Maverik Optik Force Lacrosse Head Review
The successor to the Optik 3.0: lighter, stiffer and dressed up with a honeycomb ball stop. A week of testing on attack and in the alley.
LaxDrip verdict: a polished upgrade over the Optik 3 with a shorter throat, added durability and consistent long-range accuracy. A perfect attack head.
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I have seen famous players like Asher Nolting using Maverik heads. Thus, when I heard that Maverik had released the successor of the Optik 3.0 after 3 years, I had to get the limited edition of the 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.
I put it through what I'd put any new attack head through before a kid takes it into a game: wall ball with both hands, time-and-room shots from up top, quick sticks on the doorstep, and live one-on-ones with a pole hacking at my gloves. Same drills you'd see at a Virginia Beach summer clinic, a Section III practice in upstate New York, or a box session in Ontario.
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.
- Brand
- Maverik
- Position
- Attack | Midfield
- Cost
- $109.99
- Level
- Intermediate | Advanced
- Legality
- NCAA & NFHS
- Year released
- 2024
- Colors
- White
- Grey
- Black
- Hyperlite Blue
- Grey Splatter
- Navy Blue Splatter
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4.85 oz |
| Pocket Location | Mid-Low |
| Stiffness | Extremely stiff (Force Tech) |
| Sidewall Holes | 20 |
| Sidewall | Three struts with honeycomb texture |
| Throat | Short, narrow, one screw hole |
| Ball Stop | Honeycomb-style 3D hollow |
| Predecessor | Maverik Optik 3.0 |
Pros & Cons
- Lightweight and stiff
- Accurate long-distance shooting
- Multiple sidewall holes for pocket customization
- Better ground-ball control and cradling
- Amazing honeycomb ball stop
- Needs 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.
| Category | Bar | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Drip MeterLightweight, extremely stiff and accurate from distance. Docked slightly for faceoff rigidity and raw shot speed. | 9.2 |
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 looks amazing, especially after dyeing. Also, Maverik 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. It's not as out there as the 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. (Middies, see our best lacrosse heads for middies.)
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 Optik models I've used. It's because the updated honeycomb design in the throat and sidewalls shaves 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 taking 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 the ball 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 StringKing Type 5s performance mesh, and it worked well with the head design. The mid-low pocket depth gave me extra security during checks. (Here's more on the different types of lacrosse pockets.)
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 the StringKing Mark 3V (read our Mark 3V review).
Checking
Attack heads usually don't deliver stronger checks because they are lightweight. However, the Maverik Optik Force lacrosse head is strong enough to throw 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 offense as a midfielder.
Ground Ball Pick-Up and Faceoff
The scoop on the Maverik Optik Force has an aggressive angle that works beautifully for ground balls. 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 the StringKing Mark 3F and Nike CEO 3 can offer better options. See all our best faceoff heads.
Battle Lax: Maverik Optik Force Unstrung Head$109.99
Want it ready to play? Battle Lax also sells a custom pre-strung Hyperlite Blue Optik Force ($149.99) and the Optik Force Degree Series ($139.99).
See it live
Want to see the Optik Force up close? Here's a full review from YouTube.
More Optik videos:
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. For more, see our lightest lacrosse heads and shafts.
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. Here's what makes a lacrosse stick illegal.
Final Word
The Maverik Optik 3 was solid, but the Optik 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 this Maverik Optik Force lacrosse head review and then buy it.
Buy the Optik Force at Battle Lax Shop all men's heads
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