Nike has been a household name in sports since 1964 and has an amazing brand image. Leveraging its dominance in running shoes, it broadened its product range with football cleats, apparel, and hockey accessories. They also entered the lacrosse industry partnering with STX in late 2009. Soon, the sports market was filled with Nike lacrosse heads, shafts, and cleats. 

Let’s shift the focus to the heart of lacrosse: the head. Manufactured for different positions and playing styles, a good head significantly impacts a player’s control, accuracy, and power. It makes all the difference between a fumbled pass and a laser-sharp shot.

However, choosing a lacrosse head depends on several factors. Where midfielders prefer a balanced head, attackers always choose a stiffer head for better shooting and catching. Today, I will be sharing my experience with the 5 best Nike lacrosse heads for midfielders and attackers. 

Overview of the Best Nike Lacrosse Heads for Middies and Attackers

The following is a brief overview of the Nike lacrosse heads that I tried on the field for this review.

Nike CEO 2 Lacrosse Head

I picked up the Nike lacrosse head CEO 2 last spring after years of relying on the original. Released in the year 2019, CEO 2 is specifically built for face-offs. The first difference I noticed was the shorter throat. It gives me a closer grip on the pocket with better hand placement, more power, and control during face-offs. 

Its lightweight design allows quick dodges and cuts. The durable strings also provide tension and control in the pocket for accurate passing during face-off play. Although I prefer a mid pocket, its high pocket also gave me a good balance between ball control, cradling, and passing. 

The CEO 2 is also marginally stiffer, aiding in powerful clamps and giving an edge to mid-fielders. I also enjoyed the easier ground ball pick-ups with wider scoops after loose draws. However, it’s not ideal for shooting because of the stiffer pocket. 

Additionally, the CEO 2 has plenty of stringing holes for customization. Even though the stock stringing is decent, I replaced it with a stiffer setup for even more control. It also has minimal break-in time, making it a good choice for high school players.  

Nike CEO 3 Lacrosse Head

Last season, ground balls turned many of my Nike lacrosse heads into dust. Therefore, durability became my top priority. So, I grabbed a new Nike CEO 3, known for its classic feel and sturdiness. 

Initially, I was skeptical that the increased durability would negatively impact performance, but this was not the case. CEO 3 is built to last compared to CEO 2 and other options with consistent performance. It locks into my hand perfectly. 

Moreover, the short throat design lets me get my top hand super close for maximum control. Zero-friction scoop is also a prominent advantage. It helped me with balanced ground ball control during the face-off. The flex is also on point, allowing me to form a nice deep pocket to trap the ball during the clamp.

CEO 3 is one of the best Nike lacrosse heads with better plastic construction and modified structure. However, the head was stiffer than my comfort zone and took longer to break in than other heads I’ve used. So, if you are a beginner, choose the CEO 2 head or string it with a softer mesh to create a deeper pocket.

Read my in-depth and detailed review of the Nike CEO 3 Head.

Nike Lakota 3 Lacrosse Head

Inspired by the round scoop design, I tried the Nike Lakota 3. Well, it was the perfect fit for my game. It boosted ground ball pick-ups, tightened face control, and slashed drag for a smoother, faster performance.

It just came out in 2021, and it’s a fantastic option for all midfielders. Firstly, it’s incredibly light at only 4.63 ounces, even lighter than the CEO 2 and 3. It gave me faster cradling and quicker dodges on offense. 

This Nike lacrosse head has a new PowerForm material structure that doesn’t bend easily. It also cuts up in the back for a slimmer look and easier high-hand placement. So, there is no compromise on control over passes and shots on the run. 

Besides, the face shape is nice and simple, with 17 well-spaced holes for easy pocket creation. It’s perfect for a mid-pocket setup, ideal for midfielders who need balanced ground pick-ups with passing and shooting.  

The body is stiff and sturdy but lacks a string protection lip for higher durability. Therefore, being an offensive midfielder, I faced a little more wear and tear on the mesh. Overall, It’s one of the best Nike lacrosse heads, perfect for offensive and defensive elite players. 

Read my in-depth and detailed review of the Nike Lakota 3 Head.

Nike Vapor Pro Lacrosse Head

The next best Nike lacrosse head on the list is the Nike Vapor Pro. Although it’s not a new launch, I keep it in my collection to ace an attacking position. I like the design, feel, and stiff construction of the Nike Vapor Pro. I even tested it for the offensive midfielder, LSM, and pole position, and it hasn’t disappointed me yet. 

Although it’s not the lightest head, the weight should not bother you. It’s just 5.2 oz, optimal for quick, long shots, feeding teammates with accuracy, and cradling. The rounded scoop with angular side walls further complements this balance. It simplifies ground ball pick-up by offering a wider channel and a more controlled grip. 

Besides, it’s speed scoop is my favorite. It gave me the freedom of quick release and powerful throws to win the game. The Vapor Pro features multiple sidewall holes with 7 and 9-diamond options. So, you can get the customizable pocket option to string according to your playing style. 

Moreover, its esthetic design is long-lasting, although it lacks the latest bells and whistles. So, if you are an all-rounder lacrosse player looking for a budget-friendly head, It’s for you. 

Read my in-depth and detailed review of the Nike Vapor Pro Head.

Nike Vapor Elite Lacrosse Head

The Nike Vapor Elite lacrosse head was one of my favorite heads when I was a high school player. It features a Nike ball stock scoop. This pointed design digs deep and snatches up ground balls effortlessly. 

Moreover, a sleek silver accent adorns the throat, and strategically placed cutouts reduce weight without sacrificing strength. So, It’s stiff but only weighs 4.7 ounces. 

Durability is another strong point. Even after a season and a half of use, this Nike lacrosse head retained its stiffness, showing no wear and tear. It’s one of the best Nike lacrosse heads for attackers, offensive midfielders, dodgers, and outside shooters who prioritize a strong pocket. 

Stringing the sidewall is also hassle-free, thanks to the plentiful sidewall holes. The four top and four bottom string holes are large enough to accommodate leather. It performs well with both traditional pocket and Epic Otter mesh.

Thanks to the stiffness, it provides a strong foundation for powerful cradling and shooting. However, this stiffness makes the Vapor Elite less ideal for face-offs. If facing off is your primary role, check out the Nike CEO 2 or 3 instead.

Read my in-depth and detailed review of the Nike Vapor Elite Head.

Special Editions for Nike Lacrosse Heads

Nike has always offered special colors and special editions for their lacrosse heads. For these heads, Nike has also introduced them in black color. These are ‘Special Colors’.

People Also Ask

Nike has a lacrosse head lineup with impressive variety and undeniably good quality for all positions. The Nike CEO 2 lacrosse head with control and the durable CEO 3 with zero-friction scoops are the best face-off heads. However, If you are an LSM looking for the most lightweight head and customizable pocket, go for L3. 

Moreover, the Vapor Pro and Elite are more suitable for shooters, dodgers, and defensive middies. Besides, if you want a budget-friendly all-rounder, Lakota 3 is the best Nike lacrosse head for you. 

Well, personally, being a multi-skilled lacrosse player, I keep a collection of lacrosse heads. It helps me adjust my game according to the requirements.