The History and Evolution of Nike Lacrosse Heads
Nike first entered the lacrosse equipment market in 2006 with the release of their first ever lacrosse head – the Nike Vapor. This innovative head featured a sleek, aerodynamic shape and ultra-lightweight construction, setting a new standard for offensive play. Since then, Nike has continued to push the envelope when it comes to lacrosse head technology and performance.
In 2009, Nike introduced the Lakota head, specifically engineered for the needs of defensive players. With its wider scoop and stiff sidewalls, the Lakota provided superior ball retention and checking abilities. The Lakota quickly became a go-to head for elite college and professional defensemen.
Over the past decade, Nike has continued to iterate and improve on their key lacrosse heads. The Vapor line has gone through several generations of evolution, with the latest Vapor 10 featuring a reinvented rail design for enhanced ball control. Similarly, the Lakota line has been updated with newer versions like the Lakota U and Lakota 3, tweaking the original design for optimal stiffness and durability.
Nike has also branched out into heads designed for specific positions – the CEO for face-off specialists, the Hyperforce for midfield transition players, and the Savage for versatile utility players. By targeting the unique needs of each on-field role, Nike heads offer specialized advantages.
In terms of materials, Nike leverages lightweight but durable alloys and composites to make their heads stand up to rugged play. Technologies like Aerolite alloy and HyperWhip composite increase strength while reducing weight. Nike’s heads are also extensively tested for ball feel and release.
From elite NCAA and MLL players to youth league starters, Nike’s constant innovation keeps their lacrosse heads atop wish lists each season. With an ever-expanding product lineup and a commitment to pushing boundaries, Nike aims to remain a leading brand in lacrosse. Players continue to rely on Nike’s cutting-edge heads for unmatched performance.
Top Features of Nike Lacrosse Heads
When it comes to their lacrosse heads, Nike packs in many innovative features and technologies aimed at boosting on-field performance. Here are some of the top traits that make Nike one of the most popular lacrosse head brands among players:
Lightweight Construction – From composite materials like HyperWhip to alloys like Aerolite, Nike uses advanced but featherlight materials to reduce overall head weight. This allows players to move their sticks faster and control the ball better. For example, the Nike Vapor 10 lacrosse head weighs in at just 5.0 oz. The ultra-lightweight construction improves quickness and maneuverability.
Redesigned Rail Systems – Nike continually tweaks their scoop and sidewall rail designs for optimal ball control and quick releases. The new FlashRail system on heads like the Vapor 10 uses minimal material for lighter weight. The elongated rails also give players more surface area for cradling and improved ball handling. The FlashRail, combined with an angled scoop, makes Nike heads excel at ball retention and fast passing or shooting.
Targeted Stiffness – Using composite inserts and strategic placement of stiff materials, Nike targets key areas like the scoop, sidewalls, and throat for structural rigidity. This selective stiffening retains the lightweight feel while giving players more assertive poking, better ground ball pickup, and more confident passing/shooting. The fusion of lightweight yet stiff components delivers the ideal blend of quickness, ball control, and durability that players need.
Suite of Position-Specific Heads – Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Nike offers a diverse lineup of heads tailored for specific on-field roles. The Lakota line caters to the checking and poke needs of defensemen while the Vapor targets the quick passing and shooting of attackmen. Other heads like the CEO and Hyperforce are optimized for specialized positions like face-off and midfield transition play. This position-specific engineering ensures players get a head that matches their individual style and needs.
High-End Materials – Nike utilizes top-shelf alloys and composites like Aerolite and HyperWhip to give their heads elite-level performance. The premium construction ensures maximum strength, minimal flex, and featherlight weight. Nike also extensively tests heads for optimal ball feel, pocket shape, and quick release. Only the highest quality materials and rigorous testing allows Nike heads to satisfy the demands of top college and pro players.
Most Popular Nike Lacrosse Head Models
With constant new product releases and innovations, Nike offers players a diverse selection of lacrosse heads to choose from. Here are some of the most popular models that have earned Nike its sterling reputation:
Vapor Lacrosse Head – The Vapor line spearheaded Nike’s entry into lacrosse and remains its most iconic head. Primarily geared for offensive players, the Vapor combines a sleek, aerodynamic shape with hyper-lightweight construction. The scoop and sidewalls are engineered for superb ball control and quick releases. Now in its 10th iteration, the Vapor 10 features an evolved rail system and stiffer alloy components. The Vapor line defines the high-performance styling and elite quality that players expect from Nike lacrosse heads.
Lakota Lacrosse Head – As a complement to the Vapor, Nike developed the wider-bodied Lakota line specifically for defensive needs like poke checks, ground balls, and disruptive checks. The Lakota’s stiff alloy sidewalls and reinforced scoop provide the rugged durability that defenders require. Now in its third model, the Lakota 3 offers refined stiffness for confident ball retention while retaining quick footwork and handling. For aggressive close defenders, the Lakota remains a go-to solution.
CEO Lacrosse Head – Designed with face-off specialists in mind, the Command Elites Only (CEO) head combines a tapered scoop with strategically stiffened sidewalls to give players maximum clamping power and control during draws. The CEO also provides excellent ball retention in the upper regions once possession is gained. Its lightweight yet robust construction helps face-off men come up with 50-50 balls and break quickly upfield.
Hyperforce Lacrosse Head – With its wide flare and moderate flex, the Hyperforce caters to versatile midfield players that need to combine offensive passing and shooting with defensive poke checks and ground ball pickup. This dual-ability head allows midfielders to transition smoothly from offense to defense. The Hyperforce remains stringable for either quick releases or powerful shots as needed.
By targeting heads to players’ specific positions and needs, Nike dominates club and college rosters. The Vapor, Lakota, CEO, and Hyperforce consistently rank among the top-selling and most-used heads in lacrosse. From youth to pro levels, Nike’s marquee heads deliver elite-caliber performance that players rely on.
Nike Vapor Lacrosse Head – The Go-To Offensive Head
Ever since the original Vapor premiered in 2006, the Vapor line has been the go-to lacrosse head for offensive players. With each successive iteration, Nike has evolved and enhanced the Vapor’s cutting-edge design to keep it atop offensive players’ wish lists. Here’s a closer look at what makes the Vapor line such a perennial powerhouse:
Sleek Profile – The Vapor line features a slim, aerodynamic profile that enhances mobility and quick handling for offense. By minimizing material along the sidewalls and scoop area, the Vapor achieves an extremely lightweight feel to help players whip their sticks quickly with less drag. The sleek contour also provides a tight channel for excellent ball control during cradling, passing, and shooting.
Redesigned Rail System – Nike continues to tweak the Vapor’s rail design for better ball handling and faster releases. The new FlashRail on the Vapor 10 elongates the sidewall rails for more control points when cradling. The minimized material along the rails also drops weight. The scoop rail has an angled contour to funnel ball easily into the pocket on passes and serves. Overall, the evolved FlashRail system lets offensive players wield the Vapor 10 like an extension of their hands.
Strategic Stiffening – High-grade alloys like Aerolite are fused into the scoop and sidewalls to provide structural stability without sacrificing lightweight feel. This targeted stiffening gives players confident ball retention and quick, accurate passes and shots. The Vapor 10 enhances the scoop and sidewall stiffness for even better ball control and release points.
Ideal Pocket Shape – From the tapered midsection to the rounded ball stop, the Vapor head is engineered for optimal pocket formation and ball control. Stringers can fine-tune pockets for lightning-quick release or hold-and-shoot styles as needed. The pocket takes shape perfectly for cradling, feeding, ripping shots, and the on-the-run style of offense.
Top to bottom, the Vapor line represents Nike’s relentless innovation in designing the perfect offensive lacrosse head. With game-changing technologies like the FlashRail system on the Vapor 10, Nike’s flagship head maintains its elite standing on the offensive end of the field.
Nike Lakota Lacrosse Head – Designed for Aggressive Defenders
To complement their ultra-quick Vapor offensive head, Nike designers developed the Lakota line specifically for the hard-hitting, physical play of defensemen. With its wider flare and strategically stiffened construction, the Lakota delivers the superior ball retention, confident poke checks, and rugged durability that defenders need to smother opposing attacks.
Wider Scoop and Flare – With a maximum width of 6 inches, the Lakota head flares wider than typical offensive heads. This expanded scoop and sidewall width equip defenders with a larger head shield for shutting down dodges and intercepting passes. The wider top also provides an expanded ball retention area for securing possession after poke checks and picks.
Reinforced Scoop – Using premium alloys like Aerolite, Nike engineers reinforce the Lakota’s scoop so it can withstand hack checks and remain rigid after pounding ground balls. The reinforced scoop also gives players extra stiffness for piercing poke checks that knock away balls. Its stiffness is calibrated not to deform on contact for optimal poke performance.
Boxier Sidewalls – Compared to the sleek contours of the Vapor line, the Lakota utilizes thicker, boxier sidewall construction to make the head ultra-sturdy against checks. Defenders can play aggressively without fear of damaging or tweaking their Lakota heads on contact. The rigid sidewalls also provide great ball control when carrying the ball upfield.
Ideal Pocket Shape – From scoop to throat, the Lakota optimizes pocket placement for defenders. The wider midsection and tapered ball stop facilitate smooth transitions from catching to controlling to clearing. It also channels balls into the sweet spot of the head after ground balls. Experienced stringers can customize Lakota pockets for elite-level ball retention as needed.
With over a decade’s worth of feedback from top defenders, Nike continues honing the Lakota line with each successive model. The wider profile, strategic stiffening, and robust materials make the Lakota the top defensive head across high school, college, and pro levels of lacrosse.
Choosing the Right Pocket Setup for Your Nike Head
One of the keys to maximizing the performance of your Nike lacrosse head is choosing the right pocket setup. The stringing and pocket on your head impact passing, shooting, ball retention, and ground ball pickup. Here are some tips on dialing in pockets for Nike heads:
Offense – For quicker passing and release, offensive players using heads like the Vapor will want shallower pockets with a tight midsection and narrow channel. This facilitates faster throws and shots. Many attackers also like a mid-to-high pocket to get under the ball on quick sticks. For midfielders taking big rips, a slightly deeper pocket with a wider channel provides some hold. The key is optimizing ball control and quickness for an offensive player’s style and position.
Defense – Defenders generally prefer slightly deeper pockets that hug the ball for confident possession, catching errant passes, and securing ground balls. The Lakota head’s wider flare allows for deeper pockets without slowing footwork. Many defenders also like stiff nylon mesh for added ball control. Midfielders playing both offense and defense may opt for more intermediate pocket placements to balance quickness with security.
Materials – Leathers provide the most customizable lacing options and natural feel but require frequent re-adjusting. Synthetic meshes like nylon retain their shape better over time. Many players use racing leathers in high-wear areas like shooting strings and nylon elsewhere. Hybrid leathers/nylons are also popular for getting elements of both. The choice comes down to feel, durability, and maintenance required.
Shooting Strings – Shooting strings play a key role in fine-tuning the release speed and accuracy of your pocket. V or U shooting string formations allow for quicker, cleaner releases. Straighter shooting strings provide more control. The number and pattern of shooting strings can be customized based on individual release mechanics.
Face Shape – The angle and contours of the scoop and sidewalls impact how pockets form in Nike heads. Experienced stringers account for factors like the ball stop shape, flare, and rail design when plotting out pocket placement and channel. Following the natural shape of the head produces better results.
By considering all these interrelated factors, players can work with stringers to build the optimal pocket shape and configuration for their style of play and the strengths of their Nike lacrosse head.
Nike Lacrosse Heads for Youth Players
In addition to their lineup of elite heads for top high school, college, and pro players, Nike offers several excellent lacrosse head options scaled for younger players. Here is a look at some standout Nike heads built for youth and early adolescent players:
Nike Vapor – While the Vapor 10 caters to elite high school and college programs, the standard Vapor model provides many of the same quick release and handling benefits in a streamlined head more suitable for youth. The regular Vapor utilizes the same sleek shape but with slightly softer materials for durability and value.
Nike Lakota U – This pared-down variant of the Lakota 3 targets fundamental defensive skills for youth players. The wider flare aids ground balls and checking while strategic stiffening helps young defenders direct poke checks and retain possession. The Lakota U simplifies the high-end Lakota design for aspiring middle or high school players.
Nike Shockwave – With its medium flare, moderate sidewall stiffness, and forgiving scoop, the Shockwave caters to young midfielders learning both offensive and defensive skills. It provides decent ball control without being too stiff for youth. The Shockwave transitions smoothly across the field.
Nike Blazer – The value-minded Blazer utilizes a composite frame with softer sidewalls, ideal for players developing fundamental techniques. The lightweight feel helps boost hand speed and footwork. The Blazer’s basic but durable construction makes it perfect for young players new to the sport.
Nike Trainer – This recreational head with an exaggerated tapered shape caters to very young players. The soft materials help prevent injury while the defined pocket area builds early confidence catching and throwing. As an introductory head, it allows players to hone coordination and skills.
In addition to its elite-level heads, Nike’s thoughtful youth lineup ensures young players have access to heads that enhance development, build skills, and stoke passion for the sport at an early age.
Durability of Nike Lacrosse Heads
With their aircraft-grade alloys and advanced composites, Nike engineers their lacrosse heads to withstand the rugged, intense play of the sport. Here’s a look at some of the ways Nike builds elite-level durability into their lacrosse heads:
Premium Materials – Nike heads utilize specialized lightweight alloys like Aerolite in key stress areas like the scoop, sidewalls, and throat. Aerolite provides a optimized blend of stiffness and flexibility to retain shape and resist denting or warping from checks. Composites like HyperWhip augment area-specific stiffness as needed. Together, these premium materials yield incredibly lightweight but robust constructions.
Reinforced Scoops – Using technical contours and extra alloy in high-impact regions, Nike reinforces the scoops on heads like the Vapor and Lakota to retain stiffness after hauling in ground balls. The reinforced scoop keeps its structure poke check after poke check as well. By considering stress distribution, Nike bolsters the most vulnerable portions of the scoop.
Strategic Stiffening – Through proprietary manufacturing techniques, Nike targets strategic stiffening along the sidewalls and throat of heads like the Lakota 3 and Vapor 10. This selective stiffening retains quickness while boosting structural integrity for confident checking, shooting, passing, and ball retention in key zones.
Rigorous Testing – Nike puts prototype heads through extensive lab testing for structural integrity under impacts from repeated checks. They also field test with elite players for real-world durability feedback. Only heads that pass rigorous bench testing and on-field trials make it to production.
Weather Resistance – Nike’s aircraft-grade alloys and proprietary composites hold up well to sun, rain, and temperature extremes on the field. Their materials retain the ideal flex and feel in both cold early-season play and intense summer heat. Few other heads maintain their structural properties across weather conditions as reliably.
Backed by Nike’s engineering prowess, premium materials science, and rigorous testing, athletes can play all-out when running Nike heads game after game, season after season.
Custom Stringing Options for Nike Heads
One of the benefits of Nike’s thoughtful lacrosse head designs is the ability to customize stringing and pockets. With the right stringing adjustments, players can further unlock the potential of their Nike heads. Here are some of the top stringing modifications players make to Nike heads:
Pocket Depth – By using different interlocking and lace techniques, stringers can control pocket depth for more ball security or quicker release. A deeper pocket with a defined channel provides maximum ball control for defenders and some midfielders. Shallower setups optimize passing speed for attackers.
Shooting Strings – Altering shooting string height, spacing, pattern, and material fine-tunes the release point and speed of shots. Low V shooting strings promote faster throws while centered U configurations allow for more whip. Hybrid patterns blend control and quickness. Shooters can test different setups to match their mechanics.
Sidewall Laces – Lacing techniques along the sidewalls like double lacing compress pockets for faster throws. Triple lacing adds hold. Some players use straight lacing on their weak-hand side for consistency and custom lacing on their strong side to control release points.
Midsection Lacing – Stringers alter midsection lace spacing and knots to expand or compress rear pockets for more holding power or defined channels for quick sticks. This area heavily influences overall pocket feel and ball control.
Top String – Placement of the top shooting/release string and the accompanying lace-in points control pocket height. Lower top strings result in a quicker release while higher placements add overall depth. Most shooters combine a lower top string with open sidewall lacing near the scoop.
Materials – Leather lacing provides the most options for intricate stringing but requires frequent adjusting as it breaks in. Synthetic meshes like nylon hold their shape better over time. Many players use a blend, with leathers in high-friction areas.
With the right modifications and custom tuning, players can build their ideal pocket shape, feel, and release point on Nike’s already optimized lacrosse heads.
Nike Lacrosse Head Technology Innovations
At the heart of Nike lacrosse heads are proprietary technologies that set them apart from competitors. Nike is constantly innovating to push the performance envelope. Here are some of the key technical innovations that make Nike heads elite:
Aerolite Metal Alloy – This aircraft-grade proprietary alloy allows Nike to selectively reinforce high-stress areas on heads like the Vapor and Lakota for structural stability without adding weight. Aerolite provides an optimized strength-to-flex ratio.
HyperWhip Composite – Strategic placement of this ultra-rigid proprietary composite further enhances stiffness in key regions while keeping overall weight low. It enables precise stiffening in areas like sidewalls and scoops for confident ball control and handling.
FlashRail Technology – This reinvented rail system on the Vapor 10 minimizes material for lightness while elongating the sidewall rails for better cradling control. The new angled scoop rail also quickens release. FlashRail improves off-ball control and passing/shooting.
Modular Molding – Nike’s manufacturing process allows them to fuse together optimized alloy and composite components to build uniquely lightweight but strong lacrosse heads. This modular approach to construction facilitates customization.
Precision Pocket Design – Using CAD design tools and feedback from elite players, Nike engineers the contours of heads to optimize overall pocket shape, channel, and ball control for different player positions and styles.
CNC Manufacturing – Computer numerical control milling and cutting enables Nike to shape heads with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability. The tight tolerances aid consistency and quality control during production.
Relentless R&D – Nike relentlessly innovates and experiments with new materials, manufacturing techniques, and performance-boosting structural design changes. Their full-time R&D staff keeps pushing lacrosse technology forward.
Nike’s proprietary sports engineering expertise gives their lacrosse heads competitive technical advantages. Their culture of relentless innovation continually improves performance and durability.
Pros and Cons of the Nike Command Elite Lacrosse Head
As one of Nike’s most specialized lacrosse heads, the Command Elite Only (CEO) targets the needs of face-off specialists. Here’s a rundown of the key pros and cons of this position-specific head:
Pros:
- Tapered scoop facilitates quick clamping on face-offs for early control.
- Ultra-lightweight construction improves speed of face-off moves and reactions.
- Strategic stiffening in scoop provides rigidity for pops, pushes, and jams off the whistle.
- Wider flare above stiffened scoop retains control once ball is corralled.
- Ideal contour along midsection and ball stop area to keep ball in the pocket on face-off wins.
- High strength-to-weight ratio materials withstand repetitive face-off stresses and checks.
- Works well with soft mesh and baggy pocket setups optimized for draws.
Cons:
- High cost given its specialized nature.
- Stiff scoop somewhat inhibits quickness of top hand.
- Boxier aesthetic compared to flashier offensive heads.
- Not ideal for offensive dodges or shooting after face-off wins.
- Requires position-specific stringing optimizations to maximize performance.
- Unnecessary for players not routinely taking face-offs.
Overall, the CEO’s tapered scoop, strategic stiffening, and tailored design make it a great option for dedicated face-off players. But it also comes at a premium cost with limited versatility beyond draws.
Nike Lacrosse Heads Under $100
While Nike is known for premium lacrosse heads at higher price points, they also offer more affordable options for budget-conscious players. Here are some of the top Nike lacrosse heads available for under $100:
- Nike Vapor – The standard Vapor model delivers an approximation of Nike’s signature sleek offensive styling using slightly softer materials to hit a lower price point.
- Nike Shockwave – With its rounded flexible scoop and simple composite frame, the versatile Shockwave provides a great value for developing offensive and defensive skills.
- Nike Blazer – Using standard alloys and basic construction, the Blazer offers a durable but value-focused option for new players learning fundamentals.
- Nike Lakota U – A scaled-back take on the Lakota 3, the Lakota U retains the wider flare and scoop for checking and ground balls at a budget price.
- Nike Stefan – Named after lacrosse legend Paul Gait, this retro-styled head offers a simple, beginner-friendly option for youth players.
- Nike Trainer – With its tapered shape and soft materials, the Trainer provides a safe, affordable introductory head for athletes new to lacrosse.
While these economy heads lack some innovations of Nike’s premium lines, they deliver sufficient durability, ball control, and handling for casual play or developing skills. With smart material choices and simplified features, Nike’s sub-$100 heads make the brand attainable for youth leagues and developing lacrosse programs.
Are Nike Heads Legal for High School and College Play?
One common question surrounding Nike’s innovative lacrosse heads is whether they meet the stringent requirements for use in high school and college play. Here are some key facts on the legality of Nike heads:
Meeting NFHS & NCAA Specs – All Nike lacrosse heads, including their top-of-the-line models, are engineered to comply with the dimensional rules set forth by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the NCAA. This includes parameters like maximum width, pocket depth, and shooting string placement.
Listed as Legal Heads – Major governing bodies like the NFHS and NCAA both list Nike lacrosse heads as legal for use in their rulebooks and online databases. Nike works closely with these organizations during the design process to ensure compliance.
Wide Adoption at Elite Levels – If Nike heads did not meet regs, they would not be usable in high school or college action. Yet Nike is one of the most widely used brands across top high school and NCAA Div I, II, and III programs. Their popularity proves the heads comply.
Routine Re-testing – As new heads are released, Nike routinely submits them for re-testing by labs certified by governing bodies to scientifically confirm the specs allow the heads to be used in sanctioned play.
Cleared by Officials – Well-informed lacrosse referees and umpires at all levels are trained to quickly identify and remove any heads not adhering strictly to NFHS or NCAA rules. The fact Nike heads are cleared for play by officials indicates they meet the book.
With player safety being paramount, Nike would not design heads that could put athletes in jeopardy. By proactively meeting all mandated requirements, Nike’s elite lacrosse heads deliver cutting-edge performance that is also fully compliant for high school and college competition.
Where to Buy Nike Lacrosse Heads Online
For players and coaches seeking the performance edge of Nike lacrosse heads, several top online retailers offer the full range of Nike’s lineup. Here are some of the best places to shop online for Nike lacrosse gear:
Lacrosse Unlimited – One of the sport’s leading specialty retailers, Lax.com offers an expansive selection of Nike sticks ready to ship. They carry Nike completes along with heads, handles, protective gear, and accessories.
Amazon – The everything store offers nearly all of Nike’s lacrosse sticks and heads available for Primer shipping. Amazon posts customer reviews to help buyers make informed decisions.
Sports Unlimited – With a dedicated lacrosse section, SportsUnlimited.com stocks Nike lacrosse gear along with equipment and apparel from other leading brands. Their site highlights related products and new arrivals.
Lacrosse Monkey – This online lacrosse destination stocks most Nike heads, shafts, and bundles. An intuitive website makes finding the exact Nike model fast and easy.
Soccer.com – While mainly focused on soccer, Soccer.com dedicates a section to lacrosse gear, including Nike heads, gloves, pads, bags, and more aimed at the high school and college game.
eBay – For unique finds and discounts, lacrosse players can find new and gently used Nike equipment from individual sellers through eBay’s sprawling marketplace.
By providing quick shipping, an effortless browsing experience, and safe payment processing, these top online lacrosse retailers make upgrading to Nike’s game-changing heads easier than ever.