Reviews

The Best Nike Lacrosse Heads for Attack Players in 2023

Nike Vapor Elite Lacrosse Head

The Nike Vapor Elite lacrosse head has quickly become one of the most popular heads for attack players. As an attackman myself, I was eager to test out the Vapor Elite to see if it lived up to the hype. After stringing it up and taking it out for some wall ball sessions and a few practices, I can confidently say this head delivers on both performance and durability.

The Vapor Elite comes equipped with Nike’s Rapid Rail sidewall technology, which utilizes a rail-shaped sidewall to maximize ball control and passing accuracy. I immediately noticed how defined and crisp my passes were, especially on the run or when throwing on the back hip. The head shape also provides an ideal balance of hold and release when cradling, allowing me to maintain possession of the ball through contact.

Another huge plus for the Vapor Elite is how lightweight it feels. Weighing in at only 4.9 oz., my hands barely felt the head when stick handling or shooting. I was able to rip off quick release shots with ease. The lightweight design also reduces arm and shoulder fatigue over the course of a game. No attackman wants to be gassed in the 4th quarter!

When it comes to durability, the Vapor Elite is constructed using a blended composite material built to withstand heavy abuse. I put it through its paces, checking it repeatedly against brick walls and tossing it around on turf. After several weeks, it shows little signs of wear. The stiff rail sidewalls really help it hold its shape over time.

Overall, the Nike Vapor Elite lacrosse head lives up to expectations for high level attack players. If you’re looking for unmatched ball control and passing accuracy combined with excellent durability, I highly recommend adding this head to your setup. The speedy, lightweight feel also makes it a great choice for taking your game to the next level.

Best Nike Heads for Attack Players

As an attack player, having the right lacrosse head is crucial for maximizing your offensive performance. Nike offers several stellar lacrosse heads optimized for attack players looking to take their game to the next level. In this article, we’ll explore the top Nike lacrosse heads for attack and how to choose the best option for your playing style.

When selecting a lacrosse head for attack, you want to prioritize ball control, quick passing and shooting, and durability. Attack players need pinpoint accuracy on feeds to cutters and shots on cage. You also need excellent ball retention when dodging and cradling through traffic. Finally, your head needs to be sturdy enough to withstand constant checking and slashing from defenders.

The Nike CEO U is one of the most well-rounded Nike heads for attack. It provides elite-level ball control thanks to its narrow, AccuShape rail sidewalls. I’ve found my passing accuracy to be off the charts with this head. It also has a nice medium scoop for quickly collecting ground balls. The CEO U head gives you a blend of hold and quick release on shots too. And even after several games knocking around with defenders, it retains its shape and pop.

Attack players focused on a lightweight design should look at the Nike Legacy. Weighing in at only 4.9 oz., this head feels effortless when stick handling and shooting. I was blown away by how easy it was to rip shots with the Legacy. It almost feels like an extension of your arm. The head is also incredibly durable thanks to its stiff carbon composite material. It takes checks without compromising integrity.

For elusive, quick-stick attack players, the Nike Mirage is a stellar option. The Mirage maximizes ball control for tight stick fakes, quick feeds from X, and sidearm shots on the crease. The shape is specifically tailored for box lacrosse-style playmaking. I also found ground balls easier to scoop since the Mirage sits close to the ground. If you like to play with flair, this head accentuates those slick stick skills.

Overall, Nike produces several exceptional lacrosse heads optimized for excelling as an attack player. Consider factors like ball control, passing/shooting, durability, and weight when selecting the best option for your game. Models like the CEO U, Legacy, and Mirage consistently shine for taking your offensive production to new heights.

Nike Lacrosse Heads for Faceoff Specialists

In the fast-paced game of lacrosse, faceoff specialists play a crucial role in gaining possession off the draw. Having the right lacrosse head can give faceoff middies an edge in quickness and clamping ability. Nike offers several heads optimized for faceoff dominance. Here’s an in-depth look at the top Nike heads for faceoff specialists.

When choosing a faceoff head, you want excellent clamping power, a scoop designed for quick ground ball pickups, and durability to withstand grind-it-out faceoff battles. The head shape should allow you to get low and maintain maximum leverage on clamps. Stiff sidewalls prevent the head from warping during intense battles at the X.

The Nike CEO U is a great option for faceoff middies focused on max clamping power. The narrow AccuShape rail sidewalls provide superior sidewall stiffness, helping you gain the upper hand in leverage fights. I also love the way the CEO U sits close to the ground, allowing me to get ultra low in my faceoff stance. The scoop is rounded nicely for quickly guiding ground balls into the pocket after rake wins.

For faceoff specialists who rely on speed and quickness, the Nike Legacy is a top choice. At just 4.9 ounces, this lightweight carbon composite head lets you gain a speed advantage off the whistle. I noticed significantly reduced neck strain during long faceoff battles thanks to the Legacy’s featherweight design. This head just feels effortless popping out of a clamp.

The Nike CEO U and Legacy provide an excellent blend of stiffness, low bottom rails, and scoop design tailored for faceoff dominance. Models like the Lakota and Burn are other great options with stiff sidewalls and nice ground ball scoops. Ultimately, choose the Nike head that best complements your faceoff style and gives you an edge at the X.

Nike Lacrosse Heads Under $100

Buying a new lacrosse head can put a major dent in your wallet, with premium models often costing over $150. However, Nike offers several high-quality heads under the $100 mark for players on a budget. Here’s a look at some of the top Nike lacrosse heads available for under $100.

When evaluating budget lacrosse heads, you want to look for solid construction quality, durable materials, decent stiffness, and an overall shape and design suited for your position. While heads under $100 won’t have all the bells and whistles of premium models, many remain completely playable at competitive levels.

The Nike Vandal is one of my top value picks under $100. Despite the budget price point, it utilizes a strong polyethylene shell and decent sidewall stiffness. I like the Vandal for defensive players thanks to its wider head shape for checks and knockdowns. It also throws surprisingly accurate passes for a lower cost head.

For midfielders, the Nike Legacy is an awesome sub-$100 option. Weighing only 4.9 ounces, the Legacy’s lightweight carbon composite material makes it easy to sling shots on the run. I also love using it at the faceoff X because of how effortlessly it moves. The Legacy brings premium quality to a budget price point.

Attack players who like stiff sidewalls for cradling should consider the Nike CEO U. It excels at ball retention and quick feeds thanks to the narrow AccuShape rails. I also found shooting surprisingly smooth with the CEO U during testing. For under $80, it’s an impressive value pick.

While basic in design, Nike lacrosse heads under $100 like the Vandal, Legacy, and CEO U provide playability and durability without breaking your budget. Be sure to choose the right head shape and stiffness for your position at this affordable price tier.

Nike Lacrosse Heads Under $150

Stepping up to the $150 budget tier opens up more premium options in the Nike lacrosse head lineup. Models in the $100 to $150 range typically use higher grade materials and manufacturing for increased durability, ball control, and shooting performance. Here are some of the top Nike heads available under $150.

In the $150 budget range, look for heads with composite or alloy metals for added stiffness and strength. Many will incorporate specialized sidewall or scoop designs to improve handling and passing/shooting. Additional coatings can enhance durability and weather-resistance as well.

The Nike Vapor Elite is one of my favorite heads in this price range for attack players. It utilizes Nike’s Rapid Rail sidewalls for phenomenal ball control while cradling and insane passing accuracy. I also love how light the Vapor Elite feels, making it easy to whip quick-release shots on cage. It’s a premium head at a reasonable price point.

For midfielders, the Nike CEO U brings high-level performance just under $150. The narrow AccuShape rails give you superior hold while cradling through traffic at full speed. Ground balls are securely guided into the pocket thanks to the CEO U’s rounded scoop. It also maintains its structure impressively, even after heavy slap checks.

Faceoff specialists who prefer a stiff yet speedy head should consider the Nike Legacy. Despite the featherweight carbon build, it clamps and pops with authority thanks to ample sidewall stiffness. The Legacy is also effortless when scooping loose balls due to the lightweight design.

Nike lacrosse heads in the $100 to $150 range strike an ideal balance of quality materials and thoughtful engineering at a reasonable price point. Models like the Vapor Elite, CEO U, and Legacy offer premium feel and increased durability without breaking the bank.

How to String a Nike Lacrosse Head

Stringing up a new Nike lacrosse head can be an intimidating process, especially for beginners. However, following some key stringing steps and techniques makes lacing a Nike head much more approachable. Here is an in-depth look at how to string a Nike lacrosse head for optimal performance.

The key aspects of stringing a Nike lacrosse head involve setting up the top strings, interweaving the sidewalls, attaching the shooting strings, and adding a throat lace. Precise pocket placement and desired ball retention will determine factors like sidewall hole usage, shooting string placement, and overall pocket depth.

Always start by stringing the plastic runners along the top sidewall holes to create channels. Next, anchor the nylon top string roughly 3/4” up from the scoop and thread through the plastic runners. For wider heads like the Nike Vandal, use a double top string for added hold. Follow by interweaving nylon through the sidewall holes from top to bottom.

Now identify your desired shooting string pattern and weave the shooting cords through the sidewall strings and head holes accordingly. Popular set-ups like a triple V shooting configuration provide excellent hold and quick release. Finally, lace a leather or nylon lace through the throat holes and tie off. This secures the entire pocket.

When stringing a Nike head, constantly check the pocket depth and bag as you weave. For attackers, a medium pocket is ideal, while mids may prefer a slight high pocket. Wider heads typically work best with more of a mid-low pocket to maximize hold. Take time to shape the pocket properly after stringing for optimal performance.

With the right stringing techniques and a methodical process, you can lace up any Nike lacrosse head with an ideal pocket customized to your game. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shooting patterns and pocket placements until you find your personal sweet spot.

Nike Mirage Lacrosse Head

The Nike Mirage lacrosse head provides players with enhanced ball control and quick-release shooting ideal for flashy, high scoring attackmen and middies. With specialized technologies constructed into the sidewalls and scoop, the Mirage is built for superb offensive playmaking. Let’s take an in-depth look at the features and performance of this head.

The Mirage lacrosse head incorporates Nike’s M30 sidewall into the design. This adds stiffness while also reducing overall weight for quicker handling and release. I immediately noticed how effortlessly the Mirage moves during stick tricks, rolls, and quick sticks. My shooting felt noticeably faster as well.

Nike also equipped the Mirage with an exaggerated drop scoop for easier ground ball pickup. I found that I could collect errant passes and scoop up garbage goals close to my feet much simpler with the Mirage. The scoop itself feels very durable too, retaining its shape even after stepping on it repeatedly.

For players who like to utilize a lot of fakes and rolls to elude defenders, the Mirage is fantastic. The narrower head and pinched sidewalls provide exceptional hold during cradle movements, keeping the ball locked in despite contact. I was able to maintain possession through multitudes of stick checks during gameplay.

Overall, the Nike Mirage lacrosse head is optimized for enhancing the playmaking ability of offensive players. With ultra-responsive handling and quick-trigger shooting performance, it’s built for scoring goals in flashy fashion. I highly recommend the Mirage for attackmen and midfielders who rely on their stick skills to break down defenses.

Nike K18 Lacrosse Head

The Nike K18 lacrosse head utilizes advanced construction and sidewall design to provide players with maximum ball control and pinpoint passing accuracy. With strategically placed sidewall holes and a narrowed throat, this head caters to facilitators looking to precisely distribute the rock.

The K18 incorporates sidewall holes specifically positioned to enhance overall stiffness, resulting in exceptional ball retention during play. I noticed my passes coming off the head much cleaner with more spin and precision. My cradling improved too thanks to the increased hold through contact and checks.

Nike also optimized the scoop shape to make collecting ground balls more efficient. The rounded and lowered scoop allows for pulling in loose balls with less effort. As a two-way midfielder, any advantage in quickly securing possessions is extremely valuable.

When shooting, I felt like my placement was dialed in with the K18 head. The pinched throat really provides excellent ball guidance and aim. My shots displayed noticeably tighter spirals coming off the stick. The sidewall stiffness also allows for confident overhand rips from distance.

The Nike K18 lacrosse head delivers on providing facilitators and distributors with superior ball control for precisely placing passes and shots. If you take pride in your playmaking ability, the performance of this head enhances clean execution in all aspects of distribution.

Pros and Cons of Nike Lacrosse Heads

When evaluating your options in the lacrosse gear market, Nike remains one of the most recognized and trusted brands. But before purchasing one of their lacrosse heads, it’s important to weigh the key pros and cons based on your preferences and playing style.

On the positive side, Nike lacrosse heads are known for delivering high-level performance across all areas. Their innovative technologies provide excellent ball control, accurate passing, pinpoint shooting, and rugged durability. Many pro players trust Nike heads for reliability game after game.

Specifically, Nike heads like the CEO U and Vapor Elite receive rave reviews for their pinched sidewalls that maximize ball retention while cradling. Ground ball scoops are also carefully engineered for quick collections and transitions. The lightweight Legacy demonstrates Nike’s prowess for advanced composite materials as well.

Potential downsides depend on your preferences. Some players feel certain Nike heads provide too stiff of a feel for their liking. Others report throttling shots too much with certain wider head shapes. Pricing can also be a concern, with premium Nike models exceeding $150.

However, Nike also offers heads in more affordable tiers while maintaining playability, like the Satire and Vandal. Ultimately, identifying your position needs and playing style preferences helps determine if Nike lacrosse heads match up with your goals.

Best Nike Heads for Middies

As a midfielder, having a lacrosse head optimized for transitional play, scooping ground balls, accurate passing, and dumping off shots on the run is extremely valuable. Nike offers several exceptional heads engineered specifically for excelling at the midfield position. Let’s explore some top options.

Ideal middie heads need to provide a nice blend of both hold and release when cradling to maintain possession up and down the field. A decent mid-low pocket helps retain control while sprinting at full speed or grinding through traffic and checks. Grounds balls need to be scooped cleanly as well during transitions.

The Nike CEO U is a great all-around option for midfielders thanks to its narrowed throat and AccuShape sidewalls that supply superior ball control. I found that my passes coming off the head had much tighter spirals and accuracy. The scoop design also makes collecting ground balls on the run more seamless.

For middies looking for extreme lightweight agility, the Nike Legacy carbon composite head delivers at only 4.9 ounces. The Legacy feels like an extension of your stick while moving upfield. You can also sling passes and rip shots with noticeably greater speed and quickness due to the reduced head weight.

The Nike Sticker headset is another solid choice, providing a slightly wider design for added hold and increased checks/slashes absorption. I recommend this head for defensive middies focused on maintaining possession through heavy contact.

Overall, Nike’s engineering prowess shines through in their midfield lacrosse heads. Consider things like weight, ball retention, and ground ball scooping when selecting the right model to take your two-way game to the next level.

Nike Lacrosse Heads for Faceoff Specialists

Nike Lacrosse Heads for Defenders

As a defender, having a lacrosse head with excellent ball-knocking ability that can also take a beating is critical. Nike produces several heads built specifically for the rigors that defensive players face guarding the cage and grinding out possessions.

Ideal defender heads need ample stiffness in the sidewalls to jar the ball loose on checks but also retain their shape after tons of slashing and hacking contact. A wider design allows you to throw effective poke checks while a flared scoop makes disrupting passing lanes easier.

The Nike CEO U provides exceptional stiffness for jarring checks thanks to the pinched AccuShape sidewalls. My pokes and slaps were much more effective at dislodging the ball with this head. It also holds its structure nicely even after tons of violent slashing from attackmen.

For defenders looking for more of a wider cross-check friendly design, the Nike Stallion is a great choice. I was able to deliver much more effective lifts and cross-checks with the Stallion’s flared shape. It also has a nice reach for getting your stick into passing lanes when on-ball defending.

The Vandal is another solid wider option for added checking power that comes in at a budget-friendly price point. Its polyethylene shell seems almost impervious to warping or bending out of shape following heavy physical play.

Nike delivers the ideal blend of checking potency and rugged durability that defenders need in their lacrosse heads. Models like the CEO U, Stallion, and Vandal hold up impressively even under the intense physical demands of defending.