Choosing the right lacrosse goalie head is essential for stopping power, ball control, and reliability in the crease. This guide highlights five popular options that balance stiffness, weight, scoop performance, and ease of adjustment. Each head is evaluated for durability, ground-ball handling, and how its design supports quick clears and strong outlets. Whether you’re a high school standout or a developing college goalie, these selections offer a range of features to match different playing styles and stringing preferences.
| Product | Brand | Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| STX Eclipse 2 Strung Goalie Head | STX | Eclipse 2 Strung | Updated sidewalls; light; improved stiffness |
| STX Eclipse 3 Lacrosse Goalie Head | STX | Eclipse 3 Unstrung | Elite goalie head; 30% stiffer; steeper-scoop |
| STX Eclipse 2 Unstrung Goalie Head | STX | Eclipse 2 Unstrung Grey | Same updated geometry; grey variant; strong ground balls |
| Warrior Nemesis QS Goalie Head | Warrior | Nemesis QS | Goalie-focused design; reliable option |
| StringKing Mark 2G Goalie Head with Grizzly Mesh | StringKing | Mark 2G | Many stringing holes; shortened throat; lighter |
STX Eclipse 2 Strung Goalie Head
The STX Eclipse 2 Strung Goalie Head delivers a balance of stiffness and lightness, ideal for goalies who want steady performance without added weight. The updated sidewall geometry increases rigidity, helping you maintain a consistent response to fast shots. A redesigned scoop improves ground-ball control near the crease, reducing the chance of a bounce or roll away from the stick after contact with the ground. The ergonomic throat design contributes to a secure grip, enabling stable handling during clears and outlet passes. This head pairs well with a variety of strings for tailored pockets and pocket durability.
- Updated sidewall geometry increases stiffness without weight
- New scoop design enhances ground-ball performance
- Ergonomic throat design provides a secure grip
STX Eclipse 3 Lacrosse Goalie Head
The STX Eclipse 3 Lacrosse Goalie Head is positioned as an elite option for goalies at all levels. It’s designed to be notably stiffer than Eclipse 2, offering improved stopping power and confidence against high-velocity shots. The new scoop gathers balls at steeper angles, helping you secure more stops and maintain quick ball possession after saves. Its unstrung profile reduces overall weight, contributing to faster outlet passes and easier stick handling. This head suits goalies seeking a combination of rigidity, stopping power, and responsive control in a single package.
- Elite goalie head for top-level play
- 30% stiffer than Eclipse 2 for stronger stops
- New scoop designed to pick up balls at feet or steeper angles
STX Eclipse 2 Unstrung Goalie Head, Grey
The Eclipse 2 Unstrung Grey variant carries the same core updates as its white counterpart. The improved sidewall geometry maintains stiffness without increasing weight, while the redesigned scoop supports effective ground-ball collection near the crease. The ergonomic throat continues to provide a secure grip, facilitating stable control during interceptions, saves, and quick clears. Choosing the grey head offers a distinct color option without sacrificing the performance characteristics that make Eclipse 2 a dependable choice for many goalies.
- Updated sidewall geometry for stiffness without extra weight
- New scoop enhances ground-ball performance
- Ergonomic throat design for a secure grip
Warrior Nemesis QS Goalie Lacrosse Head
The Warrior Nemesis QS Goalie Head is a goalie-specific option designed to deliver reliable performance at a reasonable price point. As an unstrung head, it provides a straightforward platform for goalies who want to customize their pocket and stringing precisely. The design emphasizes stability and predictable pocket behavior, making it a practical choice for players who prioritize consistency in crease play and control during clears.
- Goalie Lacrosse Head designed for crease play
- Unstrung head for customizable stringing
StringKing Mark 2G Goalie Head With Grizzly Mesh
The StringKing Mark 2G stands out for its emphasis on versatility and stringing options. It features an impressive 42 stringing holes, enabling extensive customization of pocket depth and placement to optimize save opportunities. A shortened throat design helps give goalies more control in quick-release situations, while a lighter, more aerodynamic overall shape supports faster handler responses and faster outlets after saves. The head is shipped strung with Grizzly Mesh, which contributes to a stable pocket and reliable rebound control in various in-game scenarios.
- 42 stringing holes for extensive customization
- Shortened throat for improved control
- Lightweight and aerodynamic for faster hands
Buying Guide
Key Factors to Consider
When selecting a lacrosse goalie head, focus on stiffness, weight, and how the scoop handles ground balls. Heavier heads can feel stable on hard shots but may slow transitions, while stiffer heads help stop faster balls with less deflection. The scoop design influences how well you gather ground balls and cradle them in the crease. Grip is influenced by throat geometry and overall balance, which affects control during clears and outlet passes. Finally, consider how many stringing options you want for pocket customization and how much you value a lighter, more agile feel.
Stiffness, Weight, And Ground Ball Performance
A steeper stiffness curve improves shot-stopping reliability, especially on high-velocity shots. However, too much stiffness can reduce sensitivity in the pocket. Lighter heads are easier to move during rapid plays, but must still retain enough stiffness to resist flexing on contact. Ground-ball performance hinges on the scoop and sidewall geometry; better scoop geometry can keep balls from bouncing away and can improve your ability to cradle near the crease for quick transitions to outlets.
Scoop Design and Ground Ball Handling
The scoop shape directly affects how you collect balls off the turf. Heads with redesigned scoops are better at catching balls at steeper angles or from awkward bounces. If you frequently play in scrambles at the crease or need reliable ground-ball wins in tight spaces, prioritize a head with a scooping design tuned for close-quarters control.
Throat Design, Grip, And Stringing Options
Ergonomic throat designs contribute to a secure grip, reducing hand slips when you’re tense and under pressure. A shortened throat can improve control, especially when performing quick outlets. If you value customization, opt for a head with many stringing holes to tailor pocket depth and stiffness to your preferred style of play. For players who rotate between practice and game play, a versatile stringing setup can save time and maintain consistency.
Durability, Materials, And Maintenance
Durability is tied to the materials used and the manufacturing process. Higher-quality heads withstand more contact and last through longer seasons. Maintenance includes cleaning after practices, inspecting for micro-cracks, and re-stringing as pockets wear in. A longer life span reduces replacement frequency and helps maintain consistent pocket performance over time.
Price, Availability, And Value
Value is a balance between performance, durability, and price. While premium heads often offer the most stiffness and advanced scooping, mid-range options can deliver solid performance with fewer care requirements. Availability can vary by season, so consider stocking up on a spare or two if you play year-round or if your league requires frequent stringing adjustments.
Quick Comparison Of Top Heads
| Head Model | Best For | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| STX Eclipse 2 Strung | All-around accuracy | Updated sidewalls for stiffness |
| STX Eclipse 3 | Elite stopping power | 30% stiffer; steeper scoop |
| STX Eclipse 2 Unstrung Grey | Value with solid performance | Same core updates, color option |
| Warrior Nemesis QS | Simple, reliable goalie head | Goalie-focused design |
| StringKing Mark 2G | Customization junkies | 42 stringing holes; shortened throat |