5 Best Goalie Lacrosse Helmets (& Throat Guards) In 2023
As a lacrosse goalie, there’s nothing more important than protecting your head. That’s why it’s critical to choose a goalie helmet with a snug fit and enhanced protection. But in addition to strapping on a helmet, you will also need to add on a throat guard to protect the throat and neck area. With dozens of different options on the market it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this article, we will share the best lacrosse helmets and throat guards for those brave goalies stepping between the pipes. Let’s dive in 👇.
What Is The Best Goalie Lacrosse Helmet?
- Cascade XRS – Best Overall
- Warrior Burn
- Cascade S Youth – Best For Youth Players
- Cascade CPV-R Youth
- Cascade CS-R Youth
Our Pick
Cascade XRS
The XRS lacrosse helmet is Cascade’s top-of-the-line model, combining all of its best features: a distinctive aesthetic, comfort, and protection. Cascade effortlessly blends outstanding protection, innovative design elements, vision, and style. The XRS is the current helmet worn by most players in the Premier Lacrosse League.
Highlights
- Fully customizable colors
- Highly comfortable
- 20%+ increase in peripheral vision
- Elite protection
- Increased ventilation to keep you cool in the summer
Price
High end price point.
Bottom Line
The XRS is the most comfortable lacrosse helmet on the market. Hands down. As you’ll see in this guide, Cascade is the #1 lacrosse helmet manufacturer in the world. You will find the top PLL goalies and collegiate goalies sporting the Cascade XRS in-between the pipes. If you’re looking for the cream of the crop, the XRS is the top choice.
Warrior Burn
Overview
The Warrior Burn lacrosse helmet comes equipped with “viconic protection”, which is a diffusion plate designed to reinforce safety around the occipital lobe and temples. It also comes with an integrated chin piece that seamlessly flows into the shell of the helmet for extra protection around the cheeks and jaw.
Highlights
- Enhanced support around mouth and jaw
- Reinforced protection around the occipital lobe and temples
- Adjustable dial at the rear of the helmet to lock in a perfect fit
- Energy absorbing foam for comfort and protection.
Price
Mid to high end price point.
Bottom Line
The Warrior Burn lacrosse helmet is built for additional safety. Unlike Cascade lacrosse helmets, the Burn has a one-piece shell, which is designed to diffuse force throughout the helmet a bit more fluidly. For goalies taking shots off the head or face mask, this is a great pick that is also lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Cascade S Youth
Overview
Branded as the “pinnacle protection for youth players”, the Cascade S Youth lacrosse helmet incorporates a tri-liner system for protection and a VisionBar facemask to provide developing players with elite peripheral vision.
Highlights
- Excellent fit and comfort
- Great protection
- Breathable
- Sweet style
Price
High end price point for youth helmets.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for the best overall lacrosse helmet for youth goalies, there isn’t much of a debate. The Cascade S Youth includes everything you need from comfort to protection to breathability and style. For a developing player, this is a great fit that’ll last for years to come.
Cascade CPV-R Youth
Overview
The CPV-R lacrosse youth helmet includes R series technology, which is designed to manage frontal impact and displace the G forces throughout the helmet. It comes with an adjustable ratchet system that allows you to make micro-adjustments for a snug fit.
Highlights
- Accommodates a wide range of head sizes
- Increased downward vision for more visibility on low shots
- Multiple color options
Price
Mid price point for youth helmets.
Bottom Line
While the CPV-R Youth may not look as sleek as the new Cascade S Youth, it still meets the safety standards for your child’s protection and comes in at about 2/3 the price. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly youth lacrosse goalie helmet that does that job between the pipes, the CPV-R Youth is a fantastic option.
Cascade CS-R Youth
Overview
Designed for the U12 youth player, the Cascade CS-R Youth is a one-piece shell and visor combo packed with foam liner and memory foam to protect your child’s head. It has a design that is meant to reduce jiggle and have the helmet sit snugly on the head.
Highlights
- Budget friendly
- Multiple color options
Price
Budget-friendly
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a budget friendly helmet, the Cascade CS-R Youth is the most affordable of the bunch. One drawback is that the CS-R does not come in multiple sizes like the CPV-R. This helmet is still a very protective helmet and a great option for beginners just starting out with lacrosse.
What Is The Best Goalie Lacrosse Throat Guard?
Throat guards are a necessary piece of equipment lacrosse goalies. They designed to protect players from shots heading in the throat or neck region. Throat guards either comes as a bolt on or tie on to the bottom of a lacrosse helmet.
Our Pick
Cascade TP-S
The Cascade TP-S is the premier throat guard for lacrosse goalies. It covers more surface area and provides more protective coverage than any other throat guard on the market.
Cascade TPC2
The Cascade TPC2 is Cascade’s previous generation of throat guard. It’s a protective piece that does cover less surface area than the TP-S.
Cascade Throat Piece
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the original Cascade Black Throat Piece is a solid choice for goalies. Just know, you will have to drill holes into your helmet for this throat protector to attach.
What To Look For When Choosing A Goalie Lacrosse Helmet
Safety
When selecting a goalie helmet, it is important to consider safety features. Look for a helmet that has a good fit and offers plenty of padding and protection. Helmets will include an adjustable chin strap to keep the helmet in place and protect your head from sticks, balls, and checks. As a goalie, it is required to add a throat guard to your helmet for that extra layer of safety.
Nearly every helmet nowadays is safety certified by the Safety Security Institute, but to double-check if your helmet meets their standards, view the list of approved helmets under NOSCAE > Lacrosse > Helmets.
Comfort
The next most important thing to think about when choosing a lacrosse helmet is comfort. Most helmets include soft padding inside to provide cushioning and ensure a snug fit. They even come equipped with vents to keep your head cool.
While helmets may feel a bit uncomfortable at first, they should never feel painful. With most helmets, you can adjust the chin strap to better the fit of the helmet to your head shape.
Vision
Vision is key for a goalie! You don’t want your helmet sliding down over your eyes. Most helmets do a great job at providing excellent vision through the facemask. While it may feel like your field vision is constricted, playing with a helmet becomes second nature in no time, and you’ll soon forget your face mask is even there.
Style
Of course you gotta look good too. Most teams have specific helmet color requirements for players, so be sure to check with your coach before purchasing. If there are no requirements, have fun customizing your helmet! Most helmets come in several colors, mainly white and black. You can also use a company like HeadWrapz to add custom decals so you stand out on the field.
FAQ
Are lacrosse goalie helmets different?
No, lacrosse goalie helmets are not different than other field lacrosse helmets. Goalies wear the same helmet as field players but with an added throat guard.
What equipment does a lacrosse goalie wear?
According to the lacrosse rules, goalies are required to wear the following:
- Lacrosse helmet
- Lacrosse throat protector
- Mouthpiece
- Lacrosse gloves
- Goalie chest protector
- Cleats
- Athletic protective cup or pelvic protector
The following accessories are optional for goalies:
- Elbow pads
- Shin protection
- Goalie pants or sweatpants
What do girl lacrosse goalies wear?
Girl’s lacrosse goalies are required to wear the same equipment as boy’s lacrosse goalies:
- Lacrosse helmet
- Lacrosse throat protector
- Mouthpiece
- Lacrosse gloves
- Goalie chest protector
- Cleats
- Athletic protective cup or pelvic protector
The following accessories are optional for girl’s lacrosse goalies:
- Elbow pads
- Shin protection
- Goalie pants or sweatpants
Do lacrosse goalies have to wear mouth guards?
Yes, lacrosse goalies must wear mouth guards.
Why do lacrosse goalies wear sweatpants?
Lacrosse goalies wear sweatpants for two reasons: to soften the blow of lacrosse shots to their legs, and to cover more surface area in net.
Do lax goalies wear elbow pads?
Lacrosse goalies are not required to wear elbow pads according to the rules. Elbow pads are optional and very rarely worn by goalies.
Is there a difference between boy and girl lacrosse goalie helmets?
There is no difference between male and female lacrosse goalie helmets.
Wrap Up
Lacrosse helmets are essential for goalies. When taking shot after shot between the pipes, you need to ensure that your head (& especially brain) are fully protected. Modern lacrosse helmets are excellent at diffusing energy throughout the helmet padding and redirecting force away from your brain. Additionally, the front helmet cage is superb at deflecting away shots without feeling the slightest bit of pain to your face or head. Next, add on a throat protector, chest protector, goalie stick, and the rest of the goalie equipment, and you are all suited up to step in cage!
