How to Choose Maverik Charger Lacrosse Sticks for Attack

How to Choose Maverik Charger Lacrosse Sticks for Attack

Choosing a Light and Balanced Stick for Faster Shots

When selecting a Maverik Charger lacrosse stick for attack positions, one of the most important factors to consider is the overall weight and balance of the stick. The lighter the stick, the easier it will be to maneuver quickly and take fast shots on goal. Attack players rely on speed and agility to create separation from defenders, so having a stick that doesn’t slow you down is crucial.

Many of the latest composite Maverik Charger sticks utilize ultra-lightweight carbon fiber or alloy metals in the shaft construction to reduce mass while still providing excellent stiffness and durability. For example, the Maverik Kinetic complete stick has a shaft made of premium-grade carbon composite that only weighs 4.9 oz. This incredibly light shaft paired with the Charger head allows players to whip their sticks through passing and shooting motions with ease.

In addition to minimizing weight, a properly balanced Charger stick will feel like an extension of your arms with no unwieldy heavy points. When cradling and stickhandling at top speeds, you want the balance point to align naturally with your hands instead of feeling handle-heavy or head-heavy. Maverik engineers their sticks to remove any awkward weighting by using lighter materials in the optimal proportions.

Beyond saving energy and preventing fatigue over the course of a game, lightweight and balanced Charger sticks translate directly into better attack performance. The quicker you can wind up and release shots with enhanced control, the more dangerous of a scoring threat you’ll be to opposing defenses. Even fractionally faster release speeds and tighter shot accuracy can be the difference between tickling twine and hitting pipe.

So take stock of the overall heft and balance next time you pick up a new Maverik Charger head and shaft combo. The lighter and more agile your stick feels while cradling and shooting, the better suited it will be for allowing you to aggressively dodge defenders and finish at the cage. Dominating the attack position requires fast footwork and even faster stick work, both of which are aided tremendously by choosing the lightest and best balanced Maverik Charger stick available.

Picking Stiff Carbon Shafts for Powerful Passing

When playing attack, having the ability to quickly move the ball through crisp, accurate passes is a must. A Maverik Charger lacrosse stick equipped with a stiff carbon fiber shaft will give you the perfect combination of lightweight feel and power transfer needed to dominate in the passing game.

The stiffness of the shaft directly correlates to how much energy is retained as the stick flexes and then unleashes during passing and shooting. Stiffer carbon materials like those found in the Maverik Union and Kinetic lines do an excellent job absorbing and recoiling energy. This allows you to channel all your strength into passes without losing any velocity or precision due to shaft flex. The result is consistently zippy passes from any distance on the field.

In addition, these sturdy carbon shafts provide excellent durability over the life of the stick. While alloy metals can dent and bend easier, premium carbon fiber will retain its stiff, energetic responsiveness even after taking slashes and checks. The higher strength-to-weight ratio makes carbon one of the best high-performance shaft materials available.

When stringing up a Charger head for passing, choose a firm mesh that complements the rigidity of the shaft. Medium and semi-soft mesh pockets tend to take longer to break in and feel sloppy for passing at first. A more structured mesh will mirror the crispness of the carbon shaft to further enhance quick ball movement.

Beyond the shaft and stringing, having the proper passing mechanics is key to taking advantage of the powerful energy transfer of stiff carbon sticks. Rotate your top hand thumb down and away on passes to recruit more lower body drive. Lead with your bottom arm pointing to the target, and whip the stick through the motion while letting the top hand guide accuracy. With the right techniques and a perfectly tuned carbon fiber Maverik Charger stick, you’ll be hitting teammates in stride for quick goals.

Next time you need a new stick for commanding the attack position, pick up a Maverik Charger complete stick or shaft that leverages the strength and responsiveness of carbon fiber construction. The optimal blend of lightweight feel and power transfer will give you the passing precision and velocity required to jumpstart the offense.

Choosing Heads with Straight Sidewalls for Enhanced Accuracy

When accuracy is a must for attack players looking to pick corners on tricky shots, a Maverik Charger head with straight sidewalls can provide an accuracy advantage. The stiff straight rails along the side of these heads promote consistent shot precision andoverall improved stick performance.

Heads like the Maverik Optic feature elite-level construction with premium-grade stiffened plastics in the sidewalls. This rigid framework prevents the walls from warping or flexing during hard cradle and shot motions. With straight sidewalls that hold their shape, the margin of error on passes, catches, and shots tightens up considerably.

The rigidity continues through the scoop and throat of the head as well. A sturdy and angled scoop makes for smooth ground ball pickups. The stiffened throat maintains structure after countless checks. Together, these design elements work in harmony to keep the entire head stable and straight for maximizing accuracy.

Straight sidewalls also encourage a more consistent and precise pocket formation. Softer heads can bulge and take on awkward pocket shapes, leading to less control. But pockets strung into a stiff sidewall hold a defined pocket shape better. This allows for tuning the pocket exactly how you like for ideal ball control and hold.

On shots, the enhanced energy transfer from the sidewalls to the ball creates faster and more accurate shots with less flutter or wobble. Defenders are unable to react in time as the ball accelerates off your stick in a truer trajectory compared to more flexible heads.

While pinch and accuracy was once an issue for earlier generations of synthetic heads, modern stiff sidewall technology has closed the gap. Today’s straight, sturdy sidewalls allow for surgical precision similar to traditional wooden sticks. Finding the right combination of hold, feel, and consistency ultimately comes down to stringing up the optimal pocket. But you can’t go wrong starting with a Charger head featuring rigid sidewalls.

All in all, experienced attack players know that placement and precision shooting can only be achieved with a head that has straight sidewalls. Look for this feature as you shop for your next Maverik Charger to gain any accuracy advantage possible when challenging cage corners from tough angles.

Picking Soft Mesh for Excellent Ball Control

Once you’ve selected the ideal Maverik Charger head and shaft combo, dialing in the perfect pocket with a soft mesh is key for excellent overall ball control as an attack player.

Mesh pocket materials run the gamut from stiff to soft and everywhere in between. While firmer meshes have their place, nothing beats the superior hold and feel of an expertly strung soft mesh pocket. The flexibility allows for more give when cradling, catching, and releasing for unparalleled levels of ball control.

Soft meshes also conform to the shape of the ball better thanks to more malleable materials like wax- or oil-treated varieties. This custom fit around the ball enhances overall feel and hold throughout all motions. Soft pockets provide the tactile feedback needed for cradling and shooting with confidence.

In addition, the inherent flexibility of soft mesh allows for greater pocket movement on passes and shots. More “whip” generates faster ball speeds. A soft pocket also retains the liveliness and responsiveness longer as the mesh breaks in over time.

While firmer meshes can be more consistent right off the hop, a patient break-in period with soft mesh pays dividends in the long run. Working a soft pocket in with heavy use molds the ideal sweet spot tailored to your particular playing style and preferences.

Stringing up the right soft mesh pocket is an art form in itself. Evaluating different pocket styles like mid-lows, mid-highs, bags, and channels allows you to further customize ball control. An expert stringer can advise you on knots, shooters, and other fine tuning to extract every advantage from high-end soft mesh.

At the end of the day, the soft, flexible feel of a pro-quality mesh perfectly complements the responsive carbon materials found in most modern Maverik Charger sticks. Take the time to dial in the right soft mesh pocket for your game, and the improved control will be undeniable the next time you hit the field to attack the cage.

Choosing Heads with Open Sidewalls for Quick Ball Release

When playing attack, a lightning-quick shot release can mean the difference between beating the goalie top shelf or hitting pipe. This is where selecting a Maverik Charger head featuring an open sidewall design really shines.

Open sidewall technology utilizes large triangle cutouts along the side rails of the head. This opens up the upper corners of the sidewalls significantly. How does this engineering translate down on the field? By promoting cleaner and faster ball release off of shots.

Less restrictive sidewalls reduce friction and allow the ball to pop off the stick with less resistance. Those open corners essentially give the ball an express lane right out of the pocket. Maverik’s Optic U and Kinetik heads take this concept to the extreme for unprecedented ball speed potential.

The quick release advantage also remains consistent even as weather conditions and pocket wear enter the equation. Open rails shed rain, snow, and mud easily to maintain that fast release. And as the pocket breaks in over time, the breaks in the sidewall prevent slowed release due to pocket bagging.

Attack players who tend to rip shots from tough angles and quick stick situations get the most return from open sidewall head designs. When literally milliseconds can mean beating a defender or goalie’s reaction time, shot release speed is vital.

Of course, you still need to develop proper shooting mechanics and quick sticks skills to fully capitalize on the technology. But the right head gives you that extra split second edge to bury top corner finishes or skip one past outstretched goalie limbs.

The last thing you want as an attackman is the ball sticking in the pocket and slowing your shot. So if quick release speed is critical to how you break down defenses, prioritize open sidewall heads like the Maverik Optic U or Kinetik. Then unleash lightning fast passes and shots that give opponents no time to react.

Selecting Optimal Stick Length Based on Height and Position

When putting together the perfect Maverik Charger setup for attacking, dialing in the right length is key. Follow these guidelines on stick length selection based on your height and exact position on the field.

For starters, midfielders tend to favor longer sticks than close-in attackers. The extra length helps with pokes, checks, and general ball protection in the midfield area. Attackmen maximize quick stickhandling by sizing down slightly. Here are some ballpark measurements to consider based on height:

• 5’0″ to 5’3″ = 47″ to 52″
• 5’4″ to 5’6″ = 52″ to 56″
• 5’7″ to 5’9″ = 56″ to 60″
• 5’10” to 6’0″ = 60″ to 64″
• 6’1″ and over = 62″ to 72″

These ranges provide a starting point, but personal preference should play a role as well. Test out sticks across various lengths to find your ideal fit. The right length will allow you to cradle comfortably without compromising stickhandling.

Also factor in arm length and shoulder width, not just overall height. A long wingspan can handle longer sticks than average. Narrower shoulders pair better with shortened sticks for easier maneuvering.

Consider modifying length based on handedness too. Right handed players tend to favor slightly longer sticks than lefties. This helps space the bottom hand away from defensive pressure down low.

Finally, analyze where you spend most of your time on the field. Attackers who receive passes on the crease and cut inside need shorter sticks for quick turns and shots. Attackers working from up top positions can lengthen for wider passing lanes.

With the right measurements tuned to your body type and exact attack position, you’ll enhance stickhandling, passing, and shooting. Taking the time to dial in length results in better comfort, control, and performance with your new Maverik Charger.

Picking Angled Scoops for Easy Ground Balls

Gobbling up ground balls quickly is a must for any formidable attack unit. Choosing a Maverik Charger head with an optimized scoop design makes attacking loose balls second nature.

Traditional scoops featured a rounded lip that didn’t effectively channel balls up into the pocket. But over the past decade, angled scoops that mimic the shape of a shovel have become the norm. This angled contour helps lift ground balls smoothly into your stick.

Rather than needing to stop, flip your stick, and rake balls in, you can maintain momentum and pick up grounders on the run. Some angled scoops even feature texturing or treads that provide extra friction against the ball and ground surface.

The steeper the angle, the faster you’ll be able to shuffle errant passes and rebounds into your pocket. Attack players constantly scrounging for loose change around the cage need to scoop quickly without breaking stride.

Maverik accounted for this in designing their Charger lineup of heads. Models like the Optic have a sharply angled scoop that’s optimally balanced between attack and defense needs. You get ground ball assistance without sacrificing ball retention and feel.

Some players also prefer a wider scoop for gobbling up extra ground balls. But you need to test what scoop width suits your specific style, whether sweeping up balls smoothly or pinning sticks. Wider scoops can make releasing balls slightly slower too.

Beyond scoop design, ensuring proper mechanics on ground balls is a must. Keep your stick low to the ground, lead with your dominant hand down by the ball, and lift through with your legs. Let the angled scoop do the work so that you emerge from the scrum with possession.

Increasing ground ball possessions should be a focus for every serious attack unit. An angled scoop that complements your playing style is the first step toward dominating loose balls. Then you can quickly transition to threatening in the offensive zone.

Understanding Head Dimension Rules Based on Age

When selecting a Maverik Charger head, you need to pay close attention to legal dimensions for your age level and league. Heads must adhere to certain width and length rules based on governing bodies.

For high school and collegiate men’s lacrosse, the maximum dimensions are 6.5” across at the widest point and 10” from the top of the scoop to the ball stop at the throat. Heads can’t be pinched below 3” across at the neck either. These standardized dimensions allow for consistent performance.

Youth leagues use slightly scaled down versions of these dimensions for different age groups. For example, 8U stick heads max out at 5” in width and 7.5” in length. By 14U, players can use up to 6” wide and 9.5” long heads. Check with your local league for exact allowable measurements.

Women’s sticks also have unique sizing maximums. NCAA and high school rules set the head width at 7” to 9” across and an overall length between 10” and 12”. Again, younger players use proportionately downsized heads.

The Maverik Charger lineup offers heads across the full spectrum of legal dimensions. Optic and Tactik 2.0 for instance meet requirements for elite high school and college men. The Swarm and Omen are designed for youth and women’s play at various levels.

Stick to age-appropriate heads so you don’t hinder your development with illegal or oversized equipment. Learning proper fundamentals with heads that match your physical stature is crucial.

You also want to pick heads with enough stiffness and durability to hold up to your improving skills. As you get older, upgrade to heads with high-end materials better suited for advanced play. The right Maverik model will grow with you over time.

While sizing up to bigger head dimensions as you progress is enticing, only use equipment that adheres to league rules. Focus on dialing in your skills and take advantage of performance-enhancing technologies legally.

Choosing Left or Right Handed Stick Based on Preference

When putting together your ideal Maverik Charger setup for attack, the first big decision is choosing right or left handed sticks that match your dominant hand.

In lacrosse, the bottom hand placed closest to the head determines handedness. Right handed players cradle and control the stick primarily with the right hand low. Lefties use a left-handed stick with left hand at the bottom.

Matching up your dominant hand with the bottom grip position allows for superior stick handling. You have more coordinated control over cradling, passing, and shooting using your natural strength and dexterity.

Some players do successfully learn to play with opposite handed sticks, known as off-hand. While worthwhile for expanding skills, focus on matching stick handness with your strong hand first when learning.

Beyond simply feeling more comfortable cradling and passing a matched-handed stick, it opens up the entire field as an attackman. Righties are better situated to attack from the left side of the field near the alley and vice versa.

Proper handedness also puts your body in the best position relative to defenders. Righties want to attack matchups by driving from high to low righty. Lefties do the same from high left sides of the field.

During games, ensure you have a matching back-up stick on the sidelines in case you break a shaft or blow out a head. Nothing throws off your fundamentals quicker than having to play extended minutes with the wrong handness.

While most players have a natural dominant hand, it’s worth trying out both left and right-handed sticks when starting off. Make sure you experiment before settling on a handedness that feels second nature when cradling and shooting. Then stock your stick stash with properly matched Chargers.

Reading Reviews Before Buying Your Maverik Charger

Before purchasing your next Maverik Charger stick, be sure to read through detailed online reviews. Fellow players provide key insights that can help inform your buying decision.

Modern lacrosse sites like LaxRatings allow everyday players to weigh in on the pros and cons of specific sticks. You’ll find detailed breakdowns on things like head stiffness, scoop design, shaft balance, and much more based on first-hand usage.

Sort and filter reviews to find feedback from players with similar positions, skill levels, and preferences. An elite Division 1 attackman may prioritize different features than a youth player just learning the ropes. Find perspectives tailored to your needs.

Pay special attention to reviews that focus on stringing up pockets with various meshes. The optimal setup for your playing style depends greatly on pocket configuration and stringing techniques. Learning from other’s stringing experiences can fast track dialing in an ideal pocket.

Look for common threads in multiple reviews praising or critiquing certain attributes. Isolated issues may reflect random defects rather than design flaws. But repeated feedback indicates clear pros and cons.

Consider watching online video reviews as well for added visuals. Seeing sticks in action helps assess overall feel, release, pocket movement, flex, and more. Static pictures only reveal so much compared to high definition videos.

At the same time, don’t get overwhelmed chasing the supposed “best” stick according to reviews. Focus instead on identifying models with features and attributes that align with your personal needs and attack style.

Do your homework reading Maverik Charger reviews, but also trust your own instincts once sticks are in your hands. Let reviews guide the research process, while still placing priority on what performs best during your own testing.

Comparing Prices to Find the Best Maverik Charger Deal

With lacrosse sticker shock in full effect, finding the best price on your next Maverik Charger stick is essential. Follow these tips to get the most value through savvy shopping.

Check prices from all the major online lacrosse retailers like Lacrosse Monkey, SportStop, and Lax.com. Special sale pricing and clearance sticker discounts can vary greatly between sites for the exact same stick.

Expand your search to sports equipment sites like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Hockey Monkey too. Mass retailers occasionally offer deep discounts on last year’s Maverik models to clear old inventory.

Take advantage of seasonal sales around holidays and during the off-season winter months. Retailers are most motivated to move stock during slower periods. Saving 30% or more over peak season prices is common.

Scour lacrosse forums and deals websites for discount codes and coupons for additional savings. Stack rebate codes on top of already marked down clearance sticks for maximum value.

Consider lightly used sticks in good condition via secondary markets like SidelineSwap and eBay. Gently used sticks with limited wear can offer huge discounts over new models.

Factor in any sales tax and shipping fees that can bump up costs buying direct from retailers. Private resale purchases avoid these additional costs.

Set price drop alerts on slickdeals and camelcamelcamel to catch sudden discounts on your desired stick as they happen rather than missing out.

While the latest and greatest Maverik Chargers command premium pricing, huge savings await those willing to hunt for deals. Do your homework across all available sources to grab max value on every stick purchase.

Taking Advantage of Off-Season Sales

One of the best times to score huge savings on Maverik Chargers is during the off-season winter months leading up to spring.

Retail lacrosse sites are sitting on surplus inventory following the end of summer tournaments and fall ball season. The slower winter period leaves them overstocked and desperate to liquidate gear.

Take advantage of this market imbalance by shopping off-season sales with major discounts on new sticks. Clearance sales regularly offer 30% or more off MSRP pricing on last year’s unused stock.

Even the latest Maverik models just released get marked down slightly to spur sales during slower months. You can land brand new top-of-the-line sticks for under $200 rather than $300 if timing it right.

Off-season sales also mean better availability and selection. You aren’t battling other players scrambling for sticks right before spring tryouts. Shops have fully stocked warehouses ready to unload excess goods.

Along with holiday sales, some of the biggest discount periods hit from January through March. Keep an eye out for inventory close-out sales, new year promos, and pre-season bargains.

The tradeoff is you need to buy somewhat blindly months before getting on the field. But the huge savings often outweigh the upfront planning required.

Just be sure to buy from retailers with hassle-free return policies in case you need to swap out unthrown sticks. And take time learning about the newest releases over the winter via reviews and videos.

In the ultra-competitive lacrosse gear market, off-season promos represent one of the last true discount loopholes. So stock up on cut-rate Maveriks and laugh your way to the bank.

Custom Stringing For Optimal Pocket Performance

While Maverik Charger heads feature elite construction right off the shelf, investing in custom stringing can unlock a stick’s full potential for attack players.

The key advantage of custom stringing is a pocket personalized to your exact style, preferences, and needs. Stringers work with you one-on-one to create the ideal pocket formation with dialed-in shooting, hold, and release.

Beyond just mesh patterns, customized string jobs examine your stickhandling technique, arm mechanics, and release point to build pocket geometry tailored to how you play. It’s far beyond generic factory stringing.

An expert stringer also has access to a wider selection of premium mesh brands, materials, colors, and widths. They can incorporate unique shooting lace and sidewall stringing for next-level pocket performance.

Take time to break in a custom pocket properly with heavy wall ball sessions to mold the sweet spot. Don’t just rip sticks right off the stringer’s jig and onto the field.

Consider starting with a basic mid-pocket design that you can build on later with more intricate stringing like channels, stacks, and specialty knots.

While pricier than stock stringing, a custom pocket really enhances what modern heads like the Maverik Charger can do. It takes ball control, feel, and shooting precision to the highest levels.

Don’t just settle for generic factory stringing in your new Maverik. Invest in customization for the best pocket possible tailored to your attack game.

Understanding Warranty Policies

With lacrosse sticks subject to plenty of wear and tear, make sure you understand warranty policies when buying Maverik Chargers.

Maverik offers a limited 30-day warranty against defects in materials and manufacturing. This protects against breaks that occur abnormally early under normal use.

Damage from heavy impacts checks or collisions won’t be covered. But breaks around the scoop, sidewalls, or shaft resulting from defects fall under warranty.

Make sure to keep receipts to prove date of purchase for any warranty claims. Registering sticks online when you buy them further guarantees your coverage.

For elite sticks like the Union or Kinetic lines, Maverik extends additional warranty periods up to 6 months. These higher-end models must be registered upon purchase to activate coverage.

Rather than factory warranties, retailers like Lacrosse Unlimited offer their own guarantees against early breaks. This adds another layer of protection.

Consider proactive preventative maintenance like Tapite to strengthen vulnerable stick points. This can help minimize cracks before they trigger warranty coverage.

Even with warranties, premature breaks mean you’ll still be without your go-to stick for a period waiting on replacements. Have reliable backups ready.

While warranties provide useful protection against defects, proper care maximizes a stick’s lifespan. Don’t abuse equipment expecting constant warranty replacements.

Understand Maverik’s policies and retailer guarantees when buying Chargers. But also treat gear properly and rotate backups to limit needing to make claims.

Having Backup Sticks Available

Even with the most durable Maverik Chargers, relying on just one singular stick is risky for attack players. Always have fully strung and game-ready backups on hand.

Backup sticks save you from disaster when your primary undergoes a catastrophic shaft snap or blowout. You avoid being stuck on the sidelines or forced to borrow a teammate’s improperly strung or weighted stick.

Carry at least one identical backup with the same head, shaft length, colors, and pocket stringing. This guarantees a seamless transition to a “new” stick if needed.

Ideally build a quiver with your primary, a mirrored backup, and an alternate third option. This allows swapping sticks to maintain peak performance.

Separate game sticks from practice sticks to optimize longevity. Use beaters for drills, shooting absurd amounts of balls, and other high-volume usage to preserve your prized gamers.

Manage backups carefully in your stick bag to prevent cracking or denting shafts. Store vertically in individual protective tubes.

Consider carrying a shaft-only backup to swap into your primary head if the shaft snaps. This saves the pocket wear and tear.

Extra heads also prove useful for field repairs. Re-screwing a loose head takes moments compared to restringing an entire stick.

Don’t forget backup components like shoelaces, sidewall strings, and shooting cords. Handle quick repairs on the fly when possible.

Thanks to Maverik’s consistency and modularity, building a strategic backup arsenal is simple. Stay ready for anything without missing a beat during games.