Best Heads for Attackers
3) StringKing Mark 2A Buy Now
Durability- The Mark 2A is not known to have any durability issues. It is made out of a very industry-standard plastic, and when purchased through StringKing, has a 6-month warranty for breakage.
Mouth Width/ Ground Ball Capability- Since the Mark 2A is a head that is made specifically for attackmen, the profile of the whole head is narrow. This is ideal for attackmen because it gives more consistency when passing and shooting. The mouth is very narrow, so it is not the best for picking up contested groundballs, but the scoop on the head is very rounded, which helps to remedy it's groundball problems.
Rigidness- The Mark 2A is a very rigid head with very little bend. This allows for attackmen to pass and shoot reliably without having to worry about the head deforming or misshaping.
Stringing Versatility- The StringKing Mk2A is one of the most versatile heads for stringing purposes. The shape of the head is ideal for a mid-low to a low pocket, which is ideal for attackmen, but the amount of stringing holes makes any pocket configuration possible. This head has the most stringing holes of any head on the market, so it has the most versatility when stringing it.
Weight- The Mk2A weighs in at around 4.47 oz making it one of the lightest heads on the market. This is consistent with the head's profile of being an ideal head for attackmen. The very light weight of the head allows for max maneuverability and head speed while shooting, passing and dodging.
Cost- The StringKing Mk2A is one of the most affordable of the elite heads on the market. Its price at $99.99 unstrung is almost incomparable to its competition that come in around $20 more expensive.
2) ECD Ion Buy Now
Durability- The ECD Ion was not made from the regular materials that standard lacrosse heads are made out of. ECD manufactures this head out of a clear plastic that they call diamond plastic instead of the standard opaque plastic. Because of this, the head gives a different feel to players that attackmen usually think enhances their skills. The downside of this new material is that it is prone to cracks and breaks, especially in the neck, where the head attaches to the shaft. There is a warranty on this head if it is bought through ECD which helps with its durability issues.
Mouth Width/ Ground Ball Capability- The ECD Ion is a head that is made specifically for attackmen and the head is narrow at the mouth and more pinched as it gets down the head. ECD adds a very rounded scoop because of the narrow head, which makes it so that attackmen do not have to get as low to the ground to effectively pick up ground balls. This is ideal for attackmen so that they can stay more upright and make plays quicker. The pinched shape is made for attackmen to help with passing and shooting consistently, while allowing them to carry the ball with less fear of it falling out. The pinched head acts like a funnel while passing, shooting, catching and picking up groundballs, guiding the ball into the pocket of the head. Although the head is narrow, which allows for less surface area while picking up the ground ball, the steep scoop makes picking the ball up easier.
Rigidness- The ECD Ion is the most rigid head on the market and has almost no bend. This allows for very reliable and consistent passing and shooting, while giving the most stability while shooting, which translates to a harder shot.
Stringing Versatility- The Ion has 20 stringing holes on each side, which in total, is 14 less than the Stringking Mk2A, which has the most stringing holes on the market. Although this partially limits the stringing configurations that the head can have, it is generally not a hindrance and the stick can be strung almost as easily.
Weight- Although the ECD Ion is not the lightest head on the market, it is very close to it. The Ion weighs in at around 4.7 oz. The slightly increased weight puts more force behind shots and passes, while still allowing for very good maneuverability and speed.
Cost- The ECD Ion is one of the most expensive unstrung heads on the market. The retail price is $119.99 making it $20 more expensive than the StringKing Mk2A. This price is very high considering the durability issues. Although the Ion performs very well on the field, many player believe the price does not justify that performance given the durability issues.
1) ECD Mirage 2.0 Buy Now
Durability- The ECD Mirage 2.0 is very similar to the Ion overall, but it is made out of more conventional materials, while replicating a similar feel and fixing the Ion's durability issue and keeping the warranty from ECD. Because of the different material, the Mirage 2.0 is considerably more durable than the Ion.
Mouth Width/ Ground Ball Capability- The overall construction of the Mirage 2.0 is very similar to the Ion. The Mirage 2.0 has a slightly larger mouth, while keeping the scoop the same and increasing the surface area of the mouth for groundballs. Groundballs are slightly easier with the Mirage 2.0 compared to the Ion, but the passing and shooting are very slightly less consistent.
Rigidness- The Mirage 2.0 is a rigid head with not very much flex to it, which is ideal for attackmen but also for durability reasons. The slight flex of the head compared to the Ion is because of the difference in materials. The flex also helps with the durability issues of the Ion, while still providing a lot of support for shooting, passing and ball handling.
Stringing Versatility- The Mirage 2.0 has the same amount of stringing holes as the ECD Ion does. This means that the stick is also a bit less versatile for advanced stringers, but for regular or even high-level players, this won't make a big difference.
Weight- The ECD Mirage 2.0 weighs in at around 5 oz making it the heaviest of the top three heads on this list. This increased weight allows for more force behind shots making them more consistent and harder than the other two heads. This head sacrifices a very small amount of maneuverability and head speed for increased durability and more support for shooting than the other two heads have.
Cost- Even though the ECD Mirage 2.0 is the most elite attackmen head on the market. The price is also the best that you can get when looking for a quality lacrosse head. The ECD Mirage 2.0 retails at $99.99 making it $20 cheaper than the Ion. The head is also considerably more durable. The ECD Mirage 2.0 is our #1 head because of the very good performance, durability and relatively low price.
Our ratings are based on our experience and perception of how each head performs based on each of the characteristics. Each category is rated out of 10 with the max total score being 60 for the total head.
(Raw number ratings may not align directly with the list)
