Reviews

Top Lacrosse Heads for Middies and Attackmen in 2023

Focus on Scoop Design for Quick Ground Balls

When evaluating lacrosse heads for midfielders and attackmen, pay close attention to the scoop design. The scoop is the top portion of the head that affects ground ball pickup. An optimized scoop can shave precious seconds off ground ball time and get you to the offensive that much quicker.

The best scoops feature a pronounced slope or curve to funnel ground balls into the pocket. Scoops with defined rails help guide grounders directly into the head without ricocheting away. Opt for scoops with durable rounded edges rather than sharp points that could inadvertently pin balls. Width and flare of the scoop opening allows smooth entry of ground balls from all angles.

Wider scoops give you more margin for error on off-target passes and wide ground ball pickups. But opt for strategic width rather than maximum width for ideal control. Consider offsetting the scoop to one side slightly to increase your reach on lopsided ground balls.

Examine the texture of the scoop surface as well. Pronounced nubs, ridges and defined diamonds help impart spin on ground balls for added control. Smooth scoops may look sleek, but could cause slippery ground ball issues.

When stringing the head, pay attention to bottom string placement near the scoop. Stringing too close to the tip of the scoop can impede ground ball entry. Optimal stringing provides structure without limiting the scoop functionality.

In essence, prioritize scoop design just as much as the overall head shape and features. A high-performance lacrosse head with a subpar scoop negates many advantages that elite midfielders and attackmen require. Mastering those tough ground ball matchups can be the difference between driving offense and being stuck on defense.

Choose Durable Materials Like Titanium and Composite

When evaluating the best lacrosse heads for midfielders and attackmen, pay close attention to the durability and materials used in manufacturing. The head takes a beating game after game, so longevity and structural integrity are key.

Many of the top lacrosse heads today utilize advanced yet lightweight metals like titanium alloys. Titanium offers an optimal strength-to-weight ratio, meaning you get superb durability without excessive weighting that can slow you down. Manufacturers strategically place the titanium in high stress areas on the head for precision reinforcement.

Composite blends have also grown in popularity for lacrosse heads. Composites like carbon fiber intermixed with polymers create a rugged exterior that stands up to routine slashing and checks. Materials engineers carefully craft proprietary composite blends to optimize weight, stiffness, and durability characteristics.

Avoid cheaper heads made with lower grade alloys or all-plastic constructions. While very lightweight, they compromise structural integrity. Plastic and low-end metals bend and warp easier over time.

New thermoplastic technologies allow many high-end companies to injection mold heads with intricate geometries impossible with metal alone. This allows elaborate venting patterns and thin yet sturdy sidewall designs.

Regardless of primary material, look for lacrosse heads with robust double sidewall construction. Single plastic sidewalls may save an ounce of weight but are more prone to breaks. Robust sidewalls with enhanced ribbing distributes checks and absorbs impact.

In summary, elite midfielders and attackmen need the perfect blend of low weight yet ultra durable constructions that advanced metal alloys and composites like titanium and carbon fiber provide. Pay the premium price for premium materials that last season after season.

Consider Wider Heads for Superior Ball Control

One key factor in choosing the best lacrosse head for midfielders and attackmen is head width. Wider heads generally equate to enhanced ball control and feel. Added width provides a larger ball pocket area for crisper catching, tighter cradling, and more confident stick handling.

Many of today’s elite midfield and attack heads offer widths up to 6 inches. Max legal width is 6.5 inches. While ultra-wide heads are banned in youth leagues, high school and college players gain advantage from the increased width.

Wide heads excel at scooping up ground balls since they provide a larger opening. They also present a bigger target when calling for passes. Just be aware that some extremely wide heads can be cumbersome in tight dodges.

Offsetting the widest part of the head strategically allows you to maximize width where you need it most – in the ball pocket area. Many wider heads taper slightly towards the scoop and throat to maintain maneuverability.

If opting for a wide head, pay special attention to sidewall stiffness. More width means sidewalls must be engineered to prevent excessive flex and whip. Manufacturers fortify wider heads with durable alloys and enhanced rib patterns.

While some midfielders and attackmen still prefer more narrow traditional designs for extra whip on passes and shots, wide heads dominate the game today. Work with players on your team to determine optimal width, and balance ball control advantages against feel and maneuverability.

In summary, lacrosse technology has enabled wider head designs that simply improve ball control, confidence, and feel for modern midfielders and attackmen. But be sure to string, test, and optimize wider heads for your individual style of play.

Examine Sidewall Design for Optimal Stringing Options

Lacrosse head sidewall design plays a major role in stringing options and overall pocket performance. As you evaluate the best lacrosse heads for midfielders and attackmen, pay close attention to sidewall hole patterns, shape, and structure.

Sidewall holes allow you to thread the lace and anchor the pocket to the head. Heads with more holes give you greater stringing flexibility to customize pocket depth and shape. Heads with randomized hole patterns enable limitless stringing variations.

Higher-end heads use reinforced sidewalls with durable alloys and composites to prevent warping. Flat or curved sidewalls in the right places optimize pocket channels. Pronounced sidewall rails help guide the ball centrally into the pocket.

Examine the sidewall hole location in relation to the scoop and throat. Holes concentrated more in the center deepen the main channel, while holes nearer the scoop and throat allow quick ball entry/exit.

Also inspect sidewall exterior textures that impact ball feel and grip on catches. Smooth sidewalls often play slipperier, while diamond, ridge, and honeycomb textures provide tackiness.

When stringing, balance sidewall attachment points between the top, middle, and lower areas. Heads strung too high or too low limit ball control and adjustment on the fly.

Factor in head offset and angle as well. Heads like the Maverik Tactik feature an asymmetrical sidewall design with different stringing options on each side to fine tune pocket performance.

Advanced sidewall engineering enables easier adjustments as you dial in the optimal pocket for your game. Look for shape, hole patterns, and textures that provide the ultimate customizable stringing platform.

In summary, lacrosse head sidewall construction plays a huge role in optimal stringing. Seek out technical features that provide endless stringing possibilities to craft your perfect pocket.

Focus on Stiffness for Superior Checks and Pokes

To withstand the physicality of elite midfield and attack play, lacrosse heads must offer high stiffness and strength. As you compare top lacrosse heads, pay attention to construction features that enhance stiffness for confident checking, poking, and ball protection.

Stiffer heads excel at absorbing checks from defensemen trying to dislodge the ball. High stiffness ratings prevent excessive flex, warping, and ball ejection from slashes. Stiff construction also enables you to administer stronger checks of your own to force turnovers.

Increased stiffness typically comes from more robust sidewall and frame designs. Many companies use aircraft grade alloys like titanium to reinforce high stress areas. Strategic ribbing patterns, thicker walls, and composite bolsters all enhance stiffness.

Some ultra-stiff heads utilize exotic materials like CarbonPro, a durable composite that combines carbon fiber and thermoplastic. CarbonPro maximizes stiffness while allowing intricate geometric shapes.

Don’t sacrifice too much weight in pursuit of maximum stiffness however. Oversized titanium cross-members or thickened walls add durability at the cost of increased weight and feel. Find the ideal balance of material use to create a stiff yet lively head.

While some flexibility is desired for ball feel and pocket movement, excessive flex leads to loss of ball control during checks. Analyze stiffness ratings and speak with midfielders and attackmen currently using the head to ensure adequate stiffness for your preferences.

In summary, today’s cutting edge lacrosse head technology enables unprecedented stiff constructions perfect for facilitating checks while maintaining great feel. Seek out elite yet lightweight alloys strategically placed to offer the ideal stiffness for confident play.

Review Pinch Design for Solid Cradling

A lacrosse head’s pinch design – where the sidewalls curve inward near the throat – greatly impacts overall ball control and feel, especially while cradling. As you evaluate top lacrosse heads for midfielders and attackmen, examine the pinch carefully.

An optimized pinch helps lock the ball in place during dynamic cradling. You want the ball to sit deep and centered in the pocket, not rattling around. Strategic pinch shaping guides the ball rearward for supreme control.

Pinches that are too wide or too constricted both cause problems. Too wide allows the ball to slip side to side, while too tight impedes smooth transfers and exits.

Look for pinches with gradual, sloped curves that collapse smoothly to the ideal width. Abrupt or angular pinches create cradling friction and instability. The pinch should transition seamlessly from the sidewalls into a centralized channel.

Manufacturers strategically engineer the pinch to match the scoop width and intended pocket placement. Wider heads typically benefit from wider pinches, but optimized stringing negates some of these factors.

While pinches appear relatively similar across most heads today, subtle shaping differences separate the great from the good. Pro level players notice instantly how pinch contours affect overall feel and performance.

Test cradling various heads to determine ideal pinch sensations for your preferences. Focus on smooth transitions when moving the ball from the upper pocket to the pinch and out the throat. The perfect pinch blends control, quickness, and unmatched cradling feel.

In summary, a lacrosse head’s pinch design plays a major yet overlooked role. Master pinches with sloped, gradual contours prevent cradling friction while allowing lighting fast ball movement.

Look for Optimal Offset for Great Feel

Lacrosse heads feature offset designs where the sidewalls are aligned closer to one side. Offset heads aim to enhance scooping, throwing, and overall ball control for midfielders and attackmen. As you choose a lacrosse head, pay close attention to optimal offset shaping.

Heads with greater offset shift the ball positioning closer to your bottom hand for added control, especially when cradling and shielding. Offset also allows your top hand to grip higher on the stick for more power on shots.

Too much offset however can feel cumbersome and limit your throwing motion. Non-offset, neutral heads provide balanced sensations but less defined ball guidance. Try out multiple offset variations to find your sweet spot.

Many attackmen lean towards heads with more pronounced offset for tighter stick skills and dodging. Middies may opt for less offset to enable longer passing and two-way play. Match offset design with your individual playing style.

Heads like the Warrior Burn feature an evolving offset, where the lower sidewall gradually transitions from neutral at the scoop to increased offset in the throat area. This provides the control of offset down low with a balanced feel up top.

Don’t overlook how offset impacts pocket placement as well. Optimal stringing compensates for offset shaping to center the ball. Test throw with any head to ensure the offset doesn’t hinder your passing accuracy or power.

Finding your perfect offset comes down to subtle feel and comfort factors. Experience a variety of offset shapes until the head simply feels like an extension of your hands, able to cradle, pass, and shoot with confidence.

In summary, dialing in lacrosse head offset enables superior ball control for dodging midfielders and attackmen. Seek out the shape that seamlessly transitions from your hands through the head for optimal ball guidance.

Ensure Great Vision and Ball Visibility

Lacrosse heads must allow midfielders and attackmen to maintain clear vision of the field and maximum ball visibility at all times. As you choose a head, examine design factors that enhance sightlines and ball tracking.

Opt for heads with minimized sidewall obstruction across the upper half of the head near the scoop. Low profile sidewalls increase downfield vision for dodging and passing. Sidewall cutouts and tapered geometries improve visibility.

Heads with excessive sidewall flames, graphics, and busy textures can obstruct your field of view. Clean, minimalist styling reduces visual clutter. Also avoid heads with thick, opaque scoops that make it hard to see over the ball.

In the pinch and throat area, look for heads that keep the ball exposed rather than buried deep in the pocket. Pinches that are too wide or overly constricted obscure the ball from your vision.

Pocket stringing further affects ball visibility and positioning. Optimal stringing suspends the ball higher in the head with maximum surface area exposed. This enables constant visual tracking below and around the ball.

While heads with visibility enhancing shapes are ideal, smart stringing and pocket break-in are required to maximize visibility. Frequently monitor ball positioning as the pocket loosens up over time.

Clear sightlines translate directly into effective passing, dodging, and shooting in the midfield or attack position. Ensure the head doesn’t obstruct your vision before committing to any particular model.

In summary, never underestimate the importance of optimized lacrosse head shapes and stringing that provide clear lines of sight and ideal ball visibility. See the ball, see the field, and make great plays.

Choose Strategic Sidewall Hole Placement

The number, pattern, and location of sidewall holes directly impact lacrosse head stringing and pocket performance. As you select your next midfield or attack head, analyze hole placement carefully before stringing.

More holes generally provide greater stringing flexibility. Heads with randomized hole patterns enable unlimited stringing variations to fine tune pocket characteristics. Minimal holes limit options but focus control.

Hole proximity to the scoop and throat also affect pocket shape. Holes clustered near the scoop result in tighter channels up top for ball retention. Holes closer to the throat quicken release. Central holes sink the deepest part of the pocket.

Heads like the ECD Carbon 2.0 feature sidewalls with differing top and bottom hole patterns to really dial in pocket performance. Maverik heads utilize specialized Swerve Rail sidewalls with evolving hole placement.

If opting for a pre-strung head, ensure hole placement matches your preferences. Analyze where lace crosses through holes to determine pocket type and depth. Ask teammates for input on optimal hole patterns for your position.

Also consider head shape when selecting strategic hole locations. Wider heads play best with more dispersed holes to stretch out pocket definition. Narrower heads focus holes more centrally.

Test throw pre-strung heads first before cutting strings. If opting to string yourself, map out lace placement ahead of time based on hole proximity for your desired channel and pocket.

In summary, hole number, location, dispersion, and symmetry directly dictate pocket performance. Seek out heads with hole patterns that enable fully customizable stringing for your perfect pocket.

Examine Overall Balance and Feel In Your Hands

One of the most important yet overlooked factors in choosing a lacrosse head is simply how balanced and natural it feels in your hands. As you test out candidates for your next midfield or attack head, pay attention to overall ergonomics.

Grip and wield each head without a stick to determine balance. Heads shouldn’t feel blade heavy or scoop heavy. Proper balance fosters confidence in cradling, passing, and shooting motion.

Test balance both with and without a ball. Optimal heads should direct balls rearwards naturally into the pocket when held horizontally. Gravity shouldn’t pull balls forward toward the scoop.

Focus on fit and finish as well. Avoid sharp edges or exposed joints that can chafe and distract. Consider matte coatings or gritty textures for superior grip compared to slick finishes.

Factor in your unique hand size too. Narrower, compact heads suit smaller hands while wider heads with flared shapes cater to larger hands. Ensure full comfortable hand contact for minimized fatigue.

The way a head tracks from cradled to passing to shooting position should feel seamless. Any awkwardness or hesitation indicates suboptimal balance. The head needs to play as an extension of your hands.

Test a variety of widths, offsets, geometries, and grip textures until you find the head that simply feels right. Don’t underestimate feel and ergonomics when evaluating your lacrosse head options.

In summary, superior overall balance and natural feel makes playing with new lacrosse heads effortless. Seek out intuitively designed heads that inspire confidence each time you cradle, pass, and shoot.

Review Shape and Design for Quick Releases

A lacrosse head’s overall shape and structural design greatly impacts passing and shooting performance. As you evaluate heads for midfield and attack, analyze if the profile enables optimized ball releases.

Look for heads with gradual contours along the sidewalls that guide the ball fluidly from the pinch through the throat on shots and feeds. Avoid sharply angled throats that introduce friction.

Throats with defined channels keep the ball centered on passes and prevents waivering. Throat designs that widen near the exit increase control on hurried shots.

Examine sidewall curvature as well. Heads with pronounce sidewall pinches can grip balls slightly before releasing. More rounded edges encourage smooth exits.

Factor in your individual shooting mechanics too. Players with overhand rips favor heads with more hold through the throat, while sidearm shooters want quicker ball ejection.

The perfect head shape enables adjusting release points and velocity for any on-field scenario. If the head fights you during passing drills or warmups, it likely won’t perform under game pressure.

Focus on heads with rearward momentum that keep balls seated until intended release. Avoid shapes that prematurely spill balls before initiating passes or shots.

In summary, a head’s structural form directly enables or inhibits quick passing and shooting. Seek out heads with optimized ball guidance and intuitive designs that extend your on-field vision into action.

Look for Optimal Stringing Holes

Creating your ideal lacrosse head pocket requires strategically placed sidewall holes for precise stringing. As you evaluate midfield and attack heads, pay close attention to hole number, pattern, shape and location.

More holes provide greater stringing flexibility to fine tune pocket performance. Randomized or staggered holes enable limitless lace variations. Too few holes limit adjustments.

Inspect hole shape as well. Oblong elongated holes allow more position latitude when threading lace. Circular holes lock knots in place but reduce adjustability.

Also note the hole edges. Smooth rounded holes prevent fraying and help knots sit flush. Jagged holes often snag lacing during threading and adjustments.

Factor in hole positioning too. Holes placed higher up collapse the channel for superior ball retention, while lower holes quicken release. Central holes create the deepest pocket.

Heads with asymmetric sidewalls like the Nike CEO feature different top and bottom hole patterns to fine tune pocket shaping. Opt for balance and symmetry.

If buying pre-strung, ensure the stringing utilizes optimal holes for your preferences. Never be afraid to tweak lace placement as you break-in the head.

In the end, hole shape, quantity, symmetry, and placement empower exact pocket crafting. Seek out heads with holes that provide the stringing foundation needed to gain a creative advantage.

In summary, optimal sidewall holes enable precise stringing and pocket personalization for middies and attackmen. Scrutinize hole construction to ensure maximum adjustability when stringing your next head.

Consider Endcap Design for Durability

A lacrosse head’s endcap construction plays a vital yet overlooked role in overall frame durability. As you shop for your next midfield or attack head, examine endcap shape, material, and integration.

Endcaps anchor the top and bottom of the head framework. They must withstand immense stresses during checks, scooping, and daily abuse. Robust endcap construction prevents warping.

Many high-end heads now utilize endcaps made from the same alloy as the sidewalls for seamless strength. Plastic endcaps may save weight but sacrifice structure.

Examine endcap geometry too. Angled and tapered ends deflect checks while rounded caps absorb impact. Avoid intrusive cap edges that could bend with force.

Check that endcaps fully integrate with the sidewall framework using reinforced joints. Some cheaper heads simply glue or staple endcaps on as an afterthought.

Endcaps with interior ribbing and textured finishes also enhance durability. Smooth endcaps may dent easier over time when dented or stepped on.

While subtle, endcaps essentially anchor the head’s foundation. Don’t risk a critical failure during a game by skimping on proven endcap technology.

In summary, never overlook endcap construction details when selecting elite lacrosse heads. Robust endcaps crafted from top-grade alloys using reinforced joinery prevent structural issues after routine abuse.

Choose Strategic Throat Design for Control Checks

A lacrosse head’s throat construction determines ball ejection control on passes and shots, while also affecting checking performance. As you evaluate heads for midfield and attack, focus on key throat design elements.

Optimal throats feature defined side rails that guide balls out on a straight trajectory. Throats lacking sidewall structure inhibit accuracy. Angled throat walls induce spin.

Examine interior ribbing or channeled architecture as well. Smooth throats allow balls to waiver side to side. Ribbed channels keep balls true until release.

Consider throat width too. Wider throats afford more control on hurried shots but may feel less accurate. Narrow throats focus ball speed but require precision.

Factor in stiffness also. Sturdy throats withstand peer checks better while softer throats absorb ball impact smoother.

Analyze how throat design influences your shooting mechanics. Wider throats benefit sweeping overhand shooters, while narrow throats suit side-arm rips.

Throat shaping also affects ease of stringing knots and shooting string placement. Look for unobstructed access and anchoring options.

Take time to test various throat shapes for optimal passing control and defensive checking ability tailored to your style of play and position.

In summary, often overlooked throat design directly impacts passing/shooting accuracy and defensive checking effectiveness. Ensure throat construction suits your individual game before committing to a new lacrosse head.