Ask any experienced lacrosse player, and he'll tell you that the most significant difference in this sport makes the equipment. When on the field, you should think of the lacrosse stick as an extension to your body, the fifth extremity that allows a perfect catch, check, and release every time.
Yet, each position comes with a unique set of requirements, so not every lacrosse head is equally efficient in every position. For defense players, the crucial feature is strength and ball control since they throw a lot of checks and need to clear the ball from the field.
Today I'll cover 10 best defensive lacrosse heads that will upgrade you from an amateur to a pro in no time, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each leading model on the market.
Stay tuned!
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Table of Contents
- Best Defensive Heads for Lacrosse: Top 10 Reviews
- #1. Maverik Lacrosse Tank Universal - Top Pick Defense Lacrosse Head
- #2. WARRIOR RMXUN Regulator Max - Runner-Up Lacrosse Head for Defense
- #3. STX X10 Men's Lacrosse Head - The Best Budget-Friendly Defense Lacrosse Head
- #4. Maverik Havok Unstrung Lacrosse Head - Perfect Strength-to-Weight Ratio
- #5. STX Lacrosse Hammer Omega - Unmatched Stiffness
- #6. Regulator Max Warp Pro Head - Fierce Checks
- #7. STX Fortress 700 - The Best For Female Lacrosse
- #8. STX Hammer 500 Enduraform - Best Lacrosse Head For High School Defensive Players
- #9. Brine King II ST - The Best Budget Offer
- #10. StringKing Mark 2T - The Most Advanced Versatile Lacrosse Head
- How to Choose the Best Defensive Lacrosse Heads - A Buyer's Guide
- Additional Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
READ MORE
Best Defensive Heads for Lacrosse: Top 10 Reviews
Best Feature | Product Name | Price |
---|---|---|
Top Pick Defense Lacrosse Head | Maverik Lacrosse Tank Universal | |
Runner-Up Lacrosse Head for Defense | WARRIOR RMXUN Regulator Max | |
The Best Budget-Friendly Defense Lacrosse Head | STX X10 Men's Lacrosse Head | |
Perfect Strength-to-Weight Ratio | Maverik Havok Unstrung Lacrosse Head | |
Unmatched Stiffness | STX Lacrosse Hammer Omega | |
Fierce Checks | Regulator Max Warp Pro Head | |
The Best For Female Lacrosse | STX Fortress 700 | |
Best Lacrosse Head For High School Defensive Players | STX Hammer 500 Enduraform | |
The Best Budget Offer | Brine King II ST | |
The Most Advanced Versatile Lacrosse Head | StringKing Mark 2T |
Maverik Lacrosse Tanks Universal has already confirmed its fame, being on the market for four years. Still, it stands back to back with the latest lacrosse gear due to its unbeatable design. The head owns its popularity to the untamed strength, reliable design, and unmatched durability.
Ultimate power and beast-like agility are what the designers were going for when creating this lacrosse head. It will help you deliver fierce checks and scoop the ground balls easily.
As a defensive player, you need your lacrosse head sturdy and reliable.
Maveric Tanks includes two screw holes that offer more security and stability, letting you eliminate the head rattle. It also consists of a broad face, which proves elemental in interceptions and disruption of the competitor.
There's no need to worry about it bending or breaking with this lacrosse head because the 4-strut design offers rail support and guarantees sturdiness.
At the same time, Level 5 Bottom Rail enables better control of the ground ball with its high-pocket design that channels the ball directly into the pocket and many stringing holes enabling adjustments in accordance with your needs during the game.
All in all, Maveric Lacrosse Tank Universal is one mid-range product that, despite its reasonable price, has proven fantastic for defensive players. It works excellent for high school players, yet I recommend checking out the high-end models for more professional use.
- Strong
- Reliable
- Sturdy
- Wide face
- High pocket
- Unstrung
Warrior RMXUN represents the combination of the Warrior's two best-selling lines: Revolution and Evolution. With that in mind, we can say that this model is an upgraded version with reinforced areas, specially designed to provide the highest durability and incredible strength. But, let's see more closely what this model offers.
What characterizes the MAX technology are fortified regions that considerably enhanced the lacrosse head's stiffness and made a significant impact on durability. The head also includes the SYM-RAIL technology that matches the inner and outer walls by shaving, reducing the weight while adding stability.
The new MAX model came with innovation in the form of thicker walls instead of Regulator X, so it is incredibly convenient for cruel checks.
Yet, the unique feature that Warrior RMXUN has to offer is the LOC-THROAT technology that additionally reinforces stability by providing external and internal pressure on the shaft to prevent head rattle. As a defensive player, I guess you know how important this is.
The rail configuration is mid-high, so the pocket will be in a mid-high position as well. However, with the Tilt-Tech string hole design, you will have many options to find the right tension for better ball release.
Compared to our previous model, this lacrosse head is a bit more expensive, yet it pays off in the long run since its robust and robust design prevents breaking and improves durability.
- SYM-RAIL technology
- LOC-THROAT
- Durable
- Strong
- Tilt-Tech design
- Not compatible with some shafts
- Unstrung
For amateurs and college players, high-end lacrosse heads are not always affordable options. Luckily, some high-quality lacrosse heads won't make you sacrifice other priorities but will serve decently on the field. One such model is the STX X10 Men's Lacrosse Head.
Even though this model is not on the pricey side, it features a universal design that makes it suitable for many different applications, including NCAA and NFHS.
STX lacrosse heads are known for the trestled sidewall strut design that is mostly responsible for stability and strength. At the same time, every ground ball is picked up confidently thanks to the scalloped scoop.
Scalloped scoops also play an essential role in stringing where in combination with more sidewall holes, they offer a chance to get creative, enabling way more stringing options than Xcalibur.
The other advantages this lacrosse head offers are tapered profile and deep offset, perfect for a mid-high pocket, essential for the defenders.
Also, ball retention has never been better with the Forward Cant that improves the hold without compromising the shooting and quick passing.
At last, if you catch the special deal on Amazon, you'll get this more than decent lacrosse head for less than fifty dollars, which is the most affordable offer on the market currently.
- Scalloped scoop
- More sidewall holes
- NCAA and NFHS
- Forward Cant
- Deep offset
- Unstrung
The new Maverik Havok lacrosse head was specially designed for elite defensemen or long stick middies. The reason why this head is perfect for players who move aggressively and participate intensely in the game is the best in class strength-to-weight ratio.
For the first time, you can pick up ground balls, pass them precisely, and shoot forcefully without a flaw every time.
Maverik is well-known for making their lacrosse gear from the Duratough material. Maverik Havok is no exception. In fact, Duratough material, together with the unique design, delivers an unmatched strength-to-weight ratio. Tighter face shape and a 3-strut design enable lightweight construction and superior stiffness.
Another structural feature works in favor of the weight and rigidness - the famous Maverik X-rail technology. This technology distributes the stress to the opposite rail and, in such a way, divides the weight evenly and lowers the chances for breakage.
You’ll love how many stringing holes it has. The Level 4 Bottom Rail is designed for a mid-high pocket, yet with endless stringing options, you can adjust it however you want.
As I mentioned, picking up ground balls won’t be a problem with the optimal Ground Control Scoop angle, engineered to provide effortless pickup.
On top of everything, the price is more than affordable. It costs below the standard price for high-end lacrosse heads, being accessible to both professional players and amateurs.
All in all, it’s a fantastic lacrosse head for defensemen and LSM players; you won’t be disappointed, and you’ll most certainly get your money’s worth.
- Lightweight
- Stiff
- Perfect Scoop Angle
- Affordable
- Many stringing holes
- Not as high-quality as the leading lacrosse heads
What we have here is the next generation in fierce defensive lacrosse heads, another incredible model from STX - the Hammer Omega. Keep reading, and you'll find out in a second why they call it Hammer!
What makes this lacrosse head unique on the market is the highest strength-to-weight ratio that was enabled by the Proprietary Omegaâ„¢ polymer for optimal stiffness and consistency, or as STX designers like to say-stiffnicity. This is extremely important for fierce checks and knocking down balls.
You won't struggle to pick up the ground ball since this model has an upgraded Speed Scoop while the tighter face profile adds more stability and control for fast checks.
I have to say that sidewall design was intended for players who prefer higher pocket placement, providing more stiffness and shape retention at the same time.
Players who tested out this lacrosse head pointed out comfortability, lightweight, versatility, and durability as its significant strengths, while the high price is the only thing they find inconvenient.
Hammer Omega indeed is pricey when compared to other models on our list. Yet, I believe defense players should invest in their equipment, mainly because violent contacts are inevitable in these positions, and you need your head reliable.
- Speed Scoop
- Strong material
- Stiffness
- Tighter face profile
- High pocket placement
- A bit expensive
The very first thing you should know about the warrior warp technology is that it basically represents the manufacturing of the lacrosse head models with a permanently fixed pocket to the head so that you don't have to worry about stringing. How good is this actually?
In fact, pretty good. What you'll definitely notice the second you take this lacrosse head in your hands is the stiffness. This model is stiff as a rock, so it is undoubtedly excellent for checks! However, being checked with this strong head will definitely hurt a lot, so get ready.
It also comes with a bit of weight. So it is slightly heavier than usual defensive lacrosse heads, but if you prioritize stiffness overweight, do check it out.
Next off, the face shape is ultra-wide, with a bit upward-angled scoop. So picking up the ground balls will be very convenient even from a higher angle.
Like other regulator models, it comes with a LockThroath technology that prevents the head rattle and keeps the system stable.
Now, the pocket is set at the mid-high position, which allows smooth passing and shooting. It is pretty baggy yet loose in the corners, which may cause the ball to get stuck here.
Overall, the head comes with reinforced vital features to improve the general stiffness and durability, essentials for defensive players. As for the price, it is definitely a high-end model.
- Ultra-wide face
- Stiffness
- Strung
- Lockthroat
- Mid-high pocket
- Expensive
- Loose at the corners
And the last two models on this list will be from STX again. As much as I tried to include as many versatile options as possible, this brand is merely unavoidable when it comes to lacrosse equipment, hence the high number of models off their shelves.
This lacrosse head was designed as the ultimate lacrosse head for elite defensive players. Its design represents the optimal combination of essential features needed for a successful defense: a deeper pocket, better ball control, easier ground ball pickups.
STX Fortress 700 has reinforced sides for more strength and stability in checks. What is more, a wide SpeedScoop proves elemental for ground balls, making the job ultra-easy.
A patented 10 degrees technology channels the ball to the sweet spot enabling even the defensive players to hit some smooth passes and score goals.
The face is super-wide for even more convenience in passes and pickups. Its face perfectly flows into the wide scoop making an ideal defensive head shape. Yet the narrow pinch allows incredible ball retention.
What I find super-cool is that this model is very lightweight, yet at the same time strong. So it gives you the best of both worlds, merging the impossible.
All in all, the head is at the higher end of the market, costing around $100. Yet given the advantages you get, as I mentioned countless times, it pays off in the long run.
Importantly, the product is officially advertised for female lacrosse, so if you're a woman looking for the perfect defensive lacrosse head, this is your stop.
- Lightweight
- Narrow pinch
- Wide face
- Wide Scoop
- Reinforced sides
- A bit expensive
As the cherry on top comes the last model for today, another STX representative, famous for its badass toughness and unmatched stability- Hammer 500 Enduraform.
The advanced engineering you get with Enduraform allows better shape retention, stiffness, and stability. It features the new EnduraForm proprietary formulation that enhances the strength in a wider scope of temperatures.
Just like the other STX models, Hammer 500 Enduraform features the SpeedScoop that minimizes dragging for more efficient scooping of the ground ball.
Stiffness and durability were enhanced by a three-sidewall brace and innovative C-channel technology that passes the stress around the sidewall for even strength and stability.
You'll learn to appreciate the added strike plate on the sidewall while throwing checks since it provides a beneficial additional impact area.
Finally, the way this lacrosse head was designed produced an optimal pinch delivering the best combination of pass deflection, catching, and ball control.
Despite the incredible design, this head is at the lowest end of the market price-wise. You can get it for less than fifty dollars if you use the special Amazon offer.
Still, I find it essential to mention that players have been complaining about the product's durability. Despite the unlimited trust that STX has with players, Enduraform has not proven as durable as Hammer; it breaks more often.
So I would recommend it for high school players and recreational players rather than professionals.
- Better temperature resistance
- Wide head
- Perfect pitch
- Reinforced sidewall
- C-channel technology
- Affordable
- Not as durable as higher-end models
Next off, we have one fantastic budget offer, a lacrosse head from Brines, released in 2018 as the last model in the King line. Very optimized and advanced, this head is the best budget head offer you can find, given that it endures all weather conditions, doesn’t weigh too much, and offers decent performance.
If I was asked to sum up the entire performance of this head in a few words, it would be precision, accuracy, and ball control.
Since there are quite a few products in the Brine’s King line, you may be asking what the innovations that King II ST brought to the table are. In difference to its predecessor, the Brine King II ST has thicker walls and generally stronger materials that offer better support to defensemen.
The head includes Brine’s innovative Vari-Flex technology. This is a method of inserting stiffer materials to strategic points of the head to improve stiffness while preserving flexibility. In such a way, the head supports different positions and game-styles.
Another fantastic feature is the Strategic Core-Tech that eliminates excess weight and reinforces only the strategic areas. Also, the versatile bottom rail offers adjustable pocket placement, though it has been designed for a mid-high pocket.
Finally, the cherry on top is the Loc-Throat technology that eliminates shaft rattle and adds more stability for a secure connection and confident maneuvering.
- Affordable
- Loc-throat
- Vari-Flex Technology
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Not the strongest model available
Here we have one elite strung lacrosse head from StringKing, fresh on the market with a whole list of advanced features.
StringKing spent years engineering this advanced piece of lacrosse gear to support many positions and provide an upgraded instrument to versatile players willing to defend, attack and shoot.
The power of the Mark 2T hides in the balanced design. Namely, StringKing reinforced high-impact areas and removed the excessive weight from the low-stress areas making the head lightweight and stiff at the same time.
Ultra-effective scoop allows ground ball dominance, while stiffness provides unmatched power and consistency. This makes it effortless to pick up the ball from the ground and pass it quickly in the right direction.
The head comes strung, and it’s for a reason.
Namely, String King spent two years developing the Type 4 mesh that exhibits the perfect balance of elasticity and strength. Thanks to the Tri-Twist technology, the mesh consists of three individual fibers twisted for better performance and more accurate shots. Once you try this mesh out, you won’t ever consider any other lacrosse head.
All of these features combined provide precision, accuracy, power, and consistency in all positions. Whether you’re a defenseman, an attacker, or LSM, with this lacrosse head, you’ll have perfect speed, weight, accuracy, and support.
- Lightweight
- Reinforced design
- Tri-Twist Technology
- Effective Scoop
- Strong
- Expensive
How to Choose the Best Defensive Lacrosse Heads - A Buyer's Guide
Whoever got interested in lacrosse probably got confused about the details of the game itself and the equipment. If you're an amateur, you'll most certainly need help in making the right choice of the lacrosse head because it proves elemental in the game.
Before I get to the advice about the lacrosse head itself, I would like to talk about the defense position shortly, so if you're an experienced player, skip this part and proceed to the head explanation.
There are four positions in lacrosse:
Each position has a different role in the game and needs an optimized type of equipment to perform adequately. Today's buyer's guide will be all about defense.
Defensive players are responsible for preventing the opposing team from scoring.
There are three of them, and they usually communicate a lot during the game. Defensive players need to deflect or block passes and shots and clear the ball from the defensive part of the field. As a defensive player, you will be doing a lot of checks.
Since we established the main responsibilities of defensive players, we can now proceed to the features that the defensive heads should have to allow defensive players to perform these actions.
The first and elemental feature you should look for in a defensive lacrosse head is strength. The defensive head is designed to allow a defensive player fierce and effective checks without breaking. They usually come with reinforced key points and strong sidewalls.
Next off, you should check out the face dimension. The best defensive lacrosse head has a wide face and a mid to high pocket to allow better ball control, catching, and clearing.
The best lacrosse head is also designed with a wide flat scoop because defensive players need to pick up the ground balls a lot.
Another segment you need to have in mind is the head rattle. As a defensive player, you cannot allow the head rattle, so opt for the lacrosse heads that have special mechanisms minimizing or even eliminating totally the head rattle. This is especially important during checks when stability plays a vital role.
So, to sum it all up, the best lacrosse heads for defense should have the following features:
Additional Information
I believe I emphasized enough the importance of high-quality lacrosse equipment, so now we can talk about the practical tips and tricks for a while.
I've singled out the useful youtube videos that may help you bring your game's quality to another level. All the advice is from the best defensive lacrosse players, so don't doubt the viability.
Best Feature | Product Name | Price |
---|---|---|
Top Pick Defense Lacrosse Head | Maverik Lacrosse Tank Universal | |
Runner-Up Lacrosse Head for Defense | WARRIOR RMXUN Regulator Max | |
The Best Budget-Friendly Defense Lacrosse Head | STX X10 Men's Lacrosse Head | |
Perfect Strength-to-Weight Ratio | Maverik Havok Unstrung Lacrosse Head | |
Unmatched Stiffness | STX Lacrosse Hammer Omega | |
Fierce Checks | Regulator Max Warp Pro Head | |
The Best For Female Lacrosse | STX Fortress 700 | |
Best Lacrosse Head For High School Defensive Players | STX Hammer 500 Enduraform | |
The Best Budget Offer | Brine King II ST | |
The Most Advanced Versatile Lacrosse Head | StringKing Mark 2T |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a close defense in lacrosse?
The close defense refers to the three players who work together with a goalie so as to prevent the opposing teams from scoring.
What is the best defensive lacrosse head?
Out of the eight best lacrosse defensive heads I selected and reviewed in this article, I would single out the Maverik Lacrosse Tank Universal as the most reliable one.
What is the best defensive lacrosse shaft?
The best defensive lacrosse shaft you can currently find on Amazon is the WARRIOR Burn Diamond.
How to string a defensive lacrosse head?
Here is a handy, professional tutorial on how to string a defensive lacrosse head.
And here's a video on stringing in general.
Final Thoughts
In the past decade, lacrosse has returned to the American fields with a lot of grace. More and more high school and college lacrosse camps resulted in the fast-rising number of lacrosse players all around the US. As the symbol of tradition, nationality, and sports, lacrosse should be supported even more.
I tried to make my contribution to the further popularization of the sports, reviewing the best defensive lacrosse heads and seven additional alternatives. I hope that this article could help with your dilemma and that you managed to find the best lacrosse head for your needs.
In the end, I'd like to remind you of the best lacrosse head, defense-oriented, the incredible Maverik Lacrosse Tank Universal.
It is incredibly strong, reliable providing the necessary stiffness and stability with a wide face, fantastic scoop, and handy high pocket.
That was it for today; stay real, and play like a pro!