Maverik Kinetik Carbon Complete Stick Review
A Kinetik 2.0 head on Maverik's ultralight carbon shaft. Built for attackers and offensive middies who want power and control in one twig.
LaxDrip verdict: an elite-level complete stick that offers a winning combination of performance, versatility, and durability.
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Overview
Trusted by Zed Williams, I was waiting to get my hands on the Maverik Kinetik Carbon complete stick in the field. Finally, I went ahead and tried it, and there is plenty to like about this complete stick.
Versatility is key for me as a right-handed attacker, and this stick checks many boxes. From Maverik's ultralight carbon shaft to the Kinetik 2.0 head, from Control Core technology to Ground Control technology, it performed well in many offensive aspects. Although, some points did not make sense to me.
I ran it the way I'd run any new twig before handing it to a player: wall ball, shooting from up top and behind X, then live reps with poles slapping at it. The kind of test every coach from upstate New York to Virginia Beach puts a stick through before trusting it in a game.
Key Details
- Brand
- Maverik
- Position
- Attack | Midfield
- Cost
- $149.99
- Level
- High School and College+
- Legality
- NCAA & NFHS
- Year released
- 2023
- Colors
- White
- Black
Product Specs
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.2 oz (head only) |
| Pocket Location | Mid-High |
| Stiffness | Stiff |
| String Holes | Sidewall: 20 on each side | Top Holes: 6 |
| Release Year | 2023 |
| Face Shape | Narrow and Tight |
| Ground Pickup | Good |
| Ball Release | On Time |
| Ease of Use | Advanced Beginners | Intermediate |
| Position | Midfield | Offense |
| Gender | Male |
| Spread on Shot | Intermediate Sharpshooter |
| Level of Play | High School and College+ |
Battle Lax doesn't currently stock the Kinetik Carbon complete. For the same Maverik carbon-complete setup at the same $149.99, check the Maverik Tactik 2 Carbon Complete Stick, or build your own around the newer Maverik Kinetik 3 head ($109.99).
Maverik Kinetik Carbon Complete Stick Ranking
Drip Meter: each row ranked between 0 and 10.
| Category | Bar | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy of Shot and PassPassing accuracy can be tricky at the start but with a little practice, it can be one of the most high-power accurate sticks. | 8 | |
| CheckingThe aggressive scoop shape and offset design make it easy to deliver punishing blows to opposing players on the field. | 8.5 | |
| Cradling Performance / Ball SecurityThe implementation of the patented Control Core technology on the Maverik Kinetik Carbon favors efficient cradling. | 9 | |
| CatchingThe Kinetik Carbon has a narrow face requiring a higher skill level to make consistent catches. | 8 | |
| Ground Pickup PerformanceThe Kinetik Carbon is great at picking up ground balls with an aggressive scoop that funnels ground balls into its secure narrow pocket. | 9 | |
| Faceoff PerformanceIt delivers mixed results during faceoffs. The head is more so on the rigid side. | 7.5 | |
| StringabilityIt has an ample amount of sidewall stringing holes and is prestrung impressively by the pros. | 9 | |
| Durability (Material and Thickness)It has a durable design. DuraTough plastic is used in the head whereas carbon composite shafts can withstand a good amount of rigors. | 9 | |
| Drippiness / Aesthetics / Brand IntegrityThe Kinetik Carbon has a professional and minimalist design. It looks good. | 8.5 | |
| CostGreat value for the quality. The patented technologies introduced by Maverik in this stick are worth the investment. | 8.5 | |
| TotalOverall the head can hold its own in all areas with the right pocket. | 8.5/10 |
Pros & Cons
- Control Core technology
- Ground Control technology
- Level 4 Bottom Rail
- Aggressive face shape
- Patented X-Rails
- Strung by pros
- Balanced flexibility and durability
- Good angle of attack for ground balls
- 6-month warranty (terms applied)
- Shaft might break under heavy use
- Might be challenging for absolute beginners
- Not good for advanced players
Who's This Stick Made For?
The Maverik Kinetik Carbon complete stick is designed for attackers and attacking midfielders. This makes it perfect for players like me who play in pressure offensive scenarios. Released in 2023, this stick is made for men. It has the conventional properties of Maverik's Carbon shaft and Kinetik 2.0 head.
One of the standout features of the Kinetik Carbon is its energy transfer on the balls. The narrow throat and face shape allow for proper power transfer. This gives the players the confidence for accuracy and high-speed shots. Maverik claims that Kinetik Carbon will always deliver.
If you are someone who likes to adjust the end cap to your preferred length, Maverik has got you covered with their Carbon composite shaft. (Not sure what length you need? See our guide to lacrosse shaft lengths.)
However, it did not make sense to me why Maverik went ahead with the Kinetik 2.0 head (launched in 2020) instead of the Kinetik 3.0 (launched in 2023). Maybe they will upgrade this in the future.
Accuracy of Shot and Pass
Primarily, this is an offense head. So the throat and face width are narrow. Generally, the narrow throat and face shape certainly lend themselves to precise shots and passes, but initially, I found them to be delivering mixed results. The power on the shots was brilliant, whereas I struggled with the accuracy at times. Most of the time, the ball tilted slightly right off my target.
Ideally, attackers prefer low pockets for accuracy. However, the Kinetik 2.0 has somewhat of a mid-high pocket. I was skeptical of this but interestingly, the feedback I received with mid-high pockets was good. (Here's how the different types of lacrosse pockets compare.)
I must commend the better ball control. It allowed me to pick my targets without having to worry about the ball rolling up in the pocket. With a little practice, I was able to pass and shoot overhead, behind the back, sidearm, and underarm with accuracy. In terms of shot speed, hands down, it gets the job done for shooters like me who prefer a strong and good energy transfer.
In comparison with the original Kinetik head, the Kinetik 2.0 is more refined and advanced in technology. A good tradeoff would be the StringKing Complete 2 or the STX Stallion 1K (here's our STX Stallion 1K review).
Catching and Cradling
The Maverik Kinetik Carbon excels in catching and cradling. The narrow throat and face width make it easy to snag passes and keep the ball snug during checks. Plus, the mid-high pocket location provides a perfect blend of control and release. The depth of the pocket allows for efficient catching and cradling.
One thing I appreciate about the Kinetik Carbon is its consistency. Unlike some other sticks I have used, this one held its shape on the field, ensuring every catch feels as crisp as the first. And thanks to the strategic placement of the sidewalls, the ball stayed secure in the pocket, even during aggressive checks.
Being an attacker, you have to be efficient and have full control over your stick on the field. The Control Core technology offers an optimal stress distribution across the head. While playing, I found it to be fully supportive of vertical and sidearm cradling. At no point did I feel the need to exert extra hold. I was able to perform basic, face dodge, split dodge, and roll dodge cradling with ease. It felt like a second skin.
Checking
When it comes to checking, the Maverik Kinetik Carbon was again on point with its performance. The narrow key shape face and tighter throat ensured maximum contact with the ball. Its aggressive scoop shape and offset design made it easier for me to deliver punishing blows to opposing players on the field.
Additionally, the patented X-Rail shape of the sidewalls provides added strength and rigidity. I can affirm that it has the right amount of strength-to-weight ratio. I went on to throw precise and punishing poke, lift, slap, and wrap checks without sacrificing durability and stiffness.
In this price range, I think the Kinetik Carbon is the best option to throw checks.
Ground Pick-Up and Faceoff
The Maverik Kinetik Carbon has a good angle of attack on the ground balls. It has a roundish scoop shape and a head width of 6 ½ inches. The angled scoop makes it easy to scoop up ground balls on the fly. The head width provides added stability during faceoffs. Had it been a low pocket head, winning ground balls could be more efficient.
The rigidity of the Kinetik Carbon ensures that it maintains its shape even under heavy use. I went on to win 8/10 ground balls with scoop, bucket, trap and pick, and cradle and pick. The round and curvy shape made it easier for me to get under the ball without having to worry about the digging of the head in the field.
However, I would not rate it highly for faceoffs. I tried different moves. It works well with clamp and rake, however, it performs average with jam and plunger. If you're a FOGO, look at our best faceoff heads instead.
See it live
Want to see the Kinetik and Optik completes up close? Here's Maverik's 2023 complete stick lineup on YouTube.
More Kinetik videos:
Final Remarks
All in all, the Maverik Kinetik Carbon is a standout elite-level stick that offers a winning combination of performance, versatility, and durability. From its precision-engineered design to its innovative features, this stick is sure to improve your game.
Still shopping? Compare it against our best lacrosse sticks and best attack lacrosse heads.
Shop complete sticks at Battle Lax Shop the Tactik 2 Carbon
Battle Lax: Maverik Tactik 2 Carbon Complete Stick$149.99
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