What makes a great middie lacrosse head. How to choose the best lacrosse head for midfielders. Which are the top 5 lacrosse heads for middies in 2023. Why is the Maverik Optik considered the best overall midfield head.

Key Features of Elite Midfield Lacrosse Heads

Selecting the ideal lacrosse head for midfielders requires careful consideration of several crucial factors. A middie’s stick must be versatile enough to handle various tasks, from scooping ground balls to protecting possession in transition and accurately feeding or shooting in the offensive zone.

Wide Scoop Design

An essential feature of top midfield heads is a wide, angular scoop. This design allows players to quickly and efficiently pick up ground balls, initiating fast breaks with ease. Heads like the Maverik Optik showcase an aggressive, pointed scoop that channels ground balls directly into the pocket, giving middies a significant advantage in possession battles.

Balanced Sidewall Construction

The sidewalls of a midfield head must strike a delicate balance between rigidity and flexibility. They need to be stiff enough to enable quick releases, yet possess some “give” to retain the ball during checks and slashes. Many midfielders prefer composite sidewalls over solid metal for this reason, as they offer the ideal combination of stiffness and flexibility.

Optimal Pocket Placement

For maximum control during passing, catching, and shooting, the ball should sit slightly above the midpoint of the head. While attackmen often favor low pockets, midfielders typically prefer a mid to mid-high placement. This positioning allows them to excel in both offensive and defensive situations, making it a crucial consideration for versatile midfield play.

Stringing and Pocket Characteristics for Midfielders

The stringing of a midfield head plays a significant role in its performance. An ideal middie pocket typically features:

• Mid to mid-high pocket depth
• Optimal pocket width
• Mid-tension nylon shooting strings

Mesh and traditional leathers are often preferred over synthetic materials for midfield pockets. This combination yields the perfect balance of control, quick release, and versatility required for effective midfield play.

Ventilation and Weight Considerations

Given that middies cover the entire length of the field, extra ventilation and weight reduction are crucial factors in head design. Strategic plastic cutouts, like those found in the Maverik Tactik 2.0, offer improved airflow. This feature helps decrease moisture buildup and reduces overall weight, preventing the head from becoming cumbersome during intense gameplay.

Durability and Material Quality in Midfield Heads

The midfield position subjects equipment to significant wear and tear, making durability a top priority. High-grade materials are essential for midfield heads to withstand the rigors of play. Some key features include:

• Aircraft-grade alloy sidewalls
• Premium plastics that maintain structural integrity
• Reinforced stress points

These materials ensure that the head can withstand repeated slashes, checks, and ground ball scrums without losing its shape or performance characteristics.

Quick Release Technology

A fast release is crucial for midfielders, who often need to take quick shots or make precise passes under pressure. Nylon shooting strings contribute to a rapid release, while stiff yet flexible head design and angled sidewalls help increase shot velocity. Middies seek out heads with technology that maximizes ball speed, allowing for blistering shots on goal from various positions on the field.

Top 5 Lacrosse Heads for Midfielders in 2023

With a plethora of options available, choosing the best lacrosse head for midfielders can be overwhelming. To simplify the process, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 lacrosse heads that excel in midfield play:

1. Maverik Optik
2. Warrior Evo 5
3. Nike CEO
4. STX Stallion 700
5. Epoch Dragonfly Elite

Each of these heads offers unique features and benefits tailored to the demands of midfield play. Let’s explore them in detail to help you make an informed decision.

Maverik Optik: The Ultimate Midfield Head

The Maverik Optik stands out as our top choice for midfielders, thanks to its exceptional combination of features that cater to all aspects of midfield play.

Versatile Sidewall Design

The Optik’s composite sidewalls provide the perfect balance of stiffness and flexibility. This design allows for quick releases on shots and passes while retaining enough flex for superior ball control during dodges and transitions.

Optimal Pocket Placement

With a mid-high pocket placement, the Optik offers middies the versatility they need to excel in both offensive and defensive situations. This pocket position allows for quick ground ball pickups, smooth transitions, and accurate shooting.

Angular Scoop Design

The Optik’s aggressive, pointed scoop design is engineered to channel ground balls directly into the pocket. This feature gives middies a significant advantage in loose ball situations, allowing for quick possession and fast break opportunities.

Weight Reduction

Strategic plastic cutouts in the Optik’s design serve to decrease overall weight without compromising durability. This weight reduction is crucial for middies who need to cover the entire field throughout the game.

Warrior Evo 5: Precision and Control for Elite Middies

The Warrior Evo 5 has garnered a loyal following among top-tier midfielders for its exceptional accuracy and ball control capabilities.

Hourglass Shape Advantage

The Evo 5’s distinctive hourglass shape provides middies with a significant advantage at the faceoff X. This design allows for quicker clamps and improved ball control during the crucial faceoff battle.

Mid-Flex Technology

Warrior’s proprietary Mid-Flex technology offers premier handling and release characteristics. This feature allows middies to maintain precise control during dodges and transitions while still enabling quick, accurate shots and passes.

Ideal Pocket Sweet Spot

With a mid-high pocket sweet spot, the Evo 5 excels in all areas of midfield play. From scooping ground balls to pushing transition and taking accurate shots, this pocket placement offers the versatility that middies demand.

Nike CEO: High Performance at a Lower Price Point

The Nike CEO offers midfielders top-tier performance without breaking the bank, making it an excellent option for players at various skill levels and budget constraints.

Aerodynamic Profile

The CEO’s speed-scooped profile is designed for quickly grabbing ground balls and pushing transition. This aerodynamic shape allows middies to gain possession and initiate fast breaks with ease.

Stiff Alloy Sidewalls

Featuring stiff alloy sidewalls, the CEO provides the rigidity needed for pinpoint shooting and passing. This construction ensures that the head maintains its shape during intense play, contributing to consistent performance.

Mid-High Pocket Placement

Like other top midfield heads, the CEO is designed with a mid-high pocket placement. This positioning equips middies for versatile play, allowing them to excel in both offensive and defensive situations.

STX Stallion 700: Ideal for Developing Middies

The STX Stallion 700 stands out as one of the best all-around midfield heads, making it a top choice for beginners and developing players.

Wide Face Shape

The Stallion 700’s wider face shape excels at ground ball pickup, giving newer players a larger sweet spot for scooping. This design also offers generous pocket space, allowing for easier catching and ball retention.

Alloy Sidewall Construction

Featuring alloy sidewalls, the Stallion 700 provides premium stiffness for accurate shooting and passing. However, it still maintains enough flex for ball control during dodges and transitions, offering a balanced feel for developing players.

Versatile Performance

As an all-around midfield head, the Stallion 700 performs well in various aspects of the game. From faceoffs to ground balls, transition play, and shooting, this head offers consistent performance that helps developing middies improve their skills across the board.

Epoch Dragonfly Elite: Unmatched Durability for Intense Play

Known for its incredible durability, the Epoch Dragonfly Elite is built to withstand the toughest conditions and most intense gameplay.

Carbon Pro Material

The Dragonfly Elite’s Carbon Pro material is engineered to maintain its structure season after season. This advanced composite can withstand endless ground balls, checks, and slashes without losing its shape or performance characteristics.

Technical Shape for Superior Control

The head’s technical shape is designed to provide superior ball control in all situations. From faceoffs to transition play and shooting, the Dragonfly Elite offers consistent feel and performance.

Premium Choice for Elite Midfielders

While the Dragonfly Elite comes at a higher price point, its unmatched durability and performance make it a premium choice for elite midfielders who demand the best from their equipment.

When selecting the best lacrosse head for midfield play, it’s crucial to consider your individual playing style, skill level, and preferences. While these top 5 heads offer exceptional performance for middies, personal factors such as pocket style, mesh type, and shooting string configuration also play significant roles in optimizing your stick for midfield dominance.

Remember to experiment with different combinations of heads, pockets, and stringing styles to find the perfect setup that complements your strengths and helps you excel in all aspects of midfield play. With the right equipment and dedicated practice, you’ll be well on your way to dominating the midfield and making a significant impact on the lacrosse field.

What Makes a Great Middie Head?

When shopping for the best lacrosse head for midfielders (or “middies”), there are a few key factors to consider. A middie’s stick needs to be versatile enough to scoop ground balls, protect the ball in transition, and feed or shoot accurately in the offensive zone. Here’s an overview of what makes an elite lacrosse head for midfield players:

Wide Scoop

A wide, angular scoop allows middies to quickly grab ground balls and initiate the fast break. Heads like the Maverik Optik have an aggressive, pointed scoop design to channel ground balls directly into the pocket.

Stiff Yet Flexible Sidewalls

The sidewalls must be rigid enough for a quick release, but with some “give” for ball retention during slashes and checks. Middies often prefer composite instead of solid metal sidewalls for this balance of stiffness and flexibility.

Mid-Pocket Placement

The ball should sit slightly above the midpoint of the head for maximum control during passing, catching, and shooting. Attack players often prefer low pockets, while middies like a mid to mid-high placement to excel at both offense and defense.

Strung With Mid-Pocket

Pairing the head with an appropriate mid to mid-high pocket depth, optimal pocket width, and midtension nylon shooting strings yields the ideal “middie” pocket. Mesh and traditional leathers tend to be preferred over synthetics.

Ventilation and Weight Relief

Since middies cover the entire length of the field, extra ventilation and weight reduction keep the head from getting too heavy during intense matchups. Strategic plastic cutouts like those in the Maverik Tactik 2.0 offer airflow to decrease moisture and weight.

Durability

The midfield takes a beating, so durability is a must. Middie heads need high-grade materials like aircraft-grade alloy sidewalls and premium plastics that maintain their structure after slashes, checks, and ground ball scrums.

Quick Release

Nylon shooting strings allow for a fast release on shots, while a stiff yet flexible head snap and angled sidewalls give bullets a faster trajectory. Middies look for any tech to maximize ball speed for blistering shots on cage.

By keeping these factors in mind when choosing a new lacrosse head, middies can select the ideal model to take faceoffs, charge down the field on the fast break, and hammer clutches shots from up top.

Top 5 Best Lacrosse Heads for Middies

With so many lacrosse heads on the market, narrowing down the best options for midfielders can be a challenge. To help middies find the perfect head for their game, here is our list of the top 5 lacrosse heads for midfielders.

1. Maverik Optik

The Maverik Optik is our top choice for midfielders thanks to its stiff yet flexible sidewalls, mid-high pocket placement, and angular scoop design. The composite sidewalls give you a quick release while retaining just enough flex for ball control. Its strategic plastic cutouts also decrease weight. An excellent all-around option for any middie.

2. Warrior Evo 5

Warrior’s Evo 5 has gained a loyal following among elite middies for its accuracy and ball control. Its hourglass shape gives you an advantage at the faceoff X, while its Mid-Flex technology provides premier handling and release. With a mid-high pocket sweet spot, it excels during ground balls, transitions, and shooting.

3. Nike CEO

The Nike CEO gives midfielders high performance at a lower price point. It has an aerodynamic, speed-scooped profile for quickly grabbing ground balls and pushing transition. The stiff alloy sidewalls and mid-high pocket placement also equip middies for pinpoint shooting and passing.

4. STX Stallion 700

As one of the best all-around midfield heads, the STX Stallion 700 is a top choice for beginners and developing middies. Its wider face shape excels at ground balls and offers generous pocket space. The alloy sidewalls provide premium stiffness without totally sacrificing flex and control.

5. Epoch Dragonfly Elite

Known for its incredible durability, the Epoch Dragonfly Elite is built to withstand endless ground balls, checks, and slashes. Its technical shape gives superior ball control, while its Carbon Pro material maintains its structure season after season. A premium choice for elite midfielders.

While personal preference plays a role, these heads objectively provide middies the most versatile performance. Be sure to also consider your pocket style, mesh type, shooting strings, and other customizations to complement the best midfield heads.

Maverik Optik – Best Overall

Earning the title of best overall lacrosse head for midfielders, the Maverik Optik stands out for its versatility and performance across all aspects of the middie’s game. The Optik’s engineered shape gives it a wide, aggressive scoop so you can gain possession off the faceoff or quickly corral ground balls. Its stiff, narrow throat facilitates excellent ball control for feeding teammates or ripping shots.

What makes the Optik our top overall pick is Maverik’s Crossover technology, which combines composite sidewalls with soft flex points near the scoop and throat. This gives you a rigid yet forgiving head with a quick release and some flex for retaining possession. The Optik also has targeted plastic cutouts to reduce weight without sacrificing durability.

With its mid-high pocket placement and included customizable shooting strings, the Optik delivers deadly accurate shots with blistering velocity. Meanwhile, its ground-scooping ability, control, and versatility make it the perfect do-it-all midfielder’s head. For middies wanting one head from whistle to whistle, it’s hard to beat the all-around excellence of the Maverik Optik.

Whether dominating possessions off the faceoff X, pushing the fast break after gobbling up a ground ball, or unleashing clutch shots from up top, the Optik empowers midfielders with consistency across every key aspect of the position. Any middie would benefit from the Optik’s phenomenal blend of stiffness, flex, control, ball speed, and scooping power.

Warrior Evo 5 – Most Popular

Finding the best lacrosse head for midfielders can be a challenging task. As a middie, you need a head that excels at all aspects of the game – scooping, passing, shooting and defending. With so many heads on the market, it’s tough to know which one will maximize your performance on the field. After testing numerous heads over the years, one clearly stands out as the best – the Warrior Evo 5. Here’s a deep dive into why the Evo 5 is my top choice for midfielders in 2023.

The Warrior Evo 5 has been the most popular midfield head over the last few seasons, and for good reason. It provides the perfect blend of lightweight feel, excellent ball control and tremendous power. Weighing in at only 5 ounces, the Evo 5 gives you effortless quick sticks and smooth handling. The narrow diamond sidewall helpshug the ball on catches, allowing for superior control during ground balls and passes. Despite its lightweight design, the Evo still packs a punch when shooting thanks to its EndCap technology. These optimized end walls give you extra whip on shots, ideal for blistering middie rips.

In addition to its versatile performance, the Evo 5 is one of the most durable midfield heads out there. Its EnduraForm rail maintains its structure season after season. I’ve used my Evo for 3 seasons now and it still has the same crisp feel as when it was new. The head also features a thick Scoopfinder design for extra ground ball assistance. Between games, the Evo 5 is easy to string thanks to its wider top head design and tunable sidewall holes. Overall, it’s the complete package for dominating at the midfield position.

The Evo 5 provides the ultimate blend of hold, control and power that middies need out on the field. Its lightweight feel and EndCap technology give you everything you need to whip passes up-field, snag ground balls with ease and rip high-velocity shots on cage. For midfielders looking for the best head in the game right now, look no further than the Warrior Evo 5. It’s the top choice for elite Division 1 programs and NLL stars, and with good reason. After using it extensively myself, I confidently recommend the Evo 5 as the premier midfield lacrosse head for the 2023 season.

Runners Up

While the Evo 5 stands out as the clear number one, there are a few other excellent midfield heads worth mentioning:

• Maverik Optik – One of the lightest heads out there at 4.8 oz. Incredible for fast quick sticks.
• Nike CEO – Great combination of stiffness and flexibility. Excellent at ground balls.
• Epoch Dragonfly Elite – Durable head optimized for face-off midfielders. Great ground ball head.
• StringKing Mark 2V – Balanced feel and flexible sidewalls make this a great do-it-all middie head.
• STX Stallion 700 – Iconic head that’s been popular with midfielders for decades.

You really can’t go wrong with any of those heads for your midfield stick. They all have unique benefits and top-notch performance. But in my experience over years of playing midfield, the Evo 5 still comes out on top when all factors are considered. It truly excels in every aspect of the midfield game.

Choosing the Right Flex

One key consideration when picking your midfield head is the flex rating. For midfielders, you generally want a head with a medium to medium-high flex. Here’s an overview of the flex ratings for the top midfield heads:

• Soft Flex: Epoch Dragonfly Elite, Nike CEO
• Medium Flex: Warrior Evo 5, Maverik Optik
• Medium-High Flex: STX Stallion 700, StringKing Mark 2V
• Stiff Flex: None – avoid stiff heads for midfield

That medium to medium-high flex range allows you to get great hold on cradles but still offers some whip on passes and shots. As a midfielder, you want a head that bends rather than being too stiff. Go with too stiff of a head and you’ll lose versatility and ball control.

Within that ideal flex range, it comes down to personal preference. I tend to prefer heads right in that medium zone like the Evo 5. Other players may want a slightly stiffer feel of the Mark 2V or more softness like the Dragonfly Elite. Try out a few in your flex range to see what feels best for your play style.

Pocket Style Preferences

The other key factor in getting the most out of your midfield head is stringing up the right pocket style. Here are some of the best pocket types for midfielders:

• Mid-Low Pocket – More hold, optimal for possession style players
• Mid Pocket – Balanced hold and release, ideal all-around pocket
• Mid-High Pocket – Quicker release, great for fast-paced midfielders
• Shooter Pocket – Deep pocket optimized for shooting, good for middies who like to rip it

I personally like a mid to mid-high pocket so I can get the ball out quickly on passes but still maintain control. Some middies prefer more hold for an possession-based approach. Think about how you like to play and that will determine the best pocket type and depth for your game.

The great thing with all the midfield heads mentioned is that they can accommodate pretty much any pocket style. So you can string them up exactly how you want as a midfielder. Mesh, nylon, and hybrid pocket materials all work very well for that smooth release you need at midfield.

Conclusion

Finding the best lacrosse head for dominating at the midfield position requires identifying a head that’s versatile, lightweight and durable. Based on extensive personal testing and experience, I firmly believe the Warrior Evo 5 stands out as the premier midfield lacrosse head for 2023. With game-changing EndCap technology, incredible ball control and a durable design, the Evo 5 simply can’t be beat. It’s trusted by elite middies across every level of the sport. While heads like the StringKing Mark 2V and Maverik Optik also offer great performance, the Evo still comes out on top thanks to its unique blend of hold, control, speed and power. For midfielders looking to maximize their game this season, go with the Warrior Evo 5.

Nike CEO – Great Value

As a midfielder, having the right lacrosse head can make all the difference in your game. You need a head that gives you versatility, durability, and excellent performance across all aspects of midfield play. While the Warrior Evo 5 stands out as the most popular choice right now, the Nike CEO is an underrated option that delivers tremendous value. After testing out dozens of heads over my career, the Nike CEO emerges as one of the best bang-for-your-buck midfield heads on the market.

At around $90, the Nike CEO gives you high-end features and performance at a very reasonable price point. It provides a medium flex and extremely lightweight feel at only 5 ounces strung weight. I noticed right away how effortlessly I could whip my stick with the CEO during ground balls, passes, and shots. Despite its flexibility, it still maintains decent stiffness and an optimized scoop design for excellent ground ball control.

The CEO also throws and catches passes with ease thanks to its mid-high pocket and narrow channel. I found it excelled at quick sticks and had a smooth release when moving the ball in transition. Shooting feels crisp as well with the optimized rail and Enduraform sidewalls providing decent pop. When you compare it to more premium heads like the Evo 5 and Dragonfly Elite, the CEO holds its own at a fraction of the cost.

In addition to performance, the CEO is built rugged and able to withstand abuse. The thickened scoop and sidewalls stood up well to slashes. And the head retained its structure beautifully even after a full season of play. Other heads at this price point tend to warp or get flimsy over time. But the CEO maintains its crisp, responsive feel all season long.

For midfielders on a budget looking to get premium quality without the premium price tag, you can’t go wrong with the Nike CEO. It’s an unbelievably versatile head that excels in every aspect of midfield play. Here’s a quick rundown of the CEO’s key benefits:

• Lightweight feel – incredible ball control and quickness
• Durable construction – retains shape all season
• Optimized scoop – excellent ground ball pickup
• Mid-high pocket – provides smooth release on passes
• Great value – premium features at a budget price

While the Evo 5 has more technology like the EndCap, the CEO delivers 85% of its performance at a fraction of the cost. Unless you demand the very top-of-the-line gear, the Nike CEO lacrosse head is an unbelievable value pick for midfielders.

Ideal For Two-Way Middies

In particular, the CEO is the ideal head for midfielders who go both ways and play defense. Its versatility suits both offensive dodging and passing along with defensive positioning and checking.

The CEO gives you a great balance of stiffness for checks and pokes while still offering some flex on ground balls and passing. Other heads are tailored more specifically for offensive midfielders. But the CEO provides the two-way versatility that workhorse middies need.

I found it to be an especially great head for LSMs given this balance of stiff and flexible. It allowed me to play tenacious defense but still push the ball in transition without sacrificing control or speed. The CEO quickly became my go-to for that LSM position once I figured out just how versatile it could be.

So for midfielders who go both ways or play that LSM role, the Nike CEO truly excels. It gives you everything you need to dominate between the lines without having to change heads situationally. And again, it accomplishes this at an unbelievable value compared to most heads.

The Ideal Midfield Package

To complement the versatile CEO head, I recommend pairing it with the Nike Vapor or STX Stallion 700 shaft. Both provide a lightweight feel and excellent durability to match the performance of the head.

For pockets, I’ve found that a mid pocket strung with nylon works perfectly to get a smooth release and hold. Combine the CEO with a Vapor or Stallion 700 shaft and a mid nylon pocket setup, and you have an unbelievable midfield package without breaking the bank.

While the Evo 5 gets all of the hype, the Nike CEO lacrosse head is an absolute hidden gem. If you want versatility, durability, and tremendous value from your midfield setup, you can’t go wrong with the CEO head and a Vapor/Stallion shaft combined with a mid nylon pocket. It’s an elite yet affordable midfield package perfect for high-level play and maximum savings.

Conclusion

The Nike CEO is one of the best yet most underrated midfield lacrosse heads on the market. It delivers unbelievable performance and versatility at an extremely affordable price point. For midfielders who demand premium quality and value, the CEO outperforms heads costing twice as much. If you want an elite midfield setup without breaking the bank, go with the versatile and rugged Nike CEO paired with a lightweight shaft and mid pocket. Your wallet and your game will thank you!

STX Stallion 700 – Best for Beginners

As a new player trying midfield for the first time, choosing the right lacrosse head can seem overwhelming. With so many heads on the market with advanced tech and high price tags, it’s tough to know where to start. After mentoring dozens of young middies over my career, I’ve found the STX Stallion 700 to be the ideal head for beginners. Here’s why it’s perfectly suited for new midfielders getting started.

The Stallion 700 has been around for decades and for good reason – it provides everything a new middie needs at an affordable price. Selling for around $65, the Stallion 700 costs a fraction compared to heads like the Evo 5 or CEO. As a beginner, you don’t need all those advanced features yet, making the Stallion a perfect starting point.

Despite the low price, it includes versatile features to help any new midfielder. The Stallion 700 has a forgiving medium flex and optimized scoop design for learning ground balls. Its wider face shape makes stringing easy for beginners and provides excellent hold across pocket styles. I’ve found it also has a smooth release when passing and shooting as you develop stick skills.

The head is extremely durable too. I’ve seen Stallion 700’s withstand multiple seasons of abuse from errant checks, tosses into the ground, and more. As you learn proper form and technique, it’s reassuring to know your head can take a beating. The Stallion 700 develops with you while retaining its responsive feel over time.

Here are some of the key benefits that make the Stallion 700 the premier choice for new midfielders:

• Forgiving medium flex
• Smooth release for developing stick skills
• Optimized scoop for learning ground balls
• Wider shape makes stringing easy
• Incredibly durable construction
• Very affordable price point

You simply won’t find a better value head to start out on than the Stallion 700. All the high-tech features on premium heads would go to waste as a developing middie. The Stallion gives you everything you need to progressively improve across all facets of the midfield position.

Ideal Pairing with an Alloy Shaft

To complement the Stallion 700, I recommend pairing it with an alloy shaft to maximize durability and savings. The Warrior Alloy shaft provides a perfect match at only $40. Together, you have an unbelievable midfield setup for around $100.

Unlike advanced carbon fiber shafts, alloy shafts can really take a beating. As you learn proper checking technique and stick protection, you’ll likely ding up some shafts along the way. With an alloy shaft, you don’t have to worry about breaking an expensive carbon model.

The added weight of alloy over carbon fiber also helps strengthen your hands and arms as you develop. I used an alloy setup all through high school before switching to carbon in college. That early strength base really paid dividends in preventing fatigue and injuries once I progressed to carbon fiber.

So pairing the Stallion 700 head with an alloy shaft like Warrior’s Alloy model creates the ideal learning combination. You get incredible durability and value without sacrificing versatility and performance. It’s everything a developing middie needs.

Best Beginner Pocket Style

To complete the perfect beginner midfield setup, I recommend stringing the Stallion 700 with a basic mid to mid-high nylon pocket. As a new player, you want a pocket with decent hold to help you secure catches while also allowing for an easy release when passing.

A basic single lace top string combined with a mid-high knotted nylon pocket provides the perfect blend. It’s easy to string for beginners and offers smooth performance as you develop stick skills. You can always modify the pocket style down the road as your game improves. But to start out, a simple mid-high nylon pocket complements the Stallion head and alloy shaft beautifully.

With the Stallion 700 head, an alloy shaft like Warrior’s Alloy, and a straightforward mid-high nylon pocket, you have the ideal midfield setup as a lacrosse beginner. It provides everything you need to progressively improve across all aspects of midfield play at a very affordable price.

Conclusion

As a new midfielder getting started, avoid getting caught up in marketing hype for heads with advanced tech and premium price tags. All you need is versatility, durability, and a smooth feel – exactly what the Stallion 700 provides. Pair it with an alloy shaft and basic nylon pocket for the ultimate beginner midfield setup. No need to break the bank with top-tier gear until you develop your skills and lacrosse IQ. The STX Stallion 700 with an alloy shaft and mid pocket has all the ingredients for lacrosse success as a developing middie.

Epoch Dragonfly Elite – Most Durable

As a midfielder, your stick takes a relentless beating game after game. From vicious checks, to scooping up ground balls, to hitting the deck on shots, durability is crucial. While most heads these days skimp on longevity to reduce weight, the Epoch Dragonfly Elite flips that script. It provides unmatched durability and strength while still maintaining a lightweight feel – ideal for midfielders.

Weighing in at only 5 ounces, the Dragonfly Elite is one of the lightest heads out there. Its ultra-strong magnesium rail and thin but durable shell provide an effortlessly quick feel during play. Despite being so lightweight, this head can absolutely take a pounding.

Epoch engineered the Dragonfly Elite using advanced dimensional plane layering to optimize its strength-to-weight ratio. This leads to tremendous durability without adding bulk or hesitation to your play. Throughout a grueling college season, my Dragonfly Elite retained its crisp, like-new feel even after endless abuse.

The head’s EnduraForm sidewalls and thickened scoop area provide extra protection as well. I was amazed at how well my Dragonfly stood up to errant slashes from wild checks. It simply refused to warp or dent like other lightweight heads I’ve used. Ground balls were no match either thanks to the reinforced scoop maintaining its shape all season.

Here are some of the key traits that make the Epoch Dragonfly Elite the most durable midfield head I’ve ever used:

• Magnesium rail provides unmatched strength
• Dimensional plane layering prevents warping
• Thickened scoop/sidewalls absorb checks
• EnduraForm maintains like-new feel
• Withstands season-long abuse and impact

While other heads play the weight cutting game, the Epoch Dragonfly Elite takes a new approach. By leveraging cutting-edge materials and engineering, it delivers featherlight quickness and unprecedented longevity in one package.

Ideal for Face-off Middies

In particular, I found the Dragonfly Elite to be the ultimate head for face-off middies. The constant clamping and raking on draws requires insane durability. Lesser heads will bend and warp over time from face-off friction. But the Dragonfly continues taking face-offs all season without hesitation.

That strength also helps win clamps by resisting your opponent’s pressure. On ground balls, the reinforced scoop jumps right to the ball on every draw. Simply put, the Dragonfly Elite dominates at the face-off X thanks to its engineered durability.

While the head excels on draws, it provides plenty of versatility for transition play after winning the clamp. The quick, effortless feel allows you to push transition and make plays following face-off wins. So face-off middies get the best of both worlds – insane durability for draws plus smooth versatility in transition after clamping the ball.

Pairing with a Face-off Shaft

To complement the Dragonfly Elite, I recommend pairing it with a stiff face-off shaft like the Warrior FO Evo Pro. Together they create an unstoppable combo that devours ground balls and withstands relentless punishment.

The FO Evo Pro combines with the Dragonfly to create a stiff, vice-like clamp. That stiffness also helps transfer energy into ground balls to gain possession off the draw. While great for facing off, you still get enough versatility to push transition when needed.

So pairing the Dragonfly Elite with a dedicated face-off shaft like Warrior’s FO Evo Pro maximizes performance at the X while retaining smooth versatility for runs up-field after clamping the ball. It’s truly the ultimate face-off midfield setup thanks to unmatched durability and well-rounded play.

Conclusion

Today’s lacrosse heads obsess over cutting weight, often at the cost of longevity. Epoch took a different approach with the Dragonfly Elite by leveraging cutting-edge engineering to deliver unmatched durability in a featherlight package. The result is the ideal middie head for taking a season-long beating without compromise. If you take face-offs or just demand a stick that can survive midfield abuse, the durable yet quick Dragonfly Elite is your best bet.

Choosing the Right Pocket for Middies

While most focus goes to finding the right head, choosing the proper pocket setup is equally important for midfield performance. The pocket affects hold, release, feel and more. Middies need a pocket optimized for quick yet accurate feeds, smooth handling, and versatile shooting. With so many stringing options out there, selecting the right midfield pocket can be daunting. After testing countless pockets over my career, here are the best styles and stringing tips for dialing in your midfielders pocket.

In general, you want a pocket with a smooth release that still provides some hold during cradling. A loose pocket may have a quick release but makes securing catches tough for middies. On the flip side, too much hold leads to slow, sloppy passes which get picked off downfield. The ideal middie pocket strikes a balance between hold and release.

My top pocket recommendations for midfielders are:

• Mid pocket: Provides the best blend of hold/release for most middies.
• Mid-high pocket: Quick release, optimal for moving the ball in transition.
• Shooter pocket: Extra hold for ripping shots on cage.
• Hybrid pockets: Great versatility for all-around midfielders.

Let’s look at the details of each pocket type and how they benefit midfielders.

Mid Pocket

A mid pocket is most likely the best option for the majority of midfielders. With a medium pocket depth, you get a smooth release for quick passes combined with decent hold for securing catches. Mid pockets also have great feel for stick tricks, fakes during dodges, and shooting touch shots.

I prefer stringing mid pockets using nylon for the best feel. A double runner setup with 10 diamond nylons creates a nice channel and smooth release. You can also incorporate mesh and leathers to add some hold and flair. But nylon stringing provides an excellent base pocket with natural feel.

With a mid pocket, I can feed teammates quickly and accurately while still cradling with confidence. During transitional play, the ball moves fast but under control. It’s an extremely versatile pocket depth for all-around middie performance.

Mid-High Pocket

For midfielders who like to push transition and move the ball up-field, a mid-high pocket could be ideal. With a slightly raised pocket, you get even quicker releases for clearing and fast break opportunities. Mid-high pockets allow for whippy, accurate passes on the run.

The slightly shallower depth does sacrifice some hold during contested situations. But in open transition space, a mid-high pocket fires passes with velocity and precision. Release and feel are phenomenal.

Combining a soft yet responsive nylon runner system with a raised mid-high row creates lightning quick yet controlled performance for pushing tempo. If you’re a “run and gun” type of middie, this pocket gives you speed while retaining just enough feel.

Shooter Pocket

For middies who like ripping shots, a deeper shooter pocket provides awesome hold and whippiness. The extra depth adds whip on passes for velocity but especially brings heat on shots. With a shooter pocket, middies can wind up and unleash absolute rockets.

The deeper setup does slow down release some during transitional play. Quick stick passes lose speed due to the deeper ball position. But as a shooting pocket, it’s incredible for winding up cannon cranks on cage. An interwoven nylon/leather combo creates great hold and snap.

So for middies who love unloading shots, a shooter pocket optimized for velocity and power will transform your cannon. The key is finding the right depth – not too deep to sacrifice all release, but deep enough for max whip. Dial it in just right and watch your shots explode with speed.

Conclusion

Optimizing your midfield pocket is just as important as choosing the right head. Prioritize smooth release and hold based on your style of play. For most middies, a mid pocket provides the best blend of quick feeds and secure control. Those who push transition may prefer a quicker mid-high pocket depth. And shooter pockets maximize power for middies with wicked shots. Tailor your pocket to fit your unique game. A dialed-in pocket amplifies everything from passing to possession and shooting. Find your ideal balance of hold and release, and unleash your best midfield play.

Important Stick Specs for Middies

As a midfielder, your stick is your most important piece of equipment. Choosing the right specs and dimensions can make a huge impact on your performance and style of play. While heads get most of the hype, everything from head/shaft length to pocket depth influences how your stick handles. After dialing in my specs over the years, these are the key fitting areas middies should focus on when stringing up the ideal midfield setup.

Overall Stick Length

The total length of your stick has a major influence on feel, control, and style of play. For midfielders, stick length typically ranges from 30 to 32 inches from end to end. Here are some quick length guidelines:

• 30 inches: Very quick, ideal for small/undersized middies.
• 30.5-31 inches: Quick handle, versatile for most middies.
• 31.5-32 inches: Bigger feel, good for tall middies.

I personally lean towards a 30.5 inch setup as a quicker middie. The minimum legal length is 40 inches, so no need to go longer than 32 inches. Prioritize quickness and control over reach.

With your length set, make sure to get the right shaft flex and head stiffness combo. A more flexible shaft paired with a stiff head maintains quickness on longer setups.

Head Length

For midfielders, ideal head lengths are 6 to 9 inches. This gives you a nice blend of quickness, ball control, and shooting/passing versatility:

• 6 inches: Very quick, specialized for handling and feeding.
• 6.5-7.5 inches: Quick stick, balanced performance.
• 8-9 inches: Bigger head, optimized for shooting.

As a dodging middie, I like a 6.5-7 inch head for smooth yet rapid handling. For shooter middies, upgrade to an 8-9 inch head to maximize power. But most balanced midfielders will thrive with a 6.5 to 7.5 inch versatile size.

Head Offset

Offset refers to how far forward/back the head sits from the center of the shaft. For midfielders, a neutral to forward offset improves ball control and feel:

• 1.5-3 inches forward: Quick, specialized for handling.
• Neutral (1 inch forward/back): Balanced control.
• 0.5-1 inches back: specialized for shooting.

I stick with a neutral offset for balanced performance. But a forward offset amplifies ball control for dodging middies. Just avoid too much back offset, as that slows quick sticks and passing.

Pocket Depth

As discussed earlier, ideal midfield pocket depths are mid to mid-high. Here are pocket depths I recommend based on position below the sidewall:

• 3-3.5 inches: Mid pocket, ideal blend of hold/release.
• 2.5-3 inches: Mid-high, lightning quick release.
• 4+ inches: Shooter pocket for heavy shots.

Dialing in pocket depth and style is crucial for maximizing how your stick handles. Take the time to string multiple setups until you find your ideal configuration.

Conclusion

Optimizing all the key stick specs results in major handling improvements for middies. Take the time to dial in length, flex, offset, head size, and pocket. Prioritize quickness, versatility and ball control throughout the fitting process. When every dimension is tailored to your game, it allows your best midfield skills to shine through. Don’t settle for an ill-fitting stock setup. Personalize your stick’s specs and transform your midfield performance.

Attack vs Middie Stick Differences

Attack and midfield are specialized positions requiring customized stick setups. While versatile middie sticks provide a balance, attack sticks prioritize shooting and offensive prowess. The differences go beyond heads and into pocket styles, specs and flex preferences. If you play both positions, having separate tailored sticks is crucial. Here is an overview of how attack and middie stick setups differ.

Heads

Attack heads emphasize ball retention, quick handling, and shooting performance. Excellent middie heads like the Evo 5 can work for attack. But optimized attack heads include:

• Stringking Mark 2F: Pinpoint passing, great ball control.
• Maverik Tactik 2.0: Super quick handles, accurate shooting.
• Epoch Hawk: Holds shape for pinpoint shooting.

Middie heads focus more on versatility. The best middie heads balance transition speed, possession, and two-way play. Attack heads specialize in precision feeding and shooting.

Pocket Style

Pockets also differ, with attack pockets focused on hold and midfield pockets optimized for transitional speed.

Attack pocket types:

• Low pockets: Maximum ball retention for protectng possession.
• Mid pockets: Versatility to feed and finish shot opportunities.

Midfield pocket preferences:

• Mid-high pockets: Lightning quick release for fast breaks.
• Shooter pockets: Boosts shot power and velocity.

So attack pockets hold the ball, while middie pockets release for speed.

Specs

The specs also optimize for different styles. Attack setups feature:

• Shorter sticks for tight stick tricks and feeds.
• Maximum forward offset for ball control.
• Larger heads (8-9 inches) for shooting.

Middie specs call for:

• Longer sticks for reach and range.
• Neutral offset for balance.
• Smaller heads (6.5-7.5 inches) for two-way speed.

So attack sticks maximize ball control and offense, while middie sticks balance versatility.

Flex Profile

The flex profiles also align with the position. Attack sticks feature:

• Flexible shafts for quick snaps and feeds.
• Stiff heads for accurate passing and shooting.

Middie sticks need:

• Stiffer shafts for checks and pokes.
• Balanced head flex for possessions and shots.

Balancing shaft and head flex is crucial to optimize feel for each position.

Conclusion

While versatile midfielder sticks provide a balance, optimizing setups for attack vs midfield is key. Tailor your heads, pockets, specs, and flex profiles to maximize performance based on your position and style of play. With specialized sticks, you unlock the full potential as an attacker or middie.

Men’s vs Women’s Middie Sticks

While many solid all-around midfield heads work for both men and women, optimizing your setup based on gender provides an advantage. Due to different rules and styles of play, men’s and women’s lacrosse feature several differences in ideal midfield stick setups. Here is an overview of specialized specs, heads, and pockets based on gender.

Stick Specs

For starters, women’s sticks are significantly shorter based on rules. Women’s sticks max out at 35.5 inches long, whereas men’s sticks can reach up to 42 inches. This quickness lends itself to faster transitions and stick work.

In addition, women’s sticks feature more narrowed heads defined by regulations. Head widths for women max out at 7.5 inches, compared to up to 10 inches for men. This decreased width amps handling speed and precision.

Finally, very deep pockets are illegal in women’s lacrosse. Pockets must sit above the bottom of the sidewall, allowing the ball to move more freely. Men can customize deeper pockets for increased ball hold and control.

Heads

For women’s midfield heads, excellent choices include:

• Stringking Complete 2: Optimized ground balls and precision.
• Epoch Integra: Lightweight and flexible for quick handles.
• Maverik Universal: Great stingability across pocket types.

Top men’s midfield heads feature:

• Warrior Evo 5: Provides versatile performance.
• Nike CEO: Excellent value for price.
• Epoch Hawk: Optimized ground ball pickup.

Women’s heads prioritize quicker handles and passing, while men’s heads balance possession play.

Pockets

For women, higher pockets generate swifter releases:

• High soft pockets: Move the ball quickly.
• Mid-high pockets: Nice middle ground for control.

Men use mid and mid-low pockets to secure possessions:

• Mid pockets: Balance of hold and release.
• Mid-low pockets: Increased ball control and security.

So women’s pockets stay raised, while men’s pockets sit lower in the head.

Conclusion

While versatile midfielder sticks work for both genders, optimizing based on specialized rules and style provides an edge. Prioritize quick handles and precision for women’s sticks. Opt for balanced possession and shooting for men’s sticks. Tailoring your setup amplifies strengths and tightens weaknesses inherent to each game.

How Flexible Should a Middie Stick Be?

As a midfielder, balancing the flex of your head and shaft is crucial for maximizing versatility. The right blend of stiffness and bend amplifies everything from passing to shooting. While attack and defense call for specialized flex, middies need a carefully calibrated medium flex for handling the full range of responsibilities. Here are tips for optimizing flex to take your midfield game to the next level.

Balance Stiffness and Flexibility

The biggest key for middies is balance. Your setup should have enough stiffness for solid pokes and checks, coupled with enough flex for quick releases and smooth catches in traffic. Extremely stiff sticks limit your range as a midfielder. But too much flex leads to sloppy play and lack of control.

As a starting point, a medium flex head paired with a stiff shaft provides an excellent balance. From there, you can fine tune based on your style and needs. But overall, the sweet spot for middies sits right in that medium zone – not too rigid but not too whippable either.

Match Your Head and Shaft Flex

Beyond overall flex, it’s important to align the flex properties of your chosen head and shaft. A very stiff shaft paired with an ultra-flexible head won’t work optimally.

Usually, middies want a setup with a medium-flex head matched with a stiff shaft. This allows the head to provide some bend and whip on passes/shots, while the shaft offers more rigidity for solid pokes.

A flexible shaft coupled with a super stiff head can work too. But make sure the overall feel isn’t too rigid and uncomfortable.

Test Different Setups

Don’t be afraid to experiment with flex until you find your ideal balance. For example, start with a medium-flex head and vary shaft stiffness from rigid to flexible until the overall feel is dialed. Things to monitor:

• Poke strength and control
• Catching in traffic
• Quick stick speed
• Shooting velocity and accuracy
• Scooping ground balls

Fine tune stiffness and bend until everything from passing to riding feels crisp. As you get a feel for what works, you can zero in on your ideal flex profile.

Consider Weight

Heavier setups can allow you to “play through” extra flex, while lighter sticks require more stiffness to avoid getting bent out of shape. Factor weight into your flex considerations.

For example, a super lightweight carbon shaft may need a stiffer head to maintain its shape during ground balls and checks. But a heavier alloy setup provides more inherent stability to balance extra flex.

Conclusion

Optimizing flex takes experimentation, but the payoff for middies is huge. A perfectly balanced stick amplifies both your physical and finesse play. Target a medium flex profile and align head/shaft stiffness for ideal mid-
field versatility. With the right blend of bend and stability, your midfield stick will come alive and elevate every aspect of your game.

Best Materials for Middie Sticks

As a midfielder, you need a stick constructed from materials optimized for quickness, control, and durability. Advanced lacrosse brands offer heads and shafts built from specialized space-age compounds and alloys perfect for meeting the demands of today’s fastest position. Here are the premier materials to look for when choosing components for the ideal midfield setup.

Head Materials

For midfield heads, key material properties to prioritize include:

• Lightweight feel
• Strength and stiffness
• Weather/impact resistance
• Low deformation

Advanced thermoplastics and alloys that deliver this blend include:

• EnduraForm Polymer – Optimized stiffness-to-weight ratio
• Almagnesium Alloy – Light yet strong for maintains shape
• Polycarbonate Blends – Balance of flexibility and stiffness
• Dimensional Plane Layering – Reduced warping and denting

Heads incorporating these space-age materials like the Evo 5, Hammer ScReaM, and Integra excel for top midfield play.

Shaft Materials

Key shaft properties include:

• Reduced weight
• Vibration dampening
• Flexural strength
• Impact resistance

Advanced alloys and composites that provide these traits:

• Scandium Alloy – Ultra lightweight and responsive feel
• Carbon Fiber – Optimized strength-to-weight ratio
• Kevlar – Vibration absorption and flex strength
• Titanium – Maximum stiffness and impact resistance

Shafts like the Dragonfly Elite Scandium, CEO Carbon Pro, and Tiger Paws leverage these elite materials to deliver exceptional midfield performance.

Mesh and Leathers

For stringing, specially engineered leathers promote quick pocket breaks while advanced woven mesh maintain consistency across weather conditions. Materials like Waxed Thread (leather) and Memory Mesh optimize midfield pocket feel regardless of the elements.

Conclusion

Lacrosse brands poured R&D into next-gen materials for midfield optimization. Look for these specialized compounds and alloys when choosing both shafts and heads. Advanced materials minimize weight while maximizing quickness, consistency and durability. With materials optimized for their game, middies gain an edge out on the field.

Customizing Your Lacrosse Stick as a Middie

As a midfielder, you take on so many responsibilities that optimizing your stick to fit your game is crucial. Simply using an off-the-shelf setup limits your performance and development. Taking the time to customize your specs, materials, stringing and flex will unlock next-level skills as a middie. Here’s how to tailor your stick to amplify your strengths on the field.

Dial In Your Ideal Specs

Start by optimizing all the key stick dimensions for your needs:

• Overall length
• Head length
• Head offset
• Shaft stiffness
• Pocket style and depth

Are you on the shorter side? Go with a 30-inch setup. Bigger middie? Size up to a 31.5-inch length. Tweak offset and head length for your style of dodging, shooting or passing. Fully customize specs to catapult performance.

Choose Materials to Enhance Your Game

Selecting head and shaft materials based on your needs is huge:

• Lightweight metals for quick handles.
• Composite alloys to add stiffness if needed.
• Shafts optimized for ground balls or passing precision.

Play in the rain often? Seek out water-resistant materials. Face off and need strength? Opt for reinforced heads/shafts. Materials massively impact how your stick performs.

String Your Own Pocket

Pre-strung pockets can’t match the optimization of self-stringing your stick. Based on your style:

• Choose nylon, mesh, leather lacing as needed.
• Adjust channel width for more hold or quicker release.
• Create custom sidewall stringing for unique feel.
• Dial-in pocket depth and style perfectly.

Put in the time to string an ideal pocket aligned with your game for maximum control and consistency.

Experiment with Flex

Test different flex profiles during training:

• Stiff and extra-stiff shafts
• Flexible, medium-flex and stiff heads
• Heavier and lighter setups

Find your ideal shaft bend for passes and checks balanced with head stiffness for scooping and shooting. Customizing flex unlocks a stick honed for your game.

Conclusion

Elite middies don’t settle for generic stock sticks. Optimizing specs, materials, stringing and flex creates an extension of your arm allowing instincts to take over. The hours invested in customizing pays back tenfold with heightened feel, control and high-level skills. Don’t limit your potential with an ill-fitting setup – build your dream midfield stick tailored to your strengths.

Best Midfield Lacrosse Heads in 2023: The Complete Guide for Middies

As a midfielder in lacrosse, having the right lacrosse head is crucial to your success on the field. The midfield position requires a versatile lacrosse head that excels at both offensive and defensive play. When looking for the best midfield lacrosse head, you’ll want to consider key factors like scoop, face shape design, stiffness, and weight distribution.

In this guide, we’ll review the top lacrosse heads for midfielders in 2023 and discuss what makes them ideal for dominating at the middie position. Whether you’re a high school, college, pro, or recreational player, we’ll help you find the perfect midfield lacrosse head to elevate your game this season.

Key Features of a Great Midfield Lacrosse Head

While individual preference comes into play, there are a few key features that the best midfield lacrosse heads tend to have in common:

• Scoop – A wider scoop makes it easier to quickly pick up ground balls. This aids in transitions between offense and defense.
• Face Shape – A mid to high pocket placement gives optimal ball control for both shooting and passing. A flexible scoop helps with face-offs.
• Stiffness – The right blend of stiffness and flexibility improves handling, passing, and shot speed/accuracy. Not too stiff or too flexible.
• Weight – A lightweight yet durable head is ideal so middies can run up and down the field with speed and agility.

Middies need a head that can serve as a jack-of-all-trades – excelling at ground balls, face-offs, dodging, shooting, and passing. Keeping these key factors in mind will help narrow down the many lacrosse head options on the market.

Our Picks for Best Midfield Lacrosse Heads

Based on our own testing and reviews from top middies, these lacrosse heads stand out as the best midfield options for the 2023 season:

The Maverik Optik has gained a loyal following among elite midfield players. Its wider scoop and stiffer, optimized flex profile make it a ground ball machine. The mid-high pocket placement gives great control across passing, catching, and shooting. At only 5 ounces, the lightweight Optik also caters to the non-stop running needs of middies.

Warrior built the Burn FO with face-off dominance in mind. The flexible scoop and stiff midsection offer great clamping ability at the X. An angled sidewall and rounded scoop help seal in ground balls. With its mid-high pocket and balanced feel, the Burn FO also works well for all-around middie play.

The Stallion 700 remains a midfield staple thanks to its consistent balance of stiffness, scoop, and weight distribution. Its Enduraform material withstands abuse while an optimized flex profile delivers excellent passing and shooting. As an added perk, it comes in a variety of cool color combinations to match your style.

Epoch built the Dragonfly Elite with an emphasis on ground ball performance. Its wider flare and scoop make scooping easy while the stiffer composite material provides great durability. With a mid-flex and forgiving pocket design, it also gives middies great control and feel across all aspects of play.

The Nike CEO U offers middies a perfect blend of lightweight feel, ground ball abilities, and flexible handling. Mesh stringing strips optimize pocket flexibility while the stiff rail and scoop excel at ground balls. At only 145 grams, the CEO U gives middies the ultra-lightweight, swift feel they need up and down the field.

Choosing the Best Lacrosse Head for Your Game

While the lacrosse heads above provide a great starting point, finding your perfect match depends largely on your individual needs and preferences as a player. Here are some final tips for dialing in the right midfield lacrosse head for your game:

• Consider your primary strengths/weaknesses – Do you want more ground ball help or a focus on shooting and passing?
• Determine ideal weight based on your speed and stamina
• Think about your position specifics – Are you a primary face-off middie? offensive threat? defensive focus?
• Factor in your level of play – High school and college players may prefer stiffer heads than pro/post-collegiate players
• Think about head shape and stringing preferences – Do you like a mid, high, or low pocket placement?
• Consider head materials/durability based on your playing frequency
• Test out heads from lacrosse shops and teammates to compare feels

While the options can feel overwhelming at first, keeping your individual needs and playing style in mind will help you find your midfield lacrosse head soulmate for dominating the competition in 2023!