The problem? There are dozens of heads on the market, and most reviews bury you in spec numbers without telling you what actually matters on the field.

This guide cuts through the noise. We tested 12 attack heads over two full seasons. These five are the best.

What Makes a Great Attack Head

Before we get to the picks, let's establish what we're actually evaluating.

Scoop Design

Attack players need to scoop ground balls in traffic. A low-profile scoop with a wide opening makes that possible. Heads with high kicks or narrow throats are harder to scoop with under defensive pressure.

Sidewall Stiffness

Stiffer sidewalls = more consistent pocket, better accuracy on shots. Flexible sidewalls can add feel but come at the cost of consistency, especially in cold weather.

Offset Angle

Higher offset puts the pocket lower in the head, which can improve hold and ball release for shooting. Most elite attack heads now run 6–9° of offset. Too much offset hurts passing accuracy.

Legal Width

The NCAA and NFHS both require heads to be at least 6.5" wide at the widest point. Some heads sit right at the legal limit. That's fine if you're playing field lacrosse — illegal in box. Always check before you string.

The Top 5 Attack Heads in 2025

1. ECD Mirage 3.0 — Best Overall

The Mirage 3.0 is the benchmark for attack heads right now. ECD redesigned the sidewall geometry in the 3.0, adding a slight concave curve that holds your pocket in place across shot after shot.

What we loved:

• Scoop is genuinely the best on this list — low profile, wide opening
• Sidewalls are stiff without feeling brittle in cold weather
• 7.5° offset hits the sweet spot for attack shooting
• Comes pre-drilled for most stringing patterns

Who it's for: Attack players at any level who want a premium head that performs in all conditions. It's the head we'd recommend to 9 out of 10 attack players.

Price: Around $75–$85 unstrung.

2. STX Stallion 900 — Best for Shooting

The Stallion 900 has one of the most aggressive offset angles on the market (9°), which translates to serious whip when your pocket is dialed in. If you're a finisher who prioritizes shot power and consistency, this is your head.

What we loved:

• Exceptional stiffness — holds shape through thousands of shots
• The scoop groove channels ground balls cleanly
• Comes in multiple colors
• STX's stringing-friendly design makes setup fast

Watch out for: The narrow throat takes adjustment if you're coming from a wider head. Give yourself a week to break in.

Price: Around $70–$80 unstrung.

3. Warrior Evo QX-O — Best Value

The Evo QX-O punches well above its price point. Warrior refined the QX shape over multiple generations, and the QX-O is the tightest version yet. At $55–$65, it's the best bang for your dollar on this list.

What we loved:

• Scoop is wide and low — excellent for ground balls
• Stiffness is surprising for the price
• The sidewall channels are versatile for different stringing styles
• Holds up well through a full season

Who it's for: Players who want a legit attack head without paying $80+. Great for high school players and budget-conscious collegiate players.

Price: Around $55–$65 unstrung.

4. StringKing Mark 2A — Best for Feel

StringKing built the Mark 2A specifically for attack players who prioritize feel over everything else. The slightly flexible sidewalls give you a softer catch and better sense of the ball in your pocket.

What we loved:

• The catch feel is the best on this list — balls just stick
• Great for players who prioritize passing over shooting
• Comes in unstrung or pre-strung options
• Lightweight without sacrificing durability

Watch out for: The flexibility that gives you great feel means the pocket shifts more in cold weather. String tighter than you think you need to.

Price: Around $65–$75 unstrung.

5. Maverik Optik 3 — Best for Women's Players

The Optik 3 is engineered for the women's game, with a narrower width and deeper pocket zone optimized for women's stringing rules. If you play WCLA, college, or high school women's lax, this is the attack head to get.

What we loved:

• Purpose-built for women's lacrosse (6.5" width)
• Excellent for the high-release shooting style common in women's lax
• Very clean scoop — handles ground balls in traffic
• Good variety of color options

Price: Around $65–$75 unstrung.

How to Choose the Right Head for You

If you want the best overall: ECD Mirage 3.0
If you prioritize shooting: STX Stallion 900
If you're on a budget: Warrior Evo QX-O
If you value feel: StringKing Mark 2A
If you play women's lax: Maverik Optik 3

One thing we can't stress enough: the head alone doesn't make the pocket. How you string it matters just as much. Use our Stick Builder to pair your head with the right mesh and stringing pattern for your position.

Final Verdict

The ECD Mirage 3.0 is the best attack head you can buy right now. It's the only head on this list that performs at an elite level in every category — scooping, passing, and shooting.

But the right head depends on your game. Use the criteria above, pick your priority, and string it up the way we show in our stringing guides.

Short answer: it's really good. Here's the full story.

First Impressions

Out of the box, the Stallion 75 is immediately noticeable for two things: the grip texture and the weight.

STX wraps the shaft in their textured rubber grip, and it's noticeably tackier than most bare aluminum shafts. On a rainy September practice, I didn't slip once — that alone made it worth more than a few competitors.

Weight comes in at 115g for the standard men's length. That's on the lighter side for an alloy shaft. Some composite shafts at twice the price aren't this light.

The octagonal cross-section is STX's signature shape, and it remains divisible here: you always know where your hands are without looking down.

On-Field Performance

Handling and Feel

The Stallion 75 has excellent flex stiffness for attack play. During shooting drills, I noticed my shots tracking more consistently — the shaft wasn't absorbing energy the way a more flexible shaft sometimes does.

For dodging and protection, the octagonal shape helps. You can feel your top hand grip orientation immediately, which speeds up your split-second decisions in tight spaces.

Ground ball scooping felt neutral — not the best on the market but not a liability either.

Passing Accuracy

Over 200 practice sessions and several scrimmages, my passing accuracy felt consistent. No dead spots in the shaft, no weird vibration on hard throws. It transmits feedback cleanly.

Shooting Power

This is where the Stallion 75 earns its reputation. The stiffness-to-weight ratio is excellent for shot power. If you're an attack player who relies on whip from your upper shaft and a low pocket, this shaft supports that style perfectly.

Durability

Six months of hard use, including two spring seasons and a summer tournament circuit. The shaft has one small dent from a check on the lower portion — purely cosmetic. The grip texture has worn slightly at the top hand position but still provides adequate tack.

The anodized finish has held up well. No significant chipping or flaking, which is a problem with some cheaper shafts.

Verdict: Built to last at least two full seasons with normal care.

How It Compares

vs. STX Stallion 100 (aluminum)

The Stallion 100 is $15–20 cheaper. It's heavier and lacks the premium grip texture. If budget is your primary concern, the 100 is fine. If you're playing at a high level, the 75's weight advantage matters.

vs. Epoch Dragonfly C30i (composite, ~$130)

The C30i is a lighter, premium composite shaft with better flex characteristics. It's noticeably better if you have the budget. But the Stallion 75 closes 70–80% of that gap for 30–40% less money.

vs. StringKing Metal 3 Pro

These two are neck-and-neck. The Metal 3 Pro has a slightly better finish and comes in more color options. The Stallion 75 edges it in grip texture and is often $10–15 cheaper. It comes down to personal preference.

Value Assessment

At $89, the Stallion 75 is strong value. It's not going to outperform a $130 composite, but it beats every shaft in its price range in at least two key categories: grip and weight.

Who Should Buy It

Buy the Stallion 75 if you:

• Are a high school or collegiate attack player
• Want a lightweight, grippy alloy shaft
• Shoot frequently and need a shaft that supports shot mechanics
• Don't want to spend $130+ on a composite

Skip it if you:

• Already own a premium composite shaft in good condition
• Primarily play defense (look at a longer, heavier shaft)
• Prefer maximum shaft flex (this one is stiff)

Final Rating

The STX Stallion 75 is a genuine workhorse shaft at a fair price. We have zero hesitation recommending it.

This guide explains what actually matters, when to use hard vs. soft mesh, and which specific mesh we'd recommend for each position.

What Is Lacrosse Mesh?

Lacrosse mesh is the woven nylon (or synthetic) material stretched across your head to form the pocket. The "diamond" count refers to how many diamonds appear across the width of the mesh. Lower diamond counts (6–8) create larger openings; higher counts (10–12) create tighter weaves.

The weave affects:

• How the ball sits and releases
• How your pocket is affected by weather
• The overall feel of catches and passes

Hard Mesh vs. Soft Mesh

This is the question we get more than any other. Let's settle it.

Hard Mesh

Hard mesh is stiffer, less prone to weather-related sag, and more consistent shot-to-shot. It takes longer to break in but holds its shape far longer once it does.

Pros:

• Extremely consistent — pocket stays where you put it
• Weather-resistant — doesn't sag in rain or humidity
• Better for high-frequency shooters who rely on exact pocket placement
• Lasts longer (can go a full season or more)

Cons:

• Stiff out of the box — requires deliberate break-in
• Less feel on catches — the ball doesn't "nestle" as softly
• Tougher to restring if you want to make adjustments mid-season

Best for: Midfielders, defensemen, and any player who values consistency over feel.

Soft Mesh

Soft mesh is more pliable, breaks in quickly, and gives you that immediate "feel" that many attack players love. The trade-off is inconsistency — soft mesh sags in wet weather and shifts over time.

Pros:

• Breaks in immediately — game-ready in hours, not days
• Excellent feel for catching and cradling
• Easier to restring and adjust
• Preferred by many attack players for its natural feel

Cons:

• Weather-sensitive — pocket changes in rain and cold
• Requires more frequent tuning
• Wears out faster (6–8 months of hard use)

Best for: Attack players, box lacrosse players, anyone who prioritizes feel and quick customization.

Wax Mesh: The Middle Ground

Wax mesh is soft mesh coated in a wax compound that makes it resistant to weather and sag. It gives you most of the feel of soft mesh with the durability and consistency closer to hard mesh.

The downside: wax coatings wear off over time (usually 3–4 months of regular play), and the mesh becomes standard soft mesh underneath.

Best for: Attack and midfield players who want soft mesh feel with better durability. Great for spring and fall seasons where weather varies.

Mesh Diamond Count: What Does It Mean?

Most players will be happiest with 7-diamond mesh. It's the most versatile and the easiest to string.

Top Mesh Picks by Position

Attack

#1: ECD Hero 3.0 Mesh (Soft, 7-diamond)
The Hero 3.0 has become the go-to for attack players at every level. It breaks in fast, holds its pocket well for soft mesh, and the feel on catches is exceptional. String it with a mid-low pocket and you'll have a deadly setup.

#2: StringKing Type 4S (Soft, 7-diamond)
StringKing's Type 4S is more consistent than the Hero and slightly more weather-resistant. A great choice if you play in regions with unpredictable weather.

Midfield

#1: ECD Hero 3.0 Mesh (Hard, 7-diamond)
The hard version of the Hero 3.0 is the most popular mesh on our builder for a reason. It's forgiving to string, consistent once set, and durable through long midfield seasons.

#2: Throne of String Armored Mesh (Hard, 7-diamond)
Excellent stiffness and consistency. Slightly harder to string than ECD but holds shape better through a full season.

Defense

#1: StringKing Type 4 (Hard, 8-diamond)
Defensive players need maximum durability. The Type 4 in 8-diamond is the most consistent, durable mesh we've tested for D-poles. It's almost immune to weather.

Goalie

#1: ECD Hero 3.0 Mesh (Wax, 8-diamond)
Goalies need a different kind of pocket — wide channel, consistent release for outlet passes. The wax version gives you feel without the weather-related sag that hard hits can cause with pure soft mesh.

How to Break In Your Mesh

Hard mesh break-in:

1. String the head
2. Apply water to the mesh (lukewarm works best)
3. Work a lacrosse ball through the pocket repeatedly — at least 100 throws
4. Repeat over 3–5 days
5. The pocket will set into place and stop moving

Soft mesh break-in:

1. String the head
2. Throw against a wall for 20–30 minutes — it'll be game-ready quickly
3. Check tightness every few weeks and retighten topstrings as needed

Final Thoughts

For most attack players: start with ECD Hero 3.0 Soft or StringKing Type 4S. For midfielders and defenders: go hard mesh.

Not sure how to pair your mesh with the right head? Use our Stick Builder — pick your position and skill level, and we'll show you the top-rated combinations.

This guide walks through every piece of gear you need as an attack player in 2025, from stick to cleats, with specific product recommendations for each budget tier.

The Attack Stick: Getting the Foundation Right

Your stick is the most important piece of equipment you own. For attack, you need a setup optimized for:

• Shooting accuracy and power — tight, consistent pocket with appropriate whip
• Ground ball ability — low-profile scoop
• Protection mechanics — a shaft you can protect with one hand while dodging

Recommended Attack Head Setup

Best overall: ECD Mirage 3.0 + ECD Hero 3.0 Soft Mesh (7-diamond)
This combination is what we'd build for most attack players. The Mirage 3.0 scoop is excellent in traffic, and the Hero 3.0 Soft gives you the feel and release consistency you need at the attack position.

Budget option: Warrior Evo QX-O + StringKing Type 4S Soft
You can build an extremely functional attack setup under $60 with this combination. The Evo QX-O is underrated — it's stiff, scoops well, and the QX geometry works with most stringing patterns.

Pocket Setup for Attack

Most attack players want a mid-low pocket — the ball sits in the lower third of the head, which maximizes hold for protection and gives you whip on shots.

Key stringing tips for attack:

• Keep your shooting strings tight but not locked — you want whip, not a frozen release
• Use a single U-channel with two shooting strings above it
• Set your bottom string tighter than you think you need — it'll loosen over time

Attack Shafts

Premium Tier ($100+)

Epoch Dragonfly C30i
The best composite shaft available for attack players. Extremely light (under 100g), excellent flex for shot mechanics, and the grip is outstanding. The price is high, but if you play at a high level, it's worth it.

True Comp 2.0
True's competition to the C30i. Slightly stiffer with an excellent octagonal grip. Some players prefer the more rigid feel for shooting. Try both if you can.

Mid Tier ($65–$100)

STX Stallion 75
Our review favorite (see our full Stallion 75 review). Light alloy, excellent grip, stiff enough for serious shooting. The best value at this price point.

StringKing Metal 3 Pro
Neck-and-neck with the Stallion 75. Better finish, more color options. $5–10 more expensive but some players prefer the feel.

Budget Tier (Under $65)

STX Stallion 100
Heavier than the 75 but solid. A reliable budget option if you're newer to the sport or replacing a broken shaft mid-season.

Maverik Lacrosse Union
Very affordable, surprisingly durable. Good for youth and beginner players.

Gloves

Attack players take a lot of checks and slashes. Don't cheap out on gloves.

What to look for in attack gloves

• Thumb protection: Attacks get their thumbs hit constantly. Look for reinforced thumb guards.
• Flexibility at the fingers: You need to feel the stick. Some defense-oriented gloves sacrifice finger feel for protection — avoid those.
• Cuff height: Mid-length cuff (4–5") is standard. Very short cuffs expose your wrists.

Recommended:

• Warrior Burn Pro — excellent balance of protection and feel
• ECD Mirage Gloves — premium option, exceptional fit and feel
• Brine King — solid budget option for high school players

Cleats

You can't dodge or shoot with proper footing. Cleats matter more than most attack players admit.

What to look for:

• Mid-cut or low-cut (high tops limit ankle mobility for dodging)
• Firm ground (FG) studs for grass fields; turf studs for turf fields
• Lightweight construction — heavy cleats slow your first step

Recommended:

• Under Armour Magnetico — extremely light, excellent first-step feel
• Nike Vapor Edge — excellent ground traction, top-of-market quality
• New Balance Freeze LX v3 — lacrosse-specific design, great ankle support

Arm Pads and Elbow Pads

For attack, arm pads are a personal choice — some players prefer nothing, others wear full arm pads.

The case for arm pads: Protection from checks and slashes. Your arms are exposed as an attack player.

The case against: Some players feel restricted. If you're dodging and need maximum feel, thinner is better.

If you wear them:

• Maverik Rome RX3 Arm Pads — lightweight, minimal restriction
• Warrior Burn Arm Pads — solid all-around option

Helmet

Don't compromise on your helmet. If you bought everything else on this list cheap, buy a good helmet.

Recommended:

• Cascade S — the standard for a reason. Well-balanced, excellent visibility, strong certification ratings.
• Cascade XRS — premium option, lighter weight, best-in-class fit customization
• Warrior Regulator RS — alternative to Cascade, excellent value, solid protection ratings

Complete Budget Breakdowns

Premium Attack Setup (~$400–$500)

Mid-Tier Attack Setup (~$200–$280)

Budget Attack Setup (~$120–$160)

Summary

As an attack player, your stick is your most important investment. Get the head and mesh right first — use our Stick Builder to find the right combination for your level and style. Then invest in a good helmet and gloves. Everything else is secondary.

This guide covers the three best beginner lacrosse stick builds under $200, with full setup notes, mesh pairings, and shopping links for each.

What Makes a Good Beginner Stick Build

Before we get to the builds, let's agree on what "good" means for a beginner setup:

1. Forgiving pocket — beginners drop catches. A slightly deeper pocket with some give helps compensate while you develop your mechanics.
2. Durable construction — beginners check and get checked harder. A stiff head and solid shaft hold up better.
3. Easy to restring — beginners change their pocket as they develop. A head with open, versatile stringing channels is far easier to work with.
4. Doesn't cost a fortune — if you lose interest after one season, you shouldn't have spent $300.

With that in mind, here are our picks.

Build #1: The Everyday Warrior (~$95 Complete)

This is the best all-around beginner setup we've found. It's primarily for field attack or midfield, works in most weather, and can be purchased pre-strung for around $95.

Stick Components

Head: Warrior Evo QX-O ($55–60)

The Evo QX-O is consistently one of the best values in lacrosse. It's stiff, scoop-friendly, and the sidewall channels are beginner-friendly for restringing. We've recommended it to hundreds of players; nobody has complained.

Mesh: ECD Hero 3.0 Soft (7-diamond, $12–15)

The Hero 3.0 Soft breaks in fast — usually within an hour of wall work. That matters for beginners who don't want to spend a week breaking in hard mesh before they can practice.

Shaft: Maverik Lacrosse Union ($35–40)

Affordable, lightweight, octagonal grip. Reliable for beginner use. It won't last forever, but it'll survive your first season.

Pocket Setup

For beginners, we recommend a mid-pocket rather than an extreme high or low setting. It's the most forgiving for catching and gives you a natural release for passing.

Ask your pro shop to string it with:

• Mid-pocket placement
• Two shooting strings above the channel
• A standard bottom string — not too tight

Total Cost: ~$95–$115

Build #2: The Budget Shooter (~$125 Complete)

If you're past complete beginner stage and starting to develop your shot, this build optimizes for shooting without breaking the bank.

Stick Components

Head: STX Stallion 900 ($70–80)

The Stallion 900's higher offset (9°) and stiff sidewalls make it a natural shooter's head. It's one of the best heads on the market period, and at $75 it's not that much more expensive than true budget options.

Mesh: StringKing Type 4S Soft (7-diamond, $12)

StringKing's Type 4S Soft is the more weather-resistant of the soft mesh options. If you live somewhere with unpredictable weather, this is a smart choice over the Hero 3.0.

Shaft: STX Stallion 100 ($55–60)

The little brother to the Stallion 75, the Stallion 100 is heavier but still solid. It has the same octagonal grip profile and STX's quality construction at a lower price.

Pocket Setup

For the Budget Shooter build, aim for a low pocket — ball sits in the bottom third of the head. This maximizes whip for shooting while maintaining reasonable passing accuracy.

String it with:

• Low pocket channel
• Three shooting strings (tighter top, looser bottom two)
• Bottom string slightly loose to allow for natural whip

Total Cost: ~$130–$150

Build #3: The Complete Starter Package (~$175 Complete)

This is the build we'd recommend to a parent shopping for their kid's first serious setup. It includes a helmet option and is fully ready for travel ball or high school tryouts.

Stick Components

Head: StringKing Mark 2A ($65–75)

The Mark 2A is slightly flexible (which is great for beginners learning to catch), and StringKing's pre-strung version comes with a solid pocket out of the box. You can buy it already strung and be playing within minutes.

Mesh: (Comes pre-strung with StringKing Type 4S Soft)

Shaft: STX Stallion 75 ($85–90)

This is the shaft we'd choose if we could only use one shaft for every situation. Light, grippy, stiff enough for shooting. Worth the price if you can swing it.

Pre-Strung Savings

Buy the Mark 2A pre-strung with Type 4S Soft. StringKing does a good job on their factory pockets — you can adjust the top string tension yourself as you develop preferences, but it'll be playable immediately.

Total Cost: ~$150–$165

Add a Warrior Regulator RS helmet (~$150) and you have a complete starter package for around $300.

Shopping Tips for Beginners

Buy from reputable lacrosse retailers. LacrosseMagazine, LacrosseMonkey, Dick's Sporting Goods, and East Coast Dyes all sell legitimate products. Avoid knockoffs on Amazon unless they're from an official brand storefront.

Don't buy strung heads from strangers on eBay. You have no idea how the pocket was strung, whether the head has been repaired, or if the mesh is legal.

Invest in the head first, then the shaft. A great head with a budget shaft is better than a budget head with a premium shaft. Your pocket lives in the head.

Pre-strung vs. strung-your-own: Pre-strung is fine for beginners. As you develop, you'll want to learn to restring — it's a skill that makes you self-sufficient and helps you dial in your pocket preferences.

Build Your Stick on LaxBuilder

Not sure which setup fits your position and skill level? Our Stick Builder walks you through head, shaft, mesh, and stringing kit selection step by step — tailored to your position, skill level, and budget.

If you're a parent shopping for a beginner, the builder's "Beginner" filter will show you the best setups at each price point with direct purchase links.