Others Sports

10 Best Defensive Lacrosse Heads 2022 Reviews

Lacrosse is a fast game that involves quick movement, flexibility, and maximum control. To excel at lacrosse, it is important to invest in the right equipment.

A lacrosse stick has two parts: the head and the shaft. The head of any lacrosse stick is an important part of that lacrosse stick and can make a difference in a player’s success on the field. A good lacrosse head can make a great difference in the improvement of the player’s skill level.

There are different lacrosse heads in the market today and they are not all the same. They are all designed with full consideration of the different field positions and the functions they carry out. Some are designed to be better at catching the ball while others are better for scooping and throwing balls.

Players in different field positions select the best lacrosse head based on their field position and skill level. There are certain pointers to look out for and every member of the team in different field positions are required to have the best lacrosse sticks with head that serves them well.

Defensive players are players involved in offering a defense to the team. They block opponents from scoring or from having possession of the lacrosse ball. To do this effectively, it is important to invest in the best defensive lacrosse head that offers them as many advantages as possible. The head of the lacrosse stick is an important area of consideration.

This guide provides you with a comprehensive list of the factors to consider when selecting defensive lacrosse head. It highlights the parts of a lacrosse stick and their effect on the overall function of the lacrosse head. You will be able to find the best stick for your defensive position without spending so much.

How To Choose The Best Defensive Lacrosse Head

Defensive Lacrosse Heads

The first thing to consider when selecting a defensive lacrosse head is that head changes with the player’s field position. Not all heads are perfect for every player.

Factors like weight, mouth width, durability, legality, and the junction between head and the bottom rail must be carefully considered.

Also, you have to consider the gender of the player. This is because the rules are different for each gender. Men’s lacrosse defenders are more aggressive than those in women’s lacrosse. There is more physical force applied and this is why there are more paddings in their outfit for protective purposes.

A lacrosse head used in men’s lacrosse must be stronger and able to withstand strong forces.

It is also important to focus on the skill level of the players, whether a beginner or a professional player, as there are legal standards for different levels. A lacrosse head fit for college use might not be allowed at a high-school level.

Each lacrosse head has personalized needs for the main members of the lacrosse team.

Best Defensive Lacrosse Head        

Lacrosse Heads

Lacrosse heads are the part of the lacrosse stick used for scooping or throwing the ball. They have different features that set one head type from another.

An ideal lacrosse head for a defenseman must be stiff and sturdy to withstand excessive force. It must also make scooping and passing balls easy. The best defense lacrosse heads are those that are extremely durable and improves accuracy.

It is also necessary to consider individual factors like the mesh type, the shape, and whether it is strung or unstrung.

Parts Of A Lacrosse Head

  • Scoop
  • Sidewall
  • Ball stop
  • Throat
  • Shooting string
  • Pocket

Defenders

There are 4 main players in any lacrosse team: the defenders, attackers, midfielders, and goalkeepers. The defenders in a lacrosse team are players that take the defensive position. They are typically three in number and work with the goalkeepers to protect the goal post. Their job is to ensure the opposing team does not score a goal. The defenders adopt a position between the attackers of the opposing team and the goal post to ensure the attackers do not get past them.

Defenders need a lacrosse head that is sturdy and long and allows them to block shots or passes. The best defense lacrosse head must be durable and come with a wide space that allows for easy clearing of the ball.

Selecting The Best Defensive Lacrosse Head

top-10-Best-Defensive-Lacrosse-Heads-Reviews.

Before you finally decide to settle for any lacrosse head for defense players, there are key factors to consider. Here are the main ones.

Mouth Width Of The Lacrosse Head

The mouth of the lacrosse head is the widest part of the lacrosse head. It determines how easy it is to catch or scoop the ball. Defenders need a lacrosse head with a wide mouth to allow them to scoop balls easily when passing.

Lacrosse head legal rules

  • NCAA: These are heads legal for use under NCAA only. They meet the minimum width requirements for this level. They are not allowed for use in youth lacrosse or NFHS, they have a mouth width of 6.5 inches.
  • Universal head: These are legal for use at all levels of lacrosse. They can be used at the high school level, youth level and NCAA level.
  • NFHS head: These are lacrosse heads that meet the minimum requirements for use in high school and youth levels only. These ones are very pinched and make it easy to stop the ball. They do not allow the ball fall out of the stick as easily by allowing the ball to land in a sweet spot.

Pinch Of The Lacrosse Head

The pinch is the space between the two sidewalls of the lacrosse head. Different lacrosse heads come with different pinch sizes. Close pinch sized lacrosse heads increases accuracy and allows the players to hold on to the ball more.

However, more pinch in a lacrosse head can make it really difficult to catch the ball. Entry-level players are advised to opt for a lacrosse head with more pinch as this will help increase their ball catching accuracy.

Bottom Rail

The bottom rail is the plastic beam that has stringing holes through which the mesh is attached to the head. It has sidewall holes through which the mesh passes through.

Factors like the position of the sidewall holes and the curve of the bottom rail will determine how easy it is to throw balls. There are different levels of the bottom rail and selecting one depends on your personal needs.

Lacrosse Head Weight

The weight of the lacrosse head is also another important factor. A defensive player must select a lacrosse head that is durable and stiff.

The lacrosse head must be lightweight to allow for easy control of the ball. This can be about 6 ounces.

Lacrosse Head Shape

Selecting the best head shape is highly dependent on the skill level of the player and the field position. There are different head shapes offering varying benefits.

The best head shape for a defenseman in a lacrosse team must be wide as it makes it easier to intercept and pass the ball. Narrower and asymmetrical heads are better for attackers and midfielders respectively.

If you are a beginner or an entry-level player, a wide head shape might be the best to start with. You can then change the shape to allow for more accuracy and control as your skill level improves.

Strung Vs Unstrung

A lacrosse head allows for individualization based on personal preferences. They can come as either strung or unstrung.

These are determined by the skill of the player- whether an entry-level or an experienced player. While entry-level players are advised to go for a strung lacrosse head, elite players might find it much easier.

Lacrosse Head Pocket

There are two main lacrosse head pocket types. They can either be the traditional woven pocket or the mesh pocket.

Mesh pocket

These are the most commonly used ones. They are made of nylon webbings that are woven into the side of the pocket. They are flexible as they can be adjusted by the player.

Traditional woven pocket

Traditional pockets are made of nylon laces that are woven around 4 leather straps. They can be adjusted to fit any type of shot.

Defenders prefer stiff pockets as they offer more accuracy when shooting or passing the ball.

Mesh Type

The mesh is the part of the head on which the ball lands. There are different materials for making the mesh. The best mesh type must offer a good ball feel and optimal consistency. It must also be one that can be used irrespective of the weather conditions.

Soft mesh
Features
  • Easier to string
  • Does not require a break in time
  • Improved ball feel
Cons
  • It loses shape easily
  • It is not weather resistant.
Hard mesh
Features
  • Lasts longer
  • Less rattle
  • Does not lose shape easily
Cons
  • Requires break in time
  • Harder to string
  • Less ball feel

Top 5 Women Defense Lacrosse Head

Lacrosse Heads

ModelRating
STX LACROSSE CRUX 600 GIRLS LACROSSE HEAD5.0
EPOCH STRUNG LACROSSE HEAD INTEGRA Z-ONE4.7
EPOCH WOMEN PURPOSE LADDER POCKET4.8
WARRIOR EVO LACROSSE UNSTRUNG HEAD4.5
BRINE UNSTRUNG LACROSSE EPIC 2 HEAD4.6

1. STX LACROSSE CRUX 600 GIRLS LACROSSE HEAD

The Crux 600 lacrosse stick from STX is designed with premium materials that make it ideal for use in women’s defense lacrosse. It has a speed scoop that maximizes the scooping of ground balls.

It maximizes precision and accuracy, it comes with a wide face and premium pocket for faster ball release.

Features

  • Speed scoop technology
  • Superior ball retention
  • Top string protection

Pros

  • Can be used by elite-level players
  • Provides accuracy, precision and consistency

Cons

  • May be difficult to use by beginners

2. EPOCH STRUNG LACROSSE HEAD INTEGRA Z-ONE

The Epoch strung lacrosse head is a universal head fit for all levels of play. It has a low pocket that allows the ball to sit at the lowest level of the head.

It is designed to be firm and to provide optimal stiffness, it is designed with unique grooves that helps support sidewall knots.

Features

  • Knot lock tech
  • Low-level pocket
  • Shaft material: Carbon/composite material

Pros

  • Ideal for defenders
  • Comes with a sidewall design that increases accuracy, speed and control

Cons

  • Might be difficult for beginner’s use

3. EPOCH WOMEN PURPOSE LADDER POCKET

The Epoch Ladder lacrosse head for women is designed to provide optimal strength and stability. Its 15-degree bottom rail technology helps in driving the ball high in the pocket.

It is lightweight and comes with a single strut for increased stiffness. The Epoch Lacrosse head maximizes control and feel for greater accuracy and power.

Features

  • 15-degree bottom rail technology
  • Lightweight with great durability
  • Composite injected polymer
  • Strut design

Pros

  • It is lightweight and makes for added control
  • Increased stiffness and durability

Cons

  • None

4. WARRIOR EVO LACROSSE UNSTRUNG HEAD

     

The Warrior Evo Lacrosse Head is designed with open sidewalls that allow defenders to make quick shots. It comes with a perfect scoop angle that allows you to easily scoop up balls while on the run.

It also has a super deep pocket and complete ball control. The lacrosse head is lightweight and extremely durable.

If you are looking for the best lacrosse head for a high school player in the defense field position, this is a good choice.

Features

  • Open sidewalls
  • Greater control in stringing
  • Ideal scoop angle

Pros

  • The head is lightweight and quite durable
  • It is ideal for defensive players
  • It offers additional support and control for players

Cons

  • Can only be used at a high school level of play

5. BRINE UNSTRUNG LACROSSE EPIC 2 HEAD

The Brine Epic 2 Lacrosse Defense Head is designed with a U scoop to offer players more accuracy and greater ease when scooping ground balls. The sidewall design provides defense players with additional control.

It is lightweight and increases speed and consistency.

Features

  • U scoop design
  • Lightweight and easy to control

Pros

  • Light and easy to control
  • Durable
  • Flexible

Cons

  • None

Top 5 Men’s Defense Lacrosse Head

ModelRating
MAVERIK TANK UNIVERSAL UNSTRUNG DEFENSE LACROSSE HEAD4.8
STX STALLION U 700 UNSTRUNG LACROSSE HEAD4.9
EAST COAST DYES REBEL DEFENSE LACROSSE HEAD4.7
STX LACROSSE HAMMER 500 UNSTRUNG HEAD4.5
STRING KING 2D MEN’S MARK UNSTRUNG DEFENSE LACROSSE HEAD 5.05.0

Men’s defense lacrosse heads must be stronger and stiffer than other lacrosse heads. The ideal lacrosse head should allow for optimal control of ground balls and maximize the scooping of the balls. More force is used in men’s lacrosse and so, a lacrosse head for defenders should be strong enough to provide the player with added stiffness and durability.

Here are 5 top men’s lacrosse heads for defense.

1. MAVERIK TANK UNIVERSAL UNSTRUNG DEFENSE LACROSSE HEAD

Maverik Tank Universal Lacrosse Head is perfect for defensive players, as it allows for aggressive shots on ground balls. It is durable and allows for greater ball control and accuracy. It has a wide face ideal for defense play and allows for great flexibility.

Features

  • Universal head
  • Wide face perfect for defensemen
  • Has reinforced sidewalls which increases durability
  • Level 5 bottom rail designed for high pocket
  • Comes with multiple stringing holes for pocket customization

Pros

  • Ideal for defenders
  • Allows for greater accuracy and control
  • Durable and flexible to use

Cons

  • None.

2. STX STALLION U 700 UNSTRUNG LACROSSE HEAD

The STX Stallion U 700 Unstrung Lacrosse Head is perfect for players on all levels of play. It is a universal head and can be used by any player.

It allows for quick ball pick and passes, it is stiff and comes with features that maximized aggressive passing and catching of ground balls.

Features

  • Universal head for all skill levels
  • Mid to high-level pocket design
  • Allows for easy picking up of the ball

Pros

  • Flexible and durable
  • Ideal for defenders in all level of play
  • Lightweight and allows for greater ball accuracy

Cons

  • None.

3. EAST COAST DYES REBEL DEFENSE LACROSSE HEAD

The East Coast Dyes Rebel Defense Lacrosse Head is an ideal lacrosse head for defensemen. It comes equipped with features that make throwing or catching aggressive shots a breeze.

It has a rounded scoop design perfect for scooping groundballs, it also has a tight face shape that provides an additional pinch of the lacrosse head.

Features

  • A semi-soft mesh that is waterproof
  • Mid-level pocket
  • Round scoop design
  • Tighter face shape

Pros

  • Ideal for defenders
  • It is lightweight and durable
  • Mesh is waterproof

Cons

  • None yet

4. STX LACROSSE HAMMER 500 UNSTRUNG HEAD

The STX Lacrosse Hammer 500 Head for men is designed to improve speed, performance, and accuracy. The head is lightweight and extremely durable.

It provides strength by enforcing stability on ground balls, it comes with a C channel design that strengthens the sidewalls. It also comes with a Speed Scoop design that reduces the dragging of the ball on the field making scooping of balls easier.

Features

  • Speed Scoop
  • C-channel design
  • 3 sidewall brace design

Pros

  • Can be used at the high school and college level
  • Has more stiffness and stability

Cons

  • Can break when excessive force is applied

5. STRING KING 2D MEN’S MARK UNSTRUNG DEFENSE LACROSSE HEAD

This lacrosse defense head for men is designed to provide the required stiffness and strength.  It offers defenders more power and accuracy on fast shots.

It has a slightly pinched throat which maximizes the pocket level, it comes with an aggressive head scoop ideal for ground balls.

Features

  • 29 sidewall holes
  • Stiff and tough head
  • Head locked to prevent rattle

Pros

  • Offers more stiffness and accuracy
  • Perfect scoop design for ground balls

Cons

  • None

FAQS

10-Best-Defensive-Lacrosse-Heads-Reviews

Do lacrosse heads come with attached sticks?

Not necessarily. Some brands offer separate heads and sticks for sale. There are some that are complete sticks. Be sure to read the details before placing an order.

Is lacrosse defense hard to play?

The defenders are the players that prevent the opposing team from scoring. They stand between the attackers and the goal post. Becoming a lacrosse defender requires being quick on the feet. It is not so difficult to learn once you get the hang of it.

How do I know the best lacrosse head for my level of play?

Lacrosse heads come with peculiar features for each position. For players in the defensive position, it is important to consider the player’s personal requirements while taking legalities into consideration. A lacrosse head fit for youth and high school level might not be ideal at a college level. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the different specifications for each level so you won’t end up wasting your money.

What type of mesh are affected by the weather?

There are 2 different types of mesh. The soft mesh is usually affected by weather conditions. It absorbs water making the lacrosse head difficult for use. The hard mesh is waterproof. Before selecting your kind of mesh, consider other benefits each mesh type offers and select the one that more closely fits your needs.

Conclusion

Best Defensive Lacrosse Heads

The defensive player is always on the look for the best defensive lacrosse head. They have to consider important factors like mesh type, level of the pocket, legalities, shape, mouth width, durability, and weight of the head.

Before settling on any lacrosse head, you are to determine the player’s play level as there are different rules guiding each.

Defense requires a lot of force and ball aggressiveness and so, a durable and strong lacrosse head is necessary.

Also, the weather conditions of any location have a high contributing factor to the selected head. Heads made with soft mesh are not waterproof and this can affect a player’s level of control.

Each lacrosse head comes with personalized needs for every members of a team. There are also different lacrosse heads that are best for men and women.

Join The Discussion