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 13 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.
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Best Defensive Heads for Lacrosse: Top 13 Reviews
$ - STX Hammer 900 Unstrung Lacrosse Head - Best performance due to new technology and reliability for robust uses. But, it comes unstrung, so you must string it.
$$ - Epoch Men's Integra Z-Three Lacrosse Head - Best new system ensuring maximum ball control. You will get the necessary power, accuracy, and velocity when performing different actions.
$ - Maverik Tank 2.0 Lacrosse Head - Best sturdiest head with the improved flex system to ensure adjustable pocket options. Still, it comes unstrung.
$$ - StringKing Mark 2T Strung Lacrosse Head - The most versatile head, ideal for various operations. Reliable and stable for all playing conditions.
$ - Warrior Evo QX2-D Lacrosse Head - Best for newly improved technology, durable and sturdy design to ensure maximum usage and better performance on the field. Stable and secure for extended uses.
$ - StringKing Men's Mark 2D Unstrung Defense Lacrosse Head - Idea for all players on the field due to stiff construction and overall performance. However, it is prone to damage.
$ - Epoch Integra Z-One Unstrung Lacrosse Head - Best flex control and firmness for robust plays and different players.
$ - East Coast Dyes Rebel Defense Lacrosse Head - Adjustable and reliable for more extended use and various outdoor impacts. Anyhow, the system has quality issues.
$ - Warrior Regulator Max Unstrung Lacrosse Sticks - Combines two older technologies, making the brand-new one. Durable and sturdy for more prolonged uses.
$ - Warrior Reg Max Warp Pro Strung Lacrosse Head - Best for all defensive players, different drills, and operations. The idea is for all levels of play and all leagues.
$ - TRUE TEMPER Dynamic Lacrosse Head - Best for high school players, making the basic levels more advanced with consistency and smooth operations.
$ - STX Hammer 500 Enduraform - Best for EnduraForm technology, reliability, and stability during the play. The head is also ideal for different players and levels, making them advance quicker.
$ - Maverik Lacrosse Tank Universal - Best for extended uses and player development. The construction offers an adjustable pocket and flex to manage the play easily.
The STX Hammer 900 lacrosse head is perfect for defensive players due to its composite structure. The EnduraForm technology offers extra toughness for exceptional durability. The head cannot damage so soon, and no external forces, pressure, or impacts can affect it. As a result, the defensive lacrosse head will last for an extended period.
Thanks to the redesigned Speed Scoop system, the lacrosse head is ideal for all long stick players, as it offers ball control. In addition, the lacrosse head allows easier ground balls, precise catching and passing, and the wider scoop will ensure the ball will follow the designated direction once you operate on the field.
As the lacrosse defense head uses a tighter face, the head and the stick will be updated for advanced clears and quicker fast breaks, adding more control, regardless of the attacking angle. So, you can perform different defending actions on the field easily, and the head will not cause any inconveniences while playing.
Due to the new sidewall design, the lacrosse defense head provides higher shape retention and a higher level of stiffness. Thus, the overall performance will be stronger, and the lacrosse stick and the head will provide faster and easier actions due to the flex.
Finally, the lacrosse defense head uses a lightweight design. Although it uses composite materials, it will not add extra weight to the overall construction. As a result, you can perform all drills, practice more, or perform seamlessly while on the lacrosse field.
- durable
- sturdy
- reliable
- unstrung
Why should you opt for the Epoch Lacrosse defensive lacrosse head? The lacrosse head uses the flex iQ3 technology, making the lacrosse head stiffer and offering better control during the game. In addition, the players can manage the control they want for the game, especially for defenders throwing checks and striving to get the lacrosse ball up the field as fast as possible.
The Z-ONE lacrosse head is ideal for its composite design. The materials include proprietary injected polymer, offering optimal strength and durability and increased energy transfer to increase the head and ball velocity. So, the lacrosse head will offer maximum ball control, thanks to the composite design. Besides, the head is durable and sturdy for extended use, pressure, and all conditions.
As the lacrosse head uses Knot Lock technology, the lacrosse head is engineered especially for stringers. Thanks to its unique features, it is designed to support and anchor sidewall knots. So, the head gives you an ideal channel and consistent lacrosse pocket.
Since the lacrosse defense head uses the ZONE 3 MID POCKET design, the lacrosse head creates the best sweet spot for the ball once inside the pocket for advanced ball control, quick release, and shot speed due to a 7.4 Lie design. So, the technology only supports your play and style without additional issues.
Finally, the Epoch Lacrosse defense head is made in the USA, so the domestic manufacturer ensures the best quality. You will also get a warranty period.
- durable
- stable
- reliable
- /
The Maverik lacrosse defense head weighs only five ounces! Thus, it will not add extra weight or cause extra pressure when attaching it to the lacrosse shaft. So, you can perform different actions and use a stick and head for various actions.
The Maverik lacrosse defense head is ideal for ultimate ball control thanks to its flex, style, and design. The head offers more stiffness and strength while catching, passing, or scooping the ball. On the other hand, the lacrosse head will create the designated sweet spot for the best ball placement inside the stick. So, once you see the ball away, it will follow the chosen direction easily.
In addition, the lacrosse head is an excellent choice for all angles and crease parts of the defensive side of the field, as the brand-new coop design helps you manage the lacrosse ball easily, and you can perform better on the lacrosse field, protecting your players and goalie.
The Maverik lacrosse defensive had updates with such a system to be better than the previous model, adding more support to defensemen and making them use the up-and-out ground drills and tricks every time they entered the scrum. So, the defensemen can use the updated system to assist their team members better.
The six-strut design, XRail technology, and lacrosse defensive head feature strength and stiffness to poke, lift and slap confidently.
- durable
- scoop design
- stable
- unstrung
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
Another Generic defensive lacrosse head will blow your mind due to its design. The lacrosse defensive head is ideal for all defenders who like to have a durable and stronger design but still operate fast and perform quick actions once on their defensive side of the lacrosse field. Additionally, the head is ideal for all defensive players who like to strike quickly.
The lacrosse defense head is ideal for its new Therma-Loc resin, boosting the overall design and performance in high heat. Thus, the system will easily retain stiffness and head shape. So, the players have maximum ball control and can perform various actions.
The bottom rail is created for the mid-to-middle lacrosse pocket, helping players achieve immediate ball control. Hence, the scoop design and overall technology offer supreme control for the ground ball pick ups. In addition, the QX-D system uses increased durability for the defenders and even long-stick midfielders assisting them.
Thanks to the LOC-THROAT system, the head easily attacks the longer shaft, making the lacrosse stick ideal for tough playing conditions, checks, and similar defending drills to save the goal and the goalie. And the head does not add extra weight to the overall construction.
The lacrosse head meets all NFHS, NCAA, World Lacrosse, and Lacrosse Canada requirements, so it's ideal for all defensive players. In addition, you can use the head regardless of your level of play or age.
- design
- sturdy
- reliable
- unstrung
Due to its specific structure, the StringKing lacrosse defense head is ideal for defensive players. The StringKing lacrosse defense head is stronger at all places required for advanced gameplay. The system makes the head stiffer and stronger for extended use by identifying high-impact and low-stress areas. In addition, the materials make the head efficient, creating a tougher head to ensure optimal performance on the lacrosse field.
Moreover, the lacrosse defense head is versatile and ideal for all players. Just because it’s designed with defense in mind doesn’t mean you cannot adjust the pocket and the flex to make it suitable for attackers or short-stick midfielders. On the contrary, the adjustable system and pinched head allow you to manage the lacrosse pocket according to your needs.
The lacrosse head is ideal for controlling the game better. The construction uses the advanced scoop system to attack the ball from all angles, giving you the best possible advantages and playing performance for different styles and ranges of actions on the lacrosse field.
The StringKing lacrosse defensive lacrosse head is designed to play smarter, not harder. You will notice the locking bolt system for stopping the head rattle, making the defense stiffer. So, the players will get consistency, accuracy, and power. Besides, the head limits flex on the checks and hard throws.
Due to its lightweight construction (the lacrosse head weighs less than 147 grams), the lacrosse tool is ideal for various operations.
- versatile
- scoop design
- stable
- prone to damage
The Epoch lacrosse defensive head will wow you due to its universal design. The lacrosse head comes from the USA, so the construction offers an easily adjustable system, ideal for different uses and best performance.
The lacrosse head combines composite materials, including tough polymer, for ultimate UV protection, flexibility, and superior stiffness. For this reason, the lacrosse head is ideal for tough playing conditions, making it suitable for an extended period.
Thanks to the Zone one low pocket, the lacrosse head will offer the best performance on the field. How? The design makes the ball sit at the lowest position on the lacrosse head. Thus, the lacrosse head provides you with the most ball control. In addition, the ball will travel in the designated direction once you send it away from the head and the stick. So everything can go smoothly with your play.
Due to the KNOT LOCK technology, the lacrosse head features unique grooves in the sidewall design, supporting and anchoring sidewall knots. This offers the unstrung lacrosse head an ideal channel and a more consistent pocket for various operations.
As the lacrosse pocket uses the proprietary composite injected polymer inside the construction, the Z-One lacrosse defensive head provides maximum durability and stiffness. In addition, the lacrosse defensive head uses the maximum energy transfer for improved velocity and smooth operations on the field.
The head also offers the iQ4 system for controlled stiffness but retains the firmness for increased ball control.
- easy to use
- durable
- sturdy
- unstrung
The East Coast Dyes defensive lacrosse head is an ideal lacrosse tool for its construction. The head uses sturdy composite material for the structure, so the part is perfect for multiple operations on the field. In addition, you can use it for more robust games; no external conditions, impacts, or pressure can damage it so quickly.
On the other hand, the face shape allows you to perform various actions requiring more strength, so the tool is resistant to extended uses.
In addition, the defense lacrosse head is ideal for its scoop design and flex system. The flex will make the head stiffer, and the head will generally provide you with more strength, accuracy, and power required for passing, catching, or throwing the ball to the designated area. Of course, the scoop design is also ideal for ground balls, strength, and accuracy while performing advanced drills and actions.
The ECD lacrosse defensive head uses the flex system to make it stiffer. You can moderate the wider lacrosse pocket to ensure a stronger performance while on your defensive side of the lacrosse field. You can easily manage the adjustable pocket and make it higher or lower for maximum ball control.
As the ECD lacrosse defensive head comes durable and sturdy, you will also notice the advanced sidewall system. The sidewall strengthens the whole construction, and the unique groves will utilize more energy when playing for extra power when throwing or passing.
- durable
- sturdy
- reliable
- stiffness
- flex level
- adjustable
- quality issues
The Warrior unstrung lacrosse defensive head makes a difference due to its brand-new structure. The Warrior lacrosse defensive head combines the Evolution and Revolution lines, introducing the brand-new Regulator Max lacrosse head. Thus, the defensive head offers the recently-updated technology for more extended uses.
The lacrosse defensive head is also created for maximum sturdiness and power while playing. In addition, the ball control is excellent, offering increased velocity once you send the ball away from the stick and head so that the ball control will ensure improved performance, even during tougher games.
Of course, the construction is perfect for the improved design, so the stability and firmness can also improve the overall standards of the game. Thus, you don’t need to worry about the strength and reliability of the head and the stick - the ball will travel as you choose the right direction.
Thanks to the SYM-RAIL technology, the lacrosse defensive head reduces the weight, adding more stability and sturdiness to the overall structure. In addition, the head will shave the inner sidewall design to match the outer sidewall design. For this reason, the lacrosse defensive head will help you scoop your ground balls better and catch and pass even long-distance balls easily.
You can use the lacrosse head for robust conditions to ensure you can help your team members better and protect your goal and goalie. The head offers a lightweight design, so it will not add extra pressure and weight once you attach it to the shaft.
- durable
- sturdy
- reliable
- not so stiff
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
The following lacrosse head will significantly help as the lacrosse tool offers maximum power and consistency for more extended uses. The lacrosse defensive head uses a thick sidewall design with a larger rail support. Thus, the lacrosse head uses maximum stiffness and length of the overall design to ensure maximum power and provide a consistent release.
Thanks to the new charge point scoop design, the lacrosse defensive head will reduce the material in the back of the scoop, creating an improved flex profile when shooting, passing, or catching. In addition, the lacrosse head will channel the ball's energy directly through the center of the lacrosse pocket.
Due to the mid-high offset and pro-pinch, the dynamic head will feature the tiger mid-face shape with a mid-high offset design on the bottom rail. So, you can maintain perfect ball control in your stick and ensure the best pocket placement for multiple operations on the field. As a result, you control the game easily and can perform various actions when assisting your goalie and protecting your goal.
The pocket has an adjustable system, so you can easily use the head for multiple players. Thus, the head is suitable for defenders, offensive and defensive midfielders on both sides of the lacrosse field. It will be perfect for basic and advanced drills.
Finally, the lightweight but durable and sturdy design ensures prolonged use and that the stick and the head will not be damaged so soon.
- durable
- sturdy
- reliable
- unstrung
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
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
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: attackers, midfielders, defenders, goalie.
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:
- Stiffness
- Strength
- Mid to high pocket
- Stability
- Wide, flat scoop
- Wide face
- Durability
- Good ball control
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.
- Tucker Durkin shares the best defense advantage drill
- Maintaining the proper defensive position, as explained by Kyle Hartzell
- Throwing a good wrap and over-the-head check, as explained by Kyle Hartzel
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?
The STX Hammer 900 Unstrung Lacrosse Head is the best defensive head due to its overall performance and design.
What is the best defensive lacrosse shaft?
The StringKing Men's Metal 3 Pro Defense Lacrosse Shaft is the best defensive lacrosse shaft due to its smart taper technology and overall performance.
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.
Is the new Gait D head legal?
No, it is illegal to use it.
What are the different types of lacrosse heads?
You can find NFHS, NCAA, and universal heads.
What makes a good defenseman in lacrosse?
A good defenseman must move backward fast while preventing the opponent from entering the crease with stick checks.
When did defensive holding become a rule?
The rule became official in 1978.
Final Thoughts
The STX Hammer 900 Unstrung Lacrosse Head is the best head due to its construction, power and accuracy, and overall performance. The lightweight design but durable and sturdy structure make it reliable for an extended period. The only drawback is that you need to string it.
As you could see, there are various heads to choose from, so ensure you find the best one for your needs. The reviews will help you in the process, so take notes for all details!
- EnduraForm - a proprietary material for improved toughness
- Redesigned Speed Scoop for the long stick player allows for easier groundballs, regardless of the angle of attack
- Updated, tighter face profile adds control for better clears and quicker fast breaks
- New sidewall design provides a higher level of stiffness and shape retention