Why Goalie Gear Differs
Standing in 6×6 goal facing 70-100+ mph. Balance protection with save agility. US Lacrosse: goalies = ~8% of injuries, contusions most common.Helmet
Same NOCSAE helmets but need: throat guard (mandatory), wide vision, quality chin strap, multi-density foam. See helmet guide.Cascade XRS Pro Helmet — Top-rated, best visibility
~$350 Check Price on Amazon
Program: Amazon Associates
STX Shield 600 Chest Protector — Purpose-built for goalies
~$180 Check Price on Amazon
Program: Amazon Associates
Chest Protector
| Feature | Why |
|---|---|
| Impact padding | Absorb 70-100 mph shots |
| Full coverage | Chest, stomach, ribs, shoulders |
| Arm mobility | Quick saves |
| Under 3 lbs | Reaction speed |
Throat guard: 2"+ below chin, doesn't restrict movement. Required all organized play.
STX Shield 500 Goalie Gloves — Reinforced thumb
~$100 Check Price on Amazon
Program: Amazon Associates
Goalie Gloves
2-3x thicker thumb padding (takes direct shots). Extended back-hand coverage. Good palm feel still needed. Break-in: 10+ practices. See stick guide.Lower Body
Pants: Padded shorts ($40-80) or full ($80-150). Low shots to unpadded thighs are brutal.
Shin guards: Soccer-style works. Hard shell + foam.
Cup: Absolutely mandatory. Non-negotiable.
Goalie Stick
Head up to 12" wide × 16.5" long vs 6-10" field. STX Eclipse 2 is college standard.
Shaft: 40-42", some cut to 38-39" for quicker hands.
Pocket: Deep, wide channel, semi-hard mesh popular.
Setup by Budget
| Item | Budget | Mid | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helmet | $180 | $280 | $350 |
| Chest | $80 | $130 | $180 |
| Gloves | $60 | $80 | $100 |
| Pants | $40 | $80 | $120 |
| Head+Shaft | $100 | $160 | $210 |
| TOTAL | $510 | $820 | $1,085 |
Sources & Further Reading
- US Lacrosse Safety Data, 2025.
- NOCSAE Goalie Standards, 2025.
- STX Shield Specs, 2025.
- Lax.com Goalie Guide, 2025.
- NCAA Requirements, 2025-2026.
