Ever stand in the lacrosse store, staring at a wall of goalie heads, feeling completely lost? You know the goalie needs the best gear, but with so many shapes, curves, and brand names, picking the right head feels like a major game-winning decision itself! Finding that perfect pocket and face shape can be the difference between a clean save and a frustrating turnover.
The goalie head is the heart of your defense. It needs to cradle the ball securely, offer quick outlet passes, and still be legal according to the rules. Many players struggle with heads that are too stiff, too deep, or just don’t fit their throwing style. This confusion leads to wasted money and, worse, less confidence in the crease.
This post cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what makes a goalie head great. You will learn the key features to look for, how different designs affect your game, and how to match the head to your playing style. Get ready to stop guessing and start choosing with confidence!
Top Goalie Heads Lacrosse Recommendations
- ELITE GOALIE HEAD: Made for top lacrosse goalies at all levels
- 30% STIFFER: Stiffer than Eclipse 2 for increased stopping power
- NEW SCOOP: Designed to scoop at steeper angles to pick up balls at your feet
- SECURE GRIP: Ergonomic throat designed for a strong grip to block more shots
- ENDURAFORM: Made from durable material for improved toughness
- Updated sidewall geometry provides increased stiffness without adding weight
- New scoop design for enhanced ground ball performance
- Ergonomic throat design provides a secure grip
- Additional sidewall holes for an expanded Array of pocket styles
- ELITE GOALIE HEAD: Made for top lacrosse goalies at all levels
- 30% STIFFER: Stiffer than Eclipse 2 for increased stopping power
- NEW SCOOP: Designed to scoop at steeper angles to pick up balls at your feet
- SECURE GRIP: Ergonomic throat designed for a strong grip to block more shots
- ENDURAFORM: Made from durable material for improved toughness
- Lightweight Performance Our new SL-105 plastic along with geometric sculpting keep your head light and your hands fast.
- Optimized Face Shape Every aspect of the face shape has been optimized to offer more saving area where you want it and more structural support where you need it.
- Reinforced Scoop Engineered to provide strength and stiffness when facing the hardest shots, this scoop is built to hold firm save after save.
- Perfect Pocket Every detail was painstakingly engineered to help you string the perfect pocket. If stringing isn’t your thing, our stringers are ready to help.
- Control and Comfort The ergonomically designed throat provides total comfort and control, as well as a smooth transition from save to outlet.
- Updated sidewall geometry provides increased stiffness without adding weight
- New scoop design for enhanced ground ball performance
- Ergonomic throat design provides a secure grip
- Additional sidewall holes for an expanded Array of pocket styles
- Updated sidewall geometry provides increased stiffness without adding weight
- New scoop design for enhanced ground ball performance
- Ergonomic throat design provides a secure grip
- Additional sidewall holes for an expanded Array of pocket styles
- Lightweight Performance Our new SL-105 plastic along with geometric sculpting keep your head light and your hands fast.
- Optimized Face Shape Every aspect of the face shape has been optimized to offer more saving area where you want it and more structural support where you need it.
- Reinforced Scoop Engineered to provide strength and stiffness when facing the hardest shots, this scoop is built to hold firm save after save.
- Perfect Pocket Every detail was painstakingly engineered to help you string the perfect pocket. If stringing isn’t your thing, our stringers are ready to help.
- Control and Comfort The ergonomically designed throat provides total comfort and control, as well as a smooth transition from save to outlet.
- More saves. -- With a design that maximizes surface area and materials that optimize stiffness, the Mark 2G helps you make more saves every time you get in front of a shot.
- Better control. -- The Mark 2G goalie lacrosse head features an unparalleled 42 stringing holes for unlimited stringing options and a shortened throat to give you more control.
- Faster hands. -- By eliminating unnecessary weight and optimizing the design of the Mark 2G, you get a lighter, more aerodynamic head to help you make more saves and quicker outlets.
- Durability guaranteed. -- If your lacrosse head breaks within its warranty period, we will replace it for free.
Choosing the Right Goalie Head for Your Game
Selecting the perfect lacrosse goalie head makes a huge difference in your performance. This guide helps you understand what matters when you buy a new head. We break down the key things you need to know before you spend your money.
Key Features to Look For
Shape and Profile
Goalie heads come in different shapes. Some are deeper, and some are wider. A deeper pocket helps you catch and hold the ball better. A wider head gives you more surface area to block shots. Think about how you like to play. Do you prefer quick outlet passes, or do you focus mostly on stopping everything in front of you?
Sidewall Height
The sidewalls are the sides of the head. Taller sidewalls keep the ball in the pocket, especially during scrambles. Shorter sidewalls often make the head lighter. Newer heads often feature slightly higher sidewalls to meet modern game needs.
Stringing Holes
Look closely at the holes where you thread the mesh. More stringing holes give you more options for customizing your pocket. Better customization means a pocket that fits your throwing and catching style perfectly.
Important Materials in Goalie Heads
Most high-quality goalie heads use strong plastics. These plastics need to be durable but also flexible enough to absorb hard shots without cracking.
- Nylon and Polycarbonate Blends: These are common. They offer a great balance of strength and lightness.
- Reinforced Areas: Check the throat (the bottom part that connects to the shaft). Good heads reinforce this area because goalies often use it to block shots directly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the plastic directly impacts how long the head lasts. Cheap plastic often becomes brittle when it gets cold. This means it can crack easily when hit by a fast shot.
Improving Quality:
- Stiffness Control: Top brands engineer the plastic to be stiff enough for stability but flexible enough to prevent shattering.
- UV Resistance: Heads exposed to a lot of sun last longer.
Reducing Quality:
- Thin Plastic Walls: If the plastic walls are too thin to save weight, they often break faster.
- Poor Molding: Imperfections from the manufacturing process can create weak spots that fail under pressure.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your experience depends on your level of play. A beginner might prioritize durability and an easy-to-string pocket. An elite player focuses on weight and precise pocket depth.
For the New Goalie:
You need a reliable, easy-to-string head. These heads usually have a standard shape that works well for learning the basics of scooping and throwing.
For the Experienced Goalie:
You might choose a head designed for maximum ball control. These heads often allow for very specific pocket setups, helping you make faster outlet passes or hold the ball tightly when traffic surrounds you.
Remember, the best head is the one that feels right in your hands and helps you stop the ball. Always check league rules to ensure your chosen head meets size and shape regulations.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lacrosse Goalie Heads
Q: Do goalie heads come in different sizes?
A: Yes, though most are designed for standard men’s or women’s play. Men’s heads are generally wider and deeper than women’s heads.
Q: How often should I replace my goalie head?
A: If you play often, you should inspect your head every season. Replace it if you see deep cracks, especially near the throat or scoop.
Q: Can I use a field player head?
A: No. Goalie heads have specific depth and width requirements set by the rules. Field player heads are illegal for goalies.
Q: What is the “throat” of the goalie head?
A: The throat is the bottom part where the head attaches to the shaft. It takes a lot of abuse, so good heads have extra reinforcement there.
Q: Does the color of the head matter?
A: Usually, no, for performance. However, some leagues require white or light-colored heads for visibility.
Q: What is the main difference between a cheap head and an expensive one?
A: Expensive heads use better plastic blends that resist cracking better and stay lighter, even after heavy use.
Q: How does head flexibility affect my game?
A: A slightly flexible head absorbs the impact of a shot better, which can help prevent the ball from bouncing out immediately after impact.
Q: Should I choose a stiff or soft plastic?
A: Most goalies prefer a medium-stiff plastic. Too soft, and the head warps under pressure; too stiff, and it might crack.
Q: Are these heads universal for any shaft?
A: Yes, standard lacrosse shafts fit all modern goalie heads because the attachment point is standardized.
Q: What is the easiest way to string a new goalie head?
A: The easiest way is to buy a pre-strung head or follow a video tutorial specific to your head model. Custom stringing takes practice.