Best Faceoff Heads for Lacrosse Players
Let's dive into some of the top options from leading lacrosse brands.
StringKing Mark 2F Unstrung Lacrosse Head
The StringKing Mark 2F has been my go-to faceoff head for the past two seasons, and for good reason. This head is specifically designed to meet the demands of faceoff specialists, and it delivers on all fronts.
What sets the Mark 2F apart is its incredible durability. StringKing has reinforced the sidewalls and scoop, allowing the head to flex under pressure without losing its shape. I've put this head through hundreds of faceoffs, and it's held up remarkably well.
The Mark 2F also features a low profile and wide throat, which I find perfect for quick ground ball pickups and smooth transitions after winning the draw. The stiff sidewalls provide excellent clamp strength, giving me the power I need to win those crucial faceoffs.
One aspect I particularly appreciate is the head's versatility. While it's optimized for faceoffs, I can still use it effectively in other situations if I need to stay on the field after the draw.
Read More: Best Lacrosse Heads
ECD Weapon X Unstrung Lacrosse Head
The ECD Weapon X is another standout option that's gained popularity among faceoff specialists, including myself. What immediately caught my attention was its unique asymmetrical design, which ECD claims provides better leverage during the clamp.
After testing it out, I can confirm that the Weapon X does offer a noticeable advantage in terms of clamp strength. The head's stiffness allows for powerful clamping, while still maintaining enough flexibility to withstand the impact of repeated faceoffs.
One of my favorite features of the Weapon X is its ultra-low profile. This design makes it incredibly easy to get under your opponent's stick and win those crucial ground balls. The scoop is also well-designed, allowing for smooth pickups even in tough situations.
The Weapon X is slightly heavier than some other faceoff heads, but I found that the extra weight provides more stability during the clamp. It's a trade-off that I think many faceoff specialists will appreciate.
While it may take some time to get used to the asymmetrical design, I believe Weapon X is a game-changer for faceoff specialists looking to gain an edge at the X.
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STX Duel 3 Unstrung Lacrosse Head
Moving on to another powerhouse in the faceoff world, we have the STX Duel 3. As someone who's used previous versions of the Duel, I was excited to see how STX improved upon their already stellar design.
The first thing I noticed about the Duel 3 is its impressive flexibility. STX has incorporated what they call "Flex Flex Technology," which allows the head to bend significantly during clamps without losing its shape. This feature has been a game-changer for me, especially during those intense, grinding faceoffs where every bit of giving can make a difference.
What sets the Duel 3 apart, in my experience, is its sweet spot. The head is designed with an optimal blend of stiffness and flexibility throughout, but the area where you typically engage with the ball during a faceoff is particularly well-tuned. I've found this gives me better control and feel during the clamp, allowing for more precise movements.
The Duel 3 also features a flatter scoop design compared to its predecessors. Initially, I was concerned this might affect ground ball pickups, but after using it for a few games, I realized it improved my ability to scoop up tough ground balls, especially in traffic.
One minor drawback I've noticed is that the Duel 3 can be a bit tricky to string due to its unique sidewall design. However, once you get it dialed in, the pocket control is exceptional, which is crucial for quick transitions after winning the faceoff.
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Warrior Burn FO Recovery Unstrung Lacrosse Head
The Warrior Burn FO Recovery is a relatively new entry in the faceoff head market, but it's quickly become one of my favorites. What sets this head apart is its focus on the "recovery" aspect of faceoffs - that crucial moment after the clamp when you're fighting for the ground ball or transitioning to offense or defense.
The first thing that struck me about the Burn FO Recovery was its lightweight design. As someone who often stays on the field after faceoffs, I appreciate how this head doesn't weigh me down during extended possessions.
Warrior has incorporated their "Sym-Rail" technology into this head, which provides excellent stability during clamps. I've found this particularly useful when facing opponents who use a lot of counter-pressure, as it helps me maintain control even under intense force.
The scoop on the Burn FO Recovery is one of its standout features. It's got a nice, gradual curve that I've found makes ground ball pickups incredibly smooth, even at awkward angles. This has saved me in a few scramble situations after closely contested faceoffs.
One aspect that took some getting used to was the head's flex pattern. It's designed to flex more in certain areas to aid in clamping and ground ball pickups. While it felt a bit strange at first, after a few practices, I began to appreciate how this targeted flexibility improved my overall faceoff performance.
The stringing options on the Burn FO Recovery are also worth mentioning. With multiple stringing holes, I was able to customize my pocket exactly how I liked it, which is crucial for maintaining possession after winning the draw.
While both the STX Duel 3 and the Warrior Burn FO Recovery have their unique strengths, I've found they both excel in different areas. The Duel 3 shines in pure faceoff situations with its optimized sweet spot and impressive flexibility. On the other hand, the Burn FO Recovery is my go-to when I know I'll be playing extended time after the faceoff, thanks to its lightweight design and excellent ground ball capabilities.
Ultimately, your choice between these two (or any faceoff head) will depend on your specific playing style and needs. As a faceoff specialist, it's worth trying out different options to see which one feels best in your hands and complements your technique at the X.
Read More: Best Shafts for Faceoff Specialists
Nike CEO 2 Unstrung Lacrosse Head
Last but certainly not least, we have the Nike CEO 2. As someone who was impressed with the original CEO, I was eager to see how Nike improved upon their design. I'm happy to report that the CEO 2 doesn't disappoint.
The standout feature of the CEO 2, in my experience, is its incredible stiffness. Nike has reinforced key areas of the head, resulting in a rock-solid feel during clamps. This stiffness translates to excellent power transfer, allowing me to drive through my opponents during faceoffs.
Despite its stiffness, the CEO 2 manages to maintain a good degree of flexibility where it counts. The sidewalls have just enough give to prevent warping or breakage, even after hundreds of faceoffs. I've put this head through its paces, and it's held up remarkably well.
One aspect I particularly appreciate is the CEO 2's versatility. While it's optimized for faceoffs, I've found it performs admirably in other situations as well. The wide throat and well-designed scoop make it great for ground balls and general play, which is crucial for those times when I need to stay on the field after the draw.
The stringing on the CEO 2 is also worth mentioning. With multiple stringing holes and a thoughtful sidewall design, I was able to achieve a consistent and responsive pocket. This has been invaluable for maintaining possession and making quick passes after winning faceoffs.
One minor drawback I've noticed is that the CEO 2 is slightly heavier than some other faceoff heads. However, I found that the extra weight provides more stability during clamps, which for me, outweighs the slight increase in weight.
The Unique Demands of the Faceoff Position
Faceoff specialists face a unique set of challenges in the field. We need a head that's durable enough to withstand the intense pressure of repeated clamps and flexible enough to snap back into shape after each faceoff. The ideal faceoff head should also provide excellent ground ball control and be able to transition smoothly into offense or defense after the draw.
The Importance of Choosing Wisely
Picking the right faceoff head can make or break your performance at the X. A subpar head can lead to inconsistent clamps, difficulty picking up ground balls, and even breakage during crucial moments. On the flip side, the right head can enhance your technique, improve your win percentage, and give you the confidence to take on any opponent.
Key Factors to Consider
When I'm evaluating faceoff heads, I always look for several key features:
- Durability to withstand repeated impacts
- Flexibility to bend without breaking
- A low profile for quick ground ball pickups
- Stiff sidewalls for improved clamp strength
- A wide throat for smooth transitions to offense or defense
Getting the right balance of these factors is crucial for faceoff specialists like us.
People Also Ask
What Is The Most Important Feature of a Faceoff Head?
The most important feature is durability combined with flexibility. A faceoff head must withstand repeated impacts while maintaining its shape and performance. Stiff sidewalls and a low profile are also crucial.
How Often Should I Replace My Faceoff Head?
Replace your face-off head when you notice significant warping, cracks, or decreased performance. This varies depending on use, but typically every 1-2 seasons for frequent players. Always inspect your head regularly for damage.
Can I Use A Faceoff Head For Regular Play?
Yes, you can use a faceoff head for regular play. Many modern faceoff heads are designed to transition well. However, they may not offer the same level of performance as specialized offensive or defensive heads.
How Do I Choose Between A Flexible And Stiff Faceoff Head?
Choose based on your playing style. Flexible heads offer better feel and ground ball control. Stiff heads provide more power in clamps. Consider trying both to see which complements your technique best.
After extensive testing and countless faceoffs with each of these heads, I can confidently say that they all have their strengths. The StringKing Mark 2F offers exceptional durability and versatility. The ECD Weapon X provides unique leverage with its asymmetrical design. The STX Duel 3 excels in flexibility and control. The Warrior Burn FO Recovery shines in ground ball situations and extended play. And the Nike CEO 2 offers unparalleled stiffness and power.
Remember, even the best faceoff head is only as good as the player wielding it. While having the right equipment is important, nothing replaces practice, technique, and experience. Keep working on your craft, and with the right head in your stick, you'll be dominating the X in no time.