The Nike L4 is a sleek, lightweight attack and midfield shaft designed for players who prioritize speed and control, featuring a clean grip surface and balanced weight distribution for quick hands and accurate stick work. Its straightforward construction pairs well with any head setup for a versatile, game-ready feel.
Best Lacrosse Heads
Our lacrosse head reviews are designed to help you weigh tradeoffs to find the best fit. We collaborate with players and gear experts to review each head based on durability (the ability to resist stress and deform before breaking), stringability (how easy and versatile it is to string up), and flexibility (the ability to bend and flex upon impact). Rankings are updated weekly based on SidelineSwap sales data.
Meet Our Experts
The StringKing Mark 2F is designed for face-off specialists. It features a hybrid plastic construction, an angled scoop, and a shortened throat for quick reactions. Its high flare and straight sidewall improve ball control, which is essential for winning battles and securing possession.
Great, durable head for FOGOs. Easy to string with multiple holes. Three bolts help lock the head into any shaft. Narrow channel for elite hold. Comes back into shape easily.
@Tbloomerjr, Parent Review
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.
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.
@AllenMelick, Expert Review
The StringKing Mark 3V's pinched design maximizes ball control and security within the pocket, complemented by a subtle top flare for smooth, effortless catches. Featuring the game's best scoop, the Mark 3V offers strength and stiffness for easy ground ball pickups, leading to faster shot speeds and a clean release.
With the 3V, you can make any pocket work! I love the versatility and how many options are available for different stringing methods. The plastic is fantastic, definitely stiff but not too stiff. It just is a better version of what it was.
@ZZach24, Parent Review
The STX Stallion 1K is a top choice for midfielders. Building on the original design by NCAA champion Kyle Harrison, it features durable EnduraForm material and the Speed Scoop for easy ground ball pickups. A deeper legal offset enhances ball feel and retention.
I like the face shape of the 1K. It's wide enough to allow me to catch the ball easier but still tight enough for me to have plenty of control. I also really enjoy the speed scoop. The only negative thing I can think about for this head is the lack of sidewall holes. Aside from that, I love the head.
@ThatDudeNick, Player Review
The Impact lacrosse head is designed for the elite goalies who thrive under pressure and make the difference between a championship and a long offseason. Engineered with a new, light and stiff SL-105 plastic, an optimized face shape, and an ergonomic throat, the Impact is incredibly responsive and allows goalies to anticipate the shooter's moves. The head is also easy to string, ensuring a perfect pocket every time.
The ECD Impact is truly a game-changer for goalies at all levels. Launched in 2022, the Impact is the newest goalie head of the successful ECD family. It is incredibly lightweight for a goalie's head and can help keepers get to shots at a faster rate. Several PLL starters chose the Impact to snatch away shots that can travel 110 MPH + showing trust in the head.
Jake Caldwell, Expert Review
The Warrior Evo QX-O represents a key advancement in Warrior's offensive lineup. Weighing 20 grams less than its predecessor, it features a redesigned bottom rail, a mid-low pocket, and a Therma Lock resin for shape retention in high temperatures. Built on the success of the Warrior Krypto Pro shaft, the QX-O emphasizes control and power, reflecting Warrior's commitment to high-performance offensive tools.
The Warriors started making up some crazy names for their heads. This model is made for an offensive player who’s looking for more ball control with a quick release on passing and shooting. The big selling point is that it's 20 grams lighter than the previous model and has an upgraded rail system. The material makes it a stiffer head, and it helps the head retain its shape in high-heat environments. It has an updated scoop to make ground balls that much easier.
@AllenMelick, Expert Review
The ECD Lacrosse Ion is designed for fast attackers, utilizing patented Diamond Plastic for lightness and durability. Its aerodynamic shape reduces wind resistance and improves control, enabling quick shooting. ECD suggests a mid-low pocket for optimal ball handling and rapid releases.
The Ion is super light. I've used the same head for 1 1/2 years, and it's still lasted. Not a crack! And I haven't needed to get it restrung. The head doesn't warp, and it's held up great. The Ion is perfect for players who like light setups.
@Tysonlieu23, Player Review
The Maverik Tactik 3 is perfect for attackers. It features ControlCore Technology for enhanced ball control in cradling, passing, and shooting. With 20 stringing holes, it allows for customizable mid-pocket options that balance power and finesse. Its lightweight yet durable construction ensures maneuverability. The 3 has Maverik's tough material, which adds durability and consistency to the head.
The 3 is great for middies and attackers who want a strong hold and a low whip for an easy feed. The shape allows for a consistent release with the ability to string into many different uses. I use this head as an offensive midfielder, utilizing a low whip and high mid pocket. It excels at quick passes and is great at any shooting.
@Lacrosseboy2008, Player Review
The Gait Mustang is designed for power and control, featuring a maximum offset for enhanced feel and precision in passing. Its Critical Cavity Technology reduces weight while protecting the top lace, improving ground ball pickups. This makes the Mustang an excellent choice for offensive players contributing on both ends of the field.
The Gait Mustang is an attackman or midfielder head that works best with mid- to high-pockets. It’s a head with ties to Syracuse head coach Gary Gait and has been used by most of Syracuse’s offensive weapons over the past season. It also has a multi-hole string system, which makes it easy to customize your pocket.
Jake Caldwell, Expert Review
Designed for elite attackers, the STX Surgeon 1K lacrosse head is ultra-lightweight yet durable, thanks to its EnduraForm plastic construction. The 1K features an updated face shape that helps improve shot accuracy. This combination allows for powerful and precise shots while offering quickness on ground balls with the help of its Speed Scoop technology.
This head is used by my 12-year-old son. It holds the ball extremely well, allowing him to change hands effortlessly. The shape of the head makes for easy stringing. Aesthetically, it is a nice-looking stick.
@Shaun717, Coach Review
The ECD Atom is a lightweight attack and midfield shaft built to complement fast, creative offensive play with a clean, responsive feel and reliable durability. Its balanced construction and consistent flex make it easy to generate quick releases on shots and passes without fighting the shaft.
The ECD Lacrosse Mirage 3.0 Head refines every detail to deliver increased stiffness and enhanced performance for high-powered offensive play. Featuring a tight face shape, aggressive offset, and optimized bottom rail position, it offers an ideal balance of control and shooting power. Built for accuracy and consistency, this head continues its reputation as a shooter’s go-to option.
The DNA 2.0 enhances the legendary DNA series, known for its versatility and performance. Made from proprietary FlexForm plastic, it maintains shape and resists warping under heavy use. The lightweight, stiff design makes it suitable for attackers, midfielders, and defenders. It features ECD's Elite pocket, ensuring consistent, accurate release with minimal break-in time.
The DNA provides the best stiffness but is also super lightweight. I play defense, and it takes really hard slap checks. It's also the perfect shape—not too wide and ideal for transition. It's also really good for groundballs.
@wooldridgeo, Player Review
Nike L3
The Nike L3 is the perfect choice for midfielders, succeeding the iconic Lakota line. Its tight face shape enhances control and accuracy, while the deep bottom rail allows for a mid-to-high pocket for quick releases. Made from PowerForm material, it offers increased stiffness and durability, making it ideal for advanced players looking for versatility in passing, dodging, and ground balls.
I love the face shape and the number of stringing holes the L3 has. It looks good, feels good, and plays well. Also, the head is super light; I can barely tell it's on my handle. Perfect angel on the scoop for ground balls. The L3 doesn't flex too much, either, making for consistent passing and shooting. I love the Nike L3. Anyone in any position can use it and string it to meet their playing style.
@HHirn164, 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.
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.
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.
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
@Dpole_GOAT, Player Review
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.
The STX Hyper Power Lacrosse Head is designed for elite shooters, featuring innovative Power Ramp technology that promotes a steeper angle for increased shot speed and consistency. Made with EnduraForm™ for enhanced durability and Innerlock™ guides for easy stringing, it focuses on delivering maximum power and accuracy for offensive players, marking a shift from STX's traditional well-rounded heads.
The Hyper Power is designed to bring the game of an elite shooter to the next level. It is incredibly accurate and has a new structure that provides a natural whip to the head, unlike many other heads. The bottom of the head rises to the top at a different angle than other heads, which keeps the ball in your pocket longer and takes away the variables of stringing materials. This head is used by players like Marcus Holman and Will Manny. Holman used this head to win the 2021 PLL Accuracy Contest in both 2021 and 2022 All-Star Games.
@AllenMelick, Expert Review
The Gait Torq Lacrosse Head revives the legendary feel of the original Torque with performance upgrades for today’s game. This redesigned classic is stiffer and stronger, featuring a multi-hole stringing system that allows players to dial in any pocket. An internal stringing rib facilitates easy tie-offs, while the maximum offset provides ball control and retention. A V-Scoop centers the release point for improved accuracy, and the recessed lace system minimizes top-lace wear.
The Gait Torque 3 is a throwback-inspired head brought firmly into the modern game, weighing just 4.5 oz while being stiffer than its predecessor thanks to increased parallel sidewalls that improve ball retention without sacrificing the narrow pocket shape the Torq line is known for. A slightly wider profile makes catching easier and the Air Scoop reduces weight and wind resistance for quicker, sharper shooting and passing.
The ECD Mirage 2.0 is a standout head that reinforces ECD's reputation for shooter-friendly gear. With its stiff construction, tight face shape, and deep offset, it’s designed for offensive players who need precision. This model honors the original Mirage while incorporating modern upgrades.
The Mirage 2.0 is built for the elite offensive shooter. With an aggressive offset and a tighter face shape, this head provides power and accuracy for shooting, passing, and control for dodgers. It is stiffer to withstand hotter temperatures, so it doesn’t warp, and it has a redesigned scoop that makes ground balls super easy.
@AllenMelick, Expert 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.
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.
@IShootRockets, Player Review