Best Defense Lacrosse Heads

The Maverik Havok 2 builds on its predecessor’s reputation, making it ideal for elite defensemen and LSMs. It features a tighter face shape for better control and a redesigned 4-strut design for added stiffness, allowing for powerful checks. The scoop is optimized for ground ball pickups, facilitating easier possession and transitions upfield.

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Building off of the first Havok, this head is for the playmaking LSM and defensemen. Maverik made two changes with this head, the first being a tighter face for more ball control for defensive players who like to carry the ball. The second change is increased stiffness to the head to avoid warping when throwing a variety of checks.

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@AllenMelick, Expert Review

The Maverik Havok is designed for LSMs and defensemen, focusing on strength, control, and ground ball dominance. Its aggressive scoop, lightweight Duratough material, and X-Rail technology excel at scooping loose balls. Maverik continues its legacy of high-performance gear tailored to specific player needs while ensuring quality and durability.

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The Havok is a head for the aggressive defender and LSM. It’s for players who take the ball away and look to push transition. With a ground control scoop for easy ground balls and Xrail technology to evenly distribute head stress, this head is lightweight and holds its stiffness. Good head to have in all weather conditions; it tends to hold shape well. Perfect with a mid-high pocket.

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@AllenMelick, Expert Review

The STX Hammer 1K is designed for elite defenders and features EnduraForm technology for stiffness and shape retention. Its Speed Scoop design enhances ground ball play, while the triple strut design ensures durability and performance on the field.

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The STX Hammer 1K is a beast of a head. It is perfect for defensemen who lay heavy-duty checks, such as PLL Champion Jack Rowlett. The head returns to shape after each check with its triple strut stability technology. The Hammer 1k was released in 2023 and serves as a reliable option for close defenders.

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Jake Caldwell, Expert Review

The Maverik Tank 2 is a pinnacle of defensive strength in lacrosse. Known for its ultra-stiff construction, it features a 6-strut Xrail design, durable materials, a wide face shape, and a high pocket design. This head upholds Maverik's tradition of reliable defensive performance, prioritizing rigidity and ground ball control.

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The Maverik Tank 2 is my favorite head. I've used it for about 3 months, and it has been great. I can string it faster and better than any of my other heads. I've used it on defense, and it is very durable

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@Dpole_GOAT, Player Review

The ECD Rebel comes in offensive and defensive versions, designed for players seeking power and precision. The Rebel Offense features a pinched scoop for accurate feeds and shots, while the Rebel Defense offers a tighter face shape for effective checks and ground ball pickups. Both versions are lightweight and focused on control, perfect for those who want to dictate the game.

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The Rebel is the perfect combination of passing, catching, and shooting. This head has a slightly wider face shape than the Mirage 2. Still, it's excellent for beginners and intermediate players looking for a head that is easier to catch without compromising shooting accuracy. The Rebel is an all-around head mainly for attackmen who must catch and shoot.

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@IShootRockets, Player Review

The StringKing Mark 2D Lacrosse Head is built for defensive strength and ground ball control. Its stiff construction allows for powerful checks, while the wide, slightly pinched face shape creates an effective channel for scooping up loose balls, helping defenders excel in close defense and quick transitions.

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The StringKing Mark 2D is a great choice for close defensemen and long stick midfielders as it’s relatively stiff for its lightweight design. StringKing heads have always been known to do well with ground balls and be easily strung up.

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Jake Caldwell, Expert Review

The STX Hammer 900 lacrosse head is designed for elite defensemen, featuring Enduraform™ plastic for exceptional stiffness and shape retention. Its redesigned Speed Scoop™ allows easy ground ball pickups at various angles, while the tighter face profile ensures precise clears and fast breaks.

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The Hammer 900 is a top defensive head, crafted for the elite defensemen. Designed with STX’s new Enduraform plastic, this head has great shape retention and is incredibly stiff. This head is just like the Tank 2.0, you can throw some pretty hard checks with it. It has a tighter face compared to most defensive heads which makes control of ground balls much easier.

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@AllenMelick, Expert Review

The ECD Lacrosse Delta is a high-performance defensive head. With its aggressive face shape, rigid design, and optimized groundball scoop, the Delta is built to dominate. This head offers exceptional control, durability, and groundball-gathering ability. If you're looking to elevate your defensive game, the ECD Lacrosse Delta is the perfect choice.

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Scoops ground balls like butter. Passes adequately, but nothing super special. Noticed no warping or twisting during use. Two big thumbs up for the Delta 👍👍

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@PaulPDixon, Player Review

The StringKing Mark 2T merges features from the offensive Mark 2V and defensive Mark 2D. It offers stiffness, ground ball dominance, and offensive execution. Lightweight and ultra-stiff, the Mark 2T delivers power, accuracy, and consistency for transition players, making it ideal for checks, ground balls, and powerful shots.

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The Stringking Mark 2T is part of their innovative lineup as the transition head between the offensive and defensive models. It's popular among two-way midfielders and even some long-stick midfielders, as it combines stiffness with offensive execution. Overall, this head is ideal for players who can ball out on both ends of the field.

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Jake Caldwell, Expert Review

A versatile option for all levels of play, the Under Armour Command Lacrosse Head offers a balanced combination of power and control at an attractive price point. This head features an all-weather nylon that is built to withstand extreme temperatures, a durable sidewall for super-stiff performance, and a full offset for unmatched power and feel. Overall, the Under Armour Command Lacrosse Head is a solid choice for players looking for a dependable head that can excel in various aspects of the game.

A popular choice for offensive midfielders, the STX Stallion 700 Lacrosse Head offers a balanced combination of power and control for all-around play. This head features the brand's signature Speed Scoop technology for effortless ground ball pickups, helping midfielders transition the ball quickly in fast-paced situations. Additionally, the Stallion 700 boasts a stiff construction and a mid-pocket configuration, which allows for both strong throws and secure cradling, making it a versatile option for midfielders who contribute on both ends of the field.

Designed to be a shutdown defender's weapon of choice, the STX Hammer lacrosse head prioritizes stiffness and durability. This is achieved through their EnduraForm material, which makes the head resistant to checks and ground balls, while also providing a stiff pocket for accurate clears. Additionally, the Hammer features a redesigned Speed Scoop™ for easier ground ball pickups, allowing defenders to dominate the close defense game.

The STX Stallion Lacrosse Head, launched in 2005 by NCAA champion Kyle Harrison, has a history of midfield excellence. Evolving through models like the 700, 900, and 1K, it caters to various playing styles. Key features include the durable EnduraForm material, strategically placed holes, and a pocket design focused on control.

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The Stallion is great. We have a couple of family members who play different positions. With this head, we have strung it for attack and, more recently, restrung it for a D-Mid. Both positions have different pocket needs, and it was easy to adapt the sidewall stringing for both of what they were looking for.

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@kwg, Coach Review

The Maverik Tank lacrosse head is a powerful and agile head. With its Level 5 Bottom Rail, 4-Strut Design, and True Form Technology, the Tank provides exceptional durability and responsiveness. The wide face design and 17 stringing holes per side wall offer optimal control and power. Whether you're delivering crushing checks or scooping up ground balls, the Maverik Tank is the perfect tool to elevate your game.

Designed to be a defender's dream, the Under Armour Command D Lacrosse Head prioritizes both durability and ground ball control. A rigid sidewall and scoop help channel loose balls towards the pocket, while the all-weather nylon construction ensures the head can withstand aggressive checks and the elements. This combination of toughness and functionality makes the Under Armour Command D Lacrosse Head a reliable choice for defenders who like to play a physical brand of lacrosse.

The D2 Transition lacrosse head features multidirectional Ball Dislodgment tech to enhance checks by increasing contact in two directions. Its narrow attack face shape ensures control and accuracy in passing and shooting. Elevated Impact Ridges disrupt ball retention, while the Air scoop improves glide over turf and reduces air friction during plays, making it a versatile tool for any lacrosse player.

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The Gait D2T was launched in 2024 as the newest addition of the D2 series. With an emphasis on the “Transition” part of the head to allow for push and pull checks. It also has an interesting look with the elevated impact ridges on the plastic.

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Jake Caldwell, Expert Review

The STX X20 Lacrosse Head offers a modern twist on classic defense. With a wide face shape for better control, it helps defenders patrol passing lanes and block shots. The head includes STX's Strike Plate technology, enhancing lift and slap checks to disrupt opponents. Overall, the X20 is a reliable choice for defenders aiming to interrupt the game flow.

The Warrior Evo QX-D lacrosse head is a lightweight and durable defensive option. Its customizable LOC-THROAT feature and Therma-Loc resin ensure consistent performance, while the improved bottom rail and scoop design enhance ground ball control. With its advanced features and sleek design, it's a top choice for defensive players looking for a competitive edge.

The STX X10 lacrosse head is a budget-friendly option designed for players who value fast ground ball pickups and improved ball control. Featuring trestled sidewall struts for added stability, a scalloped scoop for quick ground ball retrieval, and a deep offset profile for enhanced ball control, the STX X10 is a great choice for skill defenders of all levels. With its combination of features and affordable price, the X10 offers excellent value for players looking to improve their game.