Finding The Top Mens Lacrosse Heads and Goalie Helmets This 2023 Season

Finding The Top Mens Lacrosse Heads and Goalie Helmets This 2023 Season

Analyzing the Popular STX Lacrosse Heads for Attackmen

When looking for a new lacrosse head to boost your scoring as an attackman, STX offers some of the top-rated and most popular models on the market. The STX Stallion 700 is a great choice for elite high school and college attackmen who want more accuracy on their shots. This lightweight head has an aggressive 75° flare and optimum string hole placement to provide excellent ball control. Attackmen who use the Stallion 700 praise its stiff Enduraform rails and distinct ́╗┐ scoop design that gives added velocity on passes and shots.

For younger players or beginners looking for an entry-level LAX head, the STX Exult 200 is a nice option. With a 30° flare and strategic stringing holes, new players can develop their skills without getting frustrated. Plus, the Exult 200 is NCAA and NFHS legal for all levels of competitive play. Its flexible sidewalls help you perfect catching passes and holding possession more confidently.

More experienced middies or attackmen wanting a little extra finesse on their stickwork and shooting should consider the STX Hammer. This lacrosse head utilizes groundbreaking OverDrive rail technology by STX to recoil and snap back after every hard shot you take. Your shots will fly faster with the Hammer’s advanced design features. With pinched scoop contours and graduated sidewall stiffness, you get incredible ball control too.

No matter what skill level you are at, STX makescutting-edge lacrosse heads designed to take your offensive game to the next level. They engineer each head using durable alloys and polymers for strength, while strategically placing stringing holes for optimal pocket depth and ball control. Looking forprecision passing, pinpoint shooting, and lightning-quick releases? You can’t go wrong with one of STX’s top-flight attack heads this season.

Warrior Lacrosse Heads Offer Great Value and Performance

Warrior is one of the powerhouse brands in lacrosse known for making affordable yet high-quality heads and gear. Their lacrosse heads offer a lot of value without breaking the bank. Warrior’s line of Burn, Rabil, Rabil X, and Evo lacrosse heads have proven popular amongst youth, high school, and college players.

The Warrior Evo 5 lacrosse head provides an excellent option for middies and attackmen. With an open sidewall design, groundbreaking Tri-Bend technology, and the right amount of flex, you get incredible ball control and quick release passes and shots. I’d recommend stringing it up with Warrior’s 32D Shooting Strings and Semi-Soft mesh if you like a mid-low pocket with some hold.

Defensive-minded players looking for superior checking and scooping abilities can benefit from the Warrior Burn FO. This head has an angular scoop and stiff outer rails for boxing out cutters and picking up ground balls. Thanks to the yellow Scan Bar technology, you can scan each Burn head with your phone and activate a 1-year warranty. Beginners will appreciate the low price point on this lax head.

The Warrior Rabil and Rabil X heads are ideal for face-off specialists and two-way middies. The original Rabil model has a narrower design with defined sidewalls to hug the ball on draws and passes. The Rabil X kicks it up a notch, optimized for winning possessions with its angled scoop and mid-flex profile. Both heads meet all HS, NCAA, and MLL requirements.

I’d recommend any Warrior lacrosse head to players who want something affordable yet rugged. These heads can stand up to frequent use thanks to their durable polymer and alloy make. With strategic stringing and flexible rails, Warrior heads give you the tools to develop your game.

Best Maverik Lacrosse Heads Suited for Fogos and Defensemen

In the world of lacrosse, Maverik consistently delivers high-performance heads engineered for specific positions and playing styles. Their lineup provides some of the top options for face-off specialists and defensemen needing optimal ball control and checking abilities.

The Maverik Optic Universal is one of the best heads for fogos and two-way middies. With a mid-level flex profile and strategic string holes, you can achieve your ideal pocket set up to gain possession off the draw. The angled scoop and pinch allow for quick ground ball pickups. Its hybrid design works for both offense and defense.

For the hard-nosed defenseman, Maverik’s Tank head offers superior ball protection and checking capabilities. This head has an imposing high-wall and box shape designed to shield ground balls and out-muscle dodging attackmen. The stiffened rails really allow you to hammer checks. Pair it with soft mesh for even better hold.

If you’re a long stick middie, the Maverik Rome NXT Lacrosse Head provides excellent outlet passing and transition play. The rounded and open scoop facilitates quick ground ball pickups. With Maveriks Level Mesh pocket and multi-spline runner system, you get insane hold for clearing down the field under pressure without fear of turnovers.

Any player who values durability and stiffness for elite level play should look at Maverik’slacrosse heads. Their high-end construction can withstand frequent checking. Strategic head shapes like the Tank and Optic cater to specific positional needs. To gain a competitive edge, equip yourself this season with one of Maverik’s specialized heads.

New and Classic Brine Lacrosse Heads to Consider

Brine has been a major name in lacrosse gear for decades, and their heads offer trusted performance for all positions. From latest models like the Clutch 3 to their classics like the Edge, Brine provides reliable heads known for their playability.

The Brine Clutch 3 lacrosse head comes in attack and midfield/defense versions to fit specific playing styles. With an open sidewall design, 3-shot mil-spec string holes, and mid-level flex, this head caters to serious HS and college players wanting more finesse. Its wider face shape facilitates dishing assists.

Brine’s King 3 lacrosse head is a nice option for a high school or youth player on a budget. It meets all NCAA and NFHS requirements and has a great feel for newer players. The King 3 provides excellent durability thanks to its TruOffset technology. With wider sidewalls and 20 stringing holes, dialing in your preferred pocket is simple.

Now for a classic – the Brine Edge lacrosse head epitomizes the brand’s pedigree. First introduced in the 90s, this head is ideal for developing fundamentals. The Edge has a universal shape working for all positions, with defined sidewalls for handling and control. It meets NFHS and NCAA specs for competitive play.

The bottom line is that Brine consistently designs quality lacrosse heads with the beginner to elite player in mind. They utilize proven technologies like TruOffset frames and strategic stringing holes to optimize performance. If you want a head with excellentplayability right out of the box, Brine is a leading choice.

Evaluating Nike Lakota U and Vandal Lacrosse Heads for Durability and Shooting

When it comes to lacrosse heads engineered for precise shooting, Nike’s Lakota U and Vandal models are top choices for attackmen. With innovative construction and scoop designs, these heads launch shots with pinpoint accuracy and force.

The Nike Lakota U epitomizes their dedication to performance lacrosse gear. This head utilizes a groundbreaking metal-fused plastic frame seriously bolstering its stiffness and durability. You’ll notice minimal flex and warp even after repeated hard checks and shots on cage. The Lakota’s scoop and rail contours promote clean ball releases.

Ideal for elite high school and college attackmen, the Nike Vandal lacrosse head has an imposing structure built to rip shots. The Vandal’s wide-set sidewalls and Mid-Flex Profile give excellent ball control on duck-ins near the crease. Pinched scoop edges and elongated throat channels enable blistering fast shots. Just add some 70D nylon mesh, and this head will laser balls into the corners.

Nike engineers their lacrosse heads using innovative materials and construction techniques. By fusing metal and polymer compounds, they create super stiff frames able to withstand huge stresses from checks and shots. Strategic scoop shapes like on the Lakota U and Vandal heads promote lightning-quick releases. So if you want one of the most durable yet accurate shooting heads this season, Nike has you covered.

Under Armour Lacrosse Head Technology and Design Features

Under Armour has made big strides designing lacrosse heads packed with innovative features to improve performance. By leveraging technologies like Arc Rails and Integrated Sidewalls, their heads deliver excellent durability, ball control, and shooting accuracy.

The Under Armour Command XLAX head utilizes the brand’s Integrated Sidewall technology, removing the typical screw mounting hardware that can loosen over time. This unique construction integrates the sidewalls into the head frame for unparalleled stiffness and solid feel when passing and shooting.

For elite high school and college middies, the Under Armour Arc Rail head is a terrific choice. The head incorporates UA’s new Arc Rail tech, strategically tuning the top rail’s flex properties to optimize ball control and handling. You’ll notice cleaner catches and super tight hold on this cradle. It launches shots with serious velocity thanks to the pinched, angled scoop.

Under Armour proves their engineering chops by packing heads like the Command XLAX and Arc Rail with performance-driven technologies. By designing proprietary sidewall integration systems and flex rail contours, they deliver heads with insane ball control and durability. If you want a stiff, consistent feel from your lacrosse head, UA has you covered.

Choosing the Right Pocket and Stringing for Your Playing Style

Finding your ideal lacrosse head pocket set up is crucial for maximizing ball control and handling for your position. Middies, attackmen, defenders, and fogos each benefit from particular pocket styles, depths, and stringing configurations.

For fogos, a mid-high pocket with a narrowly-channeled ball track gives the best control when clamping the ball on draws. Adding a double runner setup helps hug and protect the ball when raking and turning out of scrums.

Attackmen looking for quick stick passing and releases will prefer a mid-low pocket with a wider channel. This facilitates instantly dishing feeds from behind or beside the crease and rip quick time-and-room shots. Using a 3 straight, 1 nylon Shooting String setup really grabs the ball.

Defensemen benefit from a mid to mid-high pocket depth able to shield ground balls from cutters during pickups. A double runner setup adds extra hold when clearing out of trouble under pressure. The pocket shape should make passing and catching checks easier.

No matter your position, dialing in your preferred pocket depth, width, and shooting strings transforms ball control. Think about the techniques you execute and how pocket configuration can optimize your performance. Don’t be afraid to tweak stringing over time as your skills progress.

Getting Proper Protection with Lacrosse Helmet Certification

When selecting a new lacrosse helmet, one of the most important factors is ensuring it meets key safety certification standards for your level of play. Organizations like NOCSAE and HECC provide critical testing to guarantee a helmet’s ability to reduce impact forces and prevent head injuries.

For U.S. play, look for lacrosse helmets carrying the NOCSAE ND041 certification label inside the shell. This rigorous standard tests a helmet’s performance protecting against both linear and rotational energy which cause concussions. NOCSAE works closely with sports equipment companies to drive innovation and improved protective abilities in helmet designs.

Internationally, the HECC certification is the gold standard for lacrosse lids. With even more stringent requirements, HECC helmets provide extremely advanced protection for box and field players worldwide. The organization conducts scientific impact studies and designs safety policies to evolve helmet technologies each year.

Don’t just choose a helmet based on comfort and looks alone. Ensure your new lid meets associations’ yearly updated performance requirements. With lacrosse’s high-speed play and physicality, utilizing a properly certified helmet mitigates unnecessary injury risks at any level. Focus on your game, not getting hurt. NOCSAE and HECC testing provides that invaluable peace of mind.

Finding the Best Lacrosse Helmet Vision and Ventilation

Along with impact protection, optimized vision and ventilation represent key elements to consider when buying your lacrosse helmet. Superior sight lines and airflow keep you performing at your best through four exhausting quarters.

Leading brands engineer helmet shells that widen your field of view while protecting from errant sticks and balls. Features like cascade’s R Vision Mask and Warrior’s WideView design open up downward and peripheral sight lines for noticing cutters and reacting faster.

Venting systems like Bauer’s FreeFlow technology utilize strategic shell cutouts and padding channels to direct air movement across your head. This enhances cooling airflow when you’re running all over the field under that baking sun.

Don’t overlook comfort-oriented aspects like vision and ventilation in your new lacrosse bucket. Maximize how you see the field and stay cool when the game heats up. Features like moisture-wicking anti-microbial liners also enhance ventilation and evaporation when you’re sweating buckets out there. Test different helmet makes and models to find your personal vision and airflow sweet spot this season.

Key Considerations for Lacrosse Goalie Helmet Comfort and Protection

For lacrosse goalies, finding a helmet providing complete cranial protection along with optimized visibility and comfort is crucial. As shots rifle in at 100+ mph, you need a lid offering uncompromised padding coverage and vision to react quickly.

Leading goalie helmet models utilize full wrap-around shell designs encapsulating your temples, ears, and occipital region. Cascade’s S-Line and Maverik’s Rome features widened rear padding zones shielding vulnerable impact points missed by standard field helmets.

Helmets like the Bauer Re-Akt offer elite-level visibility from all angles. This allows reacting to tricky bouncers and high shots originating behind your shoulder. Molded visor cutouts in these lids give a clear sight picture when dropping into your stance.

Do your homework to discover goalie buckets offering the right fit and feel. Prioritize finding ample padding configurations protecting sides of your head often left exposed. Test potential helmets in your stance to ensure unobstructed vision from all angles. Don’t disregard comfort and ventilation properties either. The right goalie lid builds your confidence between the pipes.

New vs Used Lacrosse Heads – The Pros and Cons

When looking to equip yourself with a fresh lacrosse head, you’ll find options for both new and used models. Weighing the pros and cons of each can help decide which route best fits your needs and budget.

The main perk of buying a brand new head is getting that out-of-the-box performance and tech. Latest engineering gives you excellent stiffness, shot speed, and ball control. New heads also meet the most up-to-date NOCSAE safety standards. Going new provides warranty coverage too.

Gently used heads offer significant cost savings, often retailing for 50% or more below their original price. If cared for properly, you can find very lightly used models with tons of play left. Used heads are already broken-in, skipping that initial stiff adjustment period.

Of course, the cons of used options are lack of warranty, unknown origin and stringing qualities. They may have undisclosed damage or warping. Older used models likely don’t meet current safety standards. Shop carefully inspecting thoroughly for cracks and flaws.

For many players, going the used route makes lacrosse more affordable. But if your budget allows, a new head guarantees prime performance and protection. Weigh factors like price, safety needs, and condition when choosing between new and used lax heads.

Maintaining Your Lacrosse Gear Properly For Optimal Use

Taking proper care of your lacrosse equipment ensures it lasts longer while delivering peak performance. Following key maintenance best practices for heads, helmets, gloves, and pads extends useful life and prevents safety issues.

For lacrosse heads, periodically check sidewalls and scoops for cracks forming from repeated hard checks. Touch up any chips in the plastic right away with clear nail polish to prevent enlargement. Differing weather can warp the head shape, so store indoors when not playing.

Helmet upkeep involves regularly cleaning and sanitizing interior pads and liner materials. This prevents buildup of dirt, sweat, and bacteria causing breakouts or unpleasant odors. Inspect exterior shells for any cracks or damaged clips. Replace bolts/screws immediately if lost.

Don’t neglect caring for gloves and pads either. Wash gloves and elbow pads with gentle detergent to eliminate grime and freshen up the materials. Use glove creams/balms on leather palms to maintain suppleness and tack. Air out pads fully between uses.

With proper maintenance and TLC for your lacrosse gear, it will reward you with better protection, control, and performance in the long run. Routinely inspecting components and addressing wear early maximizes equipment lifespan.

Lacrosse Head and Helmet Sizing Guides to Find Your Ideal Fit

Getting the right lacrosse head and helmet size ensures proper fit, maximizing your control and protective abilities. Follow general sizing best practices, but don’t be afraid to test different models and brands.

For helmets, measure your head’s circumference above your eyebrows and ears. Compare to size charts, going to the top end of a range if in between. Youth helmets generally fit heads 20.5 to 22 inches around, while adult sizes span 22 to 24+ inches. Goalie helmets run slightly larger.

Lacrosse head sizing depends partly on your stick length. Attach a head to your shaft and ensure the scoop sits just above the collar bone with feet together. Measure from the middle of the head to determine fit. Youth sticks around 40-60 inches typically pair with heads in the 6-7 inch range. High school and adult sticks measuring 60-72 inches fit well with heads from 7 to 8 inches long.

Beyond sizes, test different helmet and head shapes/brands for ideal vision, ventilation and string hole setups. An anatomically contoured helmet shell or a head with curved sidewalls may fit your needs better. Don’t neglect the importance of fit – ask coaches for sizing advice too before purchasing.

Top Places to Buy Lacrosse Gear Online and In Stores

Today’s lacrosse players enjoy more options than ever for purchasing heads, helmets, gloves, shafts, and other essential gear. Along with traditional sporting goods stores, specialized online retailers offer deep selection and competitive pricing.

Lacrosse Unlimited, Lax.com, Lacrosse Monkey, and East Coast Dyes remain go-to online destinations for all your equipment needs. Their websites make browsing by gender, skill level, and position easy. Expect lots of sales, promo codes, and seasonal deals as well.

Local lacrosse specialty stores are worth checking out too. Experts on staff can assess your skillset and recommend ideal gear combinations. You get hands-on evaluation of product features and fit. Stores may also string pockets and laces at reasonable rates.

Don’t forget sporting goods chains like Dick’s, Hibbett’s, and Modell’s that carry starter sticks perfect for new players. Their market reach allows stocking a solid range of heads, pads, and accessories from top brands. Take advantage of flexible return policies if needed.

With more purchasing options than ever, find the retailer offering the best price, selection, and service for you. Weigh benefits like trying products instore versus discounts buying online. Mixing sources helps build the perfect personalized setup.

Gifts For The Lacrosse Player – Heads, Helmets, and More

Looking for the perfect gift for the lacrosse player in your life? Heads, helmets, gloves, shafts, and other gear make great presents for birthdays, holidays, or team accomplishments. Consider equipment upgrades or accessories to show your support for their passion.

For youth players, a new STX or Maverik head could give them a confidence boost by improving their passing, catching, and shooting skills. Go for a stiff, durable model meeting NOCSAE safety standards if within budget. Pair it with mesh, shooting strings, and ladder laces for a complete package.

Helmet decals offer an easy way to customize their look on the field. Brands like SwagLax and StylinStrings make pre-designed and custom helmet decals for every position. Give them the gift of unique style.

Consider protective accessories too like arm guards, rib pads, or lead elbow pads to enhance coverage. Check for worn out palm laces on their current gloves. Surprise them with patterned replacements like checkerboard or neon green.

Giving the gift of new equipment will excite any passionate lacrosse athlete. But even basic items like shooting shirts, sweatbands, and locker decals can make their day too. Think about their favorite colors, number, and position when selecting gifts to support their love of LAX.