The oldest known hockey stick—in the collection of the Canadian Museum of History—was carved from sugar maple and dates from the mid 1830s. For the next 170 years, wood remained the predominant hockey stick material, until designers began exploiting the remarkable properties of carbon fiber to create lighter, faster sticks. Over the past two decades, carbon and composite materials have virtually taken over the market, for they allow companies to offer a wide array of sticks with different qualities and capabilities to match player styles.
Three new sticks for 2019 from Bauer exemplify how rapid technological advances have led to improved performance and increased durability in sticks that are considerably lighter than previous models. Whether you're a defenseman who needs a powerful stick for blasting slap shots from the blue line or a sniper who prizes quickness and agility that allow you get a shot off in the blink of an eye, there's a new Bauer stick to help you achieve your goals.
Bauer Vapor FlyLite Grip Composite Stick ($299.99)
The Vapor stick has always been one of the best quick-release hockey sticks on the market, but the folks at Bauer were determined to improve its stability and durability for 2019, as seen in the Flylite Grip Composite Stick. The Flylite is filled with new technology and high-level features to give you your quickest shot yet. Combining advances in material and design, this incredibly versatile stick can serve the needs of many types of elite players. Whether you’re trying to make one-touch passes, stick handle through defenders, or get that snapshot up under the bar quickly, the Vapor Flylite stick responds accordingly with feel or power.
Several features contribute to the new stick’s feel and performance. The Asymmetrical TeXtreme shaft technology, which is a lightweight material with a more rectangular shape, allows energy to move fluidly down the stick when shooting. Even more impressive, the improved strength, durability, and stability come in a stick that is only 383g, a feat achieved through Advanced Carbon Layering, which uses thinner, stronger carbon fibers. Finally, the AERO-SENSE 2 blade core offers a thicker blade geometry to improve durability. The stiff blade complements the low-kick technologies to help increase your release speed and give your shots more pop.
Specifications:
- Suggested level of play: elite
- Construction: Asymmetrical TeXtreme
- Shaft configuration: Rounded edges
- Flex point: Low Kick
- Weight: 383 grams
Bauer Vapor FlyLite Grip Composite Stick
Bauer Nexus N2900 Grip Composite Stick ($159.99)
Bauer delivers elite-level performance and playability at an affordable price point in the Nexus N2900 Composite hockey stick. The Nexus line, known for its lightweight feel and responsiveness, has been upgraded to add power and accuracy. The 3K carbon fiber twill material Bauer uses in the N2900 shaft is about 20 percent stronger than the previous models, without sacrificing responsiveness and feel. This versatile mid-kick stick is equipped with Bauer’s Sweet Spot technology, ideal for players looking for a powerful, effortless release.
The new Max Balance technology in the blade is an upgrade from previous generations’ construction, providing a higher balance point and quicker shot release. The higher balance point allows the stick to feel lighter in your hands, and boasts a shot release up to 7 percent faster compared to older Nexus sticks. BiMax 3K carbon fiber wrapped over a Dual Density blade core offers better accuracy and feel, so you'll always know where the puck is on your blade. Consequently, you'll be able to hit your target, whether you're going for a snapshot through the five-hole or a bar-down slapper.
Specifications:
- Suggested level of play: Performance
- Construction: 3K Carbon Fiber
- Shaft configuration: Rounded corners, slightly concave sides
- Flex point: Mid Kick
- Weight: 440 grams
Bauer Nexus N29000 Grip Composite Stick
Bauer Supreme 2S Team Stick ($149.99)
The Bauer Supreme line is known for impressive power and efficiency: If you're a power player who likes to unload hard one-timers and launch bombs from the blue line—and you don't want to break the bank—then you'll want to check out the Supreme 2S Team Stick. Its affordable price point and array of high-performing features make this stick an excellent balance of accessibility and performance. The combination of the squared corners and the high mid-kick with MPK technology means the stick is secure in your hands—a perfect option for the power shooter who likes to load up the stick with extra energy. The shaft construction is a fused two-piece design with a full carbon fiber weave and Bauer’s R2 resin system. The unidirectional carbon provides excellent responsiveness and durability.
The blade has been upgraded and is 10 grams lighter than the previous model, thanks to Bauer’s Max Balance Technology. Inside the blade is Bauer’s AeroFoam I Core, with two materials that together produce one of the most dampened feels of any Bauer stick. This is good news for power shooters, because the puck stays in contact with the blade longer during big shots. The upshot of all this is a great shooter's stick that's also a good value.
Specifications:
- Suggested level of play: Performance
- Construction: Carbon UD
- Shaft configuration: Square corners
- Flex point: High Mid Kick
- Weight: 450 grams
Bauer Supreme 2S Team Stick