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Lacrosse Head Basics

There is a wide variety of lacrosse heads on the market, with prices ranging between $30 and $150+ for any given head. The lacrosse head is generally purchased pre-strung (with a pocket already attached to the head), but they can also be purchased un-strung, with no pocket attached.

Lacrosse heads have a more significant impact on a player's performance than shafts. Lacrosse heads vary across brands and styles, but the basic characteristics of each head remains the same. All lacrosse heads are similar in size and shape, and they all easily attach to any shaft. Some basic differences between lacrosse heads include: head width, weight, and durability. Wider heads are easier to catch passes with, but the pockets in wide heads generally do not retain the ball as well as the pockets in narrower heads, which are said to be heads with more "pinch." Head weight and durability are generally inversely related, with heavier heads offering greater durability (because there is more plastic on the head) than lighter heads, which generally warp or break faster. The main benefit of a light head is that it can help players shoot the ball faster, as there's less weight at the top of the stick allowing a player to swing the stick faster.

Another difference between heads is how flexible they are, and the only way to truly test a head's flexibility is to use one for yourself. A flexible head has its pros and cons, and whether a player likes a flexible or stiff head depends on his own personal preference. Faceoff men tend to like more flexible heads as it allows them to "pinch" the ball in the head as they faceoff, while defensemen tend to like more rigid heads so they can throw stronger poke checks and the head won't warp its shape over time.

My Lacrosse Head Recommendations (not legal under 2010 NCAA specifications)