I have seen famous players like Asher Nolting using Maverik heads. Thus, when I heard that Maverik had released the successor of Optik 3.0 after 3 years, I had to get the limited edition of Optik Force. After a week of testing it, I am here with a Maverik Optik Force lacrosse head review.
Maverik’s design team has worked hard to make it super light with amazing styling at the ball stop and side rails.
So, let’s see if this stylish lacrosse head for attack and midfield offers the best performance.
Key Features and Specifications
Before we move on to the Maverik Optik Force lacrosse head review, I would like to share its key features first.
| Position | Attack, Offensive Midfielders |
| Weight (oz) | 4.85 |
| Pocket Location | Low | Mid-low |
| Stiffness | Extremely Stiff |
| String Holes | Sideholes: 20 Top Holes: 6 |
| Face Shape | Wide |
| Ground Pickup | Good |
| Ball Release | Quick |
| Ease of Use | All |
| Spread on Shot | No |
| Level of Play | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Legality | Conforming with NCAA and NFHS Rules |
| Colors | White | Grey | Black | Hyperlite Blue | Grey Splatter | Navy Blue Splatter |
| Release Year | 2024 |
Pros:
- Lightweight and Stiff
- Accurate long-distance Shooting
- Multiple sidewall holes for pocket customization
- Better ground-ball control and cradling
- Amazing honeycomb ball stop
Cons:
- Need pocket customization to mid-low for better control
- Less flexible for a faceoff
- Shooting speed is not very high
Maverik Optik Force Lacrosse Head Ranking
I would rate the Maverik Optik Force lacrosse head a 9.2/10 on the Drip Meter.
| Attribute | Rating | Details |
| Accuracy of Shot and Pass | 9.2 | Offers quick, accurate passes and shots with a mid-low pocket. The stiff sidewalls and shorter throat improve shot consistency, even during long-distance plays. |
| Checking | 8.8 | The stiff honeycomb sidewalls and Force Tech material ensure durability for effective checks without compromising lightweight handling. |
| Ball Security | 9 | The mid-low pocket enhances ball control, while the pinched bottom rail provides additional security during dodging and transitions. |
| Catching | 8.7 | The wide top rail ensures easier catching, directing the ball to the pocket for reliable control, even when catching on the run. |
| Ground Pickup Performance | 8.9 | Aggressively angled scoop design aids fast ground ball pick-ups. However, tapered edges can be challenging during side approaches. |
| Faceoff Performance | 6 | The head’s stiffness and lack of flexibility make it less effective for face-offs, particularly during clamping. |
| Stringing | 9.5 | Features 20 sidewall holes and 6 top holes, allowing excellent customization for low or mid-low pockets to match player preferences. |
| Durability (Material and Thickness) | 9.3 | Constructed with Force Tech material for outstanding stiffness and durability, maintaining shape even during hard checks and heavy use. |
| Aesthetics/Brand Integrity | 9.2 | The honeycomb ball stop and stylish side rails offer a premium look. The splatter designs and clean white model elevate its visual appeal. |
| Cost | 8.5 | Reasonably priced for its performance, durability, and stylish design, offering excellent value for advanced and intermediate players. |
| Total | 9.2 | The Maverik Optik Force excels in accuracy, durability, and aesthetics, making it a strong choice for attackers and offensive midfielders. |
Who’s This Head Made For?
Maverik has released the Optik Force, one of the most stylish attack heads of 2024. It features a clean white look with a unique honeycomb texture along the side rails and throat.
This design isn’t just aesthetic—it improves the grip and style and looks amazing, especially after dying. Also, Maverick has launched a limited edition with a splatter effect in gray and navy.
This Maverik Optik Force lacrosse head review for young players includes another surprise: the head has a honeycomb-style 3D hollow ball stop. Well, it’s not like you can fit a gibbet here like an RC1 attack head, but the design is pretty cool.
Besides, the Maverik Optik Force has a shorter throat and a unique bottom rail design. While it’s primarily for attack, I think it’s also suitable for the midfielder who loves transitioning the ball up field.
Accuracy of Shot and Pass
Shooting speed is the most important part of the Maverik Optik Force lacrosse head review because it’s important for attack positions. The Maverik Optik Force is lighter and stiffer than the Optik 3 to offer higher shooting speed.
At 4.85 ounces, it’s one of the lightest Optic models I’ve used. It’s because the updated honeycomb design in the throat and sidewalls shave off a lot of weight.
Besides, the narrow and shorter throat design provides better hand placement to generate power. The mid-low pocket offers better control, resulting in a smooth, quick release.
It’s not the most powerful head I’ve used, but it makes up for that with consistent accuracy. Even if I am playing a long-distance shot, the ball hits the target without spreading off.
However, you can go for the Nike Surge Elite lacrosse head if you rely on speedy short-distance shots.
Catching and Cradling
With the shorter throat, I appreciate the balance between the top and bottom rails. The top rail’s wider profile helps make catching easy, especially when securing passes on the run. It easily directs the ball to the sweet spot.
Most Maverik Optik Force lacrosse head reviews suggested creating a low pocket for better cradling. However, I lost groundballs to strong checks more than once, when playing with the low pocket.
Thus, using the 20 sidewall holes, I strung a mid-low pocket with String King Performance mesh type 5s, and it worked well with the head design. The mid-low pocket depth gave me extra security during checks.
Moreover, the pinched bottom rail provided extra pocket control. It’s fantastic for quick stick handling while dodging defenders. The offset is also deep enough to cradle comfortably while keeping the ball secure.
Yet, the tapered edges of the scoop cause slight difficulty when approaching the ball from an angle. Thus, if you rely on the side-catching technique, try Strinking Mark 3V.
Checking
Attack heads usually don’t deliver stronger checks because they are lightweight. However, the Maverik Optik Force lacrosse head is strong enough to shoot powerful checks.
Although most Maverik heads are lightweight, the added Force Tech material makes it impressively stiff without sacrificing weight. At just 4.85 ounces, it’s light enough to keep your hands quick but solid enough to stand against hard checks or consistent use.
Besides, I liked the stiff side rails with three struts featuring a honeycomb texture. This stiffness improves contact play, providing confidence during checks.
The head smoothly absorbs impact while transferring minimal rattle despite having only one screw hole. The mid-low pocket securely scoops the groundballs, perfect for transitioning from defense to offensive midfielder.
Ground Ball Pick-Up and Faceoff
The scoop on the Maverik Optik Force has an aggressive angle that works beautifully for ground ball. The wide scoop lets me attack the ball confidently, even when fighting for possession against two or three opponents.
It has the right shape to slide under the ball without getting caught up on the turf, which is a huge plus during tight, high-pressure moments.
However, the lack of flexibility makes it difficult to win loose balls during a faceoff. The head holds its shape well and won’t warp easily, but that rigidity makes it less forgiving when trying to clamp during faceoffs.Despite the amazing groundball scooping, my Maverik Optik Force lacrosse head review won’t suggest it to faceoff specialists. I think StringKing Mark 3F and Nike CEO 3 can offer better options.
People Also Ask
When Was the Maverik Optik Force Lacrosse Head Released?
The Maverik Optik Force lacrosse head was released in 2024, marking it as a successor to the Optik 3.0 after three years.
What Is the Weight of the Maverik Optik Force Lacrosse Head?
The Maverik Optik Force lacrosse head weighs 4.85 ounces, making it one of the lightest heads for attack and offensive midfield positions.
What Colors Are Available for the Maverik Optik Force Lacrosse Head?
The Maverik Optik Force lacrosse head is available in White, Grey, Black, Hyperlite Blue, Grey Splatter, and Navy Blue Splatter.
What Are the Key Features of the Maverik Optik Force Lacrosse Head?
The Maverik Optik Force features extreme stiffness, a mid-low pocket, 20 sidewall holes, a honeycomb ball stop, a short throat design, and a lightweight build for quick releases and accurate shots.
Is the Maverik Optik Force Lacrosse Head Legal for NCAA and NFHS Play?
Yes, the Maverik Optik Force lacrosse head conforms to NCAA and NFHS rules, making it suitable for competitive play at intermediate and advanced levels.
The Maverik Optic 3 was solid, but the Optic Force feels like a polished upgrade, especially with its shorter throat and added durability.
I wouldn’t deny that it is extremely stiff and the tapered sides of the scoop have a learning curve. Yet, it’s a perfect attack head. I loved how easily it snatches up loose balls and delivers accurate shots. Therefore, carefully consider the trade-offs from the Maverik Optik Force lacrosse head review and then buy it.
