The Top Lacrosse Heads and Sticks of 2023 A Buyers Guide

The Top Lacrosse Heads and Sticks of 2023 A Buyers Guide

The Best Complete Lacrosse Stick and Head Packages For All Positions

When shopping for a new lacrosse head, one of the easiest ways to get everything you need right out of the box is to purchase a pre-strung complete stick. These all-in-one packages come with a lacrosse shaft, head, and pocket already professionally strung to be game-ready. Complete sticks are a great choice for beginners who want a hassle-free way to get started playing lacrosse without having to buy and string each component separately. They also make an excellent gift idea for lacrosse players of all ages and positions.

For attackers, midfield runners, and defenders alike, complete lacrosse sticks provide excellent value and performance straightaway. Top brands like STX, Maverik, and Warrior offer pre-assembled lacrosse stick and head combos designed specifically for each position on the field. Attackers will appreciate the pinpoint accuracy of an offset lacrosse head, while defensemen can throw hard checks with a stiff lacrosse shaft and extra wide head. Midfielders benefit from the versatility of a hybrid lacrosse head shape suitable for offensive and defensive play.

When selecting a complete lacrosse stick, consider your skill level and position requirements. Advanced players may want to customize their setup further, but beginners can greatly benefit from an optimized factory pocket and strung head. For teenage players, make sure to get an appropriately sized lacrosse shaft based on their height and weight. The included pocket should also feature a legal depth and shape approved for most youth and high school leagues.

While you give up some customization flexibility with a pre-made setup, complete lacrosse sticks provide an easy way to get everything you need to start playing. From affordable packages under $50 to premium setups from leading manufacturers, complete lacrosse heads and shafts take the guesswork out of stringing and assembly so you can spend more time improving your game.

Top Attack Lacrosse Heads for Accuracy and Ball Control

When playing attack in lacrosse, having superior ball control and pinpoint shooting accuracy is crucial for scoring goals. Attackers rely on their lacrosse head to provide excellent ball retention when cradling and the precision to place accurate shots on net. Manufacturers now produce lacrosse heads with specialized features for optimizing an attacker’s performance.

Many of the best lacrosse heads for attackers utilize offset sidewall designs that shift the ball pocket to sit lower in the head. This offset area gives increased ball control and a quicker release when shooting on the run. Popular offset head models include the Warrior Noz and Revo series, Maverik Optik, and STX Surgeon attack heads. These offset heads cradle and control the ball effectively while giving attackers more whip on passes and shots.

Another key element of attack lacrosse heads is the scoop, which is the top portion that collects ground balls. Wider scoops with exaggerated flair make it easier to scoop up ground balls cleanly. Attackers should look for heads with a curved and elongated scoop such as the Warrior Burn FO. The flared scoop design channels ground balls right into the pocket rather than bouncing over the head.

When stringing up an attack lacrosse head, focus on creating a mid to deep pocket that cradles smoothly. Use softer mesh or leathers to improve ball control and feel. A medium to high pocket paired with a whippy head gives attackers more velocity on passes and shots. Stringing companies like Throne of String or Sidewall Stringing offer custom attach pockets optimized for ball retention and quick releases.

Finding the right lacrosse head for attack takes experimenting with different pocket placements and sidewall configurations. Offset heads, curved scoops, stiff sidewalls, and mid-depth pockets allow attackers to carry, feed, and shoot the ball more effectively. Investing in a quality attack lacrosse head enhances an attacker’s arsenal of moves and provides the tools needed to beat defenders and finish shots on goal.

Durable Defensive Lacrosse Heads for Checks and Pokes

Defense is a physically demanding position in lacrosse that requires athleticism and toughness to stop offenses from scoring. Having a sturdy yet maneuverable lacrosse head is essential equipment for defensemen who throw checks, block shots, and battle for ground balls. Lacrosse brands engineer defensive heads with wider faces and thick sidewalls to meet the rigors of defensive play.

Defenders need lacrosse heads with maximum stiffness and durability to hold up against slashing checks, late hits, and errant shots. Solid one-piece sidewall constructions made from aircraft-grade alloys like Maverik’s MetaLite material provide superior structural integrity. This helps prevent bending, warping, and premature breakage after repeated hard contact.

Wider face shapes give defenders a larger blocking surface area for checking and protecting the goal. Heads with a wider flare such as the Warrior Regulator and Maverik Tank boast a heavily rounded shape from top to bottom. This allows defensemen to track attackers more easily from all angles and throw wider poke checks.

Advanced tech like Warrior’s Tri-Flex sidewalls employ innovative angular geometry to laterally stiffen the head while retaining vertical flex. This unique tri-channel design maintains strength across the face shape while allowing some flex to absorb checks. Such engineering innovations optimize defensive heads for supreme ball-stopping power.

When stringing defensive lacrosse heads, focus on a mid to high pocket placement for protection. Use thicker strings and interlocks along the sidewall to increase durability. Add more whip to give defensemen quick stick response on checks and ground ball pickups. With advances in head technology and pocket stringing, defenders now have lacrosse heads engineered expressly for shutting down offenses with checking toughness.

Versatile Midfield Lacrosse Heads for Transition Play

Midfielders in lacrosse need versatile lacrosse heads that can adapt on the fly between attacking and defensive situations. The best middie heads combine quick ball handling for offense with Wide faces for defense. Engineers design midfield lacrosse heads to be all-around performers.

Middies frequently transition between attacking and defending as possession changes hands. A dual offset/neutral sidewall configuration gives midfielders pinpoint shooting and passing from up top while providing a wide head length for defense. Popular versatile middie heads include the Maverik Tactik and the Warrior Evo Pro.

Scoops on midfield heads also need to quickly channel in ground balls when scrambling on the wings. Optimal midfield scoops have a moderate flare and narrow channel to scoop cleanly while retaining a broad face shape. Middies should also look for heads with stiff mid-to-lower sidewalls for added ball retention during transitions.

When stringing midfield heads, a mid-pocket placement allows for a balance of hold and quick release. A pocket with a moderate number of shooting strings will maintain ball control going upfield while still allowing quick stick checks. Using a hiking mesh and a straight or split top string provides versatility to move between offense and defense.

The right midfield head must be able to play both ends of the field. With ground ball scoops, dual sidewall styles, and balanced pocket stringing, today’s versatile middie heads adapt to the various roles midfielders fill in transition.

Budget-Friendly Lacrosse Heads Under $50

When shopping for a new lacrosse head, players and parents alike look for affordability as a key factor. Fortunately, major brands now offer entry-level and intermediate lacrosse heads costing less than $50. These budget lacrosse heads provide solid quality and performance without breaking the bank.

For youth players just starting out, lacrosse heads under $50 allow them to get in the game without a huge upfront equipment investment. These economical heads feature versatile shapes suitable for all positions to help young players find what works for them. Top picks like the Maverik Charger and STX Exult 300 offer premium styling and quality at an accessible price point.

Intermediate players can also benefit from sub-$50 lacrosse heads that provide excellent value. Heads like the Warrior Burn and Maverik Optic give players customizable features and durable construction that belie their budget price tags. Strategic material use and simplified engineering shave costs without overly sacrificing performance.

While cheaper lacrosse heads won’t match the elite-level performance of pro models, they provide young athletes solid playing capability. Features like offset sidewalls, flared scoops, and customizable stringing holes carry down into many budget heads. With special value pricing and holiday sales, players can outfit their entire stick bag with heads costing less than $50 each.

For both youth and club lacrosse players, budget heads expand access to the sport. With continued innovation, major brands make quality lacrosse heads available at under $50 to help all athletes, not just the pros, afford to play their very best game.

Customizing Your Lacrosse Head and Pocket for Optimal Performance

One of the great aspects of lacrosse is the ability to customize your stick’s head and pocket to match your playing style. Whether optimizing ball control, shot speed, or hold strength, properly stringing your lacrosse head is crucial for peak performance.

Players can choose different pocket placements to improve their stick skills. Attackers benefit from a mid to low pocket for tighter ball control and quick releases, while defensemen prefer a higher pocket for protection during checks. Precision pocket shapes like the triangle top string or the double V give players more consistency in ball trajectories.

Lacrosse players can dial in pocket depth, whip, and hold by using different mesh, leathers, and shooting string configurations. More defined pockets with multiple shooting strings provide tremendous ball control, while wide channels with minimal strings offer free-flowing feel and increased velocity. It’s all about balancing hold strength versus release speed.

Stringing materials also impact pocket feel and ball response. Premium meshes like Throne, Stringking, and East Coast Dyes give excellent hold and snap, while leathers and nylons maximize smoothness and finesse. Waxed mesh and special dyes allow players to further customize consistency, grip, and weatherproofing.

Proper stringing takes experimentation, but investing time to string your perfect pocket is worth it. With the right mesh, materials, and stringing techniques, you can customize your lacrosse head and pocket to elevate your performance on the field.

Getting the Right Lacrosse Head Size for Your Position and Age

Finding the optimally sized lacrosse head is crucial for maximizing your athletic potential. Lacrosse heads come in a range of lengths and widths to accommodate players of different ages, skill levels, and positions.

For youth players, age-specific sizing charts help determine the right length and width. Heads for U15 players tend to be more narrowly sized for better control as they develop coordination. High school and college players use wider, more loosely strung heads for increased passing and shooting speed.

Head size also varies by player position. Attackers and midfielders often prefer more narrowly sized heads for precision feeding and shooting. Defenders need wider heads with larger surface areas to allow for checking and protecting the goal.

The player’s height, weight, and strength level also factor into ideal head sizing. Smaller players can better control tighter head shapes while larger athletes achieve more power from wider heads with deeper pockets. Finding the right flex and stiffness prevents the head from feeling too rigid or sloppy.

With lacrosse now more specialized than ever, manufacturers offer heads in a range of lengths, widths, and flex patterns to suit players of all ages and positions. While it takes some experimentation to dial in your ideal size, the right lacrosse head enhances performance, ball control, and safety.

Picking Eye-Catching Colored and Stylish Lacrosse Heads

Adding some personal style to your lacrosse gear has become an important way for players to express their individuality. Lacrosse brands now offer heads in vibrant colors and cool graphics to showcase your personality.

Traditional white lacrosse heads are increasingly giving way to heads sporting bold colors and patterns. Popular colored heads from brands like STX and Maverik use dyes infused directly into the head material for maximum durability and UV resistance. Colors like royal blue, neon yellow, and bright orange make a statement.

Special edition lacrosse heads collab with top athletes like Paul Rabil to feature unique graphics and designs. These signature heads incorporate elements like camo prints, chrome logos, matte finishes, and tie-dye fades to help players stand out. Even white heads get upgraded with chrome sidewalls and metallic accents.

Adding color and style speaks to the expressive creativity that makes lacrosse such a thrilling sport. Custom stringing services allow you to complement colored heads with vibrant mesh, shooters, and top strings. Dye sublimation processes can further customize lacrosse heads with full-coverage graphic prints.

On the field, a colored or styled-out lacrosse head radiates an intimidating swagger. Off the field, it becomes a reflection of your passion for the sport’s culture. With so many options now available, goal scorers and goal stoppers alike embrace expressing themselves through their lacrosse heads.

Ensuring Your Lacrosse Head Meets Game Regulations

While personalizing your lacrosse stick is encouraged, ensuring your equipment adheres to league rules is also essential. Key dimensions like pocket depth, shooting string placement, and head width must meet regulations for approved play.

For high school lacrosse, heads cannot exceed 6.5 inches in width at the widest point. Pockets must sit within 3 to 5 inches of the scoop, with no more than 4 shooting strings. Mesh must not sag below the bottom of the sidewall to prevent excess whip and hold.

College level NCAA guidelines allow for wider 6.5-10 inch heads to generate faster shots. Pockets can extend 3.5 to 5 inches deep, using up to 4 shooting strings. Spherical balls must roll freely within all areas of the head without getting wedged in place.

Youth leagues feature more stringent specifications to prevent stick play from getting too advanced. U15 lacrosse mandates straight shape heads under 6 inches wide, limiting pocket depths to 3.5 inches. This encourages developing skills and tighter stick handling.

While pushing limits maximizes performance, illegally deep pockets or widened heads can lead to penalties, ejections, and revoked goals. Keep standard gauges on hand to routinely measure width, depth, and ball rollover to ensure your head abides by league rules.

High-End Lacrosse Heads from Trusted Brands Like Maverik

When looking for elite-level performance from your lacrosse gear, top brands like Maverik, Warrior, and STX offer premium heads engineered for domination. These high-end heads provide cutting-edge technologies to gain an edge.

Maverik’s reputation for innovative heads accelerates with models like the Kinetik. This lightweight carbon-infused head optimizes ball feel while resisting warping or denting. Kinetik’s proprietary Zuess pocket technology integrates the shooting strings right into the sidewalls for unprecedented consistency and control.

Warrior takes cues from aircraft design to develop heads like the Burn FO. This groundball scoop head utilizes computer optimized curves and stiffness mapping for added strength and quicker releases. Warrior’s obsession with high-tech construction yields heads of unmatched resilience on the field.

STX pushes the limits of material engineering with their Rival 2 head. Its groundbreaking Surface 180 technology allows for a perfectly smooth sidewall shape that increases handle flex and precision. STX heads also feature dual-rail SlimTech sidewall designs for superior ball control during play.

For elite players, investing in the latest tech-packed heads from industry leaders arms them with an arsenal of proprietary innovations. From space-age materials to computer-assisted engineering, premium heads like Maverik, Warrior, and STX offer a competitive edge demanded by the modern game.

Taking Advantage of Lacrosse Head Sales and Discount Deals

With lacrosse gear pricing starting around $50 and going up beyond $150 for premium heads, cost can be a barrier to entry. Luckily, brands offer money-saving solutions like holiday sales events, team discounts, and clearance deals to make lacrosse more accessible.

Popular shopping holidays like Father’s Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day attract major discounts on lacrosse gear from top retailers. Stocking up on heads during sales events allows players to get pro-level quality at reduced pricing. Signing up for brand newsletters provides early access to seasonal sales.

Teams buying in bulk can take advantage of volume pricing discounts when replacing their players’ gear. Brands like STX offer tiered team discounts and free customization on bulk orders of heads, shafts, and protective equipment. Coaches should negotiate deals before each season begins.

Clearance sections on lacrosse sites like Lax.com and Lacrosse Monkey offer last year’s models at steep markdowns. Closeout discounts allow developing players to get premium heads like the Maverik Kinetik for under $100. While supplies last, holiday sales and clearance deals make elite lacrosse gear more affordable.

Finding Lacrosse Heads for Sale Online vs In Stores

With more options than ever for purchasing lacrosse equipment, players now weigh the pros and cons of buying heads online versus in physical stores. Assessing shipping costs, customization services, and try-before-you-buy flexibility helps determine the best purchasing channel.

Shopping online provides convenient home access to a huge selection of lacrosse heads at competitive pricing. Top lacrosse e-tailers like Lax.com and UniversalLacrosse offer free shipping incentives and discounted bundle deals on heads, shafts, gloves, and pads.

Local lacrosse specialty stores provide knowledgeable on-site expertise while allowing you to see and hold heads in person before buying. Stores often include free personalized stringing with head purchases. However, local inventory is limited compared to online selection.

The in-store experience better facilitates custom fittings and flex testing on shafts. Online purchases require careful sizing research and liberal return policies in case items don’t fit properly. Trying heads in person helps finalize buying decisions.

For convenience, selection, and deals, purchasing online wins out. But to weigh, measure, and string heads before buying, local lacrosse stores allow more informed purchasing. Evaluating all factors helps players get the right head at the best price.

Caring for Your Lacrosse Head to Extend Its Life

Investing in a quality lacrosse head represents a significant equipment expense. Properly maintaining your head extends its longevity and performance. Regular cleaning, inspection, and weatherproofing give your lacrosse head years more of play.

Frequently remove dirt and debris buildup by hand-washing heads with mild soap and water. Clean out caked mud or turf pellets lodged in sidewall holes or scoops. Monthly deep cleans maintain optimal function.

Inspect heads before and after games for any cracks or warping, especially around the scoop and sidewall. Check screw holes for enlargement. Use specialty glues like East Coast Mesh’s throne gel to re-affix any loose screws or endcaps.

Apply weatherproofing treatments to protect heads from moisture damage and maintain pocket consistency. Spray-on waterproofers like Stringking Lacquer and Throne Wax provide hydrophobic protection without affecting handling or feel.

Avoid exposing lacrosse heads to excessive heat or chemicals. Replace aging mesh and shooting strings to prevent overuse tears and maintain the ideal pocket. With regular TLC and equipment inspection, your prized lacrosse head will stand the test of time.