Nike’s design team has never been short of ideas to improve lacrosse heads. Now, they have a new entrant in the market, the Surge Elite. Considering the brand’s popularity, I was unsurprised when the Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head reviews flooded my newsfeed.
The Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head has received its fair share of praise and critique. Many Instagrammers claimed it combines the Lakota 3 face profile and Vapor Elite’s aggressive scoop. However, no one was talking about its on-field performance.
Taking the lead, I bought The Surge Elite lacrosse head to see if the design promises the best performance for attackers.
Key Features and Specifications
Let’s check out the key features before moving on to the Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head review.
| Position | Attack | Midfielders |
| Weight (oz) | 4.7 |
| Pocket Location | Mid-High |
| Stiffness | Moderately stiff |
| String Holes | Top Holes: 6Side Holes: 18 |
| Face Shape | Moderately Wide |
| Ground Pickup | Smooth |
| Ball Release | Quick |
| Ease of Use | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Spread on Shot | Minimal |
| Level of Play | All |
| Legality | Conforming with NCAA and NFHS Rules |
| Colors | White | Black |
| Release Year | 2024 |
Pros:
- Accurate high-speed shooting
- Durable power foam materials construction
- Weather resistant
- Warp resistant
- Plenty of sidewall holes for pocket customisation
Cons:
- Long break-in period
- Stiff for beginners
- Less flexible for professional face-off players
Nike Surge Elite Lacrosse Head Ranking
I rate the Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head an 8.3/10 on the Drip Meter.
| Accuracy of Shot and Pass | 9 | The Nike Surge Elite offers impressive shooting accuracy, especially for long-range shots. The mid-high pocket and angled sidewalls enable precise ball release without spreading on passes. |
| Checking | 8 | Excellent for checking due to its stiff, durable build. It maintains shape during intense checks and easily absorbs impact, helping attackers retain possession while resisting wear and tear. |
| Ball Security | 8.5 | The mid-high pocket design and narrow throat provide secure ball control. The pocket feels locked in, especially useful in high-contact situations like dodging and close cradling. |
| Catching | 7.5 | Though stiff initially, it performs well for catching quick feeds. The pocket shape and face design helps secure the ball after the break-in period, offering reliable responsiveness. |
| Ground Pickup Performance | 8.5 | The rounded, aggressive scoop allows smooth ground ball pickups with minimal effort. The curved shape cleanly guides the ball into the pocket without requiring extreme angle adjustments. |
| Faceoff Performance | 6.5 | While not specifically designed for face-offs, the head’s offset and throat design provides good control for occasional face-off players, although it lacks the flexibility face-off specialists may need. |
| Stringing | 8.5 | The Surge Elite has ample stringing options with 18 sidewall holes, allowing for versatile pocket customization. Ideal for players who want a tailored setup to enhance accuracy and control. |
| Durability (Material and Thickness) | 9.5 | Constructed with PowerForm material, this head offers high durability. Its thick sidewalls resist warping and withstand intense gameplay, even in challenging weather conditions. |
| Aesthetics/Brand Integrity | 8.5 | Nike’s minimalistic yet aggressive design upholds brand integrity. The white color and aggressive scoop make it visually appealing and instantly recognizable on the field. |
| Cost | 8.5 | The Nike Surge Elite is fairly priced for its quality, though may be on the higher end. Its durability and performance make it a worthy investment for dedicated players. |
| Total | 8.3/10 | The Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head is a well-rounded option for attackers and aggressive midfielders, offering accuracy, durability, and excellent control. |
Who’s This Head Made For?
The Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head, released in 2024, is built for attackers or aggressive midfielders who prefer tight control and quick handling. At first glance, the design surely looks about 60% similar to the Nike Lakota 3. However, it’s not the same.
It has a deep offset and aggressive scoop design to offer high-speed shooting and accurate ball release. Although there is only one diagonal strut between sidewalls, it’s not flexible like CEO 3.
The design team has lowered the number of struts and increased the sidewall thickness. Thus, it only weighs 4.7 ounces but offers better quality with high-performance PowerForm material.
The design and specs look great on paper. However, an attackman needs more than high-speed shooting from the lacrosse head. So, let’s move on to the Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head review to know if it offers great warp resistance and easy dodging.
Accuracy of Shot and Pass
I was impressed with the accurate shooting of the Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head. Its side walls are slightly angled downward from where it connects to the shaft, creating a deeper pocket area. Hence, it has a shorter and narrower throat, offering maximum shooting accuracy.
The sidewalls are also pinched inwards, creating a mid-high pocket that easily directs the ball during passes and shots. I even passed the ball to teammates on the run, and there was not even the slightest spread on the shot.
Moreover, the bottom rails are shaped to support the strings, positioning the ball for accurate outside shots. Hence, it’s perfect for longer-range shots.
I also found that the head is extremely stiff for speed shooting. However, if you are a beginner and play with a flexible head, it’s not for you. I would recommend trying the Nike Lakota 3 or the Maverik Kinetik 2.0.
However, if you are satisfied with the Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head review, customize the pocket to mid-level using 18 sidewall holes. It will improve the shooting accuracy after the break-in period.
Catching and Cradling
After playing with the Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head for over a month, I noticed its narrow throat and slightly pinched face shape provided better control while cradling in traffic. The ball felt locked in the pocket, especially during high-contact moments like dodging defenders.
Moreover, its mid-high pocket sits in a sweet spot, making quick, controlled passes without sacrificing ball security. The strong thicker sidewalls absorbed impact and gave me a secure hold over the ground ball.
Although its stiffness made catching the ball in traffic difficult, I like its responsiveness. After the break-in period, I could easily catch quick feeds on the run.
Besides, its lightweight design allowed me to hold it with one hand without straining my arm. I coupled it with the best composite shaft, and holding it for long practice hours felt effortless.
Checking
The Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head review is incomplete, if I didn’t discuss durability, particularly during intense checking situations. Despite its 4.7-ounce weight, this head has maintained its shape well after the aggressive use.
It’s extremely stiff and easily absorbs checks without popping the ground ball out of the pocket. The head doesn’t bend in the middle and offers amazing warp resistance in all weather.
The aggressive scoop design allows the Nike Surge Elite to smoothly pick up ground balls even in tight spaces. It’s designed to resist wear and tear even when dragged across the turf in box lacrosse, keeping the structure solid for consistent ground ball pickups.
Moreover, the wider face shape easily delivers strong checks without feeling clunky or overbearing. I could easily deliver powerful checks, snatching the ball from opponents and passing it. So, if you transition between offense and defense, you would like the responsiveness.
Although it’s stiffer than Lakota 3, the Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head offers the necessary flex for fast recovery during checks. I could feel the whip when checked. However, try Lakota 3 or STX Surgeon 1k, if you want an even softer feel.
Ground Ball Pickups and Face-off
Unlike the Lakota 3, the Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head features a rounded scoop with minimal ridges across its surface, offering smoother ground ball pickups. The curved, less aggressive scoop shape with the moderately wide face enabled me to get under the ground ball cleanly.
I didn’t have to lower my angle to scoop the ball on the run, which is perfect for grabbing possession quickly without compromising positioning.
Moreover, the slight inside curve smoothly funnels the ball toward the center of the pocket during pickups. As a result, it reduced the risk of losing control of the initial grab.
While the Surge Elite isn’t marketed as a face-off-specific head, its offset and short throat design provided better control over the ball when clamping down. The slightly pinched side walls also add stability, keeping the ball secure and giving me the confidence to maintain possession in tight spots.
Furthermore, it has slight flex, providing a solid, balanced face-off without warping over time. Hence, my Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head review would not mark it as overly stiff. So, if you are an attacker occasionally taking face-offs, it’s the best lacrosse head for you.
People Also Ask
How Much Does the Nike Surge Elite Lacrosse Head Weigh?
The Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head weighs 4.7 ounces, providing a lightweight feel ideal for attackers seeking quick handling and fast shooting.
When Was the Nike Surge Elite Lacrosse Head Released?
The Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head was released in 2024, marking Nike’s latest addition to lacrosse head innovations for attackers.
Who Is the Nike Surge Elite Lacrosse Head For?
The Nike Surge Elite is designed for attackers and aggressive midfielders who want control, quick handling, and accuracy on the field.
What Makes the Nike Surge Elite Lacrosse Head Unique?
The Nike Surge Elite features a mid-high pocket, a moderately stiff design, and PowerForm material, which ensures durability, warp resistance, and a high-speed shooting experience.
Is the Nike Surge Elite Lacrosse Head Suitable for Beginners?
Due to its stiffness and break-in period, the Nike Surge Elite is recommended for intermediate to advanced players rather than beginners.
After using the Nike Surge Elite head on the field, I can confidently say it’s a perfect attack head suitable for offensive middies. Although it’s stiff for beginners and has a long break-in period, the high-speed shooting and easier ground-ball pickups make it worth trying.
You can also use it for face-offs. However, professional face-off players should go for a face-off head like CEO 3. The defense players will also dislike it due to its lightweight, as it needs more power to deliver checks.
However, I disagree with other Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head reviews on social media that say it’s similar to Lakota 3. The Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head has a unique design and better performance.
