Have faceoffs been stressing you out lately? All the pressure is on you while the coach whistles it's time to move and get those flex points.
The pressure is inevitable for pro-face-off men. You are the one deciding whether you are going to make or break the game. To give your best performance possible, you need the top gear to do so.
Sure, it takes many adequate preparations before you start, but you can't do so if you are not equipped with the best lacrosse faceoff heads.
We collected the top 7 models currently the most talked about on the market and the field. After you pick out a faceoff head, grab a stick, and dominate the field as should!
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Best Lacrosse Face-off Heads Money Can Buy: My Top 9 Favorites
$ - Warrior Burn FO Unstrung Lacrosse Head - Best choice for high-quality standards and optimal use.
$ - STX Duel 2 Unstrung Lacrosse Head - Best for performance and using modes, offering various actions on the field.
$ - STX Lacrosse Duel U Unstrung Face-off Lacrosse Head - The most effective head with optimal and adjustable design to fit different shafts for increased performance.
$ - ECD Lacrosse Weapon X Unstrung Lacrosse Head - The most trustworthy and reliable model, thanks to its general standards and effective modes of use.
$ - Brine Dictator Unstrung Lacrosse Head - Best for ease of use and quick stringing methods. Adjustable for various drills and full performance.
$ - StringKing Mark 2F Stiff Unstrung Lacrosse Head - Best for improved design and technology to last longer and over more robust uses on and off the lacrosse field.
$ - STX Lacrosse Duel Reflex Unstrung Head - Best multifunctional model, thanks to advanced design and technology. Using versatile standards for different operations on the field.
$ - STX Duel 3 Unstrung Lacrosse Head for Face-offs - Best for midfielders assisting both offense and defense, thanks to its versatile design. The new technology ensures a stronger playing style.
$ - Warrior Burn FO Lacrosse Head - Best face shape retention for more stability and versatile uses. Durable and sturdy enough for optimal uses and a longer lifespan.
The Warrior Burn Fo is the ride or die choice for lacrosse face-off heads for Trevor Baptise, one of its creators and the best fogo in the game.
The very first thing you will notice about this Warrior Burn Fo head comes with an asymmetrical design.
The top rail of the head is much more flexible and thinner. This will help you bend the head in different positions and slide under the opponent's head. If you prefer a face flex in popping the ball out, you will want to check this face-off head.
The bottom rail is the complete opposite. It's thick and less flexible, and instead of giving you flexibility, it rather offers stability. The right rail is designed to keep the head straight. It pinches into the ball and grabs the ball even better than other heads would.
Another great benefit a player would admire is the short throat. It allows you to move your hand up and closer to the ball and get more leverage over the opponent.
A reinforced scoop is noticeably flatter than in other models. For different face-off techniques, the Warrior keeps up with all the popular moves.
- Asymmetrical design
- Convenient use
- Offers great leverage
- Short throat
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The first on our list of faceoff lacrosse heads are the well known STX Duel II.
You may have used STX sticks previously and felt as though they needed a bit more improvement. Listen up. The STX men have listened to all of your requests and delivered the high-performing Duel II.
The very first thing they improved was the quality and the impressively designed head. The newly enhanced scoop will result in fantastic flex points for a player who likes to pop and pinch with the stick with the added stability.
Unlike Dual I, the second version comes with a few more stringing holes, which will allow you to string the mesh even better and create a deep pocket.
One of the good parts of Duel II is the speed scoop technology. With the upgraded version's help, there is no more dragging across the field—only quick ground balls.
For those over-the-top shots, the speed scoop is designed to protect the top string from breaking. The much preferred short throat system is a must-have in nowadays faceoff heads.
The STX shortened throat allowed you to move your hand up closer to the head and gave all the control you know you're going to need in the open field.
- Short throat
- Improved quality
- Convenient use
- Speed scoop technology
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Why should you choose the STX Duel lacrosse head as the best face-off choice? There are various advantages so let’s find them together.
The lacrosse face-off defensive head is ideal for its design features and overall performance. The lacrosse face-off head uses the revolutionary patent-pending throat to allow the players to get closer to the lacrosse ball at the X position and start the game as soon as they get the ball possession. The lacrosse head will show maximum resistance to the checks, and you can fight better for ball possession.
In addition, the lacrosse face-off head will show the specific flex zones. The design will offer the zones specifically engineered for the Mid-section of the lacrosse head and allow the players to perform optimally during the face-off part of the game. So, the lacrosse face-off defensive head will easily offer advanced performance, making the game adjustable for the main players’ needs and standards. In addition, you can manage the pocket to make the best use of the head.
Thanks to the dual sidewall design, the lacrosse face-off defensive head uses extra Braces for the additional stability of the ground balls. In addition, you can perform various crucial movements for further face-off performance and ensure the best ball control. So you can perform better.
As the head offers the third screw hole through the throat plug, the head will also provide stability compatible with the dual shaft.
- durable
- sturdy
- stable
- reliable
- might come with excess plastic
From ECD comes another mid-range, yet incredibly optimized lacrosse head, designed by the man every lacrosse fan and player knows- the legendary Greg “Beast” Gurenlian. Who can understand the needs of the players better than one of them? With this lacrosse head, you know you’re getting a product that genuinely delivers.
This head was designed to perform flawlessly in face-offs. It has an optimized scoop, sidewall design, throat, and structure.
First of all, ECD included a FlexForm material, a more rigid plastic that keeps its shape and durability yet remains flexible enough not to break during more violent actions.
Next, the asymmetrical strut design and precise flex point wrap around the ball and put you in control of the outcome. You won’t lose the ball, drop it, or not be able to pass it successfully. This head delivers.
Another fantastic feature is the shorter throat design that puts you closer to the ball for more control and leverage. And given that this model includes an advanced, rounded scoop, you will get the ball every time and keep it in your pocket for as long as needed.
All in all, I like this model a lot. It shows supreme design, incredible optimization, and fantastic performance. It seems like the players really can make a difference in their knowledge and experience. If you’re looking for an affordable, trustworthy product, look no more.
- Optimized design
- Round scoop
- Better ball control
- Shorter throat
- FlexForm material
- Not as weather-resistant as other models
The Brine Dictator Lacrosse head is designed explicitly for face-offs and your top game performance. The lacrosse face off head features a narrow and lightweight head. Along with that, a stiff throat will offer you better ball control.
This Brine Dictator face-off lacrosse head is designed and molded with a stiff material blend that will help you overpower the opponent during your high level of performance.
The tapered rail shape on the Dictator's head offers a reliable and controlled feel once you scoop the ball and lead it to the desired pinch point. Honestly, who does not want all the control in their lacrosse head? The very last thing you need is an unreliable faceoff head when you are giving your best.
As with other faceoff lacrosse heads in our review, this Brine Dictator comes with a short throat and ergonomically designed shaft that allows you to get a better grip at the ground ball.
The only thing I would recommend you to pay attention to is the stiffer head. If you are used to more flexibility, you might find the strength a bit intimidating at first. But, this is nothing you can't get used to overtime.
- Short shaft for great ball clamp control
- Easy for stringing and use
- Tends to hourglass over time
When the time for a face-off comes, the true heroes among lacrosse heads show. For this reason, StringKing upgraded their Mark 2F lacrosse head to be more durable and significantly stiffer. The result is a perfectly balanced lacrosse head providing nothing but dominance and unmatched ball control on the field.
StringKing Mark 2F Stiff kept all the advantages of its immediate predecessor Mark 2F with a few advancements that will make you the king of face-offs.
First of all, this model includes a stronger material that is less flexible. The result is a more durable and resistant lacrosse head that offers excellent support in face-offs and checks.
This model includes a shortened throat, providing more leverage. At the same time, the sidewall design is straightened, which, together with the high flair, enables better ball control. You will catch the ball every time, pass it precisely, and dominate the game like a pro.
Yet there’s another critical segment of the perfectly executed face-off, ball pickup. Nothing else matters if you cannot get hold of the ball. StringKing thought about it and made their Mark 2F Stiff model with an angled scoop that allows effortless pickup and long ball retention.
Despite all the innovations mentioned above, this model remains at the lower end of the market price-wise. Well, it’s not exactly the low end, but it’s a mid-ranger. With that in mind, this is a perfect chance for you to buy a great lacrosse head for a reasonable price.
- Stiffer
- Better ball control
- Angled Scoop
- More precision
- Ball retention
- Not versatile
The lacrosse face-of head is an ideal option for all players as it comes in advanced style. It’s a remix of the previous Duel model. Although it features the same design and shape as the old model, the new Reflex model is richer in Reflex material, offering a more consistent shape. Thus, it is a more advanced FOGO head with consistency when playing the X position.
In addition, the new Duel Reflex lacrosse head gives you an innovative throat plug, allowing the player to get closer to the lacrosse ball. This way, you can perform better when on the X-marked spot and take the ball faster. Furthermore, you will have better ball control once you gain full ball possession. Thus, you can efficiently operate on the field, and you will be at an advantage in creating more shooting opportunities for your team members.
Thanks to the specific flex zones, the lacrosse face-off heads are created explicitly for the face-off play and make the difference at the beginning of each period. So, you will find them reliable and resistant in tough fights for ball possession. The flex zones will also provide optimal and advanced movements.
The dual sidewall braces will also be ideal for extra stability regarding scooping ground balls and at various critical movements of the face-offs. So, you can easily adjust the game to your needs and use the head for various actions. You can also catch, pass, throw, and shoot with the head.
- versatile
- sturdy
- reliable
- not visible
Why should you opt for the STX Duel 3 lacrosse head? First, the Dual 3 is an excellent choice for its advanced design. The Duel 3 uses more flexibility and advanced technology than previous models. So, it will offer different performance options and gaming standards for optimal use on the lacrosse field.
The design is the best for midfielders, as the Duel 3 unstrung lacrosse head uses the adjustable head to help middies defend or attack - depending on their stick and playing positions. But, since the lacrosse head comes unstrung, you can string it, making the best lacrosse pocket, adjustable depth, and the best place for the ball to rest while inside the lacrosse stick and pocket.
The lacrosse head uses the improved Reflex technology. It’s a brand-new material that keeps the lacrosse head's shape and performance optional. In addition, the head will keep the players on the lacrosse field longer, and you can perform different actions due to its versatility and overall structure.
Thanks to its face shape and duel-flex technology, the lacrosse face-off head will be optimized for all elite face-off athletes. Additionally, the stiff system will allow different flex technology, and you can adjust the mid, high, or low pocket, depending on your needs.
The head uses the advanced scoop design and increases performance when scooping ground balls. So, you can easily chase and scoop the balls and get the ultimate ball control for maximum use of the head.
- durable
- sturdy
- reliable
- unstrung
The Warrior lacrosse face-off head will blow your mind due to its versatile construction. This head is mandatory for players, thanks to its pure resin technology, boosting the head shape recovery.
In addition, the players can confidently shoot and pass after gaining possession after every face-off battle. So, the head is stable and reliable for multiple uses, and you cannot damage it so soon.
The head is also designed symmetrically and engineered to feature a maximum balance between flex, recovery, and strength. For this reason, the universal pinch technology covers multiple faceoff styles and different playing standards.
So, you can perform various operations and help your team create more scoring opportunities. In addition, the lacrosse head will be of great help for different actions and drills.
As the lacrosse head comes with a shorter throat design and increased throat stiffness, the lacrosse head will allow for extra leverage and ball control. So, the lacrosse face-off head can only improve your overall game standards, allowing you to operate well on the field.
As it contains composite materials, the lacrosse face-off head will provide the necessary durability for multiple face-off fights. No checks, weather conditions, and similar impacts can damage it so soon. On the other hand, external forces and weather conditions cannot harm it so quickly, and you can adjust it to your needs easily.
Finally, the lacrosse face-off head meets all NFHS, NCAA, World Lacrosse, and Lacrosse Canada rules to be used in different leagues.
- sturdy
- reliable
- stable
- unstrung
A Detailed Guide for Picking the Best Lacrosse Faceoff Heads
Some would say that lacrosse face-off is the most challenging part of lacrosse. Since they playoff before the full action, face-off tends to hold a lot of tension to it. We are here to help you out with the best gear possible.
If you are a beginner, you may be confused with the new lacrosse slang and whatnot. But, let's sum it down and help you win most of the faceoffs. In the end, quality faceoff heads can only do half the job. The rest is up to your technique and strength.
So, are regular lacrosse heads the same as faceoff heads?
Well, yes and no.
Faceoff heads are usually built to be lighter but sturdier. They need to flex without breaking. But, you need to know a few other characteristics regarding bottom rail, flex zone, and sidewall brace.
- Bottom Rail: One of the most crucial characteristics of face-off heads is that the bottom rail width is excellent enough to scoop the ball after picking it up. A sufficient width can be extremely helpful when the opponent tries to move the ball away. An angled and wide rail can give you an advantage when clamping.
- Flex Zone: This is what I was talking about earlier. The lacrosse head needs to be flexible enough to beat your opponent without creating a foul.
- Sidewall Brace: As for the sidewall brace, it should be stable and strong enough to handle the ground ball and allow you to gain control.
1. Pocket positioning
To get the best performance, you need to know that there are different pocket positions.
- Mid-Pocket: this shape of pocket can be used by any player, whether they are playing defensive or offensive. In the mid-pocket, the ball will fall right into the middle, giving you an advantage in ball control and quick release followed by accuracy.
- High-Pocket: the high pocket shape is best for midfielders since it offers optimal ball sway and advanced ground ball abilities. The shape is used by players who want a clean and quick shot but are not stressed over immediate release. The high pocket shape can also make a debut for the defensive players wanting to pick the ball easier, which I think we can all agree can be a turnover for the face-offs.
- Low-Pocket: By creating a low pocket, you let the ball sit deeper in the mesh and closer to the throat. This pocket shape is a favorite of offensive players since it allows them to hold the ball clamp.
2. Weight
The weight of the lacrosse head depends on how it is designed in the first place. The material and the dimensions are just as crucial as picking any lacrosse head, not just face-offs.
You might think that lightweight construction is not something you should consider this time, but trust me. Choosing a lacrosse head that is only according to your standards can make all the difference.
FAQs
What is the faceoff in lacrosse called?
A faceoff in lacrosse is a method of beginning and restarting the game after goals.
The term FOGO stands for Face Off Get Off specialist. FOGO's goal is to win the faceoff and clear the field for substitution.
What is the best face-off head in lacrosse?
The best one is the Warrior Burn FO Unstrung Lacrosse Head due to its high quality and overall performance on the lacrosse field.
What is considered a face-off win in lacrosse?
Whichever team has the possession after the face-off is considered a win in lacrosse. You may have won the pinch, but guess what, if you pop the ball to the other team, it's regarded as a loss.
Remember, the face-off is not over until some team gains possession.
How to string a face-off head?
The only technique you should pay attention to is what kind of mesh you want and whether you would like a high, mid, or low pocket. The process of stringing is the same as stringing a regular lacrosse head. We have a full article on that topic.
Here is a helpful video demonstration.
Can any lacrosse head fit on any shaft?
Most of the lacrosse heads have universal open throat configurations, and these lacrosse heads can fit on any shaft.
The newer versions require specific types of shafts that usually have hollows shafts.
What are the lacrosse face-off stick rules?
The basic rules include the two designated players standing on the X-marked spot and fighting for the ball possession to have a better chance of winning. Then, after the referee blows the whistle, the battle can start. The face-off begins before each period and when the ball is out of bounds.
Does lacrosse start with a face off?
Yes, every lacrosse game starts with a face off.
How to string a lacrosse face-off head?
Follow the steps below:
- Use only little to no whip
- Use high-quality mesh
- Use the nine-diamond mesh design for a mid-low pocket
- Make knots inside of the head
- Use shooters for the bottom string and the second top string for the better lacrosse placement
How to break in a lacrosse face-off head?
One option (although not recommendable) is to boil the head. On the other hand, you use the ball and press against the pocket mech and make it more flexible.
Final Words
The best face-off head is the Warrior Burn FO Unstrung Lacrosse Head due to overall paying standards, quality, and performance. The lacrosse head is also affordable to all players and improves your playing techniques. So, it’s optimal for further use.
Face-off is an important part of the game as you gain the ball possession. So, you need the best head to ensure the possession is in your area to provide a better scoring opportunity for your team.
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