34 Best Lacrosse Heads Reviewed
The heads worth your money at attack, midfield, defense, goalie and faceoff, with specs, pros and cons for every one.
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Your lacrosse head is the single most important piece of equipment when it comes to performance. Sure, helmets and pads are important for safety, but your lacrosse head helps determine how well you pass, shoot, catch, pick up ground balls, check, and much more.
There are countless lacrosse heads on the market today, and walking into a shop staring at a wall of plastic makes it hard to know which one is right for you. Whether you learned the game in a box rink up north, on the fields around Virginia Beach or firing wall ball against a brick wall in upstate New York, the first piece of gear every good player gets picky about is the head.
To find the best lacrosse heads, I read countless customer reviews, studied which heads players at the college and pro levels were actually carrying, and went to my local shops to feel the heads in my own hands. Any references to stiffness, weight and other metrics are measured against heads in that category. The bar for “above average” stiffness is a lot higher for a d-pole head than it is for a faceoff head. As new heads come out, I'll update this guide when one earns a spot.
Want to go deeper on one position? We also have full guides for the best attack heads, best middie heads, best defense heads, best goalie heads and best faceoff heads.
Our top picks
- Best for attack: StringKing Mark 3V
- Best for midfield: Maverik Tactik 3.0
- Best for defense: STX Hammer 1K
- Best for goalie: STX Eclipse 2
- Best for faceoff: StringKing Mark 2F
Compare all 34 heads
Best attack heads
Attack heads live and die on two things: how fast the ball comes out and how well you can protect it with a pole draped on your hands. Everything here is built for guys who play behind the cage, dodge from X and finish on the doorstep. We ranked 12 heads here. For the full breakdown, read our best attack heads guide.
1. StringKing Mark 3V Top pick
A stiff, weatherproof shooter's head with more stringing holes than you'll know what to do with.
If you've played a March game in upstate New York or a sleety tournament up north, you know what cold does to plastic. The Mark 3V holds its shape in extreme weather, and that's the first thing I tell any attackman shopping for a head he'll use from the first frozen practice all the way to summer ball. At 4.5 oz with an ultra strong plastic build, it's light without feeling flimsy.
The mid pocket and wider face make it a confident head to catch and cradle with, and it's accurate from distance when you step into a time and room shot. With 8 top string holes and 32 sidewall holes, you can string whatever pocket you shoot best with. The trade off is stiffness. In tight spaces it doesn't give much, and it takes extra strength to clamp with, so this isn't the head for taking draws.
Specs: Wide face shape, mid-pocket location, 8 top string holes, 32 sidewall holes, tapered throat design.
See it live LacrosseMonkey on YouTube
- Durable enough to maintain shape under extreme weather
- New ultra-strong plastic build
- Good long-distance shooting accuracy
- Secure cradling with mid-pocket design
- Ample stringing options for customization
- Very stiff to cradle in tight situations
- Requires extra strength for clamping
Who it’s for: Attackmen and shooters who want one head that stays true in any weather and can be strung exactly to their release.
2. Maverik Optik Force
Light, extremely stiff and built to rip from the outside.
The Optik Force is the head I'd hand an attackman who wants stiffness without carrying extra weight. At 4.85 oz it's light, and it's extremely stiff for that weight, so it doesn't flex on you when you load up from the outside. The short throat keeps your top hand close to the ball, which helps when you're cradling one handed coming around the cage.
It's set up for a low to mid low pocket with 6 top string holes and 20 sidewall holes, and it handles ground balls and cradling well. Out of the wrapper you'll want to spend time on the pocket to get the hold right, and the face runs a touch wider than some attack heads. If you like a pinched face for stick protection, keep that in mind.
Specs: Low to mid-low pocket location, 6 top string holes, 20 sidewall holes, extremely stiff, short throat design.
See it live Northern Soul Sportswear on YouTube
- Lightweight and extremely stiff
- Accurate long-distance shooting
- Multiple sidewall holes for customization
- Better ground-ball control and cradling
- Stylish honeycomb ball stop design
- Requires pocket customization for optimal control
- Slightly wider face may not be optimal for some players
Who it’s for: Attackmen and offensive middies who shoot from range and like a low release point. Be ready to put some work into the stringing.
3. STX Surgeon 1K
An attack only head with max offset and a scoop that eats ground balls.
STX built the Surgeon 1K for one guy: the attackman. At 4.83 oz it has a light feel, and the maximum offset and redesigned face are there for one reason, accuracy. When you only get a half second look at the cage from the crease, that's what you're paying for.
The Speed Scoop is one of the best parts of this head. Loose balls behind the cage or on a ride come up clean and fast. The knock is price. It sits on the higher end, so make sure you're actually playing attack before you spend on a head that was designed only for it.
Specs: Redesigned face shape, maximum offset, Speed Scoop design.
See it live Top String Lacrosse on YouTube
- Lightweight feel
- Enhanced shooting accuracy
- Great for ground balls
- Exclusively for attack-minded players
- Higher price point
Who it’s for: Dedicated attackmen who want accuracy and quick ground ball pickups. Two way middies should look elsewhere. BattleLax doesn't stock this exact head right now. The button below takes you to their men's heads so you can grab the closest current option.
4. Gait Torq 3
A forgiving, lightweight attack head that catches everything and shoots straight.
Not every attackman has soft hands yet, and that's where the Torq 3 earns its spot. The wider face makes catching easy, which helps when feeds come in hot or off target. At 4.5 oz it's light and durable, and it showed no spread on shots, so the ball goes where you point it.
The well spaced sidewall holes give you room to work on your pocket. The lower walls offer minimal flex, so off centered hits can make the head rattle a little. It isn't a deal breaker, but you'll feel it on a bad catch.
Specs: Wider face profile, moderately angled and parallel sidewalls, reduced weight.
See it live Total Lacrosse on YouTube
- Lightweight and durable
- Well-spaced sidewall holes for pocket customization
- Wide face for easy catching
- No spread on shots
- Lower walls offer minimal flex, which can sometimes result in slight rattling on off-centered hits
Who it’s for: Younger and developing attackmen who want a head that's forgiving on catches and still accurate on the finish.
5. Maverik Kinetik 3.0
A narrow, warp resistant head for players who value control over a big catching area.
The Kinetik 3.0 runs a slightly narrower face than a lot of heads in this group, and you feel it right away in stick protection. A narrow face keeps the ball locked in when you're dodging through traffic. Maverik built it with Duratuff material, it resists warping, and the shorter throat with dual screw holes keeps it locked onto your shaft.
The Tension Lock feature is a nice touch for guys who string their own sticks, since it helps the stringing hold. The flip side of a narrow face is less surface area on angled catches, so bad feeds are tougher to pull in. It's also on the pricier side.
Specs: Slightly narrower face shape, Duratuff material, curved scoop, Tension Lock feature, shorter throat, dual screw holes.
See it live ECD Lacrosse on YouTube
- Narrow profile for better control
- Tension lock system for improved stringing
- Warp resistant
- Durable Duratuff material
- Less surface area for angled catching
- Higher price point
Who it’s for: Attackmen and middies with good hands who want control and durability and catch most balls in the box.
6. ECD Mirage 2.0
A tough, pinched attack head with a smooth release and a high pocket.
At 5.0 oz the Mirage 2.0 carries a little more weight than the lightest heads here, and you get durability back for it. It's weather resistant, it fights off warping, and the stiff top rail holds up when a pole is hacking at your stick. The pinched face and deep offset give you hold and a smooth release.
It's built around a high pocket, so think catch and shoot. There are fewer sidewall holes than on some heads, which limits how far you can take a custom pocket.
Specs: Pinched face, deep offset design, high pocket placement, stiff top rail.
See it live Top String Lacrosse on YouTube
- Durable and weather-resistant
- Warp resistance
- Offers a smooth release
- Heavier than some alternatives
- Fewer sidewall holes for customization
Who it’s for: Attackmen who play through contact and want a head that holds up for a full season. Heads up: BattleLax now stocks the ECD Mirage 3.0, the updated version of this head, so that's where the button below takes you.
7. Maverik Optik 3.0
A tight, stiff attack head made for a low pocket and one handed cradling.
The Optik 3.0 is a pure attack shape: tight pinch, low offset and a stiff, durable build that stays light. The shorter throat moves your top hand up toward the ball, and that makes one handed cradling around the crease feel natural.
With 20 sidewall holes on each side you've got plenty of stringing options, as long as you stay low. It isn't great for mid to high pockets, so if you like the ball sitting higher, look at something else.
Specs: Shorter throat, 20 sidewall holes on each side, tight pinch, stiff, low offset.
See it live ECD Lacrosse on YouTube
- Lightweight
- Stiff & durable
- Tight face shape
- Shortened throat gives more control when one-handed cradling
- Not great for mid-to-high pockets
Who it’s for: Attackmen who string a low pocket and protect the ball one handed when they dodge. Heads up: BattleLax now stocks the Maverik Optik Force, the updated version of this head, so that's where the button below takes you.
8. STX Surgeon 900
The lightest head on this list, with a narrow face and a great scoop.
At 4.4 oz, the Surgeon 900 is the lightest head in this guide. Light heads are fast through the air on a quick stick and easy to cradle for a full 60 minutes. The narrow face gives you control, and the EnduraForm plastic and Speed Scoop make ground balls come up quick.
Going this light costs you some stiffness. It isn't as stiff as some alternatives, so a big shooter who wants zero give in the head will feel it.
Specs: Narrow face shape, EnduraForm plastic, Speed Scoop.
See it live GopherLax 5 on YouTube
- Extremely light
- Narrow face shape
- Great scoop
- Not as stiff as some alternatives
Who it’s for: Quick, skilled attackmen who want speed and feel over stiffness. BattleLax doesn't stock this exact head right now. The button below takes you to their men's heads so you can grab the closest current option.
9. StringKing Mark 2A
A very light attack head with a great scoop and endless stringing options.
The Mark 2A is very light and gives stringers a ton of sidewall holes to play with. The face is pinched toward the throat and flares out lower, with a traditional offset. That low offset helps a lot when you're cradling one handed coming off a dodge.
The flat scoop is a real strength on ground balls. The face runs wider than a lot of attack heads, which makes catching easier but gives up a little stick protection.
Specs: Slightly wider face shape, pinched towards throat, flares lower, traditional offset, numerous sidewall holes, flat scoop.
See it live RedStarLacrosse on YouTube
- Many sidewall holes
- Great scoop
- Very light
- Low offset helps w/ one-handed cradling
- Wider face than alternatives
Who it’s for: Attackmen who like to customize their pocket and want a light head that's easy to catch with. Heads up: BattleLax now stocks the StringKing Mark 3A, the updated version of this head, so that's where the button below takes you.
10. Gait Mustang
A stiff, durable shooter's head with an aggressive scoop.
The Mustang is built tough. It's durable and stiff, and the aggressive scoop is designed for high speed shooting. The wider face with slightly pinched side rails gives you a good catching area, and 6 top holes plus 18 side holes leave your stringer plenty of room.
The trade off is weight. It's heavy, and you'll feel that on long possessions and quick sticks.
Specs: Wider face profile, slightly pinched-in side rails, aggressive scoop, 6 top holes, 18 side holes.
See it live Northern Soul Sportswear on YouTube
- Aggressive scoop design for high-speed shooting
- Durable and stiff
- Many side holes for pocket customization
- Heavy
Who it’s for: Shooters who want a sturdy head and don't mind carrying the extra weight.
11. Warrior Burn XP2-O
A feature packed offensive head built for consistent throws.
Warrior loaded the XP2-O with tech. The SPINE TRACK design and deep channel keep your throws consistent, and the Thermaloc+ material and X-TRUSS build help the head hold its shape. Maximum offset and a wider face with a high pinch and flare give you hold, and 20 side holes give you room to string.
The rounded, ridged scoop takes some getting used to, so beginners may struggle with it on ground balls. It's also slightly expensive.
Specs: Wider face with high pinch and flare, maximum offset, deep channel, rounded scoop with ridges, 20 side holes, Thermaloc+ material, X-TRUSS technology.
See it live LacrosseMonkey on YouTube
- SPINE TRACK design for consistent throws
- Protecting diffusers and thermaloc+ built
- Slightly expensive
- Scoop design may cause trouble for beginners
Who it’s for: Experienced offensive players who want consistency on every pass and shot.
12. Nike Surge Elite
An accurate, weather tough shooting head that needs a break in.
The Surge Elite uses the Lakota 3 face profile, a narrow throat and a mid high pocket, and the result is an accurate head for high speed shooting. At 4.7 oz with PowerForm material, it's weather resistant and warp resistant, and there are plenty of sidewall holes to customize your pocket.
Plan on a long break in period, and beginners may find it too stiff. BattleLax doesn't carry it right now, so I've linked their men's heads wall below where you can grab the closest current option.
Specs: Lakota 3 face profile, aggressive scoop, mid-high pocket, 6 top string holes, 18 sidewall holes, moderately stiff, narrow throat design, PowerForm material.
See it live Northern Soul Sportswear on YouTube
- Accurate high-speed shooting
- Durable PowerForm material construction
- Weather resistant
- Warp resistant
- Plenty of sidewall holes for pocket customization
- Long break-in period
- Stiff for beginners
Who it’s for: Shooters who want accuracy and durability and are willing to put in the break in time.
Best midfield heads
Middies need a head that does everything. Catch on the run, scoop in traffic, shoot on the move and survive a full game of sliding and clearing. These heads balance stiffness, weight and a scoop built for transition. We ranked 5 heads here. For the full breakdown, read our best middie heads guide.
13. Maverik Tactik 3.0 Top pick
Our top midfield head: stiff, light and great on ground balls.
The Tactik 3.0 is the head I'd want on a two way middie. Maverik's CoreControl technology gives it a great stiffness to weight ratio, so it's very stiff for how light it is. That matters when you're scooping in a scrum, taking a check on the run and shooting on the next stride.
The level 3 bottom rail works for a mid low to mid high pocket, the face is more pinched than the Tactik 2.0, and there are a ton of sidewall holes. My one gripe is that those holes are a bit small, so bring patience to the stringing job.
Specs: CoreControl technology, level 3 bottom rail, great stiffness-to-weight ratio, great scoop, more pinched face than Tactik 2.0.
See it live Top String Lacrosse on YouTube
- Very stiff
- Relatively light
- A ton of sidewall holes
- Great scoop
- Sidewall holes are a bit small
Who it’s for: Two way midfielders who need a stiff, light head that does a little of everything.
14. STX Stallion 1K
A stiff, lightweight midfield head with one of the best scoops around.
The Stallion 1K is stiff and durable while staying lightweight, and the Speed Scoop is amazing. In the midfield, winning the loose ball is half the job, and this head makes it easier. The face pinches narrow and opens toward the scoop, which gives you hold and still lets you catch on the run.
The offset sits toward the middle to top of the head, so it suits mid and high pockets. If you string low, this isn't your head.
Specs: Speed Scoop, narrow pinch that opens toward scoop, Innerlock technology, offset toward middle to top of head.
See it live Northern Soul Sportswear on YouTube
- Stiff & durable
- Speed Scoop is amazing
- Lightweight
- Great face shape
- Not great for low pockets
Who it’s for: Middies who string a mid to high pocket and win a lot of ground balls. BattleLax doesn't stock this exact head right now. The button below takes you to their men's heads so you can grab the closest current option.
15. Nike L3
A light, stiff head that's easy to string and works almost anywhere.
The L3 is very lightweight, stiff and easy to string. The face shape is smooth and on the wider side, with the offset toward the middle, so it handles a mid low to mid high pocket without much fuss.
That versatility is why it works for a variety of positions. The wider face gives up a little stick protection compared to a pinched attack head.
Specs: Smooth face shape, wider face, smooth flare, offset toward middle, average number of sidewall holes.
See it live ECD Lacrosse on YouTube
- Very lightweight
- Easy to string
- Stiff
- Good for a variety of positions
- Wider face shape than alternatives
Who it’s for: Middies and utility players who move around the field and want one head that does the job. BattleLax doesn't stock this exact head right now. The button below takes you to their men's heads so you can grab the closest current option.
16. RC1
A budget friendly all rounder with plenty of stringing holes.
Not everybody needs a top shelf head, especially a kid in his first couple of seasons or a player who goes through heads fast. The RC1 is budget friendly at 4.9 oz, with a mid pocket, average stiffness and a wider face. It strikes a good balance between flex and stiffness.
With 23 sidewall holes on each side, there's lots of room to restring. The cons are real though: the mesh quality could be better, the cradling hold is average, and it isn't a faceoff head.
Specs: Mid pocket location, average stiffness, 6 top string holes, 23 sidewall holes on each side, wider face shape.
See it live
Watch RC1 reviews on YouTube- Budget-friendly price
- Suitable for all-rounder positions
- Good balance between flexibility and stiffness
- Numerous side holes for customized stringing
- Mesh quality could be improved
- Average cradling hold
- Not ideal for face-offs
Who it’s for: Players on a budget and all rounders who want a dependable head they can restring. BattleLax doesn't stock this exact head right now. The button below takes you to their men's heads so you can grab the closest current option.
17. Nike CEO 3
A durable midfield head that can also take draws.
The CEO 3 is a stiffer, durable head with a mid pocket, a slightly wide face and a shorter throat. It shoots with sharp accuracy and speed, and the strong side rails give you holes to customize your pocket. It's versatile enough for a middie who also takes faceoffs.
Expect a long break in period. The throat edges can feel uncomfortable, and it's not very forgiving for beginners.
Specs: Mid pocket location, slightly wide face shape, 4 top string holes, 16 sidewall holes, stiffer build, shorter throat, zero-friction scoop.
See it live Northern Soul Sportswear on YouTube
- High durability
- Sharp shooting accuracy and speed
- Strong side rails with multiple holes for pocket customization
- Versatile for midfielders and face-off specialists
- Long break-in period
- Uncomfortable throat edges
- Less flexible for beginners
Who it’s for: Middies who take some draws and want one durable head for both jobs. BattleLax doesn't stock this exact head right now. The button below takes you to their men's heads so you can grab the closest current option.
Best defense heads
Poles need stiffness first. Your head has to hold its shape on every check, come up with the ground ball in a scrum and launch the outlet on the clear. We ranked 6 heads here. For the full breakdown, read our best defense heads guide.
18. STX Hammer 1K Top pick
Our top defense head: very stiff, very durable and great on ground balls.
The Hammer 1K is about as stiff as defensive heads get, and that's what you want when you're throwing checks all game. The improved EnduraForm plastic is durable, the InnerLock technology locks it onto the shaft, and the Speed Scoop makes ground balls in traffic a lot easier.
The face is pinched toward the throat and widens toward the scoop, with a high offset for a mid high to high pocket. With 15 sidewall holes on each side, you get fewer stringing options than with the competition.
Specs: Improved EnduraForm plastic, pinched toward throat, high offset, Speed Scoop, InnerLock technology, 15 sidewall holes on each side.
See it live Northern Soul Sportswear on YouTube
- Very stiff
- Durable
- Great scoop
- Nice face shape
- Fewer sidewall holes than competitors
Who it’s for: Close defensemen and LSMs who check hard and want a head that won't bend. BattleLax doesn't stock this exact head right now. The button below takes you to their men's heads so you can grab the closest current option.
19. StringKing Mark 2D
A light defensive head with a sharp scoop and tons of stringing holes.
At 5.2 oz the Mark 2D is very light for a defensive head, with above average stiffness. The sharp angle scoop and dramatic forward cant make it a ground ball machine, and the locking bolt in the throat keeps it secure on the shaft.
It's built for a high pocket with good hold. If you want a low pocket, it's hard to string one in this head.
Specs: Sharp angle scoop, dramatic forward cant, above-average stiffness, locking bolt in throat, numerous stringing holes, high pocket.
See it live RedStarLacrosse on YouTube
- Very light
- Above-average stiffness
- Great scoop design & head shape for ground balls
- Tons of stringing holes
- Hard to string a low pocket in it
Who it’s for: Defensemen and LSMs who play fast in transition and scoop a lot of ground balls. Heads up: BattleLax now stocks the StringKing Mark 3D, the updated version of this head, so that's where the button below takes you.
20. Maverik Havok
A transition minded D head with a pinched face and a Ground Control scoop.
The Havok plays more like a transition head than a traditional wide defensive head. The tighter pinch at the throat gives you more control when you're carrying the ball up on a clear, and the Ground Control scoop with a forward canting top half is great on ground balls. It's relatively light, too.
Defensemen who grew up with wide heads will need time to get used to the shape, and it isn't as stiff as some D heads.
Specs: Tighter pinch toward throat, opens toward scoop, decent stiffness, Ground Control scoop, forward canting top half.
See it live ECD Lacrosse on YouTube
- Face shape helps give more control in transition
- Great for ground balls
- Relatively light
- May take getting used to for D players used to wide heads
- Not as stiff as some D heads
Who it’s for: Poles and LSMs who like to push the ball in transition. Heads up: BattleLax now stocks the Maverik Havok 2.0, the updated version of this head, so that's where the button below takes you.
21. ECD Delta
A stiff defensive head that won't warp on hard checks.
The Delta is stiff and durable, with X shaped sidewall struts, and it doesn't warp on strong checks. The wider face and tighter throat give you a big target on slides. Ground ball pickups are smooth for a get and go clear, and it showed minimal spread on long shots.
Where it struggles is ground ball control in traffic. In a crowded scrum, the ball doesn't stay as settled.
Specs: Stiff construction, X-shaped sidewall struts, 18 side holes, wider face, tighter throat design.
See it live Top String Lacrosse on YouTube
- Stiff and durable design
- It doesn't warp on strong checks
- Smooth ground ball pickups for get-and-go
- Minimal spread on long shots
- Limited ground ball control in traffic
Who it’s for: Close defensemen who check hard and like to push the ball after a pickup. BattleLax doesn't stock this exact head right now. The button below takes you to their men's heads so you can grab the closest current option.
22. Warrior Burn XP2-D
A heavy, highly stiff defensive head that's game ready fast.
At 5.6 oz the XP2-D is the heaviest field head here, and it's highly stiff, which is exactly the point on defense. The thermalock hybrid build is durable and weather resistant, the offset gives you consistent performance, and the recessed stringing holes protect your strings when you check.
The deeper pocket needed minimal break in time. The scoop isn't a good fit for offensive middies, so keep this one with the poles.
Specs: Highly stiff, thermalock hybrid build, wider throat design, steeper face, deeper pocket, recessed stringing holes.
See it live
Watch Warrior Burn XP2-D reviews on YouTube- Durable and weather-resistant
- Perfect Offset for consistent performance
- Minimal impact on checking
- The pocket needed minimal break-in time
- Scoop design is not good for offensive middies
Who it’s for: Close defensemen who want a heavy, stiff head that's ready for game day quickly. BattleLax doesn't stock this exact head right now. The button below takes you to their men's heads so you can grab the closest current option.
23. Maverik Tank 2.0
A durable 5.5 oz D head built for aggressive play.
The Tank 2.0 is built for aggressive defenders. At 5.5 oz it's durable and moderately stiff, with a moderately wide face and a rounded scoop that picks up ground balls smoothly. The low pocket gives you ball control and a quick release on outlet passes.
With 6 top string holes and 20 sidewall holes, there's room to string. The stiffness can make cradling in tight spaces harder, it's heavier than attack heads, and it isn't meant for offensive play.
Specs: Low pocket location, moderately stiff construction, 6 top string holes, 20 sidewall holes, moderately wide face, rounded scoop.
See it live ECD Lacrosse on YouTube
- Durable construction designed for aggressive play
- Excellent ball control and quick release
- Smooth ground ball pickups
- Ample stringing options for customization
- Stiffness may challenge cradling in tight situations
- Heavier than some attack-focused heads
- Not ideal for offensive play styles
Who it’s for: Physical defensemen who want durability and a quick outlet release.
Best goalie heads
In the cage you want a big catching area, stiff rails that hold up to hard shots and a throat you can control when you start the clear. We ranked 5 heads here. For the full breakdown, read our best goalie heads guide.
24. STX Eclipse 2 Top pick
Our top goalie head: stiffer, with an ergonomic throat and doubled stringing holes.
The Eclipse 2 is the most popular goalie head across skill levels, and the updates explain why. It's stiffer than the original Eclipse, and the new ergonomic throat gives you more control when you're starting the clear. STX doubled the stringing holes, so you can customize your pocket however you like.
It's slightly heavier than some alternatives and more expensive than other options.
Specs: New throat design, doubled stringing holes, offset design.
See it live ECD Lacrosse on YouTube
- Stiffer than the original Eclipse
- Upgrade ergonomic throat gives you more control
- Plenty of stringing holes so you can customize your pocket
- Slightly heavier than some alternatives
- More expensive than other options
Who it’s for: Goalies at any level who want a stiff, proven head with full pocket control. BattleLax doesn't stock this exact head right now. The button below takes you to their goalie heads so you can grab the closest current option.
25. StringKing Mark 2G
An extremely light goalie head with 42 sidewall holes and a warranty.
Coming in under 11 oz, the Mark 2G is extremely light for a goalie head while keeping good surface area and good stiffness. Lighter in the cage means quicker hands to the corners. With 42 sidewall holes, you can string any pocket you want, and StringKing backs it with a 6 month warranty.
The shortened, low profile throat doesn't leave much room for your grip.
Specs: Extremely light, good surface area, good stiffness, shortened low-profile throat, 42 sidewall holes.
See it live ECD Lacrosse on YouTube
- Extremely light
- TONS of stringing holes
- 6-month warranty
- Not much room for grip on throat
Who it’s for: Goalies who want quick hands and a custom pocket. BattleLax doesn't stock this exact head right now. The button below takes you to their goalie heads so you can grab the closest current option.
26. Warrior Nemesis 3
A stiff, lighter update with plenty of stringing holes.
Warrior added more struts along the sidewall on the Nemesis 3 and cut 1.1 oz compared to the Nemesis 2. It's stiff, pretty light and has many stringing holes.
It doesn't have an ergonomic throat design, so it won't feel as dialed in on clears as some newer heads.
Specs: More struts along sidewall, 1.1 oz lighter than Nemesis 2, stiff.
See it live ECD Lacrosse on YouTube
- Stiff
- Many stringing holes
- Pretty light
- No ergonomic throat design
Who it’s for: Goalies who want a stiff, lighter Nemesis. Heads up: BattleLax now stocks the Warrior Nemesis 3 (pre-strung), the updated version of this head, so that's where the button below takes you.
27. Warrior Nemesis Lite
A big triangular face with very stiff rails.
At 11.4 oz, the Nemesis Lite has very stiff rails, a rugged sidewall design and flared sidewalls. The triangular face gives you a large catching area at its widest point and narrows toward the bottom.
The throat end can be uncomfortable in your hands.
Specs: Very stiff rails, rugged sidewall design, flared sidewalls, triangular face shape, narrower bottom.
See it live Mandydeth on YouTube
- Large catching area
- Stiff and lightweight
- Uncomfortable throat end
Who it’s for: Goalies who want maximum catching area in a stiff, lightweight head.
28. STX Eclipse 3
A firm, weather tough goalie head with a smoother throat.
The Eclipse 3 weighs 15 oz and has a firm construction that's weather resistant and doesn't warp. STX refined the throat with a smoother design and a narrower grip for better hand placement, and added an updated strut pattern, an angled scoop and two screw holes in the throat.
It's a bulky head, and the pocket feels stiff.
Specs: Firm construction, refined throat design, narrower grip, updated strut pattern, angled scoop, two screw holes in throat.
See it live Northern Soul Sportswear on YouTube
- Weather resistant and doesn't warp
- Enduro Foam construction
- Smooth throat for better hand placement
- Bulky design
- Stiff pocket
Who it’s for: Goalies who want a durable head and don't mind the bulk. BattleLax doesn't stock this exact head right now. The button below takes you to their goalie heads so you can grab the closest current option.
Best faceoff heads
At the X you want flex for the clamp and warp resistance, so the head still works when you push the ball into transition. We ranked 6 heads here. For the full breakdown, read our best faceoff heads guide.
29. StringKing Mark 2F Top pick
Our top faceoff head: light, warp resistant and good on offense.
The Mark 2F balances flex and warp resistance as well as any faceoff head out there. It's very light, the thin plastic helps it get under the other head on the clamp, and the excellent scoop helps you win the ground ball after the whistle. It also plays well on offense once you've got possession.
With many stringing holes you can set the pocket up for your technique. The shortened throat is the one thing some guys won't love.
Specs: Great warp resistance, many stringing holes, excellent scoop, thin plastic, shortened throat.
See it live Justin Inacio on YouTube
- Very light
- Great warp resistance
- Good offensive performance
- Many stringing holes
- Shortened throat
Who it’s for: FOGOs and faceoff middies who want to win the X and still be a threat going the other way.
30. ECD Weapon X
A full offset faceoff head with a throat plug and an amazing scoop.
The Weapon X uses FlexForm plastic, asymmetrical sidewalls and a full offset, and it holds up well against warping. It comes with a throat plug, has many stringing holes and an amazing scoop, and it's great for offense too.
It's heavier than some alternatives and takes time to break in.
Specs: Full offset, asymmetrical sidewalls, FlexForm plastic, throat plug, many stringing holes.
See it live GKL+ on YouTube
- Great for offense
- Full offset
- Great warp resistance
- Has throat plug
- Many stringing holes
- Amazing scoop
- Heavier than some alternatives
- Takes time to break in
Who it’s for: Faceoff specialists who want a head that also works on the offensive end. Heads up: BattleLax now stocks the ECD Weapon X 2.0, the updated version of this head, so that's where the button below takes you.
31. Nike CEO
A legendary faceoff head with the best face flex there is.
The CEO is one of the most popular faceoff heads of all time. The sidewall struts are designed to collapse, the pinch is tight and the face flex is the best of any head. That's what helps you grab the ball on 50/50s.
That flexibility comes at a cost. It warps easily, which makes it hard to use on offense, it breaks easily and it doesn't have a shortened throat.
Specs: Sidewall struts designed to collapse, tight pinch, great face flex.
See it live The Official Beast Lab presented by Greg Gurenlian on YouTube
- One of the most popular faceoff heads of all time
- Very flexible
- Best face flex of any head
- Great for "grabbing" balls in 50/50s
- Warps very easily, making it hard to use on offense
- Breaks easily
- Doesn't have shortened throat
Who it’s for: Pure FOGOs who only care about winning the clamp. BattleLax doesn't stock this exact head right now. The button below takes you to their men's heads so you can grab the closest current option.
32. Warrior Burn Formula
Flexible sidewalls and an aggressive scoop built to win loose draws.
The Burn Formula has flexible sidewalls to help you win loose draws and a stiff, slightly curved scoop for easy ground ball pickups. The shorter throat and mid low pocket make it pocket friendly.
Our reviewer had the top strings tear out early, and shooting speed was average.
Specs: Flexible sidewalls, stiff scoop, slightly curved scoop, shorter throat design, mid-low pocket.
See it live GKL+ on YouTube
- Flexible sidewalls to win loose draws
- Aggressive scoop design for easy ground ball pick-ups
- Pocket friendly
- The top strings were torn out early
- Average shooting speed
Who it’s for: Faceoff players who want flex and a scoop that wins the ground ball.
33. STX X-IT Flex
An extremely flexible faceoff head that breaks in fast.
The X-IT Flex has an extremely flexible design with multi angle flex, so it breaks in quicker than most. The shorter throat gives you control, the reflex plastic is light and highly durable, and 28 sidewall holes give you plenty of stringing options.
The string hole patterns are uneven, and it's less effective when you need to deliver a strong check.
Specs: Mid-pocket location, extremely flexible design, 4 top string holes, 28 sidewall holes, angled sidewalls, rounded scoop.
See it live GKL+ on YouTube
- Shorter throat design for better control
- Multi-angle flexibility for quicker break-in
- Lightweight and highly durable reflex plastic
- Ample stringing options for customization
- Uneven string hole patterns
- Less effective for delivering strong checks
Who it’s for: FOGOs who want a flexible head that's ready to go fast. BattleLax doesn't stock this exact head right now. The button below takes you to their men's heads so you can grab the closest current option.
34. ECD Weapon X 2.0
A hybrid flex faceoff head with engineered flex points for the clamp.
At 5.15 oz, the Weapon X 2.0 uses a durable flex foam construction and a hybrid flex design with engineered flex points that give you better control during clamps. It's lightweight, and ECD offers two variants for different flexibility needs.
There's some spread on long shots, shooting speed is average, and it isn't stiff enough for powerful checks.
Specs: Low to mid-low pocket location, hybrid-flex design, 6 top string holes, 14 sidewall holes, rounded scoop, durable flex foam construction.
See it live GKL+ on YouTube
- Durable flex foam construction
- Lightweight design
- Engineered flex points for better control during clamps
- Two variants available for different flexibility needs
- Spread on long-distance shots
- Average shooting speed
- Not stiff enough for powerful checks
Who it’s for: Faceoff specialists who want control on the clamp and can pick their flex.
How to choose a lacrosse head
Having a hard time deciding what to look for in a head? It's a tough call, but if you know what to look for, it's not impossible. Finding a head designed for your position is the best starting point. From there you can narrow it down by budget, and then it comes down to your preferences. Here are 7 things I'd look at before you spend a dollar.
- Face shape. This is what the head looks like straight on, and it's what guys mean when they talk about a head being pinched or wide. Wider heads are easier to catch with but give up some control and accuracy. Pinched heads hold the ball better and are more accurate, but they're harder to catch with.
- Attack: Pinched, especially toward the throat, for control on the dodge and accuracy passing and shooting.
- Midfield: Anything from very narrow to wide. If you're advanced or play mostly offense, go more pinched. If you run a lot of D middie or you're just starting out, go wider.
- Defense: Wide heads for picking off passes and more surface area for laying checks. Some advanced poles go narrower for control in transition.
- LSM: A touch more pinched than the average d-pole head for control in transition and accuracy passing and shooting.
- Faceoff: Pinched enough to clamp with less movement, but not so pinched the ball gets stuck in the throat.
- Weight. Some players treat weight as the most important factor, others barely notice it. Personally, I don't mind a slightly heavier head. Offensive players usually want a lighter head that moves and shoots faster. Defensive players often go heavier because heavier usually means stiffer and more durable.
- Stiffness and durability. As weight goes up, stiffness and durability usually go up with it, because there's more material. I say usually because some brands are using advanced plastics to add stiffness without adding weight. When everything else is equal, take the head with the best stiffness to weight ratio. Poles need it most, since a flexy head takes the sting out of every check. The exception is faceoff guys, who often want flex for pinch and pops.
- Ideal pocket placement. This one gets overlooked. Find the max offset, the spot where the bottom rail sits lowest when you look at the head from the side. If it's near the throat, the head wants a low pocket. If it's closer to the scoop, it wants a higher pocket.
- Attack: Lower pockets for one handed cradling and a smooth release.
- Midfield: Depends on the player. On the run and outside shooters may want a higher pocket for more whip and hold. Middies who dodge from X or carry a lot may want it lower.
- Defense: Often a higher pocket for a bit more whip and control right after the scoop.
- Scoop. If you've ever used a head with a bad scoop, you know how frustrating it is. The best scoops pick up ground balls from all kinds of angles and feel smooth doing it. A more angled or curved scoop lets you pick up the ball without getting the butt end of the shaft as low, which matters a lot for poles and LSMs carrying six feet of shaft.
- Stringing holes. More holes means more ways to customize your pocket. Make sure the head has the holes you need for your ideal pocket, and that they're big enough for how you string. If you loop your top string around the first diamond a few times, you need a big top sidewall hole.
- Strung vs. unstrung. In most cases I recommend buying unstrung and stringing it yourself or getting a buddy or a local stringer to do it. That way you get your pocket, not whatever the factory decided on. The exception is brands like East Coast Dyes and StringKing that let you pick your pocket style on prestrung heads. Before you buy strung, read a few reviews to see if people were happy with the string job.
High school & college head rules
NFHS (high school) rules for head dimensions started matching NCAA (college) rules in 2018. Before that, high school heads could be narrower toward the throat but had to be wider toward the scoop, and it was the other way around for college. Now that both use the same rules, any head that meets NCAA specs is legal for NFHS too.
| Where it's measured | Minimum width |
|---|---|
| Widest part of the head | 6″ |
| 5″ up from the throat (front and back) | 3.5″ |
| 3″ up from the throat | 3″ |
| 1.25″ up from the throat | 3″ |
If you're buying a head released in the last couple of years, you shouldn't have to worry about it. If you're picking up an older head from 2017 or before, check that it meets NCAA specs. If it does, it should be legal under current NFHS rules too. If not, it's likely illegal for both. For the full rundown, read what makes a lacrosse stick illegal.
How we choose the best lacrosse heads
We take our ratings seriously and only recommend gear we'd use ourselves. To rate a head, we test it ourselves whenever we can, go through the specs (weight, stringing holes and so on), and read customer reviews and talk to players we know who carry it.
When we test, we take heads to the field and run passing, catching, shooting, ground balls and checking, all with a standard pocket so there are fewer variables. When we can't put serious time on a head ourselves, we spend extra time talking to real players who have used it for a season or more. If you have feedback on a head here or think we missed one, let us know.
Choosing mesh for your lacrosse head
If you go unstrung, you'll need mesh and strings to get your head game ready. ECD and StringKing are the two I trust most, and both come in semi hard (holds its shape, consistent in wet weather) and semi soft (deeper, easier to break in) options. Here's where I'd start:
- Semi hard, all weather: ECD Hero 4.0 Mesh ($24.99). The newest version of the Hero line, built to stay consistent in rain and cold.
- Stiff and consistent: StringKing Type 5x Semi-Hard Mesh ($29.99). A great pick if you want a pocket that won't bag out.
- Full string kits and more: Shop all mesh and stringing at BattleLax, including semi soft mesh and complete kits with sidewall and shooters.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best lacrosse head for shooting?
For pure shooters, the StringKing Mark 3V and Maverik Optik Force lead this list. Both are stiff, light and built to rip from distance, and both hold their shape when you load up on a time and room shot. If you play middie, the Maverik Tactik 3.0 is the shooting head I'd hand you.
Does a lacrosse head make a difference?
Yes, a big one. The head's shape, stiffness and stringing options decide your ball control, accuracy and the way you play. Two players with the same shaft and the same pocket will feel completely different sticks with different heads on them.
What is the best LSM head for lacrosse?
Start with the defense picks. The STX Hammer 1K stood out for stiffness and durability, and the StringKing Mark 2D (now the Mark 3D at BattleLax) gives you a lighter option with above average stiffness and a slightly more pinched face, which LSMs like for control in transition.
How tall is a lacrosse head?
A standard lacrosse head is typically between 10 and 12 inches tall, depending on the position and the brand. Goalie heads are the big exception and run much larger.
What should I consider when buying a lacrosse head?
Look at stiffness, weight, face shape, pocket placement, the scoop and the stringing holes. Those decide your control, accuracy and how long the head holds up. Start with heads built for your position, then narrow it down by budget and feel.
Should I buy a prestrung or unstrung head?
If you're newer to the game, prestrung gets you on the field fast. Once you know how you like to shoot, an unstrung head lets you or your stringer build a pocket around your release.
Final verdict
There's no single best head for everybody. The right head is the one built for your position and the way you play. If you're an attackman, start with the StringKing Mark 3V or Maverik Optik Force. Middies, the Maverik Tactik 3.0 is the one to beat. Poles should look hard at the STX Hammer 1K, goalies at the STX Eclipse 2, and faceoff guys at the StringKing Mark 2F.
Whatever you pick, get it strung right. A great head with a bad pocket is still a bad stick. Find a stringer you trust, throw a lot of wall ball and break it in before game day.
Shop the heads we reviewed
- StringKing Mark 3V
- Maverik Optik Force
- Gait Torq 3
- Maverik Kinetik 3.0
- ECD Mirage 2.0 (now the ECD Mirage 3.0)
- Maverik Optik 3.0 (now the Maverik Optik Force)
- StringKing Mark 2A (now the StringKing Mark 3A)
- Gait Mustang
- Warrior Burn XP2-O
- Maverik Tactik 3.0
- StringKing Mark 2D (now the StringKing Mark 3D)
- Maverik Havok (now the Maverik Havok 2.0)
- Maverik Tank 2.0
- Warrior Nemesis 3 (now the Warrior Nemesis 3)
- Warrior Nemesis Lite
- StringKing Mark 2F
- ECD Weapon X (now the ECD Weapon X 2.0)
- Warrior Burn Formula
- ECD Weapon X 2.0
- All men's heads at BattleLax
- All goalie heads at BattleLax