STX Duel 3 Head
The STX Duel 3 Lacrosse Head builds upon the brand's legacy of crafting high-performance face-off heads. Designed specifically for the face-off specialist or "stay-on" midfielder, the Duel 3 boasts several key features. Reflex™ material offers flexibility and shape retention, allowing players to maintain control during the crucial battle at the X. The slimmed-down Speed Scoop facilitates faster ground ball pickups, while the shorter throat provides increased leverage and control.
The Duel 3 represents the latest iteration in STX's commitment to face-off innovation. It succeeds the well-regarded Duel and Duel 2 models, incorporating player feedback and advancements in material technology.
Perfect head for: face-off specialists
Key Features Include
- Reflex™ material that holds its shape and keeps you on the field longer
- Duel flex profile and optimized stiffness for elite face-off athletes
- Speed Scoop™ for faceoff flex and faster groundballs
Designed for dominating faceoffs, the STX Duel 3 competes fiercely against the StringKing Mark 2F and ECD Weapon X, each offering distinct advantages in securing the crucial first move. The Duel 3 prioritizes control and clean pickups, featuring a wider face shape and a softer pocket, allowing for easier ground ball scooping and facilitating smooth transitions to offense. With its angled scoop and stiffer construction, the StringKing Mark 2F takes a more aggressive approach, excelling at clamping onto ground balls and overpowering opponents in contested situations. However, it might require more finesse to control and scoop effectively. The ECD Weapon X falls somewhere in between, boasting a mid-stiff pocket and a balanced face shape, offering a blend of power and control for strong clamps and a good ground ball feel in various face-off scenarios.
Progression:
The STX Duel lacrosse head series features three models: the Duel, the Duel 2 and the Duel 3. Here's a breakdown of their progression:
STX Duel:
- Designed for face-off specialists
- Original flex profile for face-off movement
- Standard Speed Scoop design for ground ball pickups
- Traditional throat profile
STX Duel 2:
- Designed for elite face-off players
- Newly-engineered, high-flex profile for improved clamping and control
- Slimmed-down Speed Scoop design for enhanced ground ball play at the X
- Shorter throat profile for closer hand placement and increased power/control during face-offs
STX Duel 3:
- Designed for the face-off, stay-on midfielders
- Refined high-flex profile for optimal control and feel
- Slimmed-down Speed Scoop design for efficient ground ball pickups
- Shorter throat profile for close hand placement and power/control during face-off
- XT2 sidewall technology for increased stiffness and stability while maintaining flexibility
- Updated stringing pocket design for improved control and pocket hold
What people are saying (edited for brevity and clarity)
PROS
- Great head for faceoffs and midfield play. Opted for a mid-pocket. A versatile and legitimate head for both faceoffs and on-field use.
- Lots of side holes are available to string low, mid, or high pockets. It’s even good to use for a traditionally strung head.
- This head is sweet, with a flexible head that shoots like a regular one. This is a perfect head for someone who takes some faceoffs but is not a fogo.
CONS
- This head requires a significant break-in period to feel comfortable, can’t use it for the face-off right away.
- Don’t love the pre-strung pocket.
- Some cracking on the sidewalls after extended use.
The STX Duel 3 is designed for the face-off and stay-on midfielder. This head is made with STX’s Reflex material to help hold the shape a lot longer, so you can continue to use it for offense or defense after the face-off. The top of the head has a slimmed-down scoop that’s designed for face-offs and to make ground balls easier. It has a shorter throat to make the top hand position closer to the ball for more control. It has 4 screw holes on the throat to ensure the head doesn’t rattle.
Durability: ⭐⭐
Stringability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Flexibility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
