Have you ever stepped onto the field and felt like your gear was working against you rather than with you? In the fast-paced world of lacrosse, your stick is the most important extension of your body. A single split-second play can determine the outcome of a game, and your equipment often makes the difference between a perfect pass and a missed opportunity.
Choosing the right lacrosse head can feel overwhelming because there are so many brands, shapes, and pocket styles on the market today. Many players waste money on expensive gear that doesn’t fit their specific position or playing style. It is frustrating to spend hours researching specs only to end up with a head that feels awkward or unreliable during a tough match. You deserve gear that helps you play with confidence and control.
In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know to find your perfect match. We will explain how different head shapes influence your ball control, shooting speed, and ground ball pickups. You will learn how to match your position to the right technology, saving you time and stress during your next shopping trip. By the end of this post, you will have the knowledge to pick a head that elevates your game to the next level. Let’s dive into the details and find the gear that works for you.
Top Lacrosse Head Recommendations
- Perfect for Most Positions – Whether you're an attackman, midfielder, or defender, the RC1 offers the ideal balance of power, accuracy, and durability for most players on the field. Not the best for faceoffs.
- Performance Tested — Proven at the D1 Collegiate level for the last two seasons, the RC1 is ready for high-pressure play while also being an ideal choice for beginners honing their skills
- Effortless Stringing — The RC1 features numbered sidewall holes with an optimal count of 20, making stringing quicker, easier, and more precise. The generously sized sidewall holes allow players to experiment with stringing styles effortlessly
- Designed and Developed in the USA — Located in Annandale, New Jersey, ReLax Collections serves lacrosse organizations locally in the Mid-Atlantic region and across the country. The RC1 was designed, developed, and tested entirely in the NJ/PA/NY region.
- Affordable Experimentation — Whether you're dyeing the head or trying out new stringing patterns, the RC1 gives you the freedom to customize without worrying about damaging an expensive piece of equipment
- BALL CONTROL – Each head is designed for all pocket variations depending on your positional preference.
- POCKET POSITION – Our lacrosse sticks are designed with multiple sidewall holes for all custom pocket preferences.
- MINIMAL BREAK IN NECESSARY – Strung with our proprietary mesh, each of our strung heads is ready to be used immediately with minimal break in.
- VERSATILE – Light but rigid, our lacrosse heads can be used in all playing conditions from youth lacrosse all the way to college level play.
- The STX Surgeon 1K lacrosse head is made for elite attackers.
- Ultra lightweight design for speed and control
- Updated face shape creates a better channel for increased accuracy
- EnduraForm - a proprietary material for improved toughness
- Trust in Quality: Rely on the trusted craftsmanship of STX, a leading brand in lacrosse equipment.
- The Stallion 1K unstrung lacrosse head is made for elite midfield players.
- Built to Last: Dominate the field with confidence knowing that this head offers exceptional durability, ensuring it can handle the toughest plays.
- Enhanced Control: Take control of the game with precision engineering, thanks to the innovative C-Channel technology integrated into the Stallion 1K.
- Adaptability at Its Best: versatile design of the Stallion 1K allows you to customize your playing style for optimal performance.
- Trust in Quality: Rely on the trusted craftsmanship of STX, a leading brand in lacrosse equipment.
- Lightweight Our patent pending Diamond Plastic has an extremely low density allowing this to be our lightest head ever.
- Fast What makes this head fast? Science. Well, aerodynamics. This is the most aerodynamic head in our line allowing your stick to cut through the air like you wouldn’t believe.
- Made in the U.S.A. Designed and made in the U.S.A. with precision and love.
- Increased Stiffness: The Mirage 3.0 has been crafted to deliver a 10% increase in stiffness, providing you with more consistency over time.
- Still the Shooter’s Dream: The Mirage family has always been designed for big time shooters and the third generation builds on that legacy.
- The Perfect Combination of Power and Control: The Mirage 3.0’s tight face shape, aggressive offset, and perfect bottom rail position combine in perfect harmony to provide unmatched power and control.
- Made in the USA: Made with pride, precision, and an internal hunger to destroy the nets you spent hours tying up.
- The Hyper Power lacrosse head is made to help give attackers more accurate shots and passes.
- Strung with Memory Mesh & ready to play
- Crafted for the elite offensive shooter with an updated Power Ramp (patent pending) improves shot speed and consistency
- Innerlock guides simplify inside stringing for a narrower pocket and increased hold
- Made with EnduraForm - a proprietary material for improved toughness
- MADE IN THE U.S.A – Each head is hand stung using materials that are sourced in the United States.
- DYNAMIC POCKET POSITION – 19 sidewall holes allow for multiple pocket variations.
- MINIMAL BREAK IN NECESSARY (Strung variants only) – Strung with our proprietary mesh that's made in the USA, each of our strung heads is ready to be used immediately with minimal break in.
- VERSATILE – Designed for the advanced offensive player, our lacrosse heads can be used at all levels from youth lacrosse all the way to college level play.
The Ultimate Lacrosse Head Buying Guide
Choosing the right lacrosse head is important for your game. A good head helps you pass, catch, and shoot with precision. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you need gear that fits your style. This guide will help you pick the best head for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a lacrosse head, look at the shape. A wider head makes it easier to catch the ball. This is great for new players. A narrower head gives you more control. Advanced players often choose these for better accuracy.
You should also look at the sidewall holes. These holes allow you to string your pocket. More holes give you more options for your stringing pattern. This lets you customize how the ball sits in your stick.
Important Materials
Most heads are made from hard plastic polymers. Manufacturers create these to be stiff and lightweight. A stiff head keeps its shape when you hit other players. This ensures your passes go where you aim. Some brands use special additives to keep the head flexible in cold weather. This prevents the plastic from cracking during winter games.
Factors That Affect Quality
Quality depends on the balance of weight and stiffness. A heavy head makes your arms tired during long games. A head that is too soft will bend when you shoot. This causes the ball to fly off-target. Look for a head that feels sturdy but light in your hands. Durability is also key. A high-quality head should last through an entire season of hard practices and games.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your position on the field changes what you need. Attackers usually want a head with a deep pocket. This helps them hold onto the ball while dodging defenders. Defenders need a stiff head to stop passes and check opponents. Midfielders need a versatile head that works well for both offense and defense. Think about how you play before you buy.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the head come with a mesh stringing kit?
A: Most heads are sold “unstrung.” You will need to buy mesh and strings separately or pay a shop to string it for you.
Q: Can I use any head for any position?
A: Yes, but some are better for specific roles. Attackers prefer narrow heads, while defenders prefer stiffer heads.
Q: How do I know if a head is legal?
A: Most heads sold by major brands meet NCAA and NFHS rules. Always check the stamp on the sidewall to be sure.
Q: Why does my head feel floppy in the cold?
A: Cold weather makes plastic brittle or soft. Choose a head designed for all-weather performance to avoid this.
Q: How often should I replace my lacrosse head?
A: Replace it if the plastic cracks or if the sidewall starts to warp significantly.
Q: Does the color of the head matter?
A: Color is mostly for style. However, some players prefer white heads because they are easier to see on the field.
Q: What is the “offset” feature?
A: Offset means the head drops down from the shaft. This creates a deeper pocket and helps the ball stay in the stick.
Q: Can I string my own head?
A: Yes. Many players learn to string their own pockets to get the perfect feel for their game.
Q: Are expensive heads always better?
A: Not always. Expensive heads use lighter materials, but a cheaper head might be more durable for a beginner.
Q: What happens if my head warps?
A: A warped head makes your passes inaccurate. It is usually time to buy a new one if it no longer holds its shape.