STX analysed all the critiques about Eclipse 2 and released a successor in 2023 claiming it to be better and stiffer. However, it is more expensive. Thus, before you upgrade to the newer variant, check out my STX Eclipse 3 lacrosse goalie head review.
- Key Features Of STX Eclipse 3 Lacrosse Goalie Head
- STX Eclipse 3 Lacrosse Goalie Head Ranking
- Who Is This Head For?
- Face Shape, Shooting, and Pocket Location
- Cradling, Passing, and Catching
- Flexibility and Ground Ball Pick-Up
- Defensive Capability
- Stringing and Number of Holes
- Material, Durability, Flexibility, and Weight
- Customization, Appearance, and Aesthetics
- People Also Ask
Despite the increased cost, Eclipse 3 offers improvements. It’s sturdy, stiffer, and has an upgraded face profile. Two famous players, Emily Sterling of UMD and Kyle Bernlohr of the PLL Whipsnakes, were seen using this head this year.
So, let’s see how it performs.
Important Note:
This review was written in collaboration with an experienced lacrosse goalie to provide authentic insights and practical evaluation.
Key Features Of STX Eclipse 3 Lacrosse Goalie Head
Before the review, let’s analyze the key features for better insight.
| Position | Goalie |
| Weight (oz) | 15 |
| Pocket Location | Mid |
| Stiffness | Stiff |
| String Holes | Sidewall: 18 On Each Side | Top Holes: 7 |
| Release Year | 2023 |
| Face Shape | Squarish Wide |
| Ground Pickup | Easy |
| Ball Release | On-Time |
| Ease of Use | All |
| Spread on Shot | Minimal |
| Gender | Both |
| Colors | White | Black | Grey | Blue Steel | Golden Fade |
| Level of Play | All |
Pros
- Stiff and sturdy
- Longer throat for better grip
- Slanted walls for better pick-ups
- Strong sidewalls to deflect shots
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Less flexible for beginners
- Stringing is difficult
STX Eclipse 3 Lacrosse Goalie Head Ranking
I rate the STX Eclipse 3 lacrosse goalie head a 9.1/10 on the Drip Meter.
| Attribute | Rating | Details |
| Accuracy of Shot and Pass | 9.4 | The stiff sidewalls and squarish face shape improve shot accuracy, especially during clears. The centered channel ensures smooth, on-time ball release for precise passing. |
| Checking | 9.2 | Its stiff structure and thicker sidewalls allow for powerful and controlled checks, effectively disrupting opponents without compromising durability or stability. |
| Ball Security | 9.1 | The improved throat design and mid-pocket location enhance ball retention, especially during cradling and high-pressure situations, though the thicker plastic adds weight. |
| Catching | 9.3 | The wide, slightly squared face shape increases catching reliability, guiding the ball securely into the pocket during fast-paced, high-impact plays. |
| Ground Pickup Performance | 9.5 | The bowl-shaped scoop with minimal flex ensures smooth and effortless ground ball pickups, even at difficult angles or in crowded situations. |
| Stringing | 8.5 | Although it features 18 sidewall holes, stringing is challenging due to the turned-in plastic. With adjustments, it allows deep, channeled pockets for improved playability. |
| Durability (Material and Thickness) | 9.6 | The thick Endura foam plastic and reinforced walls make the head highly durable, resisting warping and maintaining stiffness under aggressive play and high-impact shots. |
| Aesthetics/Brand Integrity | 9.2 | The sleek design, shiny metallic ball stop, and smooth plastic surface add a modern touch. Easier to dye than its predecessor, it reflects STX’s commitment to quality. |
| Cost | 8.8 | While more expensive than earlier models, the Eclipse 3’s enhanced features and durability justify the price for goalies seeking high performance and reliability. |
| Total | 9.1 | The STX Eclipse 3 combines stiffness, durability, and precision, excelling in critical goalie performance aspects while maintaining a stylish, professional design. |
Who Is This Head For?
Most goalie heads have rounded face shapes, which provide limited surface area. However, the STX Eclipse 3 lacrosse goalie head is the newer head in the market for those who prefer a more squarish face profile.
It’s a lighter, more rigid, and sturdier variant than Eclipse 2 for aggressive goalies. Although the Endura foam plastic is similar, the wall thickness and 30% extra stiffness make it better.
Despite weighing lower than the previous version, it’s heavier than most goalie heads even today. So, if you prefer a lighter, flexible, and rounded goalie head, try the ECD Impact goalie head.
So, let’s move on to the STX Eclipse 3 lacrosse goalie head review and discuss different aspects of it.
Face Shape, Shooting, and Pocket Location
The STX Eclipse 3 sticks to the classic wide-face shape goalies love, but it’s slightly less tilted back than the Eclipse 2. That subtle change gives it a sturdier feel, especially during hard saves.
I’ve had shots hit the top plastic, and instead of bouncing out like with the Eclipse 2, this head does a better job of keeping the ball contained. Although there were a few moments where the ball popped out on tougher angles, it’s more controlled than the previous version.
Moreover, shooting off clears felt exceptionally accurate due to the stiff top section. Although the turned-in plastic can make finding the right pocket shape tricky, the centered channel gave me consistent, smooth releases.
Yet, if you are accustomed to rounded, more flexible goalie heads, this STX Eclipse 3 lacrosse goalie head review won’t suggest upgrading the Eclipse 2 to the newer variant.
Cradling, Passing, and Catching
The STX Eclipse 3 feels more balanced during cradling, with its improved stiffness, giving a steadier grip when moving the ball in and out of the pocket. STX has slightly changed the throat design. It was more rounded on the Eclipse 2, but the Eclipse 3 is more squared from the middle.
It helped with ball retention, especially in high-pressure situations when quick cradling was needed to avoid attackers. The front of the plastic has no give, which allows high-speed passing and catching.
Besides, the new throat design provides a longer area of plastic for goalies to grip. The added depth enhances quick outlet passes and adjusts grip during fast transitions.
However, the thicker plastic in the scoop area adds a slight top-heaviness, which took some time to get used for catching. Otherwise, the enhanced channel and bowl-like scoop shape give a clean release for a quick outlet pass and full-field clears.
Flexibility and Ground Ball Pick-Up
The stiffer scoop design is the highlight of the STX Eclipse 3 lacrosse goalie head review. It has a wider scoop, more like a bowl, rather than a flat shovel. When you scoop to the ground ball, it just goes to the ground and doesn’t lean forward like its predecessor.
The increased surface area makes executing pickups from every angle even easier. I even scooped the ground ball from the side, and it funneled smoothly into the pocket.
Moreover, the STX Eclipse 3 lacrosse goalie head ensures minimal flex during crucial ground ball situations. Otherwise, the head is noticeably stiffer around the scoop.
Thus, it’s also great for low saves and impactful ball stopping, as the head stays on top of the ball.
Defensive Capability
The added stiffness, particularly in the scoop section, provides a noticeable difference in performance when deflecting shots or controlling rebounds. The STX Eclipse 3 lacrosse goalie’s head is less prone to contortion during saves, especially when hit in the top section.
I’ve had shots where a 15-yard side-high save didn’t land in the mesh but hit the plastic and rebounded.
However, that doesn’t happen as often with the Eclipse 3. This goalie’s head stays stiff enough to handle high-impact shots, enabling more controlled defensive clears.
Stringing and Number of Holes
Stringing is not the best part of the STX Eclipse 3 lacrosse goalie head review because it’s not straightforward. Although it has 18 sidewall holes and 7 on the top, the plastic is slightly turned in. Thus, the ball hit the plastic more than with the Eclipse 2.
I restrung it with the Memory 12 diamond mesh creating a deeper pocket. After that, I found it the most channeled stick I’ve used in a long time.
Material, Durability, Flexibility, and Weight
The Eclipse 3 is slightly lighter than the Eclipse 2, weighing 15 oz. The STX design team has reduced the material around the struts to reduce the weight. However, the weight reduction does not compromise durability, making it a more reliable choice for extended use.
Moreover, the plastic is thicker, and the head doesn’t warp or break easily, even with aggressive play. According to most STX Eclipse 3 lacrosse goalie head reviews it’s slightly stiffer at the top but has the same flex in the middle.
Yet, I think the flex has reduced a bit.
Customization, Appearance, and Aesthetics
The Eclipse 3 features a sleek, shiny metallic-looking ball stop, adding a modern and stylish touch. I love the look of the Eclipse 3. The black STX logo and the ball stop are cosmetic highlights.
Furthermore, the STX Eclipse 3 lacrosse goalie head features a smooth plastic surface, making it much easier to dye. Unlike the Eclipse 2, which had rough areas in the throat sections, the finer plastic is the perfect goalie head for customization.
People Also Ask
When Was the STX Eclipse 3 Lacrosse Goalie Head Released?
The STX Eclipse 3 lacrosse goalie head was released in 2023, introducing upgrades like improved stiffness, a squarish face profile, and better ground ball pick-up performance compared to its predecessor.
What Colors Are Available for the STX Eclipse 3?
The STX Eclipse 3 lacrosse goalie head comes in classic black and white color options, designed for players seeking a sleek and modern look on the field.
How Much Does the STX Eclipse 3 Weigh?
The STX Eclipse 3 weighs 15 ounces, making it lighter than its predecessor but heavier than many other goalie heads available on the market today.
How Heavy Is a Lacrosse Goalie Stick with the Eclipse 3?
A lacrosse goalie stick with the STX Eclipse 3 head typically weighs around 45-50 ounces, depending on the shaft material and stringing setup.
How Heavy Is the ECD Impact Lacrosse Goalie Head?
The ECD Impact lacrosse goalie head is lighter than the STX Eclipse 3, weighing approximately 14 ounces, making it suitable for players preferring a more flexible and lightweight option.
This STX Eclipse 3 lacrosse goalie head review reaffirms that Eclipse 3 has set a new standard with its superior stiffness, precision, and durability. Ideal for aggressive goalies, it offers improved control and shot accuracy. While it is slightly heavy, its features outweigh the cons.
