Lacrosse Goalie Gear Guide
Our top picks for every piece of required and optional lacrosse goalie gear, from heads, shafts and helmets to throat guards, gloves, chest protectors and cups, for boys and girls keepers.
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Finding the right gear matters at every position in lacrosse.
For goalies who stand between the pipes and face shots that can top 100 mph game after game, though, finding the right gear is absolutely crucial. Goalies depend on their gear to keep them safe and keep the other team off the scoreboard.
With so many options out there, it can be hard to decide which equipment is best.
To help you find the best goalie gear for your situation, this guide covers our top picks for all the essential lacrosse goalie equipment. Every suggestion works for both boys and girls keepers.
If you're interested in a specific piece of gear, jump to our full guides below. If you want to see all the required and optional goalie equipment, plus our top picks for each, keep reading.
Coach's note: I've coached keepers from the box barns in Ontario to the summer leagues in upstate New York and Virginia Beach, and the ones who last are the ones who trust their gear. If you flinch, you lose. Get a throat guard and chest pad you never think about, a head you can find the ball with, and then go stand in there and eat shots.
Lacrosse goalie gear guides: Goalie heads, goalie shafts, complete sticks, goalie helmets, goalie gloves and chest protectors
Heads up: BattleLax carries the ECD Impact head, the Cascade TP-S throat guard and the Warrior Nemesis QS gloves from this guide. For everything else, I point you to the closest goalie gear BattleLax stocks.
All the goalie gear at a glance
"Buy" goes to the product on BattleLax. "Alt" goes to the closest goalie gear BattleLax has in stock.
Required equipment for lacrosse goalies
Below are our top picks for required lacrosse goalie gear: heads, shafts, complete sticks (if you don't want to buy a head and shaft separately), helmets, throat protectors, gloves and chest protectors.
You'll also need cleats or turf shoes and a mouthpiece. You can see our favorite lacrosse cleats here. We haven't reviewed mouthpieces yet, so we don't highlight specific ones in this guide, but a standard mouthpiece from a sporting goods store should be fine.
Goalie heads
Aside from your protective gear, your goalie head may be your most important piece of equipment. It has to be strong enough to handle deflections and light enough that it doesn't slow you down. Here are our highest-rated goalie heads:
1) STX Eclipse 2
Details:
- Weight: 11.6 oz
- Throat design: ergonomic throat built for a better grip
- Stringing holes: above average
- Released: 2017
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the 1) STX Eclipse 2. For a top-level goalie head you can order today, go with the Maverik Krease Goalie Head ($129.99).
2) ECD Impact Goalie Head
Details:
- Weight: 11.5 oz
- Throat design: extra long and thinner, with some grip points
- Stringing holes: many
- Released: 2022
At BattleLax: In stock now. Grab the ECD Impact Goalie Head ($109.99) straight from BattleLax.
3) StringKing Mark 2G
Details:
- Weight: 10.9 oz
- Throat design: standard (no special grip)
- Stringing holes: many
- Released: 2020
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the 3) StringKing Mark 2G. For a light goalie head, go with the Warrior Nemesis Lite Goalie Head ($99.99).
Read more: See all of the best goalie heads
Goalie shafts
Like your head, your goalie shaft has to be strong enough not to break when it takes a shot, yet light enough that you can move it quickly for those last-second saves.
Our highest-rated goalie shafts include both metal and carbon fiber options. You can learn more about the differences in our full goalie shafts guide.
1) Maverik Hyperlite Goalie Shaft
Details:
- Material: carbon fiber
- Shape: slight concave
- Grip and finish: smooth matte
- Colors: Black, White
- Flex: none
- Warranty: 6 months
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't sell goalie-specific shafts right now. Grab the Maverik Krease Complete Goalie Stick ($199.99), or cut down a defense pole like the Maverik A7 350 Defense Shaft ($129.99) to your length.
2) Maverik A1 Goalie Shaft
Details:
- Material: scandium alloy
- Length: 36"
- Shape: concave
- Grip and finish: GritGrip
- Colors: Black, White, Silver
- Warranty: 6 months
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't have the A1 goalie shaft in stock right now. Grab the Maverik Krease Complete Goalie Stick ($199.99), or cut down a defense pole like the Maverik A7 350 Defense Shaft ($129.99).
3) StringKing Metal 3 Pro
Details:
- Material: metal alloy
- Length: 36"
- Weight: 5.01 or 5.71 oz
- Shape: slight concave
- Grip and finish: sandblasted
- Colors: Silver, Black
- Warranty: 6 months
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the 3) StringKing Metal 3 Pro. Grab the Maverik Krease Complete Goalie Stick ($199.99), or cut down a defense pole like the Maverik A7 350 Defense Shaft ($129.99).
Read more: See all of the best goalie shafts
Complete goalie sticks
Many young players and beginners use complete sticks since it's easier to buy one than a separate head and shaft. I do recommend advanced players buy a head and shaft separately, since you can customize your stick more.
If you'd rather buy a complete goalie stick, here are our top picks:
1) STX Eclipse 2 Complete Goalie Stick
Details:
- Brand: STX
- Head: Eclipse 2
- Shaft: Outlet
- The Eclipse 2 is one of the most popular goalie heads in high school and college
- The head has plenty of stringing holes for all kinds of pocket designs
- The Outlet shaft is built specifically for goalies
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the 1) STX Eclipse 2 Complete Goalie Stick. For a complete goalie stick you can order today, go with the Maverik Krease Complete Goalie Stick ($199.99).
2) STX Shield 100 Complete Goalie Stick
Details:
- Brand: STX
- Head: Shield 100
- Shaft: 6000 series
- Comes with the Shield 100, STX's budget goalie head
- The shaft is attack/middie length at 30 inches
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the 2) STX Shield 100 Complete Goalie Stick. The Maverik Krease Complete Goalie Stick ($199.99) is the complete goalie stick BattleLax carries.
Goalie helmets
Goalie helmets aren't actually any different from field players' helmets, except that goalies have to add a throat protector (see the next section). Either way, the best helmets for field players are also the most protective, so they make great options for goalies too.
1) Cascade XRS
Best goalie helmet for adults (men and women)
Cascade is easily the most recognized helmet brand in lacrosse, and the XRS line is one of their most popular (and our best overall lacrosse helmet). Comfortable. Customizable. Secure.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax carries the newer version. Grab the Cascade XRS Pro Helmet ($339.99).
2) Cascade S Youth
Best youth goalie helmet
The Cascade S Youth is the top option for younger players (usually 11 and under) from the best lacrosse helmet maker in the game.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the 2) Cascade S Youth. For a youth helmet from Cascade, go with the Cascade CS-R Youth Helmet ($129.99).
Read more: See all of the best goalie helmets (including budget options)
Goalie throat protectors
As mentioned above, goalies have to wear a throat protector that attaches to the helmet for extra neck protection. They attach easily and are usually very light but strong. Here are our favorites:
1) Cascade TP-S Goalie Throat Protector
The TP-S from Cascade is a sturdy, reliable dangler that covers a much wider area of your neck than other throat protectors on the market.
The exact material is locked in the same vault as the Colonel's fried chicken recipe, but goalies tell us it's durable and holds up no matter how many shots it eats.
At BattleLax: In stock now. Grab the Cascade TP-S Goalie Throat Guard ($39.99) straight from BattleLax.
2) Cascade TPC2 Throat Protector
The TPC2 is another quality throat protector from Cascade, and it's a bit cheaper. It's pretty straightforward, without many frills beyond the price.
It's cheaper for a reason. Users note the material is flimsier than the TP-S, and it covers less area.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the 2) Cascade TPC2 Throat Protector. For a cheaper throat guard, go with the Warrior Universal Goalie Throat Guard ($34.99).
Read more: See all of the best goalie throat protectors (including how to attach them)
Goalie gloves
Goalie gloves are a lot like regular lacrosse gloves, but with extra protection, especially around the thumbs, which take a lot of shots. Our top-rated goalie gloves protect you without sacrificing mobility.
1) Maverik Max Goalie Glove
Details:
- Colors: Black, Grey, White
- New design with extra knuckle panels
- Extra padding on the back of the hand
- DuraStretch panels for flexibility and comfort
- Upgraded moisture and cooling tech
- Ax Suede palms for better stick feel and control
BattleLax pick: BattleLax carries the newest version. Grab the Maverik Max Goalie Gloves 2028 ($189.99).
2) Maverik M5 Goalie Glove
Details:
- Colors: White, Black, Gray
- TorqueLoc 2 tech for strong thumb protection
- Ax Suede palm for a durable, soft, natural feel
- More airflow and moisture protection
- Adjustable cuff for a custom fit
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the 2) Maverik M5 Goalie Glove. BattleLax carries the newer model. Grab the Maverik M6 Goalie Gloves ($115.99).
3) Warrior Nemesis QS Goalie Glove
Details:
- Colors: White
- Lock Thumb+ for better flexibility and feel
- D3O foam in the thumb and fingers
- IMPAX foam along the knuckles
- Authentic Pro Palm+ for maximum feel
At BattleLax: In stock now. Grab the Warrior Nemesis QS Goalie Gloves ($199.99) straight from BattleLax.
Read more: See all of the best goalie gloves (including budget options)
Goalie chest protectors
Chest protectors are probably the second most important goalie gear after the helmet. They protect your heart, ribs and other vital spots from the hard shots you'll face in the cage. Every chest pad below meets the NOCSAE ND200 standard, which has been required since January 1, 2021.
1) STX Shield 600 Chest Protector
Details:
- Floating chest plate for freedom of movement
- Low-profile design for flexibility and mobility
- Stretch areas to free up your arms
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the 1) STX Shield 600 Chest Protector. For a mobile, NOCSAE-certified chest pad, go with the Maverik Shift EKG Goalie Chest Pad ($149.99).
2) Maverik Max EKG Goalie Chest Pad
Details:
- Progressive design for mobility without bunching
- External Kardiac Guard (EKG) NOCSAE-approved padding
- Quickdry tech to wick away moisture
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the 2) Maverik Max EKG Goalie Chest Pad. BattleLax carries Maverik's MX EKG. Grab the Maverik MX EKG Goalie Chest Pad 2026 ($99.99).
3) Warrior Nemesis Pro 19 Chest Pad
Details:
- IMPAX foam chest plate for reinforced protection
- Three-piece construction for mobility
- Adjustable fit system to prioritize protection or flexibility
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the 3) Warrior Nemesis Pro 19 Chest Pad. BattleLax carries the current Nemesis. Grab the Warrior Nemesis Goalie Chest Pad ($139.99).
Read more: See all of the best goalie chest protectors (including budget options)
Cups
No, we're not talking about cups you drink water out of (at least I hope not!). Some field players skip below-the-belt protection, but goalies absolutely should wear one. Taking a hard shot there can cause serious, lasting injuries. Trust me on this one: WEAR A CUP!
Warrior Goalie Nutt Hutt Tool Box
If you want max protection in the cage (and you should!), look no further than the Warrior Goalie Nutt Hutt. It has a dual-injected ABS plastic cup, EVA foam side bumpers and an adjustable waist strap for a perfect, secure fit.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Warrior Goalie Nutt Hutt Tool Box. For a Warrior goalie cup you can order today, go with the Warrior Ritual X5 Goalie Jock ($69.99), or the Shock Doctor Ultra Carbon Flex Cup ($14.99) if you just need a cup.
Optional equipment for lacrosse goalies
Many goalies wear or use extra gear for more protection or to improve their game.
Below is some extra gear to consider, including arm pads, shin guards, goalie pants or shorts, goalie mesh and lacrosse bags.
Arm pads
Since a goalie's arms are so close to the shaft and head, it's common for them to get hit. That's why some goalies wear arm pads. They add protection, but they probably slow goalies down the most, since they limit range of motion at the elbow.
If you don't mind giving up some mobility, check out our highest-rated arm protection in every size: arm guards (largest), arm pads (middle) and elbow pads (smallest). At BattleLax, try the Warrior Evo Pro Elbow Pads ($49.99) for a low-profile option or the Maverik M6 Arm Pads ($79.99) for more coverage.
Read more: See all of the best lacrosse arm pads
Shin guards
Even a soft pass off the shins hurts, let alone a hard shot. Many goalies wear shin guards for extra protection in the cage, though they aren't required. Look for a pair that doesn't limit your mobility too much so you can still make those last-second kick saves. BattleLax carries the Brine Triumph Goalie Shin Guard ($39.99), so check stock before you order.
Goalie pants or shorts
Some goalie pants have extra padding in the thigh area, much like football pants. They protect your legs without limiting movement too much, and many have a slot for your cup. Try the Warrior Nemesis Leg Pad Goalie Pants ($89.99) or the Brine Triumph Goalie Pants ($79.99).
Goalie mesh
Goalie mesh is completely different from mesh for field players, since goalie heads are so much bigger. Goalie mesh is usually 12-diamond, and the diamonds are much bigger than traditional mesh.
Here are some options to consider:
- StringKing Grizzly 2 Goalie Mesh Kit: Need to string up a new unstrung head? This kit has some of the lightest goalie mesh available. At BattleLax, pair the ECD Impact Semi-Soft Goalie Mesh ($39.99) with the ECD Hero Strings Goalie Stringing Kit ($16.99).
- ECD Goalie Hero Mesh 12D: Just need a piece of mesh? ECD makes some of the most popular goalie mesh out there. BattleLax carries the ECD Impact Semi-Soft Goalie Mesh ($39.99).
Read more: See all of the best lacrosse mesh
Lacrosse bags
Lacrosse bags and backpacks make it easy to haul your gear to practices and games, and goalies carry more than anybody. Here are our top-rated bag and backpack.
Best lacrosse bag: STX Challenger Equipment Bag
Details:
- Dimensions: vary by size
- Colors: Black
- Stick holders: yes, for multiple sticks
- Large main compartment, small accessories pocket, separate cleat pocket and two size options
- Warranty: 30 days
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Best lacrosse bag: STX Challenger Equipment Bag. For a big gear bag that fits goalie pads and sticks, go with the Maverik Monster Bag ($54.99).
Best lacrosse backpack: Overtime Backpack
Details:
- Dimensions: 25" H x 17" W x 6" D
- Colors: Black Camo, Grey Camo, Navy Camo, Tan Camo
- Stick holders: 2 (one on each side)
- Extra back straps and a water bottle holder
- Warranty: 30 days
BattleLax pick: This backpack isn't sold at BattleLax. For a lacrosse backpack with stick holders, go with the Warrior Q10 Jet Pack Backpack ($64.99).
Read more: See all of the best lacrosse bags and backpacks
Resources for lacrosse goalies
Here are some of my favorite resources for lacrosse goalies. If you have suggestions to add, let me know in the comments below!
- Lax Goalie Rat: Coach Damon at Lax Goalie Rat has a blog, podcast, e-books and much more, all for lacrosse goalies. You can find everything from perfecting your stance in the cage to workouts that improve your reaction time to communicating with your defense. Start with his Q&A with Scott Rodgers.
- How to Train Like a Pro feat. Scott Rodgers (video): This PLL video covers key training drills and tips to help you make more saves and be a better leader in the cage.
Frequently asked questions
What gear does a lacrosse goalie need?
A goalie stick (head and shaft), a helmet with a throat protector, a chest protector, goalie gloves, a mouthpiece, cleats or turf shoes and, for boys and men, a cup.
Do lacrosse goalies have to wear a chest protector?
Yes. Goalie chest protectors must meet the NOCSAE ND200 standard, which has been required since January 1, 2021.
Is a goalie helmet different from a regular lacrosse helmet?
No. Goalies wear the same helmets as field players, with a throat protector attached to the front.
How long should a lacrosse goalie shaft be?
Goalies can use anything from 30 to 60 inches, but most play with 36 to 40 inches.
What goalie gear does BattleLax carry?
Goalie heads from ECD, Maverik and Warrior, the Maverik Krease complete stick, Cascade helmets and the TP-S throat guard, goalie gloves, chest pads, goalie pants, mesh and stringing kits.
