Best Lacrosse Heads by Position: What to Know to Excel
Updated: Jan 23
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Best Lacrosse Heads by Position
Finding the Best Lacrosse Head for your Position can be difficult. When it comes to excelling on the lacrosse field, or any sport for that matter, the right equipment can make all the difference. This starts with your most important tool: your lacrosse head. Choosing the right lacrosse head is a strategic decision based on the player's position, style of play, and personal preferences.
Read on to find our picks for best lacrosse heads.
Our Top Picks
Best Lacrosse Heads for Attack:
Best Lacrosse Head for Midfielders:
Best Lacrosse Heads for Defense:
Best Lacrosse Head for Faceoffs:
Best Lacrosse Head for Shooting:
Best Lacrosse Head for Ground Balls:
STX Lacrosse makes many of the best lacrosse heads on the market, so you will see them represented quite a bit below. While there are other brands out there, we find STX to be the best, with a variety of sizes, uses, and colors to fit all your lacrosse head needs.
Best Lacrosse Heads for Attack:
Why We Love It:
STX Lacrosse Ultra Power Unstrung Men's Attack Head - Best Lacrosse Head for Attack: Trusted quality for attackers, the Ultra Power head from STX is designed with the aggressive player in mind. It features a revolutionary Power Ramp geometry to enhance shot speed and consistency, ensuring that every shot counts. Its durability and design allow for quick passes and powerful shots, making it a trusted ally in the hands of any attacker.
Details:
Ideal Pocket: Attack, Midfield
Stiffness: Average
# String Holes: Average
Year Released: 2021
Best Lacrosse Head for Midfielders:
Why We Love It:
STX Stallion 900 Unstrung Lacrosse Head - Best Lacrosse Head for Midfielders: The STX Stallion 900 is a workhorse, built for the rugged and versatile play of midfielders. Its design enhances ball handling and passing accuracy, making it perfect for the dual offensive and defensive role of a midfielder. The Stallion 900's durability means it can stand up to the rough and tumble nature of midfield play, offering reliability game after game.
The Stallion 900 has 16 Side Wall Holes and 6 Top Stringing Holes increasing hold. You can learn how to string your lacrosse head here:
Details:
Ideal Pocket: Mid to Mid/High
Stiffness: Above-Average
# String Holes: Average
Year Released: 2022
Best Lacrosse Heads for Defense:
Why We Love It:
Silverfin Lacrosse Head - Best Lacrosse Heads for Defense: Defensive players require a lacrosse head that offers stability, reliability, and precision. The Silverfin Lacrosse Head delivers on these fronts. Its rigid construction withstands aggressive defensive plays while the stylish and precise design aids in intercepting passes and disrupting the opponent's game.
Details:
Weight: Light
Ideal Pocket: Attack, Midfield
Stiffness: Above-Average
# String Holes: Average
Best Lacrosse Head for Faceoffs:
Why We Love It:
Maverik Optik 3.0 Lacrosse Head, Unstrung - Best Lacrosse Head for Faceoffs: Faceoffs are a critical part of any lacrosse game, and the Maverik Optik 3.0 is built for this purpose. It offers a lightweight yet robust design that can withstand the high-intensity clash of a faceoff. Its unique shape provides the leverage needed to win those critical faceoff battles, offering players an edge right from the start.
Details:
Weight: 4.87 oz
Ideal Pocket: Low to Mid/Low
Stiffness: Above-Average
# String Holes: Above-Average
Year Released: 2021
Best Lacrosse Head for Shooting:
Why We Love It:
STX Surgeon 900 Unstrung Head - Best Lacrosse Head for Shooting: Elite offensive players require a head that enhances shooting accuracy and power. The STX Surgeon 900 fits the bill perfectly. Its precision crafted design helps players put the ball exactly where they want it in the net. The unique scoop design improves ball release for quicker, more accurate shots. The Surgeon 900 is the surgeon's knife of the lacrosse field – precise, reliable, and deadly in the right hands.
Details:
Weight: 4.4 oz
Ideal Pocket: Low to Mid
Stiffness: Average
# String Holes: Average
Year Released: 2020
Best Lacrosse Head for Ground Balls:
Why We Love It:
Warrior Evo 5 Unstrung Lacrosse Head - Best Lacrosse Head for Ground Balls: The Warrior Evo 5 is renowned for its all-around performance, but where it truly shines is in ground ball situations. The wide face design helps you easily scoop up balls, reducing the amount of time you spend fighting for possession and increasing your chances of winning ground balls. Additionally, its solid construction ensures the head won't warp or break when digging in for those hard-fought balls.
The Challenge of Selecting the Right Lacrosse Head
Choosing a suitable lacrosse head can be a daunting task, especially with the variety of options available in the market. It's crucial to find a head that not only fits within your budget but also enhances your gameplay. Whether you're an attack, a midfielder, a defenseman, or a goalie, the right lacrosse head can make a significant difference in your performance. In this article, we'll guide you through the key factors to consider when selecting a lacrosse head, ensuring you make an informed decision tailored to your position and playing style.
Key Factors to Consider in a Lacrosse Head
Face Shape: The Foundation of Your Lacrosse Head
The face shape of a lacrosse head is its most defining feature, influencing how you catch, control, and shoot the ball. Broadly categorized into pinched and wide, each shape serves a specific purpose and suits different playing positions.
Preferences by Position
Attack Players: Tend to prefer pinched heads for better ball control and accuracy during offensive plays.
Midfielders: Require versatility, opting for a range from narrow to wide heads depending on their playing style and level of experience.
Defense Players: Generally go for wider heads for enhanced ability to intercept passes and exert defensive pressure.
Long Stick Midfield (LSM): Prefer slightly pinched heads for better control during transitions and accurate passing.
Faceoff Players: Need a balanced approach with a pinched head that allows efficient ball control without hindrance in play.
Weight: Balancing for Optimal Performance
The weight of a lacrosse head can greatly influence your agility and speed on the field. It's a personal preference, and players often have to strike a balance between the head's weight and their playing style.
Light vs. Heavy Heads
Offensive Players: Generally prefer lighter heads for faster movements and quicker shots.
Defensive Players: Might opt for heavier heads for increased durability and strength, beneficial in defensive maneuvers.
Stiffness & Durability: Ensuring Longevity and Efficiency
Stiffness and durability are crucial for a lacrosse head's performance, especially in rigorous game conditions. These factors are often directly proportional to the head's weight.
The Trade-Off
Increased Weight: Often leads to enhanced stiffness and durability, providing longevity.
Advanced Materials: Some manufacturers use high-tech materials to offer stiffness without adding extra weight.
Ideal Pocket Placement: Customizing Your Catch
Selecting a lacrosse head with the right pocket placement is crucial for your style of play. The pocket's position affects how you handle and shoot the ball.
Position-Specific Preferences
Attackmen: Often prefer lower pockets for smoother one-handed cradling and quick releases.
Midfielders: Their preferences vary; some choose higher pockets for more whip and hold, while others prefer lower pockets for better control.
Defensemen: Generally opt for higher pockets, offering more control and whip after scooping ground balls.
Scoop Design: Mastering Ground Balls
The design of the scoop can dramatically impact your ability to pick up ground balls, a fundamental skill in lacrosse.
Evaluating Scoop Angles
Angled/Curved Scoops: Ideal for picking up balls at higher angles, reducing the need to lower the shaft's butt end, especially beneficial for defensemen and LSMs.
Flat Scoops: Can be challenging in ground ball retrieval but may suit certain playing styles.
Stringing Holes: Tailoring Your Lacrosse Head
The number and placement of stringing holes in a lacrosse head are key for customizing your pocket. This customization affects how the ball sits in the head and influences your control and shooting accuracy.
Customization through Stringing
Numerous Stringing Holes: Allow for greater customization options to match your playing style.
Hole Size: Larger holes accommodate different stringing styles, essential for players who have specific preferences in their string setup.
Strung vs. Unstrung Heads: Making the Right Choice
When purchasing a lacrosse head, you can choose between a pre-strung head and an unstrung one. This choice is significant, as it affects how well the head suits your playing style and preferences.
Choosing the Best Option
Unstrung Heads: Offer the flexibility to string the head exactly as you want.
Strung Heads: Convenient but might not match your specific pocket preference. Some brands, however, offer quality pre-strung options that cater to different styles.
High School & College Head Rules: Staying Game Legal
Understanding and adhering to the specific rules set by high school (NFHS) and college (NCAA) lacrosse organizations is crucial when selecting a lacrosse head. Since 2018, NFHS rules have aligned with NCAA rules, simplifying the requirements for players.
Key Regulation Points
Width Requirements: Minimum width specifications at various points of the head ensure that the head is legal for play in both high school and college leagues.
Dimensional Compliance: Familiarizing yourself with these measurements is essential to ensure your head is game-legal.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
Choosing the right lacrosse head is a pivotal decision in enhancing your performance on the field. By considering factors like face shape, weight, stiffness, pocket placement, scoop design, and stringing options, you can find a head that perfectly suits your playing style and position. Always remember to check that your choice complies with the rules of the league you're playing in. With the right lacrosse head, you're not just buying a piece of equipment; you're investing in your game's future.
Comments