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Hockey blog > Choose the right Bauer stick – we compare Vapor, Proto and Nexus

Choose the right Bauer stick – we compare Bauer Vapor, Bauer Proto and Bauer Nexus

Bauer is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hockey sticks. In this guide, we present three of the most popular models from the Bauer Vapor, Bauer Proto and Bauer Nexus series and explain what sets them apart.

Bauer’s stick series are developed for different playing styles. Vapor is designed for maximum quick puck release with its low kick construction. Proto combines low weight with a powerful mid kick profile that stores a lot of energy in the shot. Nexus is also built on a mid kick construction, but with a greater focus on stability, balance, and improved puck feel – especially during receptions and precise finishes. The difference lies in how energy is loaded and released, as well as how the stick feels in the hands.

For hockey sticks, the shaft flex is crucial for how energy is stored and released in the shot, and the right combination of flex and kickpoint can provide both quick release and powerful shots. A general rule is that the stick should reach approximately to the nose without skates, which corresponds to about 80% of body height.

In this article, we present three of Bauer’s most popular models and go through what characterizes each stick. At the bottom, there is a comparison table to make it easier to see the differences.

Article overview

Which Bauer series should I choose?

Bauer Vapor Flylite – fast and explosive

Bauer Proto 2 – ultra light and explosive

Bauer Nexus Tracer – stable and balanced

Comparison of Bauer Vapor, Proto and Nexus

Which Bauer series should I choose?

The different Bauer stick series have unique characteristics that make them suitable for different players and playing styles:

Bauer Vapor is designed for players who prioritize quick puck release and shooting in motion. The low kickpoint allows the shaft to load quickly and release energy instantly – perfect for quick wrist shots and play close to the net.

Find all sticks in the Vapor series here

Bauer Proto suits players who want to combine power and control. With a modern mid kick profile, more energy is stored in the shaft, resulting in explosive and powerful shots without compromising puck feel.

Find all sticks in the Proto series here

Bauer Nexus is developed for players who want stability, high responsiveness, and reliable puck control. The mid kick profile makes it ideal for powerful shots and controlled play.

Find all sticks in the Nexus series here

Tips for Bauer sticks for different ages

Senior/elite:
Bauer Vapor Flylite, Bauer Proto 2, Bauer Nexus Tracer

Intermediate/junior:
Intermediate and junior versions of Vapor Flylite, Proto 2 and Nexus Tracer

Younger players:
Bauer Vapor models adapted for children (Yth)

Bauer Vapor Flylite

– Fast and responsive

Who is it for?

The Bauer Vapor Flylite features a low kickpoint and is designed for players who prioritize speed, responsiveness, and quick puck release. Weighing only 360 grams, the Flylite is one of the lightest sticks on the market. It is best suited for offensive forwards and creative players who shoot immediately after receiving the puck and want to minimize the time between decision and shot.

Features and benefits:

Low Kick + TWITCH TAPER
The new TWITCH TAPER construction enhances the low kickpoint and creates an even more explosive puck release. The shaft loads quickly near the blade and releases energy instantly – perfect for snap shots and wrist shots in motion.

ACL 2.0 shaft
Advanced carbon layering technology that delivers extremely low weight without compromising durability or stability. The result is an ultra light and highly responsive stick.

HYPERCORE2 blade with AI CORE
An upgraded blade core that improves puck feel, control, and accuracy. The AI CORE technology provides more consistent response in every shot.

Textreme + ACL 2.0 carbon fiber
Premium materials in both shaft and blade provide pro level performance, smooth energy transfer, and high durability.

Optimized balance point
The combination of a lightweight shaft and improved blade construction makes the stick feel extremely quick in the hands.

On ice feel

The Flylite feels fast, agile, and explosive. It requires minimal loading time and suits players who want to release shots immediately after receiving the puck.

To Bauer Vapor Flylite Senior

To Bauer Vapor Flylite Intermediate

To Bauer Vapor Flylite Junior

Bauer Proto 2

– Ultra light and explosive

Who is it for?

The Bauer Proto 2 is designed for players who want to combine explosive power with optimal puck feel. It is built on the most widely used Bauer construction in the NHL and is made for players who want to shoot hard from all areas of the ice – without compromising speed and balance. It suits defensemen shooting from the blue line, but also forwards who want more power in their shots without switching to a low kick stick.

Features and benefits:

BORON Fiber Technology
The exclusive BORON material is strategically placed throughout the stick to reduce weight and improve shaft compression. The result is more efficient energy storage and more powerful shots.

Mid Kick construction
The updated mid kick profile is optimized to store energy in the middle section of the shaft. This delivers powerful shots and high puck speed when loading your shot.

NHL construction
Built on the most widely used Bauer stick construction in the NHL. This ensures elite level balance, responsiveness, and durability.

New blade core for improved puck feel
A lighter blade construction improves puck control and provides faster response during passes, receptions, and shots.

Optimized balance point
The stick’s balance makes it feel light and agile in the hands, making puck handling and quick reactions easier.

1 piece construction
A one piece design that maximizes energy transfer from shaft to blade and delivers consistent response in every shot.

On ice feel

The Proto 2 is powerful and stable in shots while remaining agile in puck handling. The mid kick profile allows the shaft to load deeply, generating power, while the improved blade construction provides excellent puck feel in all aspects of the game.

To Bauer Proto 2 Senior

To Bauer Proto 2 Intermediate

To Bauer Proto 2 Junior

Bauer Nexus Tracer

– Stable and balanced

Who is it for?

The Bauer Nexus Tracer is designed for elite players who want to combine power, control, and enhanced puck feel in every situation. It is the lightest Nexus stick ever made and is built for players who want to load every shot with maximum energy – without sacrificing control. The Tracer is ideal for two way players, playmakers, and defensemen who want a stable mid kickpoint with a modern, lightweight, and explosive feel.

Features and benefits:

Updated Mid Kick flex profile
The improved mid kick construction efficiently stores energy in the middle section of the shaft and releases it with a slingshot like effect. At the same time, it provides a more optimized balance point for better control.

ER Spine technology
Bauer’s exclusive five sided shaft geometry enhances the flex profile and feels more natural in the hands. The result is better grip, more stable control, and more precise blade positioning.

TeXtreme Carbon Fiber Wrap
Ultra light and durable carbon fiber that reinforces both shaft and blade. Provides high durability without adding weight.

CONNECTECH technology
An integrated scrim layer in both the blade and shaft reduces vibrations and improves puck feel. Delivers softer receptions and better control in both shots and passes.

Lightest Nexus construction to date
The combination of advanced materials and optimized construction makes the Tracer the most maneuverable Nexus model ever.

To Bauer Nexus Tracer Senior

To Bauer Nexus Tracer Intermediate

To Bauer Nexus Tracer Junior

Comparison of Vapor Flylite, Proto 2 and Nexus Tracer

 

Model Features Best for
Vapor Flylite Kickpoint: LowFeel: Explosive and fastStrengths: Optimal puck release, light and quick in the hands Offensive forwards and players who shoot in motion
Proto 2 Kickpoint: Mid (Mid kick)Feel: Powerful but explosiveStrengths: BORON technology, high energy transfer for hard shots Defensemen and powerful allround players
Nexus Tracer Kickpoint: Mid (Mid kick)Feel: Stable and controlledStrengths: Optimal puck feel, balance and consistent power Two way players, playmakers and defensemen

Recommended reading

To the Hockey Blog! Here you’ll find all our guides, tests and releases.

 

Bauer Vapor Flylite

– Fast and responsive

Who is it for?

The Bauer Vapor Flylite features a low kickpoint and is designed for players who prioritize speed, responsiveness, and quick puck release. Weighing only 360 grams, the Flylite is one of the lightest sticks on the market. It is best suited for offensive forwards and creative players who shoot immediately after receiving the puck and want to minimize the time between decision and shot.

Features and benefits:

Low Kick + TWITCH TAPER
The new TWITCH TAPER construction enhances the low kickpoint and creates an even more explosive puck release. The shaft loads quickly near the blade and releases energy instantly – perfect for snap shots and wrist shots in motion.

ACL 2.0 shaft
Advanced carbon layering technology that delivers extremely low weight without compromising durability or stability. The result is an ultra light and highly responsive stick.

HYPERCORE2 blade with AI CORE
An upgraded blade core that improves puck feel, control, and accuracy. The AI CORE technology provides more consistent response in every shot.

Textreme + ACL 2.0 carbon fiber
Premium materials in both shaft and blade provide pro level performance, smooth energy transfer, and high durability.

Optimized balance point
The combination of a lightweight shaft and improved blade construction makes the stick feel extremely quick in the hands.

On ice feel

The Flylite feels fast, agile, and explosive. It requires minimal loading time and suits players who want to release shots immediately after receiving the puck.

To Bauer Vapor Flylite Senior

To Bauer Vapor Flylite Intermediate

To Bauer Vapor Flylite Junior

Bauer Proto 2

– Ultra light and explosive

Who is it for?

The Bauer Proto 2 is designed for players who want to combine explosive power with optimal puck feel. It is built on the most widely used Bauer construction in the NHL and is made for players who want to shoot hard from all areas of the ice – without compromising speed and balance. It suits defensemen shooting from the blue line, but also forwards who want more power in their shots without switching to a low kick stick.

Features and benefits:

BORON Fiber Technology
The exclusive BORON material is strategically placed throughout the stick to reduce weight and improve shaft compression. The result is more efficient energy storage and more powerful shots.

Mid Kick construction
The updated mid kick profile is optimized to store energy in the middle section of the shaft. This delivers powerful shots and high puck speed when loading your shot.

NHL construction
Built on the most widely used Bauer stick construction in the NHL. This ensures elite level balance, responsiveness, and durability.

New blade core for improved puck feel
A lighter blade construction improves puck control and provides faster response during passes, receptions, and shots.

Optimized balance point
The stick’s balance makes it feel light and agile in the hands, making puck handling and quick reactions easier.

1 piece construction
A one piece design that maximizes energy transfer from shaft to blade and delivers consistent response in every shot.

On ice feel

The Proto 2 is powerful and stable in shots while remaining agile in puck handling. The mid kick profile allows the shaft to load deeply, generating power, while the improved blade construction provides excellent puck feel in all aspects of the game.

To Bauer Proto 2 Senior

To Bauer Proto 2 Intermediate

To Bauer Proto 2 Junior

Bauer Nexus Tracer

– Stable and balanced

Who is it for?

The Bauer Nexus Tracer is designed for elite players who want to combine power, control, and enhanced puck feel in every situation. It is the lightest Nexus stick ever made and is built for players who want to load every shot with maximum energy – without sacrificing control. The Tracer is ideal for two way players, playmakers, and defensemen who want a stable mid kickpoint with a modern, lightweight, and explosive feel.

Features and benefits:

Updated Mid Kick flex profile
The improved mid kick construction efficiently stores energy in the middle section of the shaft and releases it with a slingshot like effect. At the same time, it provides a more optimized balance point for better control.

ER Spine technology
Bauer’s exclusive five sided shaft geometry enhances the flex profile and feels more natural in the hands. The result is better grip, more stable control, and more precise blade positioning.

TeXtreme Carbon Fiber Wrap
Ultra light and durable carbon fiber that reinforces both shaft and blade. Provides high durability without adding weight.

CONNECTECH technology
An integrated scrim layer in both the blade and shaft reduces vibrations and improves puck feel. Delivers softer receptions and better control in both shots and passes.

Lightest Nexus construction to date
The combination of advanced materials and optimized construction makes the Tracer the most maneuverable Nexus model ever.

To Bauer Nexus Tracer Senior

To Bauer Nexus Tracer Intermediate

To Bauer Nexus Tracer Junior

Comparison: Vapor Flylite, Proto R and Nexus Tracer

Model
Bauer Vapor Flylite

Best for:
Offensive forwards and players who shoot in motion

Kickpoint:
Low

Feel:
Explosive and fast

Strengths:
Optimal puck release
Light and quick in the hands

Bauer Proto 2

Best for:
Defensemen and powerful allround players

Kickpoint:
Mid (Mid kick)

Feel:
Powerful but responsive

Strengths:
BORON technology
High energy transfer for hard shots

Bauer Nexus Tracer

Best for:
Two way players, playmakers and defensemen

Kickpoint:
Mid (Mid kick)

Feel:
Stable and controlled

Strengths:
Optimal puck feel
Balance and consistent power

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