Weighing the Pros and Cons – Is the Maverik Optik U Right For You?
The Maverik Optik U lacrosse head has quickly become one of the most popular heads on the market since its release. However, with so many great options out there, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to determine if the Optik U is the right head for your game.
Pros
- Excellent ball control and quick release – The Optik U’s optimized scoop, stiff yet flexible sidewalls, and mid-profile design give you outstanding control over the ball while also allowing for fast, accurate passes and shots.
- Customizable pocket – The hybrid sidewall design lets you fine-tune your pocket precisely to your preferences and playing style.
- Lightweight yet durable – At only 5oz, the Optik U is one of the lightest heads out there, reducing fatigue over the course of a game. Yet, it retains impressive stiffness and impact resistance.
- Reinforced scoop – The scoop has extra plastic molded onto the underside, allowing it to withstand those tough ground balls and faceoffs.
- Consistent pocket channel – Parallel Wave technology maintains the same pocket shape after stringing for consistent ball control.
Cons
- Less power on shots – Due to its mid-profile design, players report less powerful shots compared to high-profile heads like the Maverik Tank or STX Hammer.
- Stiffer sidewalls – While they allow superior ball control, the stiff sidewalls can obstruct pocket movement for some stringing styles.
- Higher price point – Top-tier technology comes at a cost, with the Optik U retailing for $150-$200 in most stores.
At the end of the day, the Maverik Optik U is ideally suited for quick, finesse-oriented players who value optimized ball handling over maximizing power. Attackmen and middies who rely on their stick skills, change of direction, and quick release will see the biggest benefits. For midfield grinders and crease attackmen who want to overpower opponents, a high-profile head may be preferable.
By weighing the pros and cons and thinking carefully about your own playing style, you can determine if the Optik U is the right lacrosse head for you. With outstanding technological features tailored to ball control, there’s no doubt this head can give your game an edge – as long as it aligns with your strengths as a player.
Optimal Ball Control and Quick Release
One of the standout features of the Maverik Optik U lacrosse head is its optimized design for superior ball control and quick release shooting and passing. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key technologies that allow this head to truly excel in these areas.
Stiff Yet Flexible Sidewalls
The Optik U utilizes a proprietary blend of stiff, durable plastics in the sidewall construction. This provides a rigid framework for excellent ball control upon cradling, scooping, and passing. However, Maverik strategically reinforces the sidewalls in certain areas while leaving others more flexible. This allows the head to “give” slightly during shots, adding vital whip for faster shot speeds and quick releases.
Strategic Plastic Injection Points
Optimized injection points for the molten plastic ensure consistency in wall thickness and stiffness across every head. Precision engineering also creates ideal flex points across the entire frame.
A Mid-Profile Balance
With a mid-profile design, the Optik U strikes the perfect balance between the ball control of a low-profile head and the increased power of a high-profile model. This amplifies both quick release speed and accuracy.
Hybrid Scoop
The scoop utilizes a hybrid injection molding process to make it both rigid on bottom for gobbling up ground balls, and flexible on top to channel shots and passes with precision.
Parallel Wave Technology
Parallel Wave maintains the same pocket shape after stringing for consistent ball control. You don’t have to continually tweak the pocket to maintain the ideal channel.
Lightweight Construction
At only 5oz strung, the Optik U is one of the lightest heads out there. This reduces fatigue over a full 60 minute match, keeping your hands and arms fresh for optimized ball handling all game long.
Clearly, Maverik pulled out all the stops to make the Optik U a powerhouse for ball control and quick release. From the strategically stiff and flexible sidewalls, to the mid-profile balance, to the hybrid scoop design – every element boosts your ability to cradle, pass, catch, and shoot with precision. For players who rely on finesse, stick skills, and shooting on the run, the Optik U delivers a big edge.
Customizable Sidewalls for Personalized Pocket Tuning
One of the most unique features of the Maverik Optik U head is the hybrid sidewall design. This innovative technology allows players to customize the pocket and fine-tune the stringing to match their exact preferences.
The Hybrid Sidewall Concept
Rather than a solid, uniform sidewall, the Optik U utilizes a combination of soft and hard sidewall sections. The hard sections provide stiff anchor points for crisp ball control and handling. However, the softer flex zones allow for enhanced pocket movement, hold, and ball feel.
Optimizing Pocket Placement
By customizing where you string certain diamonds and leathers in relation to the hybrid sidewalls, you can control pocket placement more precisely. Angle it towards the scoop for a quicker release, or down low for added hold and control while dodging.
Balancing Hold and Release
The hybrid sidewalls also make it easier to strike the right balance between ball hold and quick release. Stringing near stiff anchor points improves retention for cradling and carrying. But alternating in flexible zones creates “sweet spots” for the ball to come out cleanly.
Matching Your Playing Style
Midfielders can set up a pocket optimized for quick handling and release on outlet passes. Attackmen can bias the pocket lower for protecting ball possession while dodging to the cage. Faceoff specialists can angle the pocket high for clean clamping during draws.
Easy Adjustments on the Fly
Unlike a fixed solid sidewall, you can tweak string placement along the hybrid wall segments to modify and enhance pocket performance. Easily dial in more hold or release right in your bag before a game.
Experimenting with Different Setups
The possibilities are nearly endless when crafting a pocket along the hybrid sidewall architecture. Try a triple threat face shape for versatility, or a pre-set mid pocket placement. Find the right configuration for your game.
Clearly, the potential to personalize and tune the pocket performance makes the Optik U incredibly versatile across positions and playing styles. Whether you want maximum ball control or the quickest release out there, the hybrid sidewall design empowers you to craft your ideal pocket configuration.
Hybrid Scoop Optimizes Ground Balls and Faceoffs
Ask any experienced lacrosse player – ground balls and faceoff prowess can make or break a game. That’s why Maverik optimized the Optik U’s scoop design to give you a dominant edge in these gritty in-game battles.
Reinforced Plastic Molding
The scoop features an extra layer of rigid plastic molded onto the underside, right where your thumb and fingers grip. This provides serious impact protection when clamping down on ground balls and absorbing checks during faceoffs.
Strengthened Wire Frame
An enhanced metallic frame serves as the skeleton for the scoop, adding structural stiffness without extra weight. Think of it like the steel beams in bridges and buildings – ultra strong, yet lightweight.
Low Friction Top Surface
While the bottom of the scoop is reinforced, engineers kept the top surface smooth yet pliable. Not only does this help direct shots and passes with precision, but it allows the ball to easily roll off the top during faceoff jousts.
Strategic Flex Points
Built-in flex zones near the throat allow the scoop to “give” upon clamping down on ground balls. This conforms around the ball for superior grip and control during ground ball pickups.
Quick Flick Release Channel
The scoop features pre-engineered angles and contours to help spring the ball out with minimal resistance. Perfect for quick flicks to teammates when getting double-teamed.
Lightweight for All-Game Durability
At only 5 ounces strung, the Optik U won’t wear down your hands and arms even during marathon faceoff sessions. The ultra-light yet robust build holds up all game long.
Engineered for performance during those gritty in-game battles, the Maverik Optik U’s hybrid scoop gives you a supreme edge. Expect to come away with more than your fair share of ground balls and faceoff wins when you use the Optik U.
Strategic Stiffness for Excellent Ball Control
At the core of the Maverik Optik U’s technological design is strategic stiffness engineering to provide players with outstanding ball control. Let’s examine some of the ways Maverik achieved this through advanced stiff yet flexible plastics.
Proprietary Plastic Blend
Maverik utilizes a cutting-edge blend of polycarbonate, nylon, and other advanced polymers to craft a frame that’s both rigid and pliable in all the right places.
Precision Wall Thickness
Meticulous control over wall thickness during the injection molding process results in uniform stiffness distribution for cradling and scooping. The walls resist warping or weak points over time.
Reinforced Sidewall Anchor Points
High-stress areas like the scoop, throat, and sidewall endpoints feature additional plastic for extra rigidity to maintain structural integrity after repeated impacts.
Strategic Flex Zones
While the walls provide crisp stability all-around, Maverik strategically located flex points along the frame. These allow subtle give for enhanced ball feel, pocket movement, and release.
Lightweight Yet Strong
At only 5 ounces strung, the Optik U frame retains incredible stiffness without weighing down your crosse. Less mass to sling around makes ball handling feel effortless.
Weather/UV Resistant
Proprietary coatings and stabilizers ensure the head retains optimal rigidity in all weather conditions and after sun exposure. No flimsy walls after extensive use.
With cutting-edge technologies and manufacturing processes, Maverik nailed the sweet spot between stiffness and flex with the Optik U. Just enough structure for crisp control, blended with strategic flex zones right where you need them. Expect exceptional ball control that lasts season after season.
Durable Yet Lightweight Design – Built to Last
Between routine impacts from checks, errant slashes, and hard ground ball pickups, a lacrosse head really takes a beating game after game. That’s why durability was a prime goal in the Maverik Optik U’s engineering.
Impact-Resistant Polycarbonate
The base material itself – polycarbonate blended with nylon – possesses excellent impact strength properties to shrug off dings and dents.
Reinforced Stress Points
High wear areas like the scoop, sidewall endpoints, and throats receive extra plastic and coatings. This fortifies the vulnerable zones against breakage.
Strengthened Metallic Frame
The lightweight yet robust metallic frame underneath adds structural reinforcement without extra mass, ensuring seasons of use.
UV and Weather Resistant
Proprietary coatings protect against UV radiation damage and material degradation from sun and moisture exposure over time.
Precision Manufacturing
State-of-the-art injection molding and quality control ensures uniform wall thickness and stiffness, reducing weak points.
Only 5 Ounces Strung
Lighter and faster by design, the Optik U won’t wear out your hands and arms over time. Less mass equals less fatigue.
Clearly engineered for the rigors of elite play, the Optik U maintains its crisp, responsive feel season after season. While ultra light for quickness, it boasts surprising durability thanks to cutting-edge materials and design. Expect this head to be in your bag for the long haul.
Flexible Sidewalls Improve Pocket Movement
While overall stiffness provides structure, Maverik strategically built in flex zones along the Optik U’s sidewalls. This enhances pocket movement for superior ball control and release.
Hybrid Sidewall Construction
The Optik U utilizes a mix of rigid and pliable sidewall segments. The soft zones create flex points amidst the overall stiff framework.
Pocket “Sweet Spots”
Strategic placement of shooting strings and leathers along the flex zones creates ideal “sweet spots” in the pocket. These customize release speed and hold.
Enhanced Ball Feel and Control
The ball naturally settles into the flexible areas, conforming around it for sensational feel during cradling and dodging.
Quick Release Channels
Soft sidewall segments near the throat act like ball bearings, minimizing friction for lightning fast release on passes.
Reduced String Wear
Pocket movement concentrates mostly along the flex zones instead of wearing against stiff anchor points. This enhances string durability.
Tunable Stiffness and Flex
String placement modifies the flex properties across the head. Easily adjust as needed between games.
Maverik’s engineers clearly recognized the importance of targeted flex zones amidst the rigid sidewalls. The hybrid construction allows custom stringing for optimized pocket performance. Expect buttery smooth feel and lightning-quick release with the Optik U in your hands.
Reinforced Scoop Withstands Impact
Faceoffs and ground ball pickups subject a lacrosse head’s scoop to some serious abuse. That’s why Maverik reinforced the Optik U’s scoop to withstand repeated impacts season after season.
Doubled-Up Wall Structure
The scoop features an extra layer of rigid polycarbonate plastic molded along the underside for reinforcement.
Fortified Rail Frame
Enhanced metallic rail tubes provide a super robust framework along the scoop and sidewall edges.
High-Impact Polymers
Advanced nylon and thermoplastic polymers create a highly resilient shell designed to flex yet rebound from contact.
Reinforcing Plastic Anchor Points
Additional injection points distribute and absorb stresses across the structure, preventing isolated breakage points.
Precision-Balanced Stiffness
The material blend creates ideal stiffness for gobbling up ground balls, while still allowing some flex to prevent cracking.
Weatherproof Coatings
Special UV and corrosion inhibitors maintain shell integrity after extensive sun and moisture exposure.
Engineered to thrive under abuse, the Optik U’s scoop provides seasons of the most intense game action. Expect it to come out of those gritty ground ball scrums and faceoff battles no worse for wear thanks to Maverik’s reinforced design.
Parallel Wave Technology for Consistent Pocket Channel
One of the Optik U’s most innovative features is Parallel Wave technology. This maintains the same consistent pocket shape after stringing for superior performance season after season.
Uniform Sidewall Geometry
Precision manufacturing creates sidewalls with identical contours across every head. This ensures a consistent foundation for pocket stringing.
Reduced String Movement and Friction
The parallel walls evenly guide pocket wear-in, preventing uneven stretching or loosening over time.
Permanent Pocket Shape
The string path settles into a permanent channel, maintaining the preferred hold and release qualities.
No More Pocket Tweaking
Unlike heads with irregular wall geometries, the pocket shape stays consistent – no need to continually re-string and tweak.
Custom Stringing Optimization
Stringers can craft specialized pocket configurations knowing the shape will remain intact permanently.
Weatherproof Performance
The pocket stays uniform even after extensive play in rain, snow, and other harsh conditions.
With Parallel Wave technology, Maverik engineered the guesswork out of long-term pocket performance. Regardless of weather conditions or seasons of play, the Optik U maintains a consistent channel shape for excellent ball control.
Mid-Profile Design Balances Power and Precision
One of the Optik U’s defining features is the mid-profile design. This strikes an ideal balance between the precision of low-profile heads and the power of high-profile models.
Lower Sidewalls for Control
The sidewalls extend just below the ball’s equator when cradled. This exposes the ball for enhanced feel and control.
Higher Scoop for Power
A raised scoop sits above the ball, allowing you to get underneath it for increased velocity on shots.
Optimized Ball Channel
The mid-profile cut angles the natural pocket towards the upper sweet spot for lightning fast release.
Superior Ball Visibility
The lower sidewall cut maximizes how much of the ball you can see when cradling, passing, and shooting on the run.
Balanced Shot Speed and Accuracy
Shots carry faster than a low-profile head, yet with more accuracy and quicker release than a high-profile.
Versatility Across Positions
The blend of control and power suits a wide range of playing styles from attack to midfield to defense.
Finding the golden ratio between ball control and shot velocity, the Optik U’s mid-profile balance brings out the best of both worlds. Expect superior handling plus the ability to unleash faster shots when you need them.
Comparing the Optik U to Other Maverik Heads
Maverik produces some of the top-rated lacrosse heads on the market. But how does the Optik U stand out from others in their lineup?
Vs. The Maverik Tank
The Tank focuses on maximum power with its super pinched, high-profile design. The Optik U prioritizes control through a mid-profile shape.
Vs. The Kinetik
The Kinetik is similarly designed for control, but utilizes different sidewall geometries. The Optik U’s Parallel Wave offers more pocket consistency.
Vs. The Havok
The Havok is more of an entry-level head catering to new players. The Optik U brings premium technologies and materials to the table.
Vs. The Rome NXT
The Rome NXT is stiff yet lacks focused flex zones like the Optik U’s hybrid sidewalls for tuning pocket movement.
Vs. The Maverik Tactik
The Tactik shares some similarities but is synthetic and molded, vs. the Optik U’s premium construction. It also lacks Parallel Wave tech.
Vs. The ATX
The ATX caters to faceoff specialists with a stiff, rounded scoop. The Optik U targets all-around players wanting a balance of power and control.
The bottom line? While the Tank focuses purely on power and the Tactik offers a budget option, the Optik U hits a sweet spot for maximizing both ball control and quick release shooting. It takes Maverik’s technologies to the next level.
Optik U for Attackmen – Unleash Your Scoring Potential
With its unparalleled ball control and quick release capabilities, the Maverik Optik U is the perfect head for attackmen seeking to maximize their shooting and scoring potential.
Tame the Rock During Dodges
The Optik U’s stiff sidewalls and mid-profile design give you superior command of the ball when dodging defenders.
Quick Stick Finishing Skills
Lightning-fast release off feeds means you can catch and shoot in one motion before defenders react.
Pinpoint Placement on Shots
The mid-profile balance provides accuracy along with velocity to pick corners on the keeper.
Maintain Composure in Traffic
The enhanced feel and visibility from the Optik U’s lowered sidewalls let you handle and shoot through chaotic situations in front of the net.
Versatile Shooting Angles
The Optik U removes all limits, allowing you to unleash shots from any angle on the field.
Shift Gears from Finesse to Power
Go from controlled cradling to blistering shots in an instant when opportunities arise.
For attackmen who take pride in their stick skills and shooting ability, the Maverik Optik U delivers a big edge. Expect your dodging, feeding, and scoring capabilities to reach new heights with this head in your arsenal.
Ideal for Middies – Transition Fast and Maintain Possession
With its excellent ball control and quick release abilities, midfield players will thrive using the Maverik Optik U head during transitional play.
Secure Outlet Passes
The lowered sidewalls and mid-profile design make it easy to cradle errant outlet passes from your defense.
Quick Stick Handling
When under pressure, the Optik U’s fast release lets you push transition by hitting cutters in full stride.
Maintain Composure at Top Speed
The lightweight 5oz frame lets you string passes and dodge defenders when sprinting upfield.
Superior Ground Ball Control
The reinforced scoop and tuned flex points help you securely clamp and control ground balls on the run.
Withstand Checks and Hacks
The durable yet flexible sidewalls allow you to absorb contact during clears while retaining possession.
Push the Pace Faster
Quicker outlet passes and ground ball pickups translate directly to more transition goals.
In the crucial moments moving from defense to offense, the Optik U gives midfielders an edge with excellent ball control to maintain possessions. Expect to maximize fast break opportunities.
Reviewing Optik U Pocket and Stringing Options
One of the Optik U’s biggest perks is the ability to customize your pocket. Maverik designed this head for nearly endless stringing possibilities to match any playing style.
Pre-String Options
Maverik offers pro-level pre-stringing in several face shapes like the Triple Threat, mid and low pocket placements, and more. These offer optimized performance right out of the box.
Hybrid Sidewalls for Customization
The rigid-flexible sidewall segments let you fine tune pocket placement, hold, and release. Angle it any way you desire.
Personalized Face Shape
Craft wider channels for hold or narrower ones for quick release. The parallel walls maintain this shape consistently over time.
Attack, Midfield, and FO Styles
Bias the pocket up high for midfielders, lower for attackmen, and angled back for faceoff specialists. The options are endless.
Pro Pocket for Advanced Players
Experienced players can push the limits with advanced stringing using different leathers, diamonds, interlocks, and shooters.
Easy Adjustments On The Fly
Tune pocket placement and dimensions between games by shifting knots along the hybrid sidewalls.
The Optik U breaks all barriers for crafting your ideal pocket configuration. With Maverik’s cutting-edge technologies enabling customization, you can setup this head exactly how you want it.