Intro: Lacrosse is growing – more players need the right gear
The game of lacrosse has exploded in popularity over the last decade. As more and more athletes pick up their sticks, the demand for quality lacrosse gear has reached an all-time high. This is especially true for attack players looking to gain an edge over defenders with the perfect head.
Finding the right attack lacrosse head can be tricky though. With so many brands and models available, it’s tough to know where to start. Should you go pinched or wide? What specs matter most? Does stringing really affect performance?
To help cut through the clutter, I’ve put together this guide on the top things to consider when shopping for your next attack lacrosse head. Whether you’re a seasoned scorer or just picking up a stick for the first time, read on for tips that will have you putting more balls in the back of the net in no time.
Factor In Your Position
As an attack player, your needs are different than a midfielder or defender. While middies may opt for a wider head for scooping ground balls, you’ll want to focus on quick ball control and pinpoint shooting accuracy.
Narrower pinched heads give you superior command of the ball to dodge checks and look for openings. Offset designs also aim to improve your shooting by directing more force down the center of the head.
Opt For Wider Heads As A Beginner
If you’re just starting out in lacrosse, go with a wider head shape at first. The increased surface area will make it easier to corral ground balls and provide a larger sweet spot when passing and catching.
As your skills improve, you can transition to more of a pinched, narrowed head profile. Brands like Maverik and STX offer heads with adjustable sidewall designs to help you find the ideal width.
Focus On Stiffness & Durability
A flimsy attack head will lead to frustratingly lazy passes and inaccurate shots. Look for sturdy yet lightweight materials like aircraft-grade aluminum and titanium alloys.
Brands like Warrior reinforce high-stress areas to increase structural integrity over time. This results in crisp catches, stronger checks, and more velocity behind your shots.
Durability is also key to avoid cracks or warps. Spectra lacing and end caps protect key connection points so your head performs like new season after season.
Go Light For Faster Play
Advances in modern materials now allow for attack heads that are both rigid and incredibly lightweight. Shafts and heads made of titanium shave crucial ounces to improve your acceleration and cutback speed.
Carbon fiber and composite polymers offer another lightweight yet strong option popular with elite players. Heads weighing 185 grams or less make quick work of even the burliest defenders trying to contain you.
Compare Top Brands & Models
Major athletic brands like STX, Maverik, and Warrior all produce high-end attack lacrosse heads favored by top players and leagues. Compare their latest elite-level heads to find features that match your playing style.
For example, the Maverik Kinetik has a Control Scoop and Tactik Tooth to help cradle quickly. The Warrior Evo 5 Pro brings the heat with its stiff Tri-Flex sidewalls and 3D Cyro+ Shape.
Dig Into The Specs
Don’t just order the coolest looking head – take time to understand the key specs that contribute to performance. Pocket depth, scoop designs, sidewall stiffness, and offset measurements all impact how the head plays.
For pinpoint shooting, an offset of 3 to 4 millimeters shifts the ball toward the sweet spot naturally. Deeper pockets in the 5 to 10 millimeter range provide superior ball control for dodging defenders.
Read Reviews Before Buying
Nothing beats first-hand experience when evaluating a new piece of gear. Read lacrosse head reviews from actual players to get the real scoop before buying.
Look for heads with 4+ star reviews on sites like Lacrosse Unlimited and Lax.com. Check forums and YouTube for players discussing pros and cons after extended use in competitive play.
Know The Rules On Head Dimensions
Most leagues from high school to college regulate legal dimensions for lacrosse heads. Common rules limit width to 6 – 6.5 inches and require the ball to move freely within the pocket.
Check your league guidelines and the NCAA men’s lacrosse rule book to ensure any new head meets regulations. Going non-compliant can lead to penalties and ejection from games.
Custom Stringing Affects Performance
Out of the box lacrosse head stringing is just a starting point. Work with your local lacrosse shop or stringing service to create a customized pocket based on your preferences.
A skilled stringing job can make a world of difference in how the head moves, shoots, cradles, and handles ground balls. Invest in pro-quality mesh, shooters, and sidewall string to take your game up a notch.
Replace Heads After Extended Use
With all the checks, slashes, passes, and ground balls, lacrosse heads take a major beating. Even the best gear wears down after a season or two of action.
Inspect your head frequently for cracks, warps, and fatigue. Once the head loses its original stiffness and shape, it’s time to replace it to avoid frustrating performance issues.
Shop End of Season Sales
The best way to save money on quality lacrosse gear is taking advantage of end of season clearance sales. Retailers like Lacrosse Unlimited and Lax.com typically run major discounts on last year’s heads.
You can score previous top-level heads for half off or more. The tech is still up to date, so grab deals while you can and stock up for future seasons.
With the passion for lacrosse at an all-time fever pitch, now is the perfect time to upgrade your attack head for maximum performance. Use these tips to zero in on the perfect head to take your scoring punch to the next level. The right stick can be the difference between a good season and a truly great one.
Consider your position – middies need different heads than attackers
Best Attack Lacrosse Heads for 2023: 7 Tips for Finding the Perfect Stick to Score More Goals
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Look for pinched scoops for quick ball control
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Wide heads are best for beginning players
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Offset heads help accuracy on shots
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Focus on stiffness for crisp passes and checks
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Lightweight materials like titanium improve speed
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Brands like STX, Maverik, Warrior have top models
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Compare specs like pocket depth between heads
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Read player reviews before buying a new head
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Know NCAA and league rules on head dimensions
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Stringing affects handling – customize stringing jobs
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Replace heads once warped, dented or cracked
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Shop end of season sales for best deals on heads
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With the right head, you’ll score more goals and have more fun
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