STX X-IT Flex Lacrosse Head Review
A faceoff head with real flex that still holds its shape. Here's how STX's X-IT Flex held up after a month of clamps, exits and ground balls.
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STX took a unique approach with the X-IT Flex, building it around exactly what faceoff specialists need. There aren't many faceoff heads out there that balance flexibility with warp resistance, so this review was overdue.
I've been using it for over a month and really enjoyed the flex. But does it give you the quick, controlled exits STX claims? Let's get into the detailed review.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry STX heads right now. If you want a flexible faceoff head you can order today, the closest match is the Gait Faceoff Flex Head ($119.99). I've listed more FO heads at BattleLax below.
Key Features and Specifications
Here are the key features of the STX X-IT Flex.
- Position
- Faceoff / FOGO
- Level
- Advanced / elite
- Weight
- ~6 oz
- Mid
- Sidewall holes
- 28
- Material
- Reflex plastic
- Built with
- Dual flex points
- Trap Tech ridges
- Speed scoop
- Short throat
Pros & Cons
- Shorter throat for better control
- Multi-angle flex for a quicker break-in
- Lightweight feel
- Highly durable Reflex plastic that holds its shape
- Uneven stringing hole pattern
- Can't deliver strong checks
STX X-IT Flex Lacrosse Head Ranking
I rate the STX X-IT Flex an 8.3/10 on the Drip Meter.
Who's This Head Made For?
The STX X-IT Flex is one of the best heads for elite faceoff guys who want control and speed coming off the X. STX built it with feedback from top faceoff men like Joe Nardella and Mike Sisselberger and put it through its paces at the Faceoff Factory.
Even with the dual flex points and all that flexibility, the Reflex plastic holds its shape well. STX kept the lower sidewalls flexible and thicker, with Trap Tech ridges, and made the upper sidewalls stiffer.
That gives you a great balance of flex and stiffness, perfect for winning those 50/50 battles. It also has a mid-pocket design with a speed scoop. The design looks great on paper, but the real test is how it plays. The X-IT also comes in a neon colorway.
Shooting & Passing Accuracy
With the X-IT Flex, I found a good balance between shooting accuracy and the demands of the X. It isn't built for offensive middies, but the shape gives you surprising accuracy on short-range shots.
The narrow throat gave me extra control on the release, especially moving fast or making a clean pass. The Trap Tech ridges grip the ball on the way out, so you get clean releases feeding teammates after you win possession.
The X-IT Flex speed scoop.
It has 28 sidewall holes, so you can customize anything from a mid-low to a mid-high pocket. A few players didn't like the uneven hole pattern, but I'd call it perfect for leather strings.
The shorter throat lets you get your hands closer together at the X for better control. The X-IT Flex isn't the fastest shooter compared to offensive heads, but it trades speed for control with a mid pocket.
If your game is more about catch-and-shoot, try the Nike CEO 3 FOGO.
Catching & Cradling
At first, I didn't get the consistency in traffic that the Nike CEO 2 and other faceoff heads gave me. I wanted more flexibility. My opinion changed after I restrung the pocket with ECD faceoff mesh. (BattleLax carries the current ECD Hero 4.0, and our best lacrosse mesh guide has more options.)
The stiffer pocket gave me a sweet spot for handling ground balls on the run. It has a natural hold that feels balanced and smooth, perfect for coming off a faceoff and transitioning into a middie.
The X-IT Flex side profile, with flexible lower sidewalls and stiffer upper sidewalls.
Even with its narrow profile, the head is soft and reliable on catches. The flexible, broader sidewalls grip the ball on impact, so it's easier to secure catches even on a fast or off-target feed.
It weighed around 6 ounces. That's not the lightest, but it didn't wear out my arms after long games, and the flexible design made cradling and catching smooth without extra effort.
Checking
I couldn't throw powerful checks with the X-IT Flex because of the multiple flex points and narrow profile, so it's not built for heavy defensive use. It does give you a reliable feel and enough strength for smart checks in tight.
I was impressed with the strong inner grip from the Trap Tech ridges and the mid pocket. The curved sidewalls held the ball securely on quick changes of direction, which helps when you're fighting off checks. The head kept its form and absorbed impact with no bending or warping.
The Reflex plastic has enough flex and rebound to make the head feel responsive on reverse clamps, and it's durable enough to handle repeated clamps and jamming. A lot of players rave about the flex, and my teammates loved how quickly it snapped back into position after every draw.
If you don't like an overly flexible head, try the Warrior Burn FO Head ($89.99 at BattleLax).
The X-IT Flex colorways.
Coach's note: A flexy FO head lets you rake and pinch the ball, but it'll lose to a guy who jams if your hands aren't strong. Spend time on wrist strength and your pinch before you blame the plastic. That's the first thing we drill with any young FOGO.
Ground Pick-up and Face-off
The speed scoop is the highlight of the X-IT Flex. It makes ground ball pickups smoother than ever. The curved scoop guides the ball right into the pocket, so you don't get that annoying slip or pop-out, even scooping on the run.
One small downside is that it only has four top string holes. I'd have liked a few more for stringing options. But honestly, the traditional mid pocket picks up ground balls quickly and consistently, especially right after the whistle.
Even with all that flex, the X-IT Flex is surprisingly warp-resistant, even in hot weather. I was impressed with how responsive it felt and how well it held up over time.
I even used it in box lacrosse, and it played just as well indoors. None of my previous faceoff heads scooped ground balls quicker or smoother. The narrow throat and mid-pocket placement funnel the ball right into the pocket, which cuts down on bobbles. STX hit the mark with the X-IT Flex, especially with the Faceoff Factory involved. Want more options? Check out our list of the best faceoff heads.
Faceoff heads at BattleLax
BattleLax doesn't stock the STX X-IT Flex, but these are the faceoff heads and gear they carry right now.
| Gear | Why it's here | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Gait Faceoff Flex Head | Flexible FO head with a lot of give at the X | $119.99 |
| Warrior Burn FO Head | Stiffer, more durable FO head for jamming | $89.99 |
| StringKing Mark 2F Head | FO head with a balance of flex and hold | $99.99 |
| ECD Hero 4.0 Semi-Soft Mesh | Mesh for a consistent FO pocket | $24.99 |
| StringKing Composite 3 Pro Faceoff Shaft | Faceoff-specific shaft | $159.99 |
Shop the Gait Faceoff Flex at Battle Lax
Quick answers
Is STX a good lacrosse brand?
Yes. STX is one of the most established brands in lacrosse, known for innovative, high-quality gear like the X-IT Flex head, built for both pros and amateur players.
What does STX lacrosse stand for?
STX is the company's name rather than an official acronym. The brand is known for making the first synthetic lacrosse head back in 1970 and has built high-performance sticks and gear ever since.
What is the X in lacrosse?
The X is the faceoff spot at the center of the field, where FOGOs battle to start each quarter and restart play after every goal. Attackmen also use "X" for the spot directly behind the goal, where they set up to feed.
Can any lacrosse head fit on any shaft?
Most men's heads and shafts use a standard size, so they fit each other. Some heads and shafts come with their own screw or locking bolt system, so check that your screw lines up before game day.
Is the STX X-IT Flex lacrosse head good for faceoffs?
Yes. The X-IT Flex is built for the X, with a flexible design, a mid pocket and a speed scoop that give you control, quick exits and clean ground ball pickups.
Final Verdict
The STX X-IT Flex is a worthy investment for faceoff specialists and middies who stay on the field after the draw. The speed scoop, ridged sidewalls and flex points add up to a great faceoff experience.
It lacks shooting speed, but it shines in ball control and cradling. The stringing pattern adapts to your style, or you can buy it pre-strung to save the hassle.
The X-IT Flex has a lot going for it, but weigh the trade-offs against your style of play before you buy. And if you want a flexible FO head from BattleLax, the Gait Faceoff Flex is the closest match.
