The #1 Problem With the Eclipse 2 — Solved
The Eclipse 2 was the most popular goalie head in the game for years. But it had one well-documented weakness — foldback. On hard shots, particularly high shots or shots to the top corners, the Eclipse 2 head would flex backward at the tip enough to let balls squeeze through that should have been saves. It was a frustrating failure mode for a head that performed excellently in every other category.
STX went back and engineered the Eclipse 3 specifically to solve this. The result is a head that is 30% stiffer than the Eclipse 2 with no added weight — EnduraForm material and updated wall geometry deliver the extra rigidity exactly where foldback happened most. Shots that used to squeeze past the Eclipse 2 at the top of the head now stay out. That alone makes the Eclipse 3 worth the upgrade for any serious goalie still running an Eclipse 2.
Speed Scoop — Owning Your Crease
A goalie's job does not end when they make the save. Ground balls in the crease — balls that dribble loose after saves, balls that bounce in from checks, balls that roll to your feet — are a critical part of the position. The Eclipse 3's Speed Scoop is redesigned with a bowl-like geometry that creates a trap for the ball, making it easier to scoop from tight angles directly at your feet. You can press down from above and snap the ball up into the stick, or rake it in from the side — both work cleanly.
The improved clamping action on the scoop also means you can secure loose balls in traffic faster, which gets your team moving up the field quicker on clears.
Ergonomic Throat — Any Grip, Any Position
The Eclipse 3 features an updated throat design that is more squared from the middle compared to the rounded throat on the Eclipse 2. This gives goalies a longer area of plastic to grip in the top hand — important because every goalie grips their stick differently and the throat needs to work comfortably in multiple hand positions. There is also a small protruding nub on the front of the throat that serves as a finger rest for your pointer finger — a subtle but genuinely useful detail for goalies who grip high on the throat.
The improved throat design also helps with ball retention in high-pressure situations where quick cradling is needed to avoid shot blockers and set up fast outlet passes.
Memory Mesh 11D & Outlet Handle
The complete stick ships with STX's new Memory Mesh 11D — a 11-diamond goalie mesh designed to maintain consistent pocket shape and provide reliable ball feel for outlet passes and clears. The ghost pocket configuration it ships in gives you a clean starting point you can adjust if you prefer a different setup.
The Outlet handle is a 34-inch 7075 alloy shaft with an ergonomic teardrop shape and textured grip zones specifically designed to prevent the handle from twisting in your hands on hard shots or off-center catches. Every goalie has felt a handle rotate in their grip during a big save attempt — the Outlet's textured grip zones eliminate that. The 7075 alloy is a premium aluminum alloy used in aerospace applications — significantly stronger than standard 6000 series alloy.
Eclipse 3 vs Eclipse 2 — Should You Upgrade?
If you are currently running an Eclipse 2 and experiencing foldback on hard shots, the Eclipse 3 is a clear upgrade worth the investment. The 30% stiffness improvement directly addresses that issue. If your Eclipse 2 is performing well and you are not experiencing foldback problems, the upgrade is less urgent — the face shape and core design are similar. For anyone buying a goalie stick for the first time or replacing worn out equipment, the Eclipse 3 is the obvious choice — it is the best complete goalie stick on the market right now at any price.
Who Is It For?
- A serious goalie at any level
- An Eclipse 2 user experiencing foldback
- A high school or college goalie
- A goalie buying their first elite-level stick
- Someone who wants a complete stick ready out of the box
- A beginner goalie — more affordable options exist
- A goalie who strongly prefers a rounded head profile
- Looking for the lightest goalie head available (try ECD Impact)
How It Compares
| Goalie Stick | Price | Stiffness | Complete | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STX Eclipse 3 Complete | $199.99 | 30% stiffer than E2 | Yes | Elite goalies all levels |
| STX Eclipse 2 Complete | $171.99 | Standard | Yes | Intermediate / Advanced |
| ECD Impact Complete | $199.99 | Medium-High | Yes | Goalies who prefer lighter head |
| Warrior Nemesis 3 Complete | $179.99 | Stiff | Yes | All levels |
| STX Shield 100 Complete | $89.99 | Medium | Yes | Recreational / Youth |
Final Verdict
The STX Eclipse 3 is the best goalie stick on the market and it is not particularly close. It solves the only real weakness of the Eclipse 2 with a 30% stiffness upgrade that eliminates foldback, adds a redesigned Speed Scoop that wins ground balls from any angle, and ships as a complete stick with premium Memory Mesh 11D and the Outlet handle ready to play. For any goalie serious about their position — from high school through college — the Eclipse 3 is the answer. At $199.99 it is an investment, but it is the kind of equipment that shows up in big moments.