7 Best Lacrosse Goalie Sticks of 2023 (Heads & Shafts)
If you’re a lacrosse goalie, you know that having the right twig is essential to becoming a brick wall in net. You need something lightweight, strong, and specifically designed for goalies. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best lacrosse goalie sticks on the market. In this article, we’ll share the best lacrosse goalie heads, best lacrosse goalie shafts, and answer the most common questions surrounding goalie sticks. Now, let’s find the right stick for you.
Best Lacrosse Goalie Head
Our Pick
STX Eclipse 2
The STX Eclipse 2 is the most popular and well-favored goalie head on the market. It has a stiff sidewall while remaining lightweight, which is great for goalie’s needing to react quickly and make solid stops.
The Eclipse 2’s ergonomic throat design is preferred by many. Because the thinner throat design allows goalies to quickly slide their top hand up the shaft towards the head and maintain their grip to make a save. The STX Eclipse 2 is a perfect confluence of a lightweight, yet sturdy, and slick design for most keepers.
Weight: 11.7 oz
Stiffness: Medium
Throat Design: Ergonomic
STX Shield
Besides the Eclipse 2, the STX Shield is one of the most common lacrosse goalie heads used by college players. Because it is the stiffest goalie head, it becomes powerful in stopping high speed shots. The main drawback to a stiff head is that it’s heavier. While that may be less of a factor at the collegiate level, it’s something to consider for younger players. Younger players skew towards preferring lightweight heads.
Weight: 12.6 oz
Stiffness: Very High
Throat Design: Ergonomic
StringKing Mark 2G
The StringKing Mark 2G is the lightest lacrosse goalie head on the market. Its lightweight nature allows for fast reaction times in net. The Mark 2G also has 48 sidewall stringing holes, making it the most customizable goalie head. The Mark 2G has a shorter throat than other heads. So if you’re a goalie that prefers having your top hand on the shaft instead the plastic throat, this is great option for you.
Weight: 10.9 oz
Stiffness: Medium-Low
Throat Design: Short
Warrior Nemesis 3
The Warrior Nemesis 3 is a unique goalie head with a round, bowl-style face shape. This is a great option for goalie’s looking to cover more surface area to cover in net. The Nemesis 3 remains lightweight and stiff for quick hand speed without the head folding back on shots in net. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable lacrosse goalie head at any skill-level, the Warrior Nemesis 3 is a strong option.
Weight: 11.4 oz
Stiffness: Medium
Throat Design: Standard
Brine Eraser
The Brine Eraser is a bit of an old school goalie head that became popular amongst the collegiate and pro ranks back in the day. The Eraser’s sidewall design bolsters the head for long-term stiffness and durability. For a head that is high in stiffness, it also remains very lightweight (10.8 oz). You can’t really knock the Eraser for the price it comes at. It provides consistent performance for catches and outlet passes.
Weight: 10.8 oz
Stiffness: High
Throat Design: Standard
Under Armour Command Goalie
The Under Armour Command Goalie head is a heavier goalie built for long-lasting stiffness and durability. If you’re a goalie playing in a warmer, humid climate, this a strong goalie head for you. Hot weather can cause lighter, less stiff goalie heads to bend and flex in net, which is not ideal for stopping hard shots in net. If you’re a goalie playing in a warmer, humid climate, The UA Command Goalie head is strong, stiff, and reliably holds up in all weather conditions. The only drawback to the Command Goalie head is the limited number of stringing options enabled on the sidewall.
Weight: 11.8 oz
Stiffness: High
Throat Design: Ergonomic
Nike Prime Elite Goalie Head
Nike’s Prime Elite is Nike’s first ever goalie head designed for intermediate and advanced goalies. It has a teardrop head face shape and an ergonomic throat with added grip on the back of the neck for goalie’s that like to grip their top hand near the throat of the stick. Because it’s a newer product and Nike’s first goalie head, I’m still waiting to hear more feedback on its performance from the lacrosse community.
Weight: 11.4 oz
Stiffness: High
Throat Design: Ergonomic
Best Lacrosse Goalie Shaft
Now let’s dive into the best lacrosse goalie shafts 👇
Our Pick
Maverik A1 Goalie Shaft
The Maverik A1 Goalie shaft is a 40″ shaft composed of extremely lightweight scandium alloy. Its weather-proof grip and adjustable butt-end keep the shaft durable and customizable for all playing conditions. The 2022 model of the Maverik A1 is the premiere, most well-rounded, goalie shaft on the market.
- Lightweight alloy
- Weather-proof grip
- Adjustable butt-end
- Weight: 0.55lbs (8.8 oz)
- Length: 40″
Maverik Hyperlite Goalie Shaft
- Carbon fiber
- Matte finish grip
- Adjustable butt-end
- Length: 40″
The Maverik Hyperlite is a close #2 on this list. It’s a 40″ shaft composed of carbon fiber and a matte finish grip. Similar to the Maverik A1, the Hyperlite has an adjustable butt-end that locks into place. The main difference between the two shafts are the strength to weight ratio. The Hyperlite is a bit stronger and the A1 is a bit lighter. If you prefer a stronger shaft that holds up against shots and checks, the Hyperlite is the shaft for you.
STX Outlet Goalie Shaft
- Textured grip zones
- Ergonomic teardrop profile
- Length: 34″
The STX Outlet is a player-favorite shaft due to the fact that it comes in at a much shorter length (34″) than most other shafts. Many goalies, especially youth goalies, find it easier to make saves and throw the ball with a shorter shaft like the STX Outlet. If you’re a youth goalie looking for your first goalie shaft, you cannot go wrong with an STX Outlet.
ECD Carbon Pro 3.0 – Goalie
- Carbon fiber reinforced with Kevlar
- Textured grip near top hand
- Mid-kick point release
- Weight: 0.50lbs (8 oz)
- Length: 36″
The ECD Carbon Pro 3.0 is a 36″ shaft optimized for pristine outlet passing. It’s a carbon fiber shaft with textured grip near the top hand, and a mid-kick point release at the middle of the shaft. ECD’s Mid-Kick Point technology allows for the shaft to flex ever so slightly during deep outlet passes.
Epoch Dragonfly Pro III Goalie Shaft
- Carbon fiber composite
- Slick color design
- Power flex technology – shaft bends when needed
- Length: 40″
The Epoch Dragonfly Pro III is one of the most underrated goalie shafts on the market. It is composed of carbon fiber composite for increased durability and has Reload Technology (similar to ECD’s mid-kick point) which allows the the stick to flex during passing and return back to it’s natural state.
StringKing Metal 3 Pro Goalie
- Durable, lightweight alloy
- Has an adult version (162 grams) and U15 version (142 grams)
- Length: 36″
The StringKing Metal 3 pro is durable yet very lightweight. It’s an excellent goalie shaft that doesn’t weight you down in net, while uniquely providing two different weight options for older and younger players.
STX Sc-Ti O Goalie
- Concave octagon grip
- Mild sand blast finish
- Length: 34″
The STX Sc-Ti O is a 34″ goalie shaft with a concave octagon grip and mild sand blast finish. If you’re a keeper that prefers the traditional concave feel, this is a great option for you.
StringKing Composite 2 Pro Goalie
- Carbon fiber
- Strongest and most durable goalie shaft
- Has an adult version (162 grams) and U15 version (142 grams)
- Length: 36″
The StringKing Composite Pro 2 is a 36″ carbon fiber shaft built for ultra-strength. If you’re an elite goalie looking for an ultra-stiff shaft, the StringKing Composite Pro 2 is the strongest, most durable shaft on the market.
How to Choose a Lacrosse Goalie Stick
When choosing a lacrosse goalie stick, it largely comes down to preference and skill level. For example, are you a player that prefers an extremely light stick or strong stick? Both have tradeoffs, but can be equally effective depending on the type of keeper you are. When choosing a goalie head and goalie shaft, the main factors you’ll want to keep in mind are the following:
Lacrosse Goalie Head
- Lightweight vs. Stiffness
- Throat Design
Lacrosse Goalie Shaft
- Lightweight vs. Strength
- Grip style
FAQ
What is the lightest lacrosse goalie stick?
The StringKing Mark2G is lightest lacrosse goalie head. Combine that with a lightweight shaft like the Maverik A1 Goalie Shaft to get stick that is virtually weightless!
What is the best lacrosse goalie head for a beginner?
Overall, if you’re just starting out, I recommend the Eclipse 2 or StringKing Mark2G. For younger players that prefer something light, the StringKing Mark2G is perfect. If you’re 15 years or older, the Eclipse 2 is the best all-around goalie head for stopping those faster shots.
Can a goalie lacrosse stick be illegal?
Yes. However goalie sticks have the most flexible rules in terms of length, needing to remain between 40-72 inches (head + shaft) to be legal. There is no depth limit to a lacrosse goalie pocket in most leagues. Each lacrosse league has its own rules and regulations, so be sure to double check with your league when purchasing a lacrosse goalie stick.
How can I improve my lacrosse goalie reaction time?
There are a few things you can do to improve your lacrosse goalie reaction time. First, make sure you’re properly warmed up before games and practices. Second, practice your lacrosse goalie drills regularly. There are number of exceptional lacrosse training aids to help improve goalie reaction time. For example, the balance board improves your explosiveness and core strength in net. And the soft practice lacrosse balls are great to drill with. Have someone quick stick the soft balls at you, in front of the crease, without the worry of getting hurt.
Wrap Up
Top lacrosse goalies are always looking for the best stick to equip themselves with between the pipes. The last thing you want is a shaft breaking or a head bending that ends up letting a goal get past you. There are plenty of lacrosse goalie sticks on the market, but these 7 lacrosse goalie heads and lacrosse shafts have proven themselves time again as favorites among players. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player who prefers lightweight gear over strength, there’s a lacrosse something on this list that suits you.
