marketing the Burn Formula as a faceoff head that excels at shooting, I had to test that claim. Most faceoff heads struggle to shoot accurately because of their flex, so this review was overdue.
Warrior has been working on faceoff heads since the original Burn FO, but durability hasn't been their strong suit. So the question is: has Warrior finally found the right formula for a head that's durable, flexible and shoots well?
Coach's note: The FOSO is the most valuable guy nobody talks about. Win the draw, push it, and if the short-stick slides late, finish it yourself. I've seen it win games from upstate New York to Virginia Beach, and every Ontario box kid who takes draws already thinks this way. You need a head that clamps like an FO head and shoots like a middie head. That's the test.
Shop the Warrior Burn Formula at Battle Lax ($99.99)
Key Features of the Warrior Burn Formula
Before I share my experience with the new Burn Formula, here are the key features.
- Brand
- Warrior
- Position
- Faceoff / FOSO
- Released
- 2024
- Weight
- About 5.3 oz
- Material
- Therma Loc+
- Sidewall holes
- 17
- Price
- $99.99 at BattleLax
- Colors
- White
- Clear
Pros & Cons
- Build: Durable and light
- Flex: A great balance of flex and stiffness
- Shooting: Accurate
- Response: Better responsiveness and warp resistance
- Shot speed: Lower than an attack head
- Checking: Doesn't deliver powerful checks
Shop the Warrior Burn Formula at Battle Lax ($99.99)
Warrior Burn Formula Drip Rating
I rate the Warrior Burn Formula a 9.1/10 on the Drip Meter.
Who's This Head Made For?
The Burn FO and Burn FO Recovery were more FOGO heads with very flexible profiles. The plastic looks similar, but Warrior made big design improvements. So I'd call the Burn Formula a FOSO head.
The Burn Formula is slightly thicker than the StringKing Mark 2F Head and has a wider scoop. It's stiffer, and it snapped right back into shape when I bent it.
The throat length is nearly identical to the OG Burn FO. But Warrior removed the throat plug and added two extra screw holes on each side for versatility.
I liked the throat plug, but the screws work better. It went right onto my ECD carbon shaft. If you need one, the ECD Carbon 4.0 Attack/Midfield Shaft ($124.99) is a solid match. The new scoop design impressed me too.
Now let's see if it wins the 50/50s.
See it live GKL+ on YouTube
Shot and Pass Accuracy
The Burn Formula has a longer throat and a wider face that pinches in the center and runs down straight with very little curve at the throat. The sidewalls are also stiffer than the FO Recovery's.
That gave me better feedback and made it easier to aim. Playing FOSO, I could put the ball right where I wanted it. The face profile is solid for feeding and shooting.
The mid pocket gives you a good balance of control and quick release. It doesn't give you the lightning shot speed I get from a mid-high pocket in an attack head, though.
Still, I liked how consistent the release was. Every shot went right where I aimed it.
The sidewalls have 17 holes, so you can get creative with pocket depth. If you want a stiffer head for high-speed shooting, look at the StringKing Mark 2F Head or the Nike CEO 3, or the Burn Formula Stiff ($99.99).
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Catching and Cradling
For catching and cradling, I found it one of the best faceoff heads for elite players.
The pinched throat gives the ball a snug pocket feel, which is great for keeping control on quick moves and dodges. Once the ball is in, the stiffness and design give you strong, confident control. I felt secure even under heavy defensive pressure.
The wider face also gives you a good surface for scooping ground balls on the run. Unlike the Burn Recovery, it doesn't warp and slides the ball right into the pocket.
The rounded edges did deflect the ball sometimes, which made one-handed catches feel inconsistent. I had a few frustrating moments when the ball glanced off the sidewall instead of settling into the pocket.
So if you're a beginner or you rely on catching quick passes on the run, the Burn FO or a good attack head is a better fit.
Checking
The Burn Formula is stiffer than its predecessor, but it's not super stiff. So I didn't get powerful checks out of it. With its flex profile, I had to put more force into my checks.
Still, the sidewalls are sturdy enough to take a hit. Warrior added a strut to support the sidewalls and made them more horizontal than the Recovery's. That makes the side profile more durable and long-lasting, and the head holds its shape well.
Elite faceoff man and PLL star Trevor Baptiste has praised the durability of the Therma Loc+ construction, which holds up better than other nylon heads that break easily in faceoff battles. At about 5.3 oz, the Burn Formula took a beating without losing its shape.
So it may not be the ideal head for defensive or transition middies, but the durability of the flex profile is worth the money.
Ground Ball Pick-Up and Faceoffs
The scoop is the crowning glory of the Burn Formula. It's much more curved and rounded than the Burn FO's, which helped me a lot when making contact with the ball and using the scoop to flick it out from under my opponent.
The ball rails aren't just a gimmick, either. They add warp resistance, which makes the head sturdier in tough tie-ups and faceoff battles. The Burn Formula never over-flexed or felt 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 it flexes. So I could transition smoothly into controlling the ball or running an exit even when I wasn't in an ideal position against my opponent.
Some players may still miss the flex and smooth twisting of the Recovery. If that's you, compare it with the ECD Weapon X 2.0 Head ($99.99) too, and read our Weapon X 2.0 review.
Shop the Warrior Burn Formula at Battle Lax ($99.99)
Shop the Burn Formula and faceoff gear at BattleLax
See our full list of the best faceoff heads too.
| Gear | Why it's here | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Warrior Burn Formula Unstrung Head | Reviewed here | $99.99 |
| Warrior Burn Formula Stiff Head | Stiffer version | $99.99 |
| Warrior Burn FO Recovery Head | More flex | $89.99 |
| Warrior Burn FO Head | Original Burn FO | $89.99 |
| ECD Weapon X 2.0 Head | FO head alternative | $99.99 |
| ECD Carbon 4.0 Attack/Midfield Shaft | Shaft pairing | $124.99 |
People also ask
When was the Warrior Burn Formula lacrosse head released?
In 2024, with better durability, flex and accuracy for faceoff players and offensive middies.
What colors does the Warrior Burn Formula come in?
White and clear.
How much does the Warrior Burn Formula weigh?
About 5.3 oz, so it's light but durable for intermediate and advanced players.
What's special about the Burn Formula's scoop?
It's much more curved and rounded than the Burn FO's, which makes ground balls and faceoff battles easier to win.
Why is the Warrior Burn Formula good for FOSO players?
A longer throat, a pinched face, stiffer sidewalls than the Recovery and a mid pocket give you accurate shooting and controlled cradling after you win the draw.
Final word
The Warrior Burn Formula is a FOSO head that pairs a durable build with elite features. The longer throat and pinched face help your accuracy, and the mid pocket balances control and quick release.
The scoop is excellent for ground balls and winning faceoff battles, and the ball rails help guide the ball into the pocket for a secure hold when you're dodging defenders.
Shot speed and checking power are a bit lower, but it gives you accurate shooting and controlled cradling.
If you want more flex, try the Warrior Burn FO Recovery. If you want a stiffer head for high-speed shooting and strong checks, go with an offensive head like the StringKing Mark 3V Head ($119.99).
