ECD only launches a head if they think it’s necessary. So, it was a must-try for me when they launched the new ECD Delta lacrosse head for defense position. Although their first defense head, the Rebel-D, was not heavier, they made the ECD Delta head even lighter.
Besides, it also has better stiffness and an aggressive scoop design. It looked like a perfect close D head-on paper. So, I took it to the field and created a detailed ECD Delta lacrosse head review to tell you if it’s a better close D head.
Key Features and Specifications
| Position | Defense |
| Weight (oz) | 5.6 |
| Pocket Location | Mid-High |
| Stiffness | Extremely 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 | Graphene |
| Release Year | 2024 |
Pros:
- Highly durable and stiff
- Aggressive scoop for quick catching
- Delivers strong checks
- Lightweight X strut design
Cons:
- Less flexible
- Long-range shooting is slower and off-centered’
ECD Delta Lacrosse Head Ranking
I rate the ECD Delta lacrosse head an 8.5/10 on the Drip Meter.
| Accuracy of Shot and Pass | 8.5 | Passing accuracy is impressive for short ranges. For long ranges, it can be somewhat low speed. |
| Checking | 9.5 | Performs well for snatching up loose balls and checks. Its stiffer build plastic profile makes it durable. |
| Ball Security | 9 | The rigid and sharp angles along all sidewalls help deflect checks on the head andallow for increased ball security. |
| Catching | 9 | It is perfect for catching high-speed passes. |
| Ground Pickup Performance | 9 | The ECD Delta is great at picking up ground balls. It is a GB blackhole. |
| Faceoff Performance | 5 | The head’s face profile is not ideal for faceoffs. |
| Stringing | 9 | This head has an average amount of stringing holes allowing for multiple versatile pocket setups and adjustable bottom string for depth control. |
| Durability (Material andThickness) | 8.5 | Durable design with the right amount of stiffness and thickness. |
| Drippiness/Aesthetics/BrandIntegrity | 8.5 | ECD has kept the Delta head simple and modern |
| Cost | 9 | Great value for the quality. |
| Total | 8.5/10 |
Who’s This Head Made For?
Delta is the newest ECD defense lacrosse head of 2024 in the market after Rebel D. It has an X-shaped sidewall strut design for higher durability and a reduced weight of about 5.6 ounces. So, it’s the lightest Defense head for men by ECD.
The stiffness of ECD Delta lacrosse is something that pushed me towards giving it a try. Well, it’s undoubtedly up to the expectations of close defense players, LSM, and SSDM. It throws extremely powerful checks, perfect to snatch the ground ball from the opponent’s head.
However, that’s not everything a lacrosse defenseman needs. Ground ball pick-up also matters. So, I tested it for a few months to see if its aggressive scoop is flexible enough for quick groundball pick-ups.
Accuracy of Shot and Pass
The ECD Delta lacrosse head has a wider face that tapers into a tighter throat to initiate fast breaks and maintain possession. It has angular side rails, creating a slight pinch in the middle. This design results in a stiff mid pocket for high-speed shooting. I loved how quickly it released the ground for a shot-distance pass.
Although I had some off-center hits initially, as the pocket was a little stiffer than I liked, it improved after the break-in period. Besides, the moderately wider face also provided a balanced shooting speed and accuracy.
Moreover, it has 6 top holes and 18 sidewall holes, allowing me to easily adjust the pocket to the mid-high level for significantly better shooting speed. My teammates were impressed by its feeding accuracy.
However, I noticed the long-distance shooting speed was slower than other heads I’ve used. If you frequently transition between offense and defense, try the ECD DNA 2.0 or Maverik Tank 2.0.
Catching and Cradling
Unlike Rebel D, ECD Delta has a wider face profile that is ideal for a defense position. It has provided better catching, especially when receiving fast passes in tight situations.
Moreover, its larger surface area to intercept the ball has improved my catching consistency. On the other hand, the tighter throat design keeps the ball snug during checks, minimizing the chances of losing possession when I’m under pressure.
Besides, I also appreciate the increased sidewall height for better ball control while cradling. At first, I thought that the ball would get stuck in the pocket while cradling, delaying the release. However, the ECD Delta lacrosse heads’ design facilitated smooth cradling and quick releases.
So, if you are a new player who struggles with cradling and losing the groundball to the opponent, it’s for you. Although the stiff pocket would be a problem, it will surely improve your control over ground control while cradling.
Checking
ECD Delta lacrosse head is a lightweight defense head with a very stiff construction. This stiffness allowed me to deliver strong checks, powerful enough to pop the ball out of the opponent’s head. However, I put more force into delivering impactful checks than usual because it’s less flexible and lacks the whip.
Moreover, the X-shaped diagonal struts supported the side rails nicely while absorbing the impact of the opponent’s check. The anti-warping FlexForm plastic also limits unwanted warping of the scoop on the inside.
Although limited flexibility and a wider face shape made it harder to control the ball in traffic, I loved how well it maintained its shape. I used it for long practice hours in summer, and there were no signs of damage.
Besides, ECD has also launched it with Graphene for increased durability and double strength. However, considering the durability of the ECD Delta lacrosse head, I wouldn’t recommend the pricier Delta graphene.
Ground Ball Pick-Up and Faceoff
ECD Delta is not a face-off head but has an amazing groundball pick-up (they are calling it a groundball blackhole). It is a curved scoop with a flattened surface that easily funnels the groundball into the pocket. However, the stiffness is something that makes it unsuitable for face-off battles.
Considering the aggressive scoop design with the protection lip, I tested it for face-off battles, but it didn’t meet my expectations. Although groundball pick-ups were easier, the head struck in tight spaces during loose draws.
If you prefer flexibility and durability, try Nike CEO III or Warrior Burn FO for better performance.
People Also Ask
What Are the Key Features of the ECD Delta Lacrosse Head?
The ECD Delta Lacrosse Head features a lightweight design, extreme stiffness, aggressive scoop for ground pickups, and mid-high pocket location, and is ideal for defense positions.
How Does the ECD Delta Lacrosse Head Perform in Ground Ball Pickups?
The ECD Delta Lacrosse Head excels in ground ball pickups with its aggressive scoop design, making it easy to funnel ground balls into the pocket smoothly.
What is the Release Date of the ECD Delta Lacrosse Head?
ECD Delta Lacrosse Head was released in May 2024.
What Makes the ECD Delta Lacrosse Head Ideal for Defense?
The ECD Delta Lacrosse Head is ideal for defense due to its lightweight, stiff construction, aggressive scoop for quick ground pickups, and ability to deliver powerful checks.
How Does the ECD Delta Lacrosse Head Perform in Catching and Cradling?
The ECD Delta Lacrosse Head performs well in catching high-speed passes and provides better ball control while cradling, thanks to its wider face profile and tighter throat design.
ECD Delta is one of the best defense heads with extraordinary stiffness for high-speed shooting and passing. Although I would have appreciated the flexibility, the aggressive scoop is ideal for easy ground-ball pick-ups.
The strong sidewalls deliver powerful checks, and the mid-pocket secures it well while cradling. It’s also a durable head that absorbs the impact nicely and maintains its shape. So, it’s also suitable for those who play at Defense, LSM, and SSDM.
