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Best Lacrosse Goalie Sticks and Heads (2026): Complete vs Custom, Stiffness and Pockets
Prices updated November 2, 2026.
Goalie is the one position where the stick is completely different from everyone else's. The head is far wider, the pocket is deeper and built for stopping shots, and the stick has to handle hundreds of hard shots a week. This guide explains how goalie sticks work, when to buy a complete stick versus building one, and every goalie head, shaft and complete stick in our daily price check with today's prices (checked October 29, 2026).
The short answer
A new goalie should start with a complete goalie stick. We track three: the StringKing Mark 2G Goalie Starter complete at $179.99, and the Maverik Krease complete and STX Eclipse 3 complete at $199.99. They come strung with a goalie pocket and are ready for practice.
Experienced goalies usually build their own: a goalie head ($109.99 to $129.99 unstrung, or $159.99 to $209.99 strung), a goalie shaft ($99.99 to $174.99), and a pocket strung by a goalie stringer ($65 to $80 for restringing services we track). That costs more but lets the goalie choose every part.
How goalie heads differ
Goalie heads are much wider and taller than field heads, giving a bigger surface for stopping shots. Within that, shapes vary. Some heads have a straighter, more symmetrical face that's predictable on high shots; others have a more angled top or rounded scoop that helps on low shots and ground balls. The throat area and the sidewall shape affect how the ball sits for clears.
Goalie heads we track, unstrung: the Warrior Answer, ECD Impact, StringKing Mark 2G and Mark 2G Stiff at $109.99, and the STX Eclipse 3, Maverik Krease and Gait Web at $129.99. Strung versions: the StringKing Mark 2G strung at $159.99 to $169.99, the ECD Impact prestrung with an Elite pocket at $174.99, and the STX Eclipse 3 strung at $209.99.
Stiffness
Goalie heads take repeated hard shots, so stiffness matters. A stiffer head holds its shape, keeps the pocket consistent and lasts longer in cold weather, when plastic gets more brittle. Some goalies prefer a little flex for a softer feel on saves. StringKing sells the Mark 2G in standard and Stiff versions at the same price, a simple way to choose.
For high school and college goalies who face hard shots every day, a stiffer head is the safer default. For youth goalies, standard stiffness is fine.
Goalie shafts
Goalie shafts are typically 40 inches, similar to attack shafts, and are sold separately. Alloy shafts are durable and affordable; carbon shafts are lighter and some goalies like their feel and vibration damping. We track the STX Outlet ($99.99) and StringKing Metal 3 Pro 142 goalie shaft ($109.99) on the alloy side, and the ECD Carbon Pro 3.0 ($169.99) and Carbon Pro 4.0 ($174.99) goalie shafts on the carbon side.
Many goalies use a grip tape or a thicker grip at the top hand for control on clears. Goalie shafts also need to be strong at the throat end, since saves put leverage on the connection between head and shaft.
The pocket matters most
For a goalie, the pocket is as important as the head. A good goalie pocket has a deeper, consistent channel that stops shots without rebounds and lets the goalie make an accurate clear. Goalie mesh is typically wider and often softer than field mesh.
Factory pockets on complete sticks and strung heads have improved a lot and are fine for beginners. As a goalie improves, a pocket strung by a goalie specialist is one of the best upgrades available. We track two goalie restringing services: a standard goalie restring at $65 and Pockets by Clem goalie restringing at $80.
Complete vs custom: which to buy
Buy a complete stick if the goalie is new to the position, a youth player, or not sure they'll stay in goal. Complete sticks are cheaper than the same parts bought separately and arrive ready to play.
Build a custom stick if the goalie has played a season or more and knows what they like: a particular head shape, a stiff head, a carbon shaft, or a specific stringer's pocket. A custom stick from the parts we track runs roughly $175 (Mark 2G unstrung, STX Outlet shaft, standard restring) to about $385 (Eclipse 3 strung and a carbon shaft).
Youth goalies
Youth goalies often use shorter shafts and appreciate lighter sticks. Many youth programs supply goalie gear for a first season, including a stick. If buying, a complete goalie stick is the simplest choice, and the shaft can be cut down by a shop if needed. Make sure youth goalies have the full protective setup too: helmet with throat guard, chest protector meeting the current NOCSAE standard, goalie gloves, and a cup. See our goalie gear guide for those.
Caring for a goalie stick
Keep goalie sticks out of hot cars and freezing garages; extreme temperatures warp or crack plastic heads. Check the pocket before every practice, since a pocket that has bagged out causes rebounds. Tighten the head screw regularly. Replace a cracked head immediately; a broken sidewall can fail during a save.
Goalie stick budget at a glance
Under $200: a complete goalie stick (StringKing Mark 2G Goalie Starter at $179.99, or the Maverik Krease or STX Eclipse 3 complete at $199.99). This is where nearly every first- and second-year goalie should be.
$200 to $300: a strung goalie head plus an alloy shaft, for example the StringKing Mark 2G strung ($159.99) with the STX Outlet shaft ($99.99), about $260. A good step up for a JV or varsity goalie who wants to choose their head.
$300 and up: a premium strung head or custom pocket plus a carbon shaft, such as the STX Eclipse 3 strung ($209.99) with the ECD Carbon Pro 4.0 goalie shaft ($174.99), about $385. Mostly for experienced high school and college goalies.
Whatever the budget, compare the same head or shaft across retailers; each card below links to Lacrosse Unlimited and to an Amazon search for that item.
Complete goalie sticks (3)
Ready to play; best for new goalies.
Strung goalie heads (4)
Head plus factory or partner pocket.
Unstrung goalie heads (7)
For custom pockets.
Goalie shafts (4)
Alloy and carbon.
Goalie restringing (1)
Upgrade the pocket.
Related buying guides
Buying tips
- New goalies: buy a complete goalie stick.
- High school goalies: lean toward a stiffer head.
- The pocket matters as much as the head; consider a specialist restring.
- Keep sticks away from heat and cold.
- Pair the stick with a NOCSAE-certified chest protector and throat guard.
Click any product for its full price history and a link to the retailer.