Our top-rated attack head: lightweight, strong, tons of sidewall holes, and a tight face shape
- Position: Attack
- Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Legality: All levels of play
- Colors: White, black, blue, gray
- Cost Range: $$
- Year Released: 2018
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Of all the attack heads we've reviewed here at Lax Drip, the Maverik Optik 2.0 is our favorite only after the just-released Maverik Optik 3.0.
The updated version of the original Optik head has everything you want in an attack head: a light weight, high stiffness and durability, a great scoop, and an offset that makes for a nice low to mid/low pocket.
If you are a dodging and feeding attackman, the Optik 2.0 is the best head currently on the market in my opinion.
This Maverik Optik 2.0 review will go over everything you need to know about this awesome head to decide if it's right for you.
Key Details of the Maverik Optik 2.0
Maverik Optik 2.0 | |
---|---|
Brand | |
Best position | Attack |
Weight | 4.75 oz |
Ideal pocket | Low to mid/low |
Stiffness | Above-average |
Durability | Above-average |
# Stringing Holes | Average |
Shape & Material
The Maverik Optik 2.0 has a relatively tight face shape that is very pinched towards the throat and gradually widens out until around three-quarters up the head, at which point it has a more dramatic flare out.
Its max offset is around the bottom third of the head, making it ideal for low to mid/low pockets, which many attackmen prefer since they are great for one-handed cradling and provide a quick, smooth release.
The X-Rail Technology in the sidewall struts increases stiffness while reducing weight. It seems Maverik has cut out some material in other places compared to the original Optik to help reduce the weight even more. Finally, the Duratough material also keeps the head stiff even on those hot summer days.
Scoop
When I tested out my friend's Optik 2.0, the scoop felt great. Picking up ground balls was a breeze no matter what angle I approached the ball or where the ball was along the scoop.
As you can tell by the images above, the scoop has a pretty sharp angle, making it easy to grab GBs without having to get the butt end of your stick super close to the ground.
Stringing Holes
If I had to pick the biggest flaw of the Optik 2.0, it would probably be the number of stringing holes.
While there are still a good amount (16 sidewall holes per side), there aren't quite as many as other elite heads that hit the market today. This is especially true towards the top of the head where the first 5 holes are quite large, taking up a lot of space.
Though it may take a bit to figure out how to string your ideal pocket in the Optik 2.0, I don't think the small lack of sidewall holes is a reason to avoid this head.
One other thing to note about the sidewall holes is that they have Maverik's Tension Lock technology that allows you to pull the mesh closer and tighter to the sidewalls.
Pros & Cons of the Maverik Optik 2.0
Here are the some notable benefits and drawbacks of the Maverik Optik 2.0 to consider if you are trying to decide whether to buy one or not.
Pros
- Lightweight. Weighing in at only 4.75 ounces, the Optik 2.0 is one of the lightest heads on the market.
- Tight face shape. The narrow face shape—especially towards the throat—help give you good hold, accuracy, and consistency.
- Stiff & durable. Many attack heads sacrifice stiffness and durability in order to be light. Not the Optik 2.0…its advanced design provides more stiffness with less material.
- Great scoop. As mentioned above, the Optik 2.0 has a great scoop that makes it easy to pick up ground balls from a variety of angles.
- Variety of colors. You have your choice from a number of colors including white, black, gray, and blue.
Cons
- Could use more sidewall holes. As detailed earlier, the Optik 2.0 could benefit from a few more sidewall holes.
- Not great for mid/high & high pockets. With the max offset being so close to the throat of the head, the Optik 2.0 isn't great for stringing mid/high and high pockets.
Who is the Maverik Optik 2.0 Best for?
Given that the Maverik Optik 2.0 is #1 on our list of the best attack heads, it is best suited for attackmen—especially those that like to initiate the offense.
Having the maximum offset low on the head lends to a great low pocket for one-handed cradling and a smooth, quick release. The stiffness and durability of the head also help make sure it won't bend during groundballs or when you get checked.
This head is also a solid choice for midfielders who prefer lower pockets. The one caveat would be faceoff midfielders since this head isn't particularly known for or designed for faceoffs (see our favorite faceoff heads here).