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Best Lacrosse Heads for Attack and Midfield (2026): Strung vs Unstrung, Stiff vs Flex
Prices updated November 2, 2026.
The head is the part of the stick that changes how a player throws, catches and shoots more than anything else. It's also where the marketing gets the most confusing: offset, pinch, scoop shape, flex, "Degree," "2K," "Graphene." This guide explains what those terms mean in practice, how to choose between strung and unstrung, and which heads in our daily price check fit attackmen and midfielders. Prices in the text were checked on October 29, 2026. For budget picks, see our separate guide to heads under $100.
The short answer
Most current men's heads from the major brands are $109.99 unstrung. At that price we track the STX Stallion 1K and 2K, STX Surgeon 1K and 2K, STX Hammer 1K and 2K, STX Magnet 2K, ECD Mirage 3.0 and Delta, Maverik Tactik 3.0, Kimera, Havok 2.0 and Optik Force, Nike L4 and THRONE Omen. A step up, the StringKing Mark 3V, Warrior Evo QX2-O and ECD Ion are $119.99, the STX Stallion Prism is $124.99, and premium versions like the Maverik "Degree" heads and ECD Atom run $139.99.
If the player doesn't string their own sticks, buy a strung head. Strung offense heads we track include the StringKing Mark 2F and ECD Weapon X 2.0 and DNA 2.0 at $144.99, the Gait GC3 at $145, the StringKing Mark 2V at $149.99, the ECD Mirage 3.0 and Delta strung at $154.99, the THRONE Omen and Nike L4 strung at $163, and the StringKing Mark 3V strung at $169.99.
Strung vs unstrung
An unstrung head is just the plastic. You need mesh (or traditional strings), sidewall string and shooting strings, plus the skill or a shop to put it together. Mesh kits typically cost $15 to $40, and a shop may charge for stringing on top of that. A strung head comes with a factory or partner-shop pocket already installed.
For most players, strung is the better buy. The price difference over unstrung ($35 to $60) is usually about what you'd pay for mesh plus stringing, and you get a consistent, legal pocket. Buy unstrung if the player strings their own, has a favorite stringer, or is replacing a broken head and wants to move an existing pocket style.
Stiffness and flex
Stiffer heads hold their shape on hard shots, ground balls and checks, which keeps the pocket consistent. Defenders and face-off players need stiffness. Flexible heads can feel more forgiving on catches, and some younger players like that feel.
For attack and midfield, a medium-stiff head is the sweet spot. Several brands sell the same shape in two stiffness levels. STX's "1K" and "2K" naming generally separates a more affordable version from a lighter, stiffer premium version of the same family, and STX sells the X-It in both Stiff and Flex. Maverik's "Degree" heads ($139.99) are premium versions of the Tactik, Kimera, Havok and Optik Force, and ECD's Mirage 3.0 Graphene ($129.99) is a stiffer, premium Mirage. Check each brand's description for the exact difference.
Face shape, pinch and offset
The face is the opening of the head. A narrower face, especially near the throat, helps hold the ball and improves accuracy. Most offensive heads are close to the narrowest the rules allow. A wider face is easier for catching and ground balls, which suits beginners and some midfielders.
Pinch is how much the sidewalls narrow toward the top. More pinch gives better ball control and a more predictable release, which attackmen tend to like. Offset is how far the head drops below the line of the shaft. Nearly every modern men's head is offset, which lowers the ball for a better hold and faster release.
In practice: attack players lean toward narrow, pinched heads like the STX Surgeon and Magnet, ECD Mirage 3.0, Maverik Optik Force and StringKing Mark 3V. Midfielders often want an all-around head that balances ball control with ground balls and some stiffness, like the STX Stallion, ECD Delta, Maverik Tactik 3.0 or Warrior Evo QX2-O.
Legality
High school (NFHS) and college (NCAA) rules set head dimensions, and the governing bodies publish lists of legal heads. Major-brand men's heads sold as new current models are made to meet those rules, but pocket depth is checked on the field, and youth leagues have their own rules. Some heads, like box heads such as the ECD Mirage 3.0 Box, are built for box lacrosse. If the player is in high school or college, confirm the head is on the current legal list.
Is a premium head worth it?
For a varsity or college player, a premium head's stiffness and durability are worth it, because a head that warps or breaks mid-season costs more in the end. For a JV or middle school player, a $109.99 current head is excellent. And for a first-year player, a complete stick is still the better buy; see our beginner sticks guide.
Limited-edition colorways like the STX Stallion 2K LE Carolina or the THRONE LE 925 Omen ($139.99) are typically the same head in a different finish, so pick them for looks, not performance.
How to save on a head
Heads go on sale less often than cleats or gloves, but last year's models frequently drop under $100, which is why we keep a separate list of heads under $100. Compare the same head at more than one retailer; each card below links to Lacrosse Unlimited and to an Amazon search for that head. If you're buying strung, compare the strung price with unstrung plus mesh and stringing at a local shop.
Strung offense and midfield heads (12)
Ready to play, no stringing required.
Unstrung heads ($100 to $119) (24)
Current models at the standard price.
Premium unstrung heads ($120 and up) (21)
Stiffer, lighter premium versions.
Related buying guides
Buying tips
- Most players should buy a strung head unless they string their own.
- Attack: narrow, pinched heads. Midfield: all-around heads with some stiffness.
- STX 2K and Maverik Degree versions are premium takes on the same shapes.
- Check the current NFHS or NCAA legal head list for high school and college play.
- LE colorways are typically the same head; buy them for looks.
Click any product for its full price history and a link to the retailer.