Maverik Tactik 3.0 Lacrosse Head Review
A stiff, accurate do-it-all midfield head with a mid pocket, Control Core and Ground Scoop tech. Here's how it plays from the cage to the defensive end.
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Key Features
- Brand
- Maverik
- Position
- Midfield
- Cost
- $99.99 unstrung at launch ($109.99 at BattleLax)
- Level
- All
- Legality
- NCAA and NFHS legal
- Released
- 2022
- Colors
- Black
- Grey
- Hyperlite Blue
- White
Product Specs
| Weight | 5.1 oz |
| Pocket location | Mid |
| Stiffness | Stiff |
| String holes | Top: 6 · Sidewall: 20 |
| Face shape | Narrow |
| Ground pick-up | Good |
| Ball release | On time |
| Ease of use | Intermediate to advanced |
| Position | Midfield |
| Gender | Men's |
| Spread on shot | A sharpshooter |
| Level of play | All |
Shop the Maverik Tactik 3.0 at Battle Lax ($109.99)
Maverik Tactik 3.0 Drip Rating
Each category on the Drip Meter is ranked from 0 to 10.
| Category | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy of shot and pass | 9 | The passing accuracy and shot precision are impressive. |
| Checking | 8.5 | The head holds up well in aggressive, punishing checks. |
| Cradling and ball security | 9 | The mid pocket and Control Core make cradling secure. |
| Catching | 9 | Control Core technology makes catching easy. |
| Ground ball pick-up | 9 | Ground Scoop technology makes it great on ground balls. |
| Faceoffs | 7.5 | The flatter offset means you have to get lower to the ground. |
| Stringability | 8.5 | 20 sidewall holes give you plenty of pocket options. |
| Durability | 9 | DuraTough plastic handles pressure and harsh weather, and 3 struts add strength. |
| Drip, looks and brand | 9 | Maverik has a great reputation in the lacrosse world. |
| Cost | 8.5 | Great value for the quality. |
| Total | 8.7 |
Pros & Cons
- Versatile
- Excellent mid-range shooting
- Control Core technology
- Level 3 Rail
- Optimal release point
- Ground Scoop technology
- DuraTough plastic
- Lots of colors
- Shoots a bit low for attackmen
- Takes some skill to use
Shop men's heads at Battle Lax
Who's This Head Made For?
Ever since the Tactik 3.0 hit the shelves in 2022, I've wanted to try it. My interest really got piqued when I watched a video of Logan Wisnauskas using it.
Having used the Tactik 2.0 before, I noticed the big updates and improvements right away.
The Tactik series is built for all-purpose, do-it-all midfielders who like to create space and make plays with quick decisions. Like the Tactik 2.0, the 3.0 is ideal for short-range shooters and accurate passers.
But I think the new tech and upgrades make it the best offensive midfield head in the Tactik line for moving between offense and defense.
Coach's note: The two-way middie is the guy I trust most on the field, whether it's an upstate New York playoff game, a Virginia Beach summer tournament or a night in an Ontario box. He needs a head that feeds, shoots on the run and can still throw a check when the ball turns over. That's exactly the job the Tactik was built for.
Shot and Pass Accuracy
The Tactik 3.0 has a slightly tight throat and face. Thanks to the Level 3 Rail and the mid pocket, I could feel the head building power for precise shots and passes.
My shots were a little slower than I like as an attackman. But since this head is built for mid-range shooters, it wasn't a problem.
Compared to the Tactik 2.0, the 3.0 is a bit lighter at 5.1 oz. The weight difference was small for me, but I liked that Maverik didn't give up any stiffness or durability. It's made with Maverik's DuraTough plastic, which holds up to pressure and harsh weather, summer and winter.
I liked the stiffness, because it gave me confidence shooting in the offensive zone during intense play. I tried to bend the head with one hand, and it resisted warping well.
The release point is dialed in for super-quick plays. With the right skills, you'll be a threat to score or feed.
The Tactik 3.0 gave me excellent ball control, but I felt it lacked a little shooting power.
If you want a midfield head built for high-speed shooting, consider the STX Surgeon 700 or the stiffer StringKing Mark 3V Head ($119.99). But if control and feel are your priorities, the Tactik 3.0 is definitely worth a look.
Catching and Cradling
It's no exaggeration to say the Tactik 3.0 gave me superior ball control when catching and cradling. This is where Control Core technology shines. It gave me a great feel and responsiveness.
If you're not familiar with Control Core, it uses specific materials and design to cut down vibration and unnecessary ball movement in the head for a more controlled feel.
I consistently found a reliable catching spot in the mid pocket and felt stable cradling. The Level 3 Rail, with medium stiffness and support, struck a good balance between rigidity for consistent control and flex for handling.
The 3 struts placed in each sidewall added strength, durability and stability. Hands down, it beat my expectations in the catch-and-cradle department.
Checking
The Tactik 3.0 was a strong performer in checking situations. Its stiff build let me throw punishing, aggressive checks. The stiff build and curved scoop worked really well together, and I won 8 out of 10 checks, which was pretty impressive.
As a middie, a stiffer head is crucial, unlike the StringKing Mark 2, which falls short on checks because it's more flexible.
The stiffness, plus the Level 3 Rail's stiffness and durability, let me make aggressive plays and win possession. I liked the funnel-shaped scoop, which helped me keep the ball in the tight channel and made it tough for opponents to get it back.
Thanks to the light weight and the somewhat flatter offset, I could throw quick stick checks and win the ball with minimal wind-up. For an offensive midfield head, checking this well is a nice bonus.
Shop the Maverik Tactik 3.0 at Battle Lax ($109.99)
Ground Ball Pick-Up and Faceoffs
The Tactik 3.0 has a curved scoop with Ground Scoop technology, and I noticed the upgrade right away. The scoop funneled the ball toward the mid pocket, and the head's width let me scoop even the toughest bounces.
The scoop angle meant I had to crouch a little lower to scoop cleanly, but I never worried about the ball bouncing off the head.
What impressed me most was the head's balance of rigidity and flex. It stayed rigid enough to hold its shape and stay stable, but flexed enough to absorb impact and avoid warping.
That said, the Tactik 3.0 isn't designed for faceoffs, so I wouldn't use it to take draws. See our best faceoff heads instead.
Shop the Tactik 3.0 and midfield gear at BattleLax
Compare it with other midfield heads, and grab mesh and a shaft to finish your stick.
| Gear | Why it's here | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Maverik Tactik 3.0 Unstrung Head | Reviewed here | $109.99 |
| StringKing Mark 3V Head | Stiffer middie head | $119.99 |
| Warrior Evo QX-O Head | Budget middie head | $99.99 |
| Maverik Optik Force Head | Maverik attack head | $109.99 |
| ECD Hero 4.0 Complete Kit | Mesh and strings | $34.99 |
| Maverik Caliber 2026 Shaft | Maverik shaft | From $129.99 |
People also ask
Is the Maverik Tactik 3.0 good for middies?
Yes. It's built for do-it-all midfielders, with a mid pocket, great accuracy and enough stiffness to check.
How much does the Maverik Tactik 3.0 weigh?
About 5.1 oz, a little lighter than the Tactik 2.0.
Can you face off with the Tactik 3.0?
It's not designed for faceoffs, so we don't recommend it for taking draws.
When did the Maverik Tactik 3.0 come out?
In 2022.
Where can I buy the Maverik Tactik 3.0?
BattleLax carries the Tactik 3.0 for $109.99.
Final Remarks
I found the Maverik Tactik 3.0 incredibly easy to catch and scoop with. Based on my experience, mid-range shooters will love how it performs. Catching, cradling, passing, shooting and scooping, this head won't let you down on the field.
