Overview
Nike Prime Elite is the first ever men’s elite-level goalie head launched by Nike in 2020. The attention to detail in addressing the unique demands of the goalie position is nicely done by Nike for this goalie’s head.
Table of Contents
Key Features
| Brand | Nike |
| Position | Goalie |
| Cost | $99.99 (unstrung) | $144.99 (strung) |
| Level | Universal |
| Legality | Conforming with NCAA and NFHS Rules |
| Colors | White | Black |
| Year Released | 2020 |
Product Specs
| Weight | 11.04 oz |
| Pocket Location | Low |
| Stiffness | Stiff |
| String Holes | Sidewall: 17 on each sideTop Holes: 7 |
| Release Year | 2020 |
| Face Shape | Wide |
| Ground Pickup | Good |
| Ball Release | Early |
| Ease of Use | Intermediate and Advanced Elite Play |
| Position | Goalie |
| Gender | Male |
| Spread on Shot | Nearly a sharpshooter |
| Level of Play | All |
Nike Prime Elite Goalie Head Ranking
Drip Meter Each Row Ranked Between 0-10.
| Accuracy of Shot and Pass | 8.5 | Passing accuracy is impressive for this stiff goalie head. The well-defined channel and shallow pocket depth provide good shot accuracy. |
| Checking | 9.0 | The wide face of the Nike Prime provides a larger surface area for making contact with opposing players during checks. |
| Cradling Performance/Ball Security | 8.5 | It has a fairly big bag pocket to execute a good cradling performance. |
| Catching | 8.5 | Nike Prime Elite has a wide pocket that makes catching high-speed shots easy. |
| Ground Pickup Performance | 8.5 | The Nike Prime Elite has a curved scoop and ample width for smoother ground ball pickups.. |
| Faceoff Performance | 7.0 | Being a wide goalie head, it is not ideal for faceoffs. |
| Stringability | 7.0 | It has 17 sidewall stringing holes that are lower than what most modern goalie heads have. This compromises the stringability to some extent. |
| Durability (Material andThickness) | 8.0 | It is made with durable plastic. However, the simple strut sidewall pattern enhances its durability despite a lower number of sidewall holes. |
| Drippiness/Aesthetics/BrandIntegrity | 8.5 | Nike Prime Elite goalie head has a minimalist design with the right amount of branding. Some players might not like the engrossed design. |
| Cost | 7.5 | It is a fairly entry level goalie head for intermediate and advanced players. It is somewhat expensive for a prestrung head, whereas for an unstrung head, it is priced adequately. |
| Total | 81/100 |
Pros
- Ergonomic throat
- Divots near the throat for better handling
- Versatile stringing options
- Durable
- Well-defined channel
- Bigger bag pocket
- Semi-hard 12D Goalie Mesh
- One-year flexible return
Cons
- A lower number of sidewall holes
- Pretty rigid on the top
- Flatter scoop
- Only two color options
- At $140-150, it seems quite expensive
Who’s This Head Made For?
The Nike Prime Elite is made for elite-level intermediate and advanced goalies. This men’s goalie head was released in 2020. It is offered in only two solid color options i.e., white and black.
The Prime Elite head is durable and flexible with the right amount of rigidity. It can easily endure the wear and tear of goalie play.
If you are a goalie who likes to grab the stick by the throat then you will definitely like this. The divots around the ergonomic throat lead to a comfortable and tactile feel for elite handling.
You should go for it if you prefer a lightweight head that supports one-handed cradling, a well-defined channel, a simple strut pattern, and a pretty rigid and stiff scoop.
Accuracy of Shot and Pass
The Nike Prime Elite goalie head has a moderate throat width and a wide enough face profile. This creates a good balance between control and power. It allows the elite-level goalies to make clears and pass accurately without sacrificing defensive stability.
It has a low pocket location with a shallower depth. This leads to quicker releases, aiding in faster outlet passes or quick transitions to offensive plays. This ensures that goalies can defend their net effectively.
We think that in comparison to other heads, the Nike Prime Elite goalie head delivers competitive shot speed.
However, if shot speed is a primary concern, goalies may consider alternative heads such as the STX Eclipse II or Nemesis III.
Catching and Cradling
For goalies, the ability to secure the ball effectively is of gigantic importance. It directly impacts their ability to control possession and dictate the flow of the game.
The moderate throat width and wide face of the Nike Prime Elite goalie head contribute to its catching and cradling performance. The head offers ample saving area for goalies to defend shots.
The low pocket location is strategically positioned to optimize catching and cradling. It has a bigger bag pocket towards the top of the head that can easily catch high-speed shots with minimal rebound.
It has a fairly simple strut sidewall wall pattern. The durable side rail provides good feedback on cradling with an efficient weight distribution over the head. However, we believe that the lower number of sidewall holes against other competitive heads is a huge drawback in reliability.
In comparison to other models like STX Eclipse II or Nemesis III, the Prime Elite offers an ordinarily optimal performance.
Checking
The Nike Prime Elite goalie head has a conventional slightly curved scoop shape. Unlike the aggressive angle of its competitors, the Nike Prime has a flatter angle. The flat angle is ideal for goalies who prefer consistency and reliability in their checks.
The wide face of the Nike Prime provides a larger surface area for making contact with opposing players during checks. This increased contact area increases the effectiveness of checks. The wide face makes it easier to disrupt the opponent’s offensive play and dislodge the ball.
It has evenly spaced struts that run vertically along the sides of the head. This basic pattern provides stability and reinforcement to the sidewall. It maintains the shape and structural integrity of the head during intense gameplay. However, we feel it is a bit underperforming with a lower number of sidewall holes.
In terms of weight and durability, the Nike Prime Elite Goalie Head strikes a balance. It weighs 11.04 oz. Although a lightweight head, it has sufficient rigidity to withstand the wear and tear of goalie play while maintaining flexibility for dynamic movements.
Players seeking a bit heavier head may explore STX Eclipse II, which prioritizes durability.
Ground Pick-Up and Faceoff
The curved scoop and ample width of the Nike Prime Elite allow for smoother ground ball pickups. Its flat surface angle provides more contact with the ground. It is flexible with the right amount of rigidity. You will find it to be stiffer than most goalie heads.
It has a teardrop head shape. Its low pocket with shallow depth is the best for competitive ground ball pick-ups.
While not specifically designed for faceoffs, the Nike Prime Elite goalie head’s versatility and durability make it a reliable option for goalies who may find themselves in faceoff situations during gameplay.
Final Remarks
The Nike Prime Elite is a versatile head option for goalies looking for elite-level performance and durability on the field. With its sturdy build, minimalist design, and competitive performance attributes, it stands as a worthy investment for players looking for a flat-angle goalie head.
