Bauer Nexus 2N Skates Review

The first time I had a chance to look at Bauer’s 2018 catalogue I thought I missed a page. I saw the elite level 2S skate and the pro level 2S Pro. I could see the elite level 2N skate, but where was the pro level 2N Pro skate?

Well, there is no 2N Pro skate. The 2N skate is the top tier skate in Bauer’s 2018 Nexus lineup. Coming in at $799.99 it is significantly cheaper than the Nexus predecessor, the Bauer 1N. Along with a reduced price tag, the 2N skate features a classic design and traditional construction with comfort being priority number one.

Bauer has recognized that players looking for Nexus skates are focusing on one thing, comfort. These skaters have experienced skates that don’t fit properly and the pain that comes with it. Perhaps they were improperly fitted in the past or were given hand me down skates from a sibling. Either way, these skaters have broad, high volume fit profiles and have become accustomed to sore feet if they’re skating in a narrow, low profile skate.

If you’re currently wearing Vapor or Supreme skates and your laces are bulging at the eyelets, and your feet feel like the skate is crushing them from all sides, it’s time to try on a pair of Nexus skates. Your feet will thank you.

While the Nexus lineup has skates available at many price points, we’ll focus on the elite level 2N and go through the materials and construction used during manufacturing and what that means for you on the ice. Before we do that, here is the tech and spec at a glance.

Release Details

Release Model: Bauer Nexus 2N (2018)
Predecessor: Bauer Nexus 1N (2016)
Pre-Order: June 15th, 2018
Launch: July 13th, 2018
Price: CAD $799.99

Level: Elite
Volume Profile: High
Heel Pocket: Deep
Instep: High
Ankle Wrap: Mid
Stiffness: Pro

Bauer Skate Technology

3-D Lasted Carbon Curv Composite
HYDRA-MAX 2 Liner
Lightweight Memory Foam Ankle Pads
FORM-FIT 2-piece 48oz Black Felt Tongue
High-Density Reinforced Metatarsal Guard

FORM-FIT+ Insole with Stabilizing Grip and Ventilation
Anaformable Upper Boot
Lightweight Composite Outsole
Tuuk Lightspeed Edge Holder
LS3 Stainless Steel Runners

At First Glance

If you’re familiar with the Nexus line, the first thing you might notice is that the black laces are gone. Bauer has reverted to the classic white laces. The black laces set the 1N skates apart, but the majority of skaters were making the switch back to white laces before stepping on the ice. While a minor change, I’m happy the stock white laces are back.

Regarding design and graphics, one of the challenges Bauer has faced with the Nexus line is making a larger volume skate look streamlined. The original iterations of the Nexus boot did tend to look boxy and clunky. Once Bauer moved to the 3-D Curv Composite boot, it became much easier to smooth out the contours of the skate.

The 2N skate features these smooth composite contours and clean-cut graphics. As with the 2S Pro, the classic black boot on the 2N is a blank canvas to add subtle accents. The Nexus line’s signature blue accents provide a visible differentiation from the Supreme and Vapor lines.

TUUK Edge Holder – LS3 Stainless Steel Runner

If you’ve been hiding under a rock, or just haven’t bought skates for a few years, Bauer released a new holder and steel runner system that has made life easier for players and equipment managers alike.

The Edge system features a trigger system that allows you to quickly pop a steel runner in and out of the holder. What does this mean? Well, you can bring an extra set of steel with you to the rink, and if your steel breaks or you lose an edge, then you can quickly swap in the fresh set of runners without taking your skates off.

Pro Tip: Use your skate guards or a blade pouch to bring your skates in for sharpening. Sharpening specialists can sharpen the blades themselves, so you don’t need to bring your skates to the pro-shop. Plus, you can drop off 2 or more sets at a time.

Bauer LS3 Runner is higher quality steel than the standard LS2 and is also slightly taller. For elite skates, the taller runner allows for a better attack angle when making tight turns. For the average skater, the taller runner means more blade life.

If you are an elite level player, I recommend grabbing a pair of the new LS5 Carbon Steel. The LS5 steel is Bauer’s high-performance steel. You can read about it in our 2S Pro Skate review here:

A Fit Like No Other

The classic Nexus fit isn’t going anywhere. Yes, if you’re following along, I stole that line from our 2S Pro review. But it’s true. Bauer has had the anatomical boot shape for each foot profile dialled in for years now. For the diehard Nexus skaters, putting on a pair of 2N skates will be a familiar feeling.

Bauer built the Nexus skate for players with wide, high volume feet. If you’re not sure if you fall into this category, Bauer has made it easy to find out.

Bauer’s 3D Fit Scanner that is operational at our shop in BC can tell you the model, size, and width that may be optimal for your foot shape. How does it work?

Take your shoes off.
Stand on the platform.
Cameras scan your entire foot and create a 3D model.
Bauer’s fit profile matching technology recommends a skate for you.

While this does help guide you toward the best fitting skate, our staff have almost 30 years of passed down skate fit knowledge at their disposal to make sure you find that perfect fit.

When you sit on the bench and take your shoes off, our guys will know right away if the Nexus fit is for you. High instep, deep narrow heel, wide forefoot, high volume ankle and foot bones. It’s a can’t miss foot profile. Some stores don’t sell many Nexus skates, but we do. The Nexus foot shape is out there, and hopefully, we’re able to help you out.

3D-Lasted Carbon Curv Composite Boot

Let’s start with the boot. 3D-lasted Carbon Curv Composite. Bauer’s patented boot material is thermoformable and ultra-lightweight without sacrificing protection. Thermoformable composite is a standard these days, but Bauer’s current iteration of the Curv material is one of the best we’ve seen.

You’ll notice the smooth anatomical contours around the heel cup and ankle bones. This 3D-last provides a framework that helps secure your foot in the boot. The next step is the thermoformable.

After a short bake in a Bauer skate oven, the Curv material will adjust and form around your unique foot shape and bone structure. It’s a warm hug for about 10 minutes. Your feet will thank you.

A Fit Like No Other

Bauer built the Nexus skate for players with wide, high volume feet. If you’re not sure if you fall into this category, Bauer has made it easy to find out.

Bauer’s 3D Fit Scanner that is operational at our shop in BC can tell you the model, size, and width that may be optimal for your foot shape. How does it work?

Take your shoes off.
Stand on the platform.
Cameras scan your entire foot and create a 3D model.
Bauer’s fit profile matching technology recommends a skate for you.

While this does help guide you toward the best fitting skate, our staff have almost 30 years of passed down skate fit knowledge at their disposal to make sure you find that perfect fit.

FORM-FIT 2 Tongue

Bauer has perfected this black felt tongue over years and years of iterations. Pre-curved internals for each foot and die cut 42oz black felt in a 2-piece design will hug the front of your foot and ankle.

The tongue has a built-in high-density reinforced metatarsal guard to protect the top of your foot. I’m not a doctor either; the metatarsals are the bones that connect your toes to the rest of your foot. So they run along the top of your foot. Rest assured, it isn’t just felt and lace protecting your feet when blocking shots.

A Peek Inside

The 2N skate features a favourite skate liner among pros, the HYDRA-MAX 2 Liner. The mesh liner is a soft fabric that provides comfort when you slip your foot in while wicking away moisture to keep your feet dry.

The ankle pads are lightweight memory foam that will form to your unique ankle bone structure. Foam pads are a standard addition that people sometimes take for granted. The foam pads are the only thing between your ankle bones and a stiff composite boot. They’re a key component of skate comfort.

Along the bottom of the skate, we have another Bauer staple, the FORM-FIT+ insole. The insole has a grip coating to prevent foot movement and ventilation to keep your feet dry and stop them from overheating.

Full Composite Outsole

To complete the 2N skate, Bauer has built a lightweight composite outsole. In addition to keeping the skate weight down, the composite outsole maximizes energy transfer during a stride compared to a plastic molded outsole. This is just another hallmark of an elite level skate.

Final Thoughts

The Bauer 2N is as always, a crucial part of Bauer’s skate fit story. Being able to find a skate that fits every customer that comes through our door is a goal for us the Nexus line helps us do that. For those that have a limited number of options, it’s important that each model offers elite level performance and design. And that is exactly what the 2N offers.

I have been lucky enough to view and hold these skates in person. However, I am excited to share our on-ice review, breaking down any pros and cons of this performance product, along with comparing it to the competition and ranking the skate based on fit, performance and durability. Stay tuned!

Make sure to follow us on social media, by Liking us on Facebook, and following us on Instagram and Twitter!