Choose the Perfect Lacrosse Head for Your Game in 2023

Choose the Perfect Lacrosse Head for Your Game in 2023

Select Lacrosse Heads with Proper Pocket Placement for Your Style

When selecting a new lacrosse head, one of the most important factors to consider is the pocket placement. The position and depth of the pocket can significantly impact your throwing, catching, and scooping abilities. As a lacrosse player, you’ll want to find a head with a pocket designed specifically for your position and style of play.

For example, midfielders often benefit from a medium or mid-low pocket placement. This provides a nice blend of ball retention for cradling down the field along with solid passing and shooting accuracy. Attackmen who like to dodge and take quick shots tend to prefer either a mid or mid-high pocket. This gives them greater control for winding up on the run. Meanwhile, defensemen who focus on checking and disrupting passes generally favor a deeper pocket to help trap and hold the ball.

When evaluating pocket placement on a new lacrosse head, be sure to consider how it will impact your handling abilities. Think about how you like to carry, pass, catch, and shoot the ball. Watching the ball sit in the pocket and testing it out with wall ball can help give you a feel for the depth and performance. Keep in mind that pockets can also be adjusted through stringing, though the ideal placement may vary by head design.

Taking the time to find a lacrosse head with optimal pocket placement can give you an edge on the field. With the ball perfectly dialed into your sweet spot, you’ll gain consistency in every lacrosse move. Whether you love to snipe top corners, throw crisp outlet passes, or protect the ball down the alley, having a pocket tailored to your style makes all the difference.

Consider Stiff or Flexible Lax Heads Depending on Position

When selecting a new lacrosse head, one of the key factors to consider is the stiffness or flexibility of the head frame. Lacrosse heads come in a range of stiffnesses, from very rigid to extremely flexible. The amount of stiffness or flex can significantly impact your handling, passing, shooting, and checking abilities as a player. That’s why it’s important to choose a lacrosse head with the right amount of flex for your position and style of play.

For example, attackmen and midfielders often prefer a head with more flexible sidewalls and scoop. This allows the head to “give” a bit on passes, shots, and big checks, adding more whip to their mechanics. The extra flex helps generate faster shot speeds, quicker releases, and more hold on cradled balls. A more flexible lacrosse head provides versatility for carrying, feeding, and shooting on the run. Popular flexible heads for offensive players include the Maverik Optik, Nike CEO, and Warrior Evo 5.

On the other hand, defensemen tend to favor lacrosse heads with stiffer sidewalls and scoops. The rigid frame offers superior ball retention during checks, pokes, and ground ball scrums. Defensemen rely on their heads to absorb impacts while maintaining control. Stiff heads also provide exceptional stability when body checking attacking players. Some excellent stiff lacrosse heads for defense include the Warrior Regulator, Maverik Tank, and STX Hammer.

For face-off specialists, a lacrosse head with moderate flex is ideal. This balance of stiffness and give enables excellent clamping at the X while also allowing quick pops during rake battles. Popular heads like the Warrior FOCUS and Nike Vandal provide great versatility at the face-off dot. Goalies also tend to prefer heads with a bit more rigidity for improved ball control during saves and clears.

By selecting a lacrosse head with the appropriate amount of flex, players can optimize their performance. Be sure to test out the stiffness and feel during wall ball sessions. Finding the right blend of rigidity and whip for your position is key.

Choose Strung or Unstrung Lacrosse Heads Based on Preference

When looking for a new lacrosse head, one key decision is whether to go with a pre-strung model or an unstrung head. Lacrosse heads come both pre-strung from the factory or unstrung without any mesh, laces, or leathers. The choice between strung vs. unstrung comes down to personal preference and playing style.

Pre-strung lacrosse heads offer convenience and consistency straight out of the box. Manufacturers string them to certain pocket specs using consistent materials like nylon mesh and soft leathers. This eliminates the guesswork and makes the pocket more defined from day one. Pre-strung heads allow you to hit the field running with excellent out-of-the-box performance. Many players love the instant playability of a factory strung pocket.

On the other hand, unstrung lacrosse heads give you total control over the stringing. You can customize the mesh, leathers, stitching, and sidewall strings exactly how you want. While it requires some time and effort to string up, you can craft your ideal pocket shape, width, depth, and feel. Unstrung heads also allow you to easily perform maintenance like replacing shooting strings or adjusting the channel. If you’re very particular about your pocket or like to tinker, an unstrung head is great.

There are high-quality pre-strung and unstrung versions of most lacrosse heads these days. For example, you can buy a strung STX Crux 500 or string up an unstrung Crux 500 yourself. It comes down to deciding when and how you want your head to be strung. Players who love customization may prefer unstrung, while those who want to spend more time on the field might go pre-strung.

Testing out strung and unstrung heads during wall ball and shooting practice can help determine your ideal option. With the right stringing, both types can deliver excellent performance. Choosing between a pre-strung or unstrung lacrosse head ultimately comes down to personal preference and stringing philosophy.

Pick Eye-Catching Colored Lacrosse Heads to Stand Out

When selecting a new lacrosse head, the color and design can be an important factor for standing out on the field. Lacrosse heads now come in a wide range of eye-catching color options beyond basic white and black. Choosing a uniquely colored head is a great way to express your personal style and make your game pop.

Bright, flashy lacrosse head colors like neon yellow, orange, green, pink, and blue can all help you get noticed on the field. They provide excellent visibility for teammates trying to locate you during fast breaks or cuts through traffic. Goalies also benefit from brightly colored heads to draw the attention of clearing defenders.

Unique designs with color fades, graffiti graphics, chrome or matte finishes also allow you to showcase your flair. Popular color patterns like tie-dye, digital camo, and color fade can give your head some swagger. Lacrosse brands like Maverik, STX, and Warrior offer custom color and graphic options to design your own head.

Beyond style, some players use color strategically depending on position. For example, having different color heads for attack, middies, and defensemen can help distinguish player positions during unsettled situations. Color coding heads by position is common at upper levels.

It’s also important to ensure your head color stands out from the ball and field colors. Brighter lacrosse heads pop against typical ball colors like white, yellow, orange and lime green. They also stand out well against darker grass and turf backgrounds. Overly bright heads can make it tricky to track passes, so find the right balance.

Testing different color lacrosse heads during practices helps determine visibility. Switching to a more vibrant head color can enhance your presence on the field. Standing out with eye-catching colors and designs expresses personality while optimizing performance.

Shop Popular Brands like Warrior, Brine & STX for Quality Lacrosse Heads

When it comes to lacrosse equipment, using heads from established, trusted brands is the way to go. Top companies like Warrior, Brine, and STX consistently produce high-quality lacrosse heads with excellent performance and durability. By sticking with major manufacturers, you can be confident in getting a head that will handle the rigors of practices and games.

Warrior makes some of the most popular lacrosse heads across all levels of the game. Top models like the Evo Warp, Burn FO, and Regulator offer the latest technologies and materials for optimal play. Warrior heads are known for their innovative sidewall designs, customizable flex points, and enhanced ball control capabilities.

Brine has also been a leader in lacrosse gear for decades. Flagship lines like the Clutch, Blaze, and Edge provide elite passing, shooting, and checking abilities. Brine focuses on a blend of precision, power, and durability in heads favored by beginners and pros alike.

STX is another juggernaut, churning out heads like the Stallion, K18, and Surgeon lines. STX targets total feel and control in their engineering. They use premium alloys and technical geometries to optimize handling and accuracy across positions. Face-off and women’s lacrosse players also love STX heads.

Beyond the big brands, smaller companies like Maverik, Epoch, and StringKing make quality heads as well. But by sticking with industry leaders like Warrior, Brine, and STX, you get access to the latest tech packed into proven head designs. Major brands also make it easier to find replacement parts. For a balance of innovation and reliability, go with the top names in lacrosse.

Compare Prices on New and Used Lacrosse Heads for Savings

Finding ways to save money on lacrosse gear is always smart. Comparing prices and considering both new and used lacrosse heads can help you get quality equipment while maximizing value.

When shopping for a new lacrosse head, check prices from multiple retailers, both online and in local stores. Look for sales, holiday promos, and coupon codes that may lower costs on new heads. Signing up for team or retailer email lists can provide special discount offers as well.

Buying used lacrosse heads is another great way to save. Many pre-owned heads still have plenty of playable life left in them at a fraction of the price. Check lacrosse forums, online classifieds, and local gear swap groups to find deals on used heads. Thoroughly inspect any used gear for cracks, warping, or damage first.

Consider buying last year’s lacrosse head models as well. Brands frequently update head lines annually, so previous years’ stocks often go on clearance. You can pick up a lightly used head in great shape just because it’s an older model. Perform some research to spot these savings opportunities.

문자열 Lacrosse heads with cosmetic defects that don’t affect play may also be available at discount. Keep an eye out for heads with scrapes, logos worn off, or scuffs to find savings. Off-brand heads can also provide cost savings while still delivering solid performance too.

With some searching and flexibility, you can likely find quality lacrosse heads at reduced costs. Compare retailer prices, consider pre-owned deals, find clearance models, and inspect cosmetic seconds to maximize value. A small compromise on looks or newness can equal big savings on your lacrosse gear.

Read Reviews to Find the Best Rated Lacrosse Heads

One of the best ways to evaluate different lacrosse heads is to read through customer reviews. Taking the time to research real user feedback can help you discover the top rated lacrosse heads on the market across all positions.

Online lacrosse gear and retailer sites allow customers to post reviews of products, giving insight into quality, durability, and performance. Sort through the user reviews for different lacrosse heads, looking for models with consistently high ratings and positive feedback.

Pay attention to the review details as well. Lacrosse players will often comment on specifics like pocket shape, throwing mechanics, ground ball scooping, faceoff clamping, and much more. This can reveal how well a particular head performs for certain positions or play styles. Watch for recurring themes in multiple reviews.

Independent lacrosse gear review sites and forums are another great source for evaluations. These provide in-depth assessments of the latest heads from genuine lacrosse enthusiasts and experts. Look for reviews that compare multiple heads side-by-side through extensive testing.

It’s also helpful to ask teammates for their personal head recommendations and feedback. Those who have used a head extensively can speak to its benefits and drawbacks. Get opinions from players at your position to dial in options.

While trying out gear firsthand is ideal, taking advantage of lacrosse head reviews enables you to tap into the wisdom of the crowd. Spending time researching the top rated, recommended heads can significantly narrow down your choices.

Look for Durable Lacrosse Heads for Aggressive Face-off Specialists

For face-off specialists who battle it out at the ‘X’ every possession, a super durable lacrosse head is a must. The relentless grind of clamping, raking, scraping, and jostling during face-offs requires a head built to withstand the punishment.

Look for lacrosse heads with thick, rigid sidewalls to prevent warping and deforming. Aircraft grade alloys like 6000 series aluminum provide superior resilience when absorbing clamp collisions and elbows to the head. Rock-solid sidewalls are key.

The scoop area also takes a beating, so look for reinforced throats and stiff scoop designs. Titanium and other alloys help bolster the scoop’s structural integrity to prevent bending, cracking, and chipping. Abrasion-resistant coatings also prolong scoop life.

Since the bottom rails smash against opponents’ heads, sticks, and the ground repeatedly, extra beefy bottom rails are ideal. Look for oversized, box-shaped bottom rails for max strength during ground battles for possession.

The face shape of the head should also facilitate quick ball wins and clamping after draws. Wider heads with curved faces, optimal string holes, and strategically placed flex points excel in face-off applications.

Don’t forget to examine the warranty coverage as well when choosing a durable face-off head. Look for at least a 12 month warranty and responsive customer service to cover head damage. With the right ultra-robust lacrosse head, face-off dominators can play confidently possession after possession.

Find Pinched Lacrosse Heads for Accurate Passing and Shooting

When seeking to maximize passing and shooting accuracy, one head feature to look for is a pinched design. Lacrosse heads with a pinched scoop and sidewalls funnel the ball into a consistent central channel for excellent delivery precision.

Pinched heads tighten up the ball’s path from the throat to top of the scoop, preventing rattling and wild deflections. This focused pathway keeps shots and feeds on line to their targets. Pinched sidewalls also add whip and quickness to passes and shots as they exit the head.

On pinched heads, the ball very naturally finds the center sweet spot every time. This makes timing easier, resulting in crisper catches. During passes, the ball fires fast and straight out of a pinched head right into teammates’ sticks.

When winding up for shots, pinched heads keep the ball locked in the optimal channel for blistering speed and accuracy. Shots stay on track instead of sailing high or wide of the net. Popular pinched heads like the ECD Rebel OG and Maverik Optik maximize passing and shooting efficiency.

The precision and finesse provided by pinched lacrosse heads gives players supreme confidence in their mechanics. Knowing the ball will exit the head cleanly improves performance across the field. For players who value accuracy, a pinched head is a must-have.

Select Offset or Centered Lacrosse Heads Based on Position

Lacrosse heads come in offset and centered scoop designs, each with distinct benefits depending on playing position. Evaluating offset vs. centered heads can ensure you get optimal ball control and release mechanics for your needs.

Offset lacrosse heads feature a scoop that sits to one side, rather than centering it at the top of the head. This shifted scoop angle provides excellent ball retention for players who need to protect their stick. Defenders and face-off midfielders often prefer offset heads to shield ground balls and take checks.

During ground ball scrums, offset heads make it easier to clamp down and trap the ball by hugging the lower sidewall. The angled scoop acts like a lid, leveraging the head’s shape for supreme control. Many defensive players also like how offset heads protect against stick checks.

For offensive players, centered scoop heads offer a straight path for passing and shooting. Middies and attackmen rely on centered heads to direct cleanly launch shots and deliver crisp feeds. The symmetrical ball channel maximizes accuracy. Centers provide balance for carrying and receiving passes as well.

Consider your individual style and role when choosing an offset over centered scoop or vice versa. Be sure to test heads with wall ball to get a feel for the ball channel and release. Dialing in the right scoop design improves possession play, passing, and shooting.

Consider a Flexible Lacrosse Head for Quick Release Passes

Lacrosse players who prioritize ultra-fast passing look for heads with flexible sidewalls and scoops. The whippiness produced by a flexible head generates lightning quick releases on feeds.

Flexible lacrosse heads feature thinner, alloy-infused sidewalls engineered to flex. As you deliver a pass, the head gives slightly, creating a catapult effect. This adds tremendous velocity as the ball launches out the top of the stick.

The more flex in the head, the more snap you get on passes. Flexible sidewalls and scoops act like slingshots, energizing the ball as it leaves the pocket. Flexible heads are ideal for quickly zipping the ball around the perimeter or inside to cutters.

That quick-release ability also comes in handy when passing on the run or shot fakes. You can whip passes from any angle thanks to the head’s responsiveness. Popular flexible heads like the Maverik Optik and Nike CEO excel at high-speed feeds.

Make sure to test the flex of any head during wall ball sessions. Focus on the feel during quick sticks, catch-and-shoot reps, and other passing sequences. The right amount of flex optimizes passing performance through speed and precision.

Choose a Stiff Lacrosse Head for Powerful Checks and Shots

For players focused on maximizing power, a stiff lacrosse head is the way to go. The rigidity of a stiff head delivers huge force on checks, shots, and clears.

Stiff lacrosse heads feature solid, unyielding sidewalls and scoops engineered from thicker alloys. This creates a rigid frame that doesn’t flex or absorb energy. All your power transfers directly through the head and into the ball.

During checks and pokes, a stiff head won’t bend or flap, allowing you to displacement opponents decisively. You can also wind up for big time cannon shots knowing a stiff head won’t dissipate any velocity.

The lack of flex adds consistency as well. With a stiff head, the ball launches on the same trajectory every time for potent accuracy. Face-off players also appreciate a stiff head’s stability and ball retention abilities.

Stiffness does sacrifice some ball feel and handling quickness. But for raw power in all aspects of play, from clearing to shooting, a rigid head brings the thunder. Popular models like the Maverik Tank and STX Hammer excel at bringing the physical intensity.

Test head stiffness by taking full checks and shots during practice. Focus on the feel as energy transfers through the head. Dialing in the right stiffness amplifies your physical presence across the field.

Get an Open Sidewall Lacrosse Head for Increased Ball Control

Lacrosse heads with open sidewall designs offer players enhanced ball control and feel. The lack of a lower sidewall on one or both sides creates direct shaft contact for supreme handling.

Rather than closing off the sidewalls completely, open sidewall heads leave them partially open. This allows you to cradle and control the ball with your bottom hand in tight along the shaft. You get incredibly responsive feel guiding the ball around defenders or protecting it in traffic.

During hanging shots or quick sticks, open sidewalls give you sniper-like accuracy. With your bottom hand contacting the ball right on the shaft, you can place shots and feed with precision. Ground balls are easier to corral as well thanks to the tighter ball-to-shaft connection.

Some open sidewall heads remove just one sidewall, keeping the other closed for structural support. Others feature two fully open walls, maximizing ball feel at the cost of some durability. Popular open sidewall heads include the ECD Rebel and Maverik Kinetik.

Make sure to test open sidewall heads with extensive wall ball to experience the enhanced control. Dialing in the right amount of openness optimized your handling abilities all over the field.

Pick a Narrow Lacrosse Head for Defenders Who Like to Poke Check

For defensemen who rely on quick, disruptive poke checks, a narrow lacrosse head is ideal. The condensed width and focused channel amplify the effectiveness of pokes.

Narrow lacrosse heads concentrate all ball control into a tighter alley down the center. This makes it easier to dislodge with pokes from any angle. Even slight stick contact can knock the ball free with a narrower head shape.

The narrowed design also adds ball velocity, making pokes faster and harder to react to. When executing redirects and slap checks, the compact head really fires passes and shots wide with a minor deflection.

During ground ball scrums, narrow heads excel at sneaking in to rake or poke away possessions. The concentrated sweet spot also makes it easier to tip away inside rolls or crease dives.

Some excellent narrow heads for aggressive defenders include the Epoch Dragonfly and Maverik Tank. The STX Hammer 500 Endura also combines a rigid narrow channel ideal for checking.

Make sure to test poke check success rates with any new head. Focus on disrupting catches, passing lanes, and ball retention during practice reps. Dialing in an optimal narrow head elevates every aspect of physical defensive play.