The Best Defense Lacrosse Heads for 2024 (with reviews)

The Tank 2.0 is an absolute dream to use on the defensive side of the field. The 6-Strut design provides maximum stiffness made to hold up through checks and physical play. The Ground Control scoop is perfectly designed tos scoop up ground balls with ease. Maverik uses their Duratough Materials plastic to keep the head perfectly balanced between stiffness and lightness. Tank 2.0 features a super wide design that makes catching at the end of a pole much easier than a more pinched head. This also gives more of an area to connect checks and scoop up ground balls. And of course, it comes in Maverik’s signature 4 factory colors to let you stand out on the field.

• Super wide face shape
• 6-Strut side rail for added stiffness
• Duratough Materials plastic holds up against hard checks

The X20 might just be an attackman's worst nightmare. From the super stiff design to the jagged edges on the side, this head is sure to leave an impression on every player it comes across. Coming off the success of the X10, the X20 modernizes the classic Excalibur line from STX. Fan favorite EnduraForm™ plastic keeps the head stiff and light. The SpeedScoop™ allows for easier ground ball pickups and protects the top strings from damage over time. This head feels wider than it is and knocks down any pass that comes your way. This makes for easier catching as well as more surface area to throw checks and pick up GBs.

• Wide face shape
• Channel Lock top string to give you a smooth release off the top
• EnduraForm™ plastic keeps the head stiff

The Warrior Evo line is known by elite attackmen and midfielders alike and now they have created a version geared for the elite LSM or close defender. Featuring a tighter face shape than normal defensive heads, the QX-2 offers superior ball control for those defenders that like to carry the ball past the midfield. Using  Therma-Loc+ Thermoplastic Resin, the QX2-D can perform in the coldest winter or the hottest summer.

• Therma-Loc+ Hybrid Thermoplastic Resin keeps the head stiff.
• Scoop Diffuser reduces drag when picking up groundballs.
• LOC-THROAT secures the head onto the shaft.

The ECD Rebel Defense isn’t your traditional wide d-pole head. With a more pinched face shape and aggressive pinch defenders have more of an advantage with the ball in their stick. The rounded scoop guides ground balls more easily into the pocket and creates a quicker release off the top of the head. With ECD’s knowledge of stringing, the Rebel Defense is built to be easily strung in all sorts of styles. The sidewall holes are easy to work with and strategically placed to give you any pocket location that suits your play style.

• More pinched face shape for easier handling
• Rounded scoop for ground balls and quick release
• Built with stringing in mind

The Mark 2T has a strikingly unique look right off the bat. A multitude of stringing holes unlocks this head for any pocket location that suits you best. StringKing targeted areas of weakness and strategically added more material to make this head stiffer. They also reduced material in areas with low breakage to create a lighter but still ultra stiff head. The Mark 2T features a slightly more pinched at the bottom face shape to allow for more control of the ball. While the top of the head is still wide enough to catch passes at the end of a long pole.

• Many stringing holes for complete customization
• Strategic stiffness to keep the head light but stiff
• Wide enough for catching but tighter towards the bottom for ball control

The Maverik Havok 2 is designed for the elite LSM or close defender. Offering a best-in-class strength-to-weight ratio, the Havok 2 can deliver fast and precise checks, making the player a turnover machine. Utilizing a new 4-strut design, the Havok 2 makes groundballs a breeze. Any elite defender can wreak havoc with Maverik’s newest head.

• XRail Technology maintains a lightweight and stiff design.
• 20 sidewall holes for a mid/high pocket.
• New four-strut design for easy groundballs.

The Hammer 1k is STX’s latest iteration of their very successful Hammer head line. Made for the shutdown defensive players that go all out every game. The Hammer 1k is ultra-stiff thanks to its three-strut design, which prevents the head from warping on aggressive poke checks. Utilizing EnduraForm, it can withstand any playing condition you can throw at it. Featuring the Speed Scoop, the Hammer 1K turns any defender into a groundball vacuum.

• EnduraForm improves toughness.
• Speed Scoop makes groundballs a breeze.
• Ultra-stiff with a three-strut design.

The Mark 2D gives you over 29 sidewall holes to completely customize your pocket. It also features an ultra-stiff construction and a wider face shape (than the 2T) designed with harder checks and better ground balls in mind. The top half of the head slightly comes forward creating an incredible angle of attack for easier ground ball pick up. If you're looking for a wider head that doesn’t lose that high level of feel check out the StringKing Mark 2D.

• 29 sidewall holes
• Wide face shape
• Perfect attack angle for ground balls

The Nike Alpha Elite 2 is designed to be tough in any condition. Utilizing Nike’s PowerForm plastic, the Alpha Elite 2 allows elite-level poles to perform at any temperature. Featuring a wide face shape, close defenders will be able to knock down and intercept passes with east. With a bottom rail designed for a high pocket, the Alpha Elite 2 is a groundball vacuum.

• PowerForm plastic keeps the head stiff.
• High-Pocket for easy groundballs.
• Wide face shape for knocking down passes.

Overview:

Approved by pro players, the redesigned head introduces XP power specifically for the transition defenseman and midfielder. It features the new X Truss technology for stabilizing the upper sidewall and channeling energy towards the scoop, enhancing the lethality of checks. Additionally, the Spine track bottom rail incorporates a unique spine design that not only offers protection for the mesh and strings but also enables the crafting of a secure pocket. The integration of Therma-Loc+ hybrid thermoplastic resin ensures that the head retains up to 50% more stiffness compared to standard nylon heads across various temperatures. An updated scoop equipped with aggressive scoop diffusers markedly reduces drag and enhances airflow during ground ball pickups, complying fully with NFHS, NCAA, Lacrosse Canada, and World Lacrosse men's field specifications.

Key Features:

• X Truss Technology: Stabilizes the upper sidewall, directing energy to the scoop for more lethal checks.
• Spine Track Bottom Rail: Features a unique spine design for mesh and string protection, facilitating a secure pocket.
• Therma-Loc+ Hybrid Thermoplastic Resin: Ensures significantly enhanced stiffness retention under diverse temperature conditions.
• Aggressive Scoop Diffusers: Reduces drag and improves airflow for better ground ball performance.
• Compliance: Meets all NFHS, NCAA, Lacrosse Canada, and World Lacrosse men's field specifications.