Best Defensive Lacrosse Head for 2023

If you’re a lacrosse player, you know that the right equipment can make all the difference in your game. One piece of equipment that can significantly impact your performance is the lacrosse head. The lacrosse head is the top part of the lacrosse stick that holds the ball. It’s an essential part of the stick that can affect your control, accuracy, and power.

For defensive players, having the right lacrosse head is crucial. A good defensive lacrosse head can help you intercept passes, check opponents, and scoop ground balls. However, with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know which one to choose.

When shopping for a defensive lacrosse head, there are a few critical things to consider. Firstly, you’ll want to look at the shape and design of the head. Defensive lacrosse heads are typically wider and more substantial than offensive heads, giving you more surface area to catch and control the ball. You’ll also want to consider the weight of the head, as a heavier head can give you more power but may be more challenging to maneuver.

After researching and testing various options, we’ve identified the best defensive lacrosse heads on the market. These heads offer excellent control, durability, and power, making them the perfect choice for any defensive player looking to up their game.

Best Defensive Lacrosse Heads

If you’re a lacrosse player, you know that having the right equipment is crucial to your performance on the field. One of the most important pieces of equipment is your lacrosse head. A good defensive lacrosse head can make all the difference in your game. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best defensive lacrosse heads to help you make an informed decision.

Warrior Regulator Max Warp Pro Head

Pros

• The Regulator Max Warp Pro Head is designed for defensive players and delivers crushing slaps and pokes.
• The new Warp platform Kevlar mix stringing system is much softer than the previous Warp platform and provides a consistent high pocket.
• The Regulator Max Warp Pro Head comes in a mid-high configuration with whip factor of 2 & 4.

Cons

• The head is a little heavy, which can make it difficult to maneuver quickly.
• It’s not the best for ground balls due to the lip.
• The Warp platform has its pros and cons, and it may not be the best choice for everyone.

In my experience, the Warrior Regulator Max Warp Pro Head is a solid choice for defensive players looking for a head that can deliver crushing slaps and pokes. The new Warp platform Kevlar mix stringing system is much softer than the previous Warp platform, providing a consistent high pocket that can take shots and throw outlets on a rope. The mid-high configuration with whip factor of 2 & 4 is perfect for players who like a high pocket that can still take shots and throw outlets on a rope.

However, the head is a little heavy, which can make it difficult to maneuver quickly. It’s also not the best for ground balls due to the lip. Additionally, the Warp platform has its pros and cons, and it may not be the best choice for everyone.

Overall, if you’re a defensive player looking for a head that can deliver crushing slaps and pokes, the Warrior Regulator Max Warp Pro Head is definitely worth considering.

StringKing Mark 2D Defense Lacrosse Head

Pros

• The 29 sidewall holes, higher side profile, and slightly pinched throat of the Mark 2D gives you a pocket you can actually play with.
• The Mark 2D is stiffer and stronger in all the right places, making it a tougher lacrosse head that won’t weigh you down.
• The Mark 2D was engineered to give you every advantage possible when it comes to ground balls.

Cons

• The Mark 2D may take some time to break in and get used to.
• Some players may find the slightly pinched throat too restrictive.
• The Mark 2D is not the cheapest option on the market.

The StringKing Mark 2D is a great choice for defensemen looking for a lacrosse head that can still perform on offense. The 29 sidewall holes, higher side profile, and slightly pinched throat of the Mark 2D gives you a pocket you can actually play with, while the advanced software used to make the Mark 2D stiffer and stronger in all the right places makes it a tougher lacrosse head that won’t weigh you down. Plus, the Mark 2D was engineered to give you every advantage possible when it comes to ground balls.

While the Mark 2D may take some time to break in and get used to, and some players may find the slightly pinched throat too restrictive, it’s still a great choice for players looking for a high-quality defensive lacrosse head. Just keep in mind that it’s not the cheapest option on the market.

Maverik Lacrosse Tank Universal Unstrung Head White

Pros

• The level 5 bottom rail provides great stability and accuracy when throwing and shooting.
• The new 4-Strust design maximizes rail support for added strength and durability.
• The True Form Technology ensures the head maintains its shape and stiffness over time.

Cons

• Some users have reported the head warping or breaking after extended use.
• The head is on the heavier side, which may not be ideal for players who prefer a lighter stick.
• The head is unstrung, so players will need to purchase and string their own mesh.

This defensive head is designed for power and agility, making it perfect for players who want to dominate on the field. The level 5 bottom rail provides great stability and accuracy when throwing and shooting, while the new 4-Strust design maximizes rail support for added strength and durability. The True Form Technology ensures the head maintains its shape and stiffness over time, so players can rely on it for consistent performance.

However, some users have reported the head warping or breaking after extended use, which may be a concern for players who want a long-lasting head. Additionally, the head is on the heavier side, which may not be ideal for players who prefer a lighter stick. Finally, the head is unstrung, so players will need to purchase and string their own mesh, which may be a hassle for some.

Overall, the Maverik Lacrosse Tank Universal Unstrung Head White is a solid choice for defensive players who want a head that can deliver powerful checks and effortlessly scoop ground balls.

Maverik Tank 2.0 Lacrosse Head

Pros

• The Tank 2.0 is built with strength and stiffness in mind, making it perfect for defensive players who need to protect the house in the air, on the ground, or in enemy hands.
• The updated scoop design is perfectly engineered to help defenseman win the up-and-out ground ball battle every time they enter the scrum.
• The 6-strut design with Xrail Technology sets a new standard for stiffness and strength, giving you complete confidence to lift, poke, and slap the ball as needed.

Cons

• The Maverik Tank 2.0 is an unstrung head, which means you’ll need to purchase and string it yourself or have it strung by a professional.
• Some players may find the Tank 2.0 to be a bit heavy compared to other defensive heads on the market.
• The Hyperlite Blue color option may not be to everyone’s liking, especially if it doesn’t match your team’s colors.

In my experience, the Maverik Tank 2.0 is a solid choice for defensive players who want a head that can handle anything thrown their way. The stiffness and strength of the 6-strut design with Xrail Technology gives you the confidence to make aggressive plays, while the updated scoop design helps you win ground balls every time.

While the unstrung design may be a downside for some, it also allows you to customize your pocket to fit your playing style perfectly. And while the head may be a bit heavy for some players, the added weight gives you extra power and control when making checks and passes.

Overall, if you’re looking for a defensive lacrosse head that can help you dominate the game, the Maverik Tank 2.0 is definitely worth considering.

STX Lacrosse Stallion 200 Boys Complete Stick with Mesh Pocket, Defense, White

Pros

• The Stallion 200 defense complete stick is inspired by the elite Stallion U 550 head, which provides great ball control and allows for easy catching.
• The stick comes with a NEW STX 6000 series alloy handle featuring tonal “Memory Marker” graphics, which makes it easy to grip and control.
• The complete stick is designed to help players develop proper fundamentals, which is great for entry-level boys lacrosse players.

Cons

• The stick may be too big for younger players, as it is the maximum length for youth defense.
• The head may not be great for defense at higher levels of play.
• The shaft may become warped after extended use.

This complete stick is a great option for entry-level boys lacrosse players who want to develop proper fundamentals. The Stallion 200 defense complete stick is inspired by the elite Stallion U 550 head, which provides great ball control and allows for easy catching. Additionally, the stick comes with a NEW STX 6000 series alloy handle featuring tonal “Memory Marker” graphics, which makes it easy to grip and control.

However, the stick may be too big for younger players, as it is the maximum length for youth defense. Additionally, the head may not be great for defense at higher levels of play, and the shaft may become warped after extended use. Despite these drawbacks, the STX Lacrosse Stallion 200 Boys Complete Stick with Mesh Pocket, Defense, White is a great option for entry-level boys lacrosse players who want to develop proper fundamentals.

Buying Guide

Choosing the best defensive lacrosse head can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to the sport. With so many options available in the market, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. Here are some factors to consider when making your purchase:

Head Shape

The shape of the head is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a defensive lacrosse head. A wider head will provide better coverage and make it easier to catch and throw the ball. A narrower head, on the other hand, will be easier to maneuver and provide better accuracy.

Material

The material of the head is another crucial factor to consider. Most heads are made from plastic, but some are made from other materials like titanium or carbon fiber. Plastic heads are the most common and affordable option, but they may not be as durable as other materials. Titanium and carbon fiber heads are more expensive but are more durable and provide better performance.

Weight

The weight of the head is another important factor to consider. A heavier head will provide more power and stability, but it may also slow you down. A lighter head, on the other hand, will be easier to maneuver and provide better speed and agility.

Sidewalls

The sidewalls of the head are also important to consider. A head with thicker sidewalls will provide better durability and strength, while a head with thinner sidewalls will be more flexible and provide better control.

Pocket

The pocket of the head is the area where the ball is held. A deeper pocket will provide better control and make it easier to catch and throw the ball. A shallower pocket, on the other hand, will provide better accuracy and make it easier to release the ball quickly.

Overall, when choosing a defensive lacrosse head, it is important to consider the shape, material, weight, sidewalls, and pocket of the head. By taking these factors into account, you can choose a head that will provide the performance and durability you need to excel on the field.

Related: Lacrosse Defense Tips: Expert Advice for Stopping Your Opponents.