7 Best Lacrosse Faceoff Heads In 2023
Faceoffs are a crucial part of lacrosse. They have the power to “tilt the field” in one direction and allow a team to control the pace of the game. while piling on shots on net. Unlike other sports (like soccer or basketball) where the opposing team starts with the ball after a point, lacrosse begins at the faceoff stripe after every goal. So as a faceoff midfielder, it’s important to use every legal advantage you can find against your opponent. One of the biggest advantages one can find at the faceoff X is the lacrosse head. Nowadays, lacrosse companies engineer faceoff-specific heads, which are flexible, strong, and warp-resistant heads designed to give faceoff men an edge in competition. In this article, we ranked and reviewed the best lacrosse faceoff heads of 2023 👇.
What Is The Best Lacrosse Faceoff Head?
- StringKing Mark 2F – Best Overall
- ECD Weapon X (Natural) – Best FOSO Head
- StringKing Mark 2F Stiff – Best Stiff Head
- STX Duel 3 – Used By Joe Nardella (PLL All Star)
- Warrior Burn FO Recovery Head – Used By Trevor Baptiste (PLL MVP)
- Nike CEO 2 – Best for Summer
- Maverik Lock
Our Pick
StringKing Mark 2F
Designed with flexibility, durability, and strength, the StringKing Mark 2F provides a perfect balance of flex and stiffness when battling at the faceoff X. It flexes when you need to grip the ball, and maintains shape for consistent performance. Additionally, its short throat and high flare enable more leverage and control.
Highlights
- Flexible yet stiff material
- Shorter throat
- High flair & straight sidewall (better ball control)
- Ultra-light mesh
Price
$89-129 (depending if pre-strung)
Bottom Line
The StringKing Mark 2F is the best overall lacrosse faceoff head. It perfectly combines flexibility and stiffness, while maintaining its shape and integrity over time. The Mark 2F’s short throat and straight sidewall allow you to dominate the faceoff stripe by having more leverage and control than your opponent. Where most faceoff heads fall flat is that they warp over time. The Mark 2F is the best faceoff head at retaining its orginal shape. Whether you’re a FOGO or FOSO, it doesn’t matter. Any using the Mark 2F to take faceoffs will see an immediate benefit to their game.
ECD Weapon X Natural
Overview
The ECD Weapon X is engineered to help you dominate the faceoff stripe AND remain a threat on offensive. Designed as a FOSO (faceoff stay on) head, the ECD Weapon X is constructed with tough plastic that wraps around the ball and immediately returns to shape for consistent, accurate passes on offense.
Highlights
- Maintains shape
- Precise flex points
- Shorter throat
- Consistent scoop
Price
$89-129 (depending if pre-strung)
Bottom Line
The ECD Weapon X is the best faceoff lacrosse head for FOSO’s. Gone are the days of switching sticks after faceoffs. With the ECD Weapon X, you can remain on the field as an offensive threat after the draw. This lacrosse head comes in 3 colors: white, black, and natural. Each color head warps differently in different temperatures. As a result, players universally regard the ECD Weapon X Natural color as the best version of this lacrosse head.
StringKing Mark 2F Stiff
Overview
Built to dominate the faceoff stripe, the StringKing Mark 2F is a stiffer version of StringKing’s bestselling Mark 2F faceoff head. It is constructed with a stiff material and short throat to give players an advantage in 50/50 faceoff situations. The straight sidewall and angled scoop allow you scoop ground balls and maintain possession in physical battles at the midfield.
Highlights
- Super stiff material
- Shorter throat
- High flair & straight sidewall (better ball control)
- Ultra-light mesh
Price
$89-129 (depending if pre-strung)
Bottom Line
The StringKing Mark 2F Stiff is designed identically to the StringKing Mark 2F. The only difference is the plastic material used in each head. The Mark 2F Stiff provides more stiffness, while the Mark 2F provides more flex and pliability. Even though stiffness is a matter of preference, many faceoff midfielders will argue that the Mark 2F Stiff is an even better than the Mark 2F.
STX Duel 3
Overview
Crafted for the faceoff stay on midfielder, the STX Duel 3 combines a mix of twistability and shape retention. It’s Reflex technology allows the head to twist and snap back into shape immediately after the faceoff. The STX Duel 3 is used by Joe Nardella of the PLL Whipsnakes.
Highlights
- Desinged for FOSO’s
- Reflex technology prevents warping
- Optimized for stiffness and easy ground balls
Price
$99-149 (depending if pre-strung)
Bottom Line
The STX Duel 3 is a great FOSO or FOGO head. It comes with dozens of stringing holes for a more customizable pocket. If you’re not sure whether you’ll play a FOGO or FOSO role on your team, the STX Duel 3 is a fantastic in-between option for anyone taking draws at the stripe.
Warrior Burn FO Recovery Head
Overview
Originally designed with Trevor Baptiste (arguably the greatest faceoff man to ever live), the Warrior released a new edition of it’s signature Warrior Burn faceoff head: the Warrior Burn FO Recovery.
Highlights
- Used by Trevor Baptiste
- Very flexible & resilient
- Short throat
- Increased throat stiffness
Price
$99-149 (depending if pre-strung)
Bottom Line
According to Greg Beast (faceoff legend), the Warrior Burn FO Recovery Head’s material is “100x better than the original”. It is a flexible head that is extremely resilient. Need proof? Trevor Baptiste played an entire PLL and NLL season with the same Warrior Burn FO Recovery Head and finished as the top faceoff man in the world. If you’re looking for a flexible head that maintains its shape integrity, the Warrior Burn FO Recovery Head is a great option.
Nike CEO 2
Overview
Designed for the elite faceoff midfielder, the Nike CEO 2 features a short throat, enhanced stiffness, and smooth scoop on ground balls. After the success of the original Nike CEO, Nike released the CEO 2, which is engineered to be more durable and maintain its shape longer.
Highlights
- Very durable
- Maintains face shape
- Short throat
- Can be used on offense
Pricing
$99-149 (depending if pre-strung)
Bottom Line
The Nike CEO 2 is the best faceoff head to use in the summertime; however, it has mixed reviews amongst many faceoff specialists. Players love the Nike CEO 2’s short throat and ability to maintain its face shape – especially during hot summer tournaments when heads tend to flex and lose shape. Its wide face shape and stiff sidewall turn some midfielders away who prefer more flexible lacrosse heads. If you’re playing lacrosse and taking faceoffs year-round, I would definitely add the Nike CEO 2 to your arsenal to use in the summer months.
Maverik Lock
Overview
Engineered for dominating the faceoff X, the Maverik Lock features a shortened throat and lightweight design to increase leverage. Its Duraflex technology enables the Lock to retain its shape and provide consistent performance when taking faceoffs.
Highlights
- Great flex points
- Short throat
Pricing
$99-149 (depending if pre-strung)
Bottom Line
The Maverik Lock is not on the same level as the Mark 2F or ECD Weapon X. After a week of taking faceoffs, the Lock will begin to warp and does not return to its original shape like some of the other top faceoff heads do. With that being said, the Maverik Lock is very durable and will not crack.
What To Look For When Choosing Lacrosse Faceoff Heads
Before choosing a lacrosse head for faceoffs, there are several key factors you’ll want to keep in mind:
Faceoff Style: FOGO or FOSO?
Are you playing FOGO (face off get off), where you take faceoffs but substitute off the field immediately after the draw? Or are you playing FOSO (face off stay on), where you take faceoffs but remain on the field as an offensive middie? Depending on your role, you’ll want to find a head designed for you. Great FOSO heads warp back into shape right after the faceoff, making it easier to catch and throw. Great FOGO heads are excellent at wrapping the head around the ball, helping you win more clamps, but might take a bit more time to return to shape. If you are not sure of your faceoff style yet, there many heads that sit in-between and can be used for both roles successfully.
Throat Length
Throat length is a major factor when choosing faceoff heads. Nearly every faceoff specialist will tell you that they prefer a shortened throat because it enables more leverage during 50/50 battles. If you’re using a regular midfield head to take faceoffs, you will be at a drastic disadvantage to someone who is using a faceoff head. For this reason, all faceoff heads are designed with a shortened throat.
Stiffness & Flexibility
Lacrosse faceoff heads are engineered with a plastic material that ranges in stiffness. You’ll find that some faceoff heads are pliable, some are extra stiff, and many are in-between. But one isn’t better than the other. Stiffness and flex are a matter of preference to the faceoff midfielder. That is why StringKing released the Mark 2F and Mark 2F Stiff, two versions of the same head that vary in stiffness.
Durability & Warp Resistance
When using a lacrosse head to take faceoffs, the head shape will warp and deviate from its original shape over time. However, lacrosse manufacturers have gotten much better at developing warp-resistant faceoff heads (especailly stiffer heads) that retain their structural integrity after numerous faceoffs. When choosing a lacrosse faceoff head, you’ll want to make sure it is something that resists warp well and holds it shape after repeated use.
FAQ
What Is The Difference Between FOSO And FOGO?
FOSO stands for “face off stay on”, and FOGO stands for “face off get off”. FOGO’s are faceoff specialists who take the faceoff and quickly substitute off the field. Whereas FOSO’s are faceoff specialists who remain on the field and play as a middie after the faceoff. FOSO’s tend to have better stick skills than FOGO’s, which allow them to remain on the field. As a result, there are certain lacrosse faceoff heads that are better for FOSO’s and others that are designed for FOGO’s.
How Do I Break In My Lacrosse Faceoff Head?
The best way to break in your lacrosse faceoff head is simply by using it. Do not heat it up or try experimental methods of breaking it in. Head outside with a ball and start taking draws by yourself. Get a solid 10-20 reps in each day. Within a week, your faceoff head will undoubtedly be broken in.
Wrap Up
When choosing a lacrosse head for faceoffs, it is most important to think about your style of play. Are you a FOGO specialist, or a FOSO who is skilled enough to remain on the field as an offensive threat? Once you have that determined, you really can’t go wrong with any of the best lacrosse faceoff heads on this list. From there, it is a matter of preference. Do you prefer a stiffer head vs. a more flexible head? It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have multiple different heads in your bag to switch out throughout the year. For example, you may prefer using the ECD Weapon X as your #1 head during the spring season, but the StringKing Mark 2F Stiff during the hot summer season to minimize any warp.
