STX Duel Review

STX spent a lot of time developing a faceoff head in order to do it right. The STX Duel was hyped

quite a bit on social media and so far it has lived up to the test. In the early 2000’s STX used a

throat plug with the Liquid with mixed results, the throat plug used on the Duel is a much

improved version for sure. Not the first company to try to make a faceoff specific head, but

definitely the first to do it in a way that the head is usable for more than just facing off.

STX made a specific Scandium Duel handle to go with the head as well. It is a solid handle with a

couple changes from the standard STX handle. Not one of their premier market handles but as a

compliment to the Duel head it is a great handle. More detail on the shaft is in the video

posted. If you are looking for a complete stick combo or want to use the side screw easily on

the Duel head I would highly recommend the shaft as well.

Shape 9 out of 10

The Duel is definitely designed towards a Mid to Mid-Low pocket. I used StringKing 2s in the

duel with easy results for sure when it came to stringing. It only took one shot to get a great

pocket in this head that performs well out in the field. Normally when I pick up a head

marketed towards faceoff guys it’s so onset that compared to a normal head it feels wrong out

in the field. The Duel is the direct opposite, it doesn’t have a large offset but it has just enough

that out in the field I feel like I could use it without even being a face off guy and have no issues

going to goal. My only concern is it has brought back some of the “KeyHole” shaping of the

Bionic from years past which is thinner towards the middle, some love it some hate it I am

indifferent to the KeyHole.

Scoop 10 out of 10

Facing off is all about the groundball these days with the NCAA changing the rules every time

the wind blows and now almost every level making it illegal to carry the ball of the faceoff. The

scoop on the Duel does not disappoint I’ve picked up balls on the run one handed, two handed,

under pressure, and at full sprint with no issues. The Duel is a ball hog when it comes to getting

it up off the ground definitely happy with the end result.

Stiffness 8.5 out of 10

Hey it’s a face off head so it needs to be flexible. Definitely no head for a LSM who faces off but

it can still hold up in a decent slap or poke check. In a fight at the X it seems to hold up very well

for the grind but a stiffer head can sometimes be used to push through and take the ball. The

bottom rail of the Duel could be a little stiffer in order to prevent some warping but honestly

the stiffness on the head is perfect when it comes to locking the ball in the throat and getting a

good pop without throwing the ball too far or too short.

Stringing 10 out of 10

One shot on a new design to get a perfect pocket, this doesn’t happen often. Look actual high

pockets in the top 3rd of the head aren’t that common and really for a faceoff guy they aren’t

very helpful so the way the Duel strings up is perfect. There are enough holes to get variety of

channel and position for your pocket. If you can’t string the Duel I’m surprised.

Durability/Warping 9 out of 10

Warping is the big issue on a faceoff head along with the base of the head cracking. I’ve been

using the head in SoCal in 100 degree plus weather and its held up like a champ on the turf. The

bottom rail does warp in some here and there but honestly I have been able to pull it right back

on the field in between faceoffs with no issues whatsoever. The head doesn’t have any visible

weak points especially at the throat it is so beefed up that I will be shocked to see a Duel break

here. The base hasn’t kinked on me in over 200 faceoff’s (practice and about 10 live) it doesn’t

have a string hole at the pressure point either which is a smart move on STX’s part. Durability

shouldn’t be an issue but honestly faceoff guys are used to replacing their heads anyway.

Faceoff’s 10 out of 10

Forward, backward, fighting it out doesn’t matter the Duel kills it. I have heard from a lot of

guys who used prototypes who expressed that they thought it could be improved and honestly

the production model looks like STX took all the criticism and made fixes for it. Popping the ball

forward almost always landed about 3 feet in front of me, behind I could control it 3 feet easy

and a touch more pressure to hit my wing in stride, the fight for the ball in a tie up is where

heads live or die though. I went against a pole that had size and muscle on me easy and who

was using a Revo 3 one of the stiffest heads on the market, he tried it all to dig the ball out of

my Duel and couldn’t get it away from me. The Duel is definitely a top level head at the X.

Hand position is the key to this head since it lets you get all the way up the shaft almost and

closer to the ball. I love this feature and it is perfectly executed.

STX added a side screw for the shaft in this head which I am not currently using as I felt it was a

little too noticeable. But when the head gets loose from battling it out this screw will be perfect

with a little tape to cover it in order to take out any rattle that could happen.

 

Overall the Head is a 9.4 out of 10.

The STX Duel is a top level faceoff head and should be in every faceoff guy’s arsenal. It is a nice

change from the normal faceoff heads and the ability to get your hand closer to the ball is a

feature that brings an unparalleled advantage from the heads on the market. I would put the

Duel in the same level as the CEO, Super Power, and NOZ and I would put it above the Tribe 7

since it actually works well to play once you win the ball.

Photo Credit on the ULAX Photo Michael Bell Films Los Angeles, California