Attack Sticks Are Different
Attack sticks need a narrow face shape with a tight channel for ball retention during dodges, a mid-low pocket for quick release, and a stiff shaft for accurate shooting. Defenders use wide heads and long shafts; attackmen need precision tools. We tested 8 complete sticks (head + shaft combos) for shot accuracy, ball handling, face-offs, and durability. For the full breakdown of head and shaft specs, see our lacrosse stick buying guide.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Model | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Overall | ECD DNA + Maverik Kinetik | $200 | Best attack combo |
| 💰 Value | StringKing Complete 2 Senior | $100 | Best complete stick value |
| 🎯 Accuracy | STX Stallion Omega + Surgeon | $180 | Shooting accuracy |
| ⚡ Quick Release | Maverik Optik 3.0 + Kinetik | $190 | Fast shots |
| 🔥 Budget | Warrior Evo QX-O + Hero | $120 | Budget attack stick |
| 🧒 Youth | StringKing Complete Jr | $60 | Youth players |
| 🌟 Premium | ECD Rebel Offense + Carbon Pro | $280 | Premium performance |
| 🔄 Versatile | STX Stallion 900 + SC-TI | $170 | Attack/midfield versatile |
Detailed Reviews
#1. ECD DNA + Maverik Kinetik — Best Overall Attack Stick
ECD DNA Lacrosse Head + Maverik Kinetik ShaftEDITOR'S CHOICE
The ECD DNA is the most popular attack head in college lacrosse for good reason. Narrow face shape with a tight channel holds the ball through aggressive dodges. The DNA's scoop is refined for easy ground balls. Paired with the Maverik Kinetik shaft (lightweight carbon, great flex profile for shooting), this is the gold standard attack combo.
- Most popular attack head in college lacrosse
- Excellent ball retention during dodges
- Tight channel for quick release
- Kinetik shaft has ideal attack flex
- Great face shape for ground balls
- $200 for head + shaft combo
- Requires separate stringing
- DNA is not the stiffest head for checks
- Kinetik shaft can feel thin for larger hands
#2. StringKing Complete 2 Senior — Best Value
StringKing Complete 2 Senior Attack Lacrosse StickBEST VALUE
The best pre-strung, ready-to-play attack stick on the market. The Mark 2A head with StringKing's Type 4 mesh comes perfectly strung from the factory — no need to visit a stringer. The A7150 shaft is lightweight and durable. For $100, you get a complete, game-ready attack stick that rivals $180+ custom setups.
- Complete stick — game-ready out of box
- Factory-strung Type 4 mesh is excellent
- Mark 2A head has great face shape
- Best value in lacrosse
- A7150 shaft is lightweight
- Can't customize stringing
- Limited head/shaft color combos
- Shaft is not as stiff as carbon options
- May want to upgrade shaft after 1-2 seasons
#3. STX Stallion Omega + Surgeon — Best for Shooting
STX Stallion Omega Head + STX Surgeon Shaft
The Stallion Omega is designed for shooters. Speed Scoop loads the ball quickly for face-offs and ground balls. The offset design and narrow throat create a channel that whips the ball with accuracy. Paired with the Surgeon shaft (the stiffest in STX's lineup), this combo produces the most accurate shots in our test.
- Best shooting accuracy in our test
- Speed Scoop for fast pickups
- Surgeon shaft is incredibly stiff
- Offset design aids ball control
- Durable at the collegiate level
- Stiff combo — less forgiving for beginners
- Surgeon shaft has minimal flex
- Not the best for pure dodgers
- Requires good stringing
#4-8. Additional Picks
Maverik Optik 3.0 + Kinetik Shaft
The Optik 3.0 is Maverik's flagship attack head. Tension Lock pocket system holds the ball low for the quickest release in our test. Level 4 bottom rail makes stringing easy and consistent. For dodgers who need to get shots off quickly.
Warrior Evo QX-O + Hero Shaft
The Evo QX-O is a forgiving, slightly wider attack head that's perfect for developing players. Paired with the Hero shaft (mid-flex, comfortable grip), this is an approachable attack setup that doesn't break the bank.
StringKing Complete Jr Attack Lacrosse Stick
Sized for youth players (U10-U13). Same quality as the adult Complete 2 in a smaller package. Pre-strung with Type 4 mesh. The best youth attack stick available — no competition at this price point.
ECD Rebel Offense + Carbon Pro 2.0 Shaft
The premium attack setup. Rebel Offense head is stiffer than the DNA with more aggressive offset for ball retention. Carbon Pro 2.0 shaft is aerospace-grade carbon fiber — incredibly light and stiff. This is the $280 dream setup for committed attackmen.
Comparison Table
| Stick | Price | Head | Shaft | Pre-Strung | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECD DNA + Kinetik | $200 | ECD DNA | Maverik Kinetik | No | Advanced |
| StringKing Complete 2 | $100 | Mark 2A | A7150 | Yes | All levels |
| STX Omega + Surgeon | $180 | Stallion Omega | STX Surgeon | No | Advanced |
| Maverik Optik + Kinetik | $190 | Optik 3.0 | Maverik Kinetik | No | Advanced |
| Warrior Evo + Hero | $120 | Evo QX-O | Warrior Hero | No | Intermediate |
| StringKing Complete Jr | $60 | Mark 2A Jr | A7150 Jr | Yes | Youth |
| ECD Rebel + Carbon Pro | $280 | Rebel Offense | Carbon Pro 2.0 | No | Elite |
Attack Stick Buying Guide
Complete vs Custom
Complete sticks (StringKing) come pre-strung and ready to play — ideal for beginners and intermediate players. Custom combos (ECD + Maverik) let you choose your head, shaft, and stringing — better for advanced players who know what they want. See our stick buying guide for the full breakdown.
Head Shape for Attack
Attack heads should be narrow with a tight throat. This creates a channel that holds the ball during dodges and cradles. Wide heads (for defense) lose the ball in traffic. Offset heads place the pocket lower for quicker release. For protection gear to complete your setup, see our protective gear guide.
Shaft Material
Alloy shafts ($30-50) are durable and heavy. Composite shafts ($80-120) are lighter with better flex for shooting. Carbon fiber ($120-180) is the lightest and stiffest — best for advanced players. For most attackmen, composite is the sweet spot of performance and durability.
Stringing: DIY vs Pro
If you buy unstrung, budget $20-40 for professional stringing at a lacrosse shop. Specify that you want an attack pocket: mid-low, tight channel, quick release. Or learn to string yourself — it's a valuable skill that lets you customize feel throughout the season.
Decision Matrix
Sources & Further Reading
- Lax.com. "Best Attack Sticks 2025." lax.com
- Inside Lacrosse. "Gear Reviews 2025." insidelacrosse.com
- StringKing. "Complete Stick Stringing Guide." stringking.com
- US Lacrosse. "Equipment Standards." uslacrosse.org
