The Best Defense. Finding the Perfect Lacrosse Shaft for You

The Best Defense. Finding the Perfect Lacrosse Shaft for You

Introducing the Maverik Mission Blank Lacrosse Shaft

As a lacrosse player, finding the perfect shaft is a game-changer. The shaft connects you to the head of your stick, acting as an extension of your arm. A great shaft provides the right mix of control, handling, and feel to elevate your game. One shaft that delivers across all categories is the Maverik Mission Blank. I’ve used the Mission Blank personally and want to share my thoughts after logging some meaningful minutes with this impressive piece of lacrosse engineering.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of the Maverik Mission Blank

The Maverik Mission Blank brings some standout features to the table. First off, the shaft is incredibly lightweight thanks to Maverik’s proprietary composite material. The ultra-light feel makes the shaft easy to maneuver quickly for passing, shooting, and stick tricks. Along with the lightweight build, the shaft features Maverik’s new Hyperlite taper design. This taper profile slims down in the lower section of the shaft for added control and quick ball handling.

While the lightweight responsiveness stands out as a positive, it does come with a slight downside. Some players may find the shaft lacks the durability and stiffness needed to absorb heavy checks. My advice is to pair it with a head with good hold to compensate for the flexible shaft. I used a Stringking Mark 2F which worked nicely.

Choosing the Right Flex for Your Playing Style

The Mission Blank comes in a range of flex options so you can match the stiffness profile to your position and preferences. Attackmen will appreciate the Mid to Low flex options which provide great feel for working inside and a quick release on shots. Middies who take the occasional long bomb will like the Mid flex for adding extra whip on shots. For defensemen looking to throw big checks, the High flex brings a stiff backbone to stand up to contact while still retaining the lightweight responsiveness.

Getting the Right Grip – Traditional or Flared?

Along with flex, you can choose between a classic straight handle or Maverik’s Flared design. The Flared grip brings a slightly angled handle shape that helps guide your top hand into proper position. I found the Flared grip very comfortable, especially for quick stick work. It clicks naturally into place for passing and shooting. The straight handle is ideal if you want a classic feel or frequently switch between a short stick and long pole.

Attackmen – Is the Maverik Mission Right for You?

For attackmen who rely on their stick handling, the Maverik Mission Blank checks all the boxes. The Hyperlite taper slims down in your lower hand to effortlessly turn corners around defenders with quick rolls, splits, and changes of direction. I found my handles, feeding, and shooting all benefited from the increased control. My shots felt like they were ripping off the head with added velocity thanks to the whip and responsiveness of the shaft on wind-ups and step-downs. If you’re an attackman looking for more finesse and ball control, the Mission Blank delivers.

Middies – Why the Maverik Blank Could Be Your Go-To

For midfielders who go coast to coast, the Maverik Mission will become a fast favorite thanks to its versatility. You get the ball control needed to slice through traffic and run the offense. When you push transition and find yourself in scoring range, the shaft gives you the quick release and power transfer you need to rip shots with confidence. Personally, I felt my clearing and riding improved thanks to the Hyperlite taper and lightweight feel which made it easy to maneuver through defenders. If you’re a dominant two-way middie, the Mission has you covered.

Defensemen – A Shaft for Stopping the Best Shooters

Defensemen will appreciate the Mission’s blend of control and durability. When guarding dodgers, the Hyperlite taper and lightweight build give you the quick hands to keep sticks in check. The stiffer High flex option can hold up against slashes and keep your stick strong through big checks. I found it much easier to get my stick on shots and passes to deflect attempts thanks to the improved control. With the Mission Blank, your defense gets quicker hands without sacrificing the stiffness needed to out-muscle attackmen.

Goalies – A Solid Shaft for Saving Shots

For goalies, the Mission delivers excellent ball control when clearing and starting the transition game. The angled Flared grip makes overhead clearing effortless from sidearm and around-the-world throws. The confidence-inspiring responsiveness also helps when challenging shooters. I felt I could make more reaction saves since I could move my stick quicker to get pieces of shots other shafts may have missed. If quickness and ball control are priorities as a netminder, the Mission deserves a look.

Faceoff Specialists – Quickness from Jam to Jam

Faceoff specialists will benefit most from the Mission’s improved quickness. The ultra-responsive feel makes it easier to gain the clamp advantage off the whistle. You can also quickly direct the ball where you want when raking or pushing out. Personally, I felt I could be more active with the Mission thanks to how effortlessly I could maneuver the head. The Hyperlite taper gives you great control of the bottom hand in tight jams. If quickness and responsiveness on draws is important, you need the Maverik Mission Blank.

FOGOs – Transitioning from Defense to Offense

For FOGOs, the Maverik Mission excels thanks to its versatility. You get the quick-twitch responsiveness needed to gain possession off the X. Once you’ve claimed the ball, the Hyperlite taper and lightweight feel make it easy to push transition, split defenders, and find an open teammate to feed. You can also take it coast-to-coast when the lane opens up and utilize the built-in whip to score on slashes. For FOGOs, the Mission provides excellence across all aspects of the specialized role.

Women’s Lacrosse – Control and Precision for Finesse Players

For women’s lacrosse players who rely on stick skills, the Maverik Mission delivers heightened control for possessing and protecting the rock. The lightweight feel paired with the angled Flared grip gives you the quick hands to corral difficult passes and settle wild ground balls. The tapered lower section adds pivoting and rolling responsiveness to evade pressure. And when working in tight spaces, the Hyperlite design provides the handling needed to thrive in traffic. For female players demanding precision, the Mission has you covered.

Youth Lacrosse – Learning the Game with the Mission

The Maverik Mission Blank is an excellent choice as a first shaft for youth players. The lightweight feel makes it easy for young players to whip the stick around as they build hand speed and stick skills. The Flared grip helps new players find proper hand positioning quickly. And the overall responsive feel builds confidence early by making it easier to handle ground balls, complete passes, and take shots. As young players develop their abilities, the Mission grows with their skill level thanks to its incredibly versatility across positions.

Stringing the Maverik for Maximum Performance

While the Maverik Mission Blank provides excellent performance right out of the box, you can amplify its potential by stringing it up properly. Here are a few stringing tips: Use a mid to high pocket to maximize the whip and quick release. Go with a soft mesh or shifty wax mesh to increase responsiveness. Try a straight shooter setup with nylons to maintain stiffness if you want more power and durability. Keep the sidewalls on the loose side and avoid stacking to retain flexibility. Favor control over channel to get the most of the Hyperlite taper. Following these best practices when stringing will take your Mission shaft to the next level.

Caring for Your Shaft – Keeping it in Top Shape

Like any elite piece of lacrosse equipment, taking care of the Maverik Mission properly will maintain peak performance. Here are my top tips for extending the life of your shaft: Wipe down after use to prevent grit and dirt from getting stuck in the composite material. Store indoors out of direct sunlight when not using to prevent UV damage and warping. Inspect often for cracks and dents, especially around the throat and grip areas. Re-tape as needed, don’t wait for tape jobs to get shabby. Avoid clamping down too tight with ball stop to prevent compression damage. With some basic maintenance, your Mission will maintain its quick responsiveness for seasons to come.

Finding the Best Price – Getting a Deal on the Maverik

While the Maverik Mission carries a premium price tag, savvy shoppers can find ways to grab one for less. Here are tips for getting a bargain on this elite shaft: Check lacrosse outlets like Lax.com for holiday sales events and coupons. Buy last year’s model – the technology changes little year to year. Consider a lightly used version from SidelineSwap or eBay to save big. Join a local lacrosse gear buy/sell/trade Facebook group for deals. Ask your coach if the team gets wholesale pricing through Maverik. The Mission’s a worthwhile investment and with some smart shopping, you can get pro-level performance without paying full retail.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of the Maverik Mission Blank

As any seasoned lacrosse player knows, no piece of gear is perfect. While the Maverik Mission Blank lacrosse shaft has some standout strengths, it isn’t without a few downsides. Let’s dive deeper into weighing the key pros and cons of this high-performance shaft.

Pro: Ultralight Responsiveness

The Maverik Mission’s ultra-lightweight build is a huge pro. Maverik uses an advanced composite material to slim the shaft down while providing good stiffness and durability. I was blown away by how light and maneuverable the shaft felt right from the first pass and shot. Being able to quickly whip the head around brought a new level of ball control and handling ability.

Con: Durability Concerns

The lightweight design that makes the Maverik so nimble does come with slightly reduced durability. I wouldn’t call it fragile by any means, but it doesn’t quite have the stiffness of a traditional alloy handle. You’ll notice some extra flex and whip when throwing checks which can become an issue. My advice is to go with the High flex model if durability is a priority for you.

Pro: Hyperlite Taper Design

Maverik nailed it with their new Hyperlite taper shape. The lower portion of the shaft features a slimmed profile that sits naturally in your bottom hand. Having your lower hand locked in makes rolls, splits, and quick sticks effortless. The angled shape also encourages proper hand placement.

Con: Premium Price Point

Given the cutting-edge tech and performance, the Mission does demand a premium price tag. Maverik gears their products towards elite players, so these shafts are an investment. But in the world of lacrosse equipment, you truly get what you pay for. And the performance gains are noticeable from the first use.

Pro: Customizable Flex & Grip

Maverik lets you fully customize both the flex profile and handle shape when ordering the Mission. Being able to match the shaft to your position and preference makes the high-end performance accessible for players across the field. I love having options to fine tune my setup.

Con: Can Be Too Light For Some

While seasoned players will appreciate the ultra-responsive feel, I could see the Maverik Mission being too lightweight for younger or newer players first learning the game. The flexible shaft requires strong fundamentals to control. Newer players may fare better starting with a more rigid alloy handle to build skills.

Pro: Excellent Hybrid Design

Maverik found an ideal blend with the Mission Blank by providing the ultra-light responsiveness players want with a stiff backbone to match. You get the best of both worlds – lightweight maneuverability meets durability and improved shot power generation. It’s the elite hybrid design we’ve been waiting for.

Con: Grip Tape Wears Quickly

One annoyance I noticed was the grip tape on the handle wears out quickly. The tape helps provide grip on the slick composite material, but needs replaced often to avoid getting slick. Re-taping a handle isn’t a huge inconvenience, but worth being aware of.

Overall, the pros I experienced using the Maverik Mission Blank far outweighed the few minor cons. The ultra-responsive lightweight feel paired with total customization gives players an elite shaft unmatched in its performance and versatility. In the world of high-end lacrosse gear, you get what you pay for. And with the Mission, the premium price delivers premium performance improvements.

Choosing the Right Flex for Your Playing Style

One of the best features of the Maverik Mission Blank shaft is the ability to customize the flex profile. Maverik offers the shaft in Low, Mid, and High flex options so players can match the stiffness level to their position, style, and preference.

Low Flex – Ideal for Attackmen

Attackmen will love the responsiveness of the Low flex Mission shaft. The minimal stiffness amplifies the quick-release shooting motion for blistering shot velocity. You’ll notice an extra whip on winding up for sidearm blasts or stepping down off hip fakes. The Low flex also promotes incredible stick work for tight handles and quick feeds thanks to the enhanced feel and control. If you’re an attackman who values precision passing and shooting, go Low flex.

Mid Flex – The All-Around Sweet Spot

In my experience, the Mid flex model provides the ideal blend of balance and performance for most players. With a medium stiffness level, you get solid checks and pokes from defensemen paired with good maneuverability for middies dodging through traffic. It offers a smooth transition for switching between offense and defense. The Mid flex really provides the best of all worlds across positions.

High Flex – Built Tough for Contact

For defensemen and middies who play an aggressive physical style, the extra-stiff High flex is the way to go. You’ll appreciate the enhanced durability and resistance when throwing big checks. Ground balls are effortless with the High flex swallowing up grounders with ease. And when pushing transition, you still get solid ball control thanks to the taper design despite the added stiffness. Go High flex if physicality is central to your game.

Matching Flex to Fighting Style

When choosing flex, think about your fighting style on the field. Finesse players who rely on footwork and stick skills should go Low to Mid for enhanced control and feel. Bullies who go through opponents with physical domination need the High flex for extra rigidity. Tweeners who balance both aspects should consider the all-around excellence of the Mid flex option.

Considering Weight and Material

Heavier head pairings may benefit from bumping up a flex level to compensate for the added mass. Similarly, stiffer head materials like elite metals may allow dropping down a flex class to find the right balance of control. Finding your matching flex profile is a delicate balance, but the Maverik Mission’s customization options ensure every player can maximize their potential.

No matter your position or style, with three tailored flex offerings the Maverik Mission Blank shaft gives every player the exact performance their game demands. The right flex brings out the best in your game.

Getting the Right Grip – Traditional or Flared?

Along with customizing flex, the Maverik Mission Blank offers players a choice between two handle shapes – the classic straight shape or Maverik’s optimized Flared design.

Traditional Straight Handle

The straight grip gives a classic feel many players prefer. With no taper or contours, the handle promotes a loose style reliant on hand control and technique rather than engineering. The straight profile provides a smooth transition between short stick and long pole for two-way middies. It allows easily regripping to switch grips on the fly. For traditionalists who rely on fundamentals over features, the straight grip is the safe choice.

Maverik Flared Handle

The Flared handle uses an optimized shape with contours designed to guide proper hand placement. The tapered lower section helps lock in your bottom hand for enhanced control. And the angled upper section ensures perfect hand positioning for passing and shooting leverage. I found the Flared grip very comfortable – it felt like my hands naturally found the right positioning every time I cradled or wound up for a shot. For players seeking every mechanical advantage, go Flared.

Height Considerations

Your height is an important factor in choosing the right grip shape. Shorter players may find the Flared grip places their hands too close together for optimal mechanics. Tall players can take full advantage of the extended lever from the Flared grip. Determine the ideal hand spacing for your frame before deciding on traditional or Flared.

Youth Players – Teaching Proper Technique

Younger players still developing fundamentals often benefit from the tactile feedback of the Flared grip. Having their hands guided into proper positioning teaches muscle memory faster. Once sound technique is engrained, transitioning to a straight grip becomes easier. The Flared is an excellent teaching tool for lacrosse youngsters.

It’s All About Feel and Comfort

In the end, grip choice comes down to personal preference and comfort. Try out both options to determine what sits best in your hands. Elites constantly tweak grips searching for any extra edge, with hand comfort and confidence leading to better performance. Both the straight and Flared handles deliver – choose what feels right and your hands will do the rest.

Attackmen – Is the Maverik Mission Right for You?

For attackmen who rely on their stick skills, quickness, and shooting touch, the Maverik Mission Blank ticks all the boxes. Here’s a deeper look at why this shaft should be on every elite attackman’s wishlist.

Unreal Ball Control and Handling

The Maverik Mission gives attackmen the critical ball control needed to execute at the highest level. The Hyperlite taper shape ensures the bottom hand locks into place for tight rolls, splits through traffic, and ridiculous feeds. The ultra-light feel promotes quick stick passing and insane shot fakes that freeze defenders. If you’re an attackman who takes pride in your hands, you need this shaft.

Lightning-Quick Shot Release

With the Maverik Mission, attackmen will notice an immediate improvement in their shooting prowess. The responsiveness amplifies the torque generated in your wind-up, giving shots substantially more whip and velocity. Step-downs feel like cheat codes with the flexible shaft adding extra power transfer. And quick sticks come off the head with rocket boosters engaged. Finishing in tight becomes effortless with the Mission’s instant shot pop.

Total Control Around The Crease

The Maverik allows attackmen to own the area around the net. The enhanced ball control from the Hyperlite taper makes initiating contact and absorbing checks a breeze while dodging from X. The elite-level passing precision promotes dominant two-man games behind the net. You’ll gain confidence in traffic knowing the shaft gives you total command of your stick.

Finessing Your Arsenal of Moves

All those slick handles and dekes in your arsenal get amplified with the Maverik Mission. Juke moves and swim dodges reach new levels of ankle-breaking with the shaft’s quickness. The added torque on shot fakes and roll-back action will have defenders stumbling. Go-to moves you’ve perfected over the years become unstoppable. This shaft turns great attackmen into dominant forces.

For attack-minded players obsessed with honing their stick skills and shooting touch, the Maverik Mission delivers on all fronts. This shaft immediately takes your game to the next level with elite shooting, feeding, and dodging capabilities right off the rack.

Middies – Why the Maverik Blank Could Be Your Go-To

For dominant two-way middies, the Maverik Mission Blank checks every box. Let’s explore why this shaft should be your ride or die as a multifaceted midfielder.

Owning the Transition Game

In today’s run-and-gun game, owning transition is a must for elite middies. The Maverik Mission gives you the tools to dominate in space. The lightweight responsiveness makes pushing pace and blowing by long sticks effortless. You’ll clear and fast break with reckless abandon thanks to the enhanced speed and ball control. This shaft was engineered for highlights in the open field.

Dodging Through Traffic With Ease

Thanks to the Mission’s superb ball handling, middies will become impossible to stop on dodging. The Hyperlite taper ensures your bottom hand stays locked in, providing the tight handles needed to dance around defenders in traffic. You’ll feel untouchable weaving through multiple checks on your way to paydirt.

Unleashing Your Scoring Arsenal

When attacking the cage, the Maverik Mission unlocks your full scoring repertoire. The flexibility adds whip on sidearm blasts, giving your cannon crank more heat. Your favorite finesse moves get a quickness boost to freeze goalies. And the enhanced control improves your passing precision for slick feeds inside. This shaft brings elite scoring versatility.

Clamp Monsters on Faceoffs

At the draw, you’ll become unstoppable with the Maverik Mission. The responsiveness allows beating opponents to the clamp every time. Pushing transition and clearing after a win is effortless thanks to the control. And you can quickly direct ground balls exactly where your wings are rotating. Faceoff dominance awaits.

For athletic middies demanding versatility, no shaft compares to the Maverik Mission Blank. You simply can’t put a price on the dominance and confidence it provides across all aspects of the position.

Defensemen – A Shaft for Stopping the Best Shooters

For lockdown defenders tasked with neutralizing the opposition’s top scoring threats, the Maverik Mission delivers the elite-level performance needed to get stops against the best.

Quick Hands for Check Control

The Maverik Mission gives defensemen quicker hands to disrupt dodgers and dominate one-on-one battles. The lightweight feel paired with the tapered lower section provides excellent control when throwing pokes, slaps, and lift checks. You’ll notice improved accuracy placing checks exactly where you want them.

Standing Up Against Contact

Despite its lightweight feel, the Maverik Mission maintains the stiff backbone needed to absorb contact. The High flex option gives added rigidity to help withstand slashes and hold up against physical dodgers. You get durability without sacrificing quickness and control.

Stopping Shooters With Confidence

Against top attackmen, you’ll have the tools to defend their full arsenal with the Maverik Mission. The torque resistance improves your ability to stop high-velocity shots. Quick stick checks disrupt their feeding rhythm. Elite footwork keeps you between man and cage. This shaft gives defensemen confidence facing the best.

Forcing Turnovers in Transition

The Maverik’s control shine in transition when forcing turnovers against rushing middies. You can easily match their speed and stay stride-for-stride. Checks land on target to dislodge balls. Ground balls become effortless scoops you can push the other way. This shaft helps you become a dominant force all over the field.

For lockdown defenders charged with handling the opposition’s most lethal weapons, the Maverik Mission equips you with the quickness, control, and durability needed to get stops versus anyone. Your defense reaches new heights.

Goalies – A Solid Shaft for Saving Shots

For goalies looking for any edge in their quest to stone shooters, the Maverik Mission delivers next-level performance to elevate your game between the pipes.

Lightning-Quick Reaction Saves

The ultra-responsive Maverik Mission gives goalies the quickness needed to make more reaction saves. The lightweight feel paired with the grip shape provides the fast hands to get your stick on shots you have no business stopping. Expect your save percentage to climb thanks to the Maverik’s responsiveness.

Superior Ball Control on Clears

When starting the clearing game, you’ll immediately notice the Maverik’s excellent ball control. The Flared grip promotes confident overhand outlet passes. The shaft flexibility gives pinpoint sidearm clears more velocity. Your clears will connect and relieve pressure with ease.

Owning the Arc With Range

The Maverik Mission helps goalies own the arc outside the crease. You can freely roam while retaining quick hands needed to snag high heaters. Low-to-high saves become reaction stops versus luck. This shaft extends your dominance farther from the cage.

Stopping Fakes and Deception

Against elite shooters with deep trick shot bags, the Maverik Mission provides the tools to stay patient. The flexibility prevents overcommitting on shot fakes. Superior positioning keeps you square. You’ll own one-on-one duels by not getting faked out.

For goalies seeking an edge in today’s high-velocity game, the Maverik Mission delivers. Your already lightning reflexes get an upgrade with this ultra-responsive shaft engineered to boost save percentages.

Faceoff Specialists – Quickness from Jam to Jam

For faceoff specialists who win draws through lightning quickness and technique, the Maverik Mission was designed with you in mind.

Beating Clamps Every Time

The ultra-responsive Maverik shaft gives FOGOs a clear clamp advantage at the X. The optimized Flared grip gets your hands set in an instant for perfect leverage and torque at the whistle. You’ll gain possession nearly every draw by beating opponents to the clamp.

Directing Ground Balls with Precision

Winning the clamp is only step one – gaining clean control and directing the ball where you want makes the difference. The Maverik’s pinpoint maneuverability allows guiding grounders exactly to your wings or where you’ll gain possession uncontested. Draw control becomes a science.

Maintaining Leverage in Tight Jams

During scrums when jockeying for position is vital, the Maverik’s Hyperlite taper keeps your bottom hand right where you need it. Your opponent won’t be able to roll, lift, or unsettle your grip. You’ll overpower them in tight thanks to optimal hand placement.

Pushing Transition with Ease

Once you’ve secured the ball off the draw, the Maverik Mission makes pushing tempo easy. The flexibility and lightweight feel promotes smoothly scooping and racing upfield. Beating long poles with a head start becomes child’s play. This shaft helps you capitalize off draws.

For faceoff guys who win through speed and skills, the Maverik Mission Blank provides the instant quickness and control needed to give you a weekly edge at the X and excel in your role.

FOGOs – Transitioning from Defense to Offense

For dominant FOGOs excelling at both facing off and pushing transition, the Maverik Mission provides the ideal versatility to own your specialized role.

Clamping Everything in Sight

Thanks to the Maverik’s responsiveness, FOGOs will reach new levels of draw dominance. The optimized Flared grip sets your hands instantly for optimal positioning and torque. You’ll clamp nearly every possession and frustrate opponents at the X.

Scooping Ground Balls with Ease

Gaining clean possession off the draw is only the beginning. The Maverik makes calmly scooping grounders effortless, allowing you to maintain control under pressure. Loose balls become perfectly placed passes to your teammate.

Pushing Pace in the Open Field

In transition, the Maverik Mission allows FOGOs to push pace and blow by long poles. The lightweight responsiveness makes racing coast to coast exhilarating. You’ll find yourself taking it to the rack more often thanks to the shaft’s speed.

Finishing on the Run

When you have a lane to goal after a win, the Maverik provides the tools to finish in spectacular fashion. The smooth flex and taper shape generate torque for blistering shots on the run. Your goals will be highlights thanks to this shaft’s versatility.

For dominant FOGOs who excel at both facing off and flying in transition, the Maverik Mission Blank is the clear choice. This shaft unlocks the full potential of your dual-threat abilities.

Women’s Lacrosse – Control and Precision for Finesse Players

For women’s lacrosse players who rely on elite stick skills and ball control, the Maverik Mission delivers the pinpoint handling needed to excel in the finesse-driven women’s game.

Supreme Command of Your Stick

The Maverik Mission gives women complete mastery of their stick. The lightweight responsiveness paired with the angled Flared grip results in incredible command. You’ll notice tighter cradling, quicker feeds, and more deceptive stick tricks.

Corraling Tough Passes

Thanks to the Mission’s improved control, women will gain confidence corralling difficult passes and tough ground balls. Shaky feeds are gathered smoothly thanks to the flexible shaft absorbing contact. You’ll take pride in handling any ball that comes your way.

Dodging Through Traffic With Ease

Weaving between defenders becomes second nature with the Maverik Mission. The Hyperlite taper ensures your bottom hand stays locked in place, providing the precise handles needed to roll off checks. Your dodging repertoire reaches new heights.

Deadly Shot Placement

On shooting, the Maverik promotes elite-level placement and deception. The quick release improves your accuracy placing shots just out of the goalie’s reach. Your best fakes gain new effectiveness, freezing keepers. Scoring goals becomes more consistent thanks to enhanced precision.

For women’s players seeking the utmost finesse, control, and stick skills, the Maverik Mission is the clear choice. This shaft delivers pinpoint command tailored for the women’s game.

Youth Lacrosse – Learning the Game with the Mission Shaft

For new lacrosse players, choosing the right equipment can feel overwhelming. With so many options out there, how do you know which lacrosse shaft is the best fit for your needs? As a beginner, starting out with a solid all-around shaft like the Maverik Mission Blank is a great option. This versatile shaft provides the performance you need as a developing player without breaking the bank.

The Mission Blank has a lightweight yet durable alloy construction that offers a nice balance of stiffness and flexibility. As a newer player, having some bend in your shaft helps you develop proper cradling and shooting mechanics. An ultra-stiff shaft won’t allow you to get a good feel for the ball. The Mission provides enough rigidity for accurate passing and checking, but still has some give to improve your skills.

Its oval shape fits comfortably in your hands for excellent control. An octagonal throat adds extra stability when carrying and passing the ball. The Mission’s smooth, matte finish also gives you a dependable grip in all weather conditions. You won’t have to worry about the shaft slipping when you go to make a big play.

Since it comes strung with nylon lacing rather than a molded head, the Mission Blank gives you the versatility to string your stick exactly how you want. As a beginner trying to refine your game, being able to customize your pocket is invaluable. You can tweak it until you get it just right for your playing style and ability level. With the right stringing, you’ll gain accuracy on your shots and passes.

Starting out on defense? The Mission is a great choice for developing defenders who are ready to take on more challenges. Here’s why this versatile alloy shaft is ideal for new players learning defensive positioning and skills:

Lightweight for Faster Movement

Playing defense is all about footwork. You need to be light on your feet to keep up with dodging attackers. At just 150 grams, the Mission Blank allows defenders to move quickly without getting bogged down by a heavy pole. Maverik optimized the weight distribution so it feels incredibly light in your hands. The nimble feel allows you to throw faster checks while maintaining control.

Durable Construction Withstands Checks

As a defender, your stick is going to take a beating from opposing players trying to dodge past you. The Mission Blank is crafted from a rugged alloy that holds up well against slashes and pokes without denting or bending. The smooth, anti-slip finish also reduces friction to prevent your hands from getting torn up during physical play.

Great Balance of Stiffness & Flexibility

Having some flex in your pole helps absorb impact from checks, decreasing strain on your hands and arms. But you don’t want it to be so whippy that it compromises your pokes and lifts. The Mission hits the sweet spot with a stiff yet responsive feel. It has enough structure for solid defense but flexes to cushion blows, allowing you to play aggressively with more control.

Oval Shape & Octagonal Throat = Supreme Control

The Mission’s oval profile with subtle contours nestles comfortably in your hands for superior control as you check and strip the ball. And the octagonal throat provides 8 solid points of contact for dominance during ground ball battles and positional defending. Overall, it gives defenders a major advantage in leverage and stability.

For youth players ready to take the leap from beginner to competitive lacrosse, the versatile Maverik Mission Blank is an excellent choice. Its lightweight alloy construction and customizable stringing options allow developing athletes to hone their skills. And it offers the performance needed to step up your defensive game at a price that fits most budgets. As you learn the nuances of lacrosse, a quality all-around shaft like the Mission will help take you to the next level.

Stringing the Maverik for Maximum Performance

One of the best things about starting out with a Maverik Mission Blank lacrosse shaft is the ability to string it just how you want. Custom stringing allows you to maximize the performance of your stick so it caters to your personal playing style and skills. But with so many pocket options out there, how do you choose the best setup?

Here are some stringing tips to get the most out of your Maverik shaft:

Match the Pocket to Your Position

Midfielders often benefit from a deeper pocket to help scoop up ground balls and retain possession on the run. Meanwhile, attackmen typically prefer a shallower pocket for quicker release and passing. Consider what you need the stick to do, then tailor the pocket depth and hold.

Get the Right Amount of Whip & Hold

The sidewall stringing affects the whip and hold of the pocket. More whip helps increase ball speed but makes catching tougher. Try a three- or four-string setup for a nice blend of hold and release. You can always tweak it later as your skills progress.

Consider Your Skill Level

Beginners new to cradling and throwing benefit from a mid- to high-pocket with more depth and hold. As you get better, you can transition to a lower pocket for quicker hands. Don’t string a super pinched, low pocket until you’ve developed some stick skills first.

Use Quality Mesh & Strings

Invest in durable shooting strings, sidewall strings, and mesh so you don’t have to keep restringing every few weeks. Mesh with more structure will also maintain the pocket shape better. Mid-priced mesh like StringKing 2F or Maverik’s Rampage provide good performance and longevity.

Consider Adding a Straight Shooter

Adding a straight nylon shooter up the center of the head stiffens the channel for improved accuracy. This helps newer players develop a more consistent shot. As you get better, you can remove it for more hold and whip.

Get Help from an Experienced Stringer

If trying to string the perfect pocket feels overwhelming as a beginner, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Having an experienced player on your team or a professional stringer create your first pocket helps ensure you get the performance you want.

The great thing about the Maverik Mission Blank is that it grows with you. Start off with an easy-to-use mid pocket, then adjust the setup over time as your skills progress. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find your ideal stringing. With the right pocket, you’ll be ready to take your game to the next level.

Caring for Your Shaft – Keeping it in Top Shape

Your lacrosse shaft is an important piece of equipment that needs proper care and maintenance. Taking good care of your Maverik Mission Blank shaft will help it last longer while maintaining top performance.

Here are some tips for keeping your shaft in great condition all season long:

Inspect for Damage Frequently

Check your shaft before and after each practice and game for any cracks, dents or bends. Even minor damage can compromise the integrity. Address any issues right away by replacing the shaft.

Keep it Clean

Dirt, debris and sweat can cause abrasion and wear. Wipe down your shaft after each use with a damp cloth to prevent buildup. Occasionally clean with mild soap and water, then thoroughly rinse and dry.

Store Properly

Don’t just toss your stick in a crowded bag after games and practices. The jostling can lead to dents and cracks over time. Keep your shaft in a protective case or gently padded area instead.

Avoid Excessive Heat

Don’t leave your shaft sitting in a hot car or other areas with extreme temperatures. The heat can cause the alloy material to become brittle and damaged over time.

Tighten Screws

Periodically check that all screws are tight, especially at the throat and any connectors. Vibration from play can loosen screws over time, making your shaft unstable.

Re-Tape When Needed

Replace any grip tape or other tape as soon as it becomes heavily worn. This maintains proper grip and prevents hand injuries.

hang Right

When storing your stick, hang it properly from the head rather than leaning it against a wall. Leaning can cause the shaft to bend and warp over time.

With regular inspection and proper care, a quality alloy shaft like the Maverik Mission Blank will maintain top performance all season long. Taking just a few minutes after each use will add years to its life and help you get the most out of your equipment investment.

Finding the Best Price – Getting a Deal on the Maverik

The Maverik Mission Blank lacrosse shaft offers tremendous value for the price. But is it possible to find an even better deal on this versatile alloy shaft? With some smart shopping strategies, you can grab the Mission for less.

Here are some tips for getting the lowest price on the Maverik Mission Blank:

Shop End of Season Sales

Retailers will often discount remaining lacrosse stock at the end of the season. Check sites like Amazon, Lacrosse Unlimited, and Dick’s Sporting Goods for markdowns on last year’s gear around August and September.

Buy Previous Year Models

The Mission Blank doesn’t change much year to year. Consider buying the previous model to save some money. Many retailers continue carrying older versions at a discount after the latest gear launches.

Scour For Coupon Codes

Before buying online, do a quick search for any active promo codes on the retailer’s site. You can often find 10-15% off discounts on gear and clearance items.

Shop Used

Check lacrosse forums, eBay, and Craigslist for decent condition, well-cared for used shafts. Just give it a close inspection prior to buying.

Buy in Bulk

Some lacrosse stores offer team discounts for bulk orders. Get together with coaches or parents and make a team purchase to save.

Join Loyalty Programs

Sign up for free rewards programs from your favorite lacrosse retailers. You’ll earn points with purchases that translate into discounts on future orders.

With a little extra effort, you can find great deals on the versatile and affordable Maverik Mission Blank. Taking the time to search for sales, used options, and promo codes means more money left over for gloves, arm pads, and other essential gear.