Bauer Nexus SYNC Stick Review

July 29, 2022 || Written by Katie Lakusta

Bauer's Nexus series has always been known for its incredible balance and ability to use creative tech efficiently. Successor to the highly renowned Nexus Geo, the upcoming Nexus SYNC hockey stick aims to offer you a fantastic connection between you and your stick. The SYNC is a collaboration project with Brandon Naurato (coach and consultant with extensive history at the highest levels of hockey) that refines everything you already loved about the Geo and more.

Mid Kick Point

The Nexus series is Bauer’s mid kick line, meaning the kick point is closer to the centre of the shaft. This allows you to readjust your flex and playstyle to fit the situation; evidently, that also makes these sticks most ideal for players who tend to cover a lot of ice. The Nexus in particular is known for its balanced feel, bridging the gap between quick release and power. The push and pull release focus with the construction helps keep you in control of your shots while bringing that power to the next level.

New Dynasty—End of an Era

With the release of the new Nexus line, Bauer is finally retiring their high-mid kick hockey stick line, Supreme. With Nexus monopolizing Bauer’s mid kick distinction, Bauer can now put more focus and better tech into the Nexus line without having to categorize the tech between two kick point families.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the Nexus will be a combination of Nexus and Supreme; with just a singular focus, Bauer plans to use their newfound freedom to bring more power and control to the Nexus line, without the restrictions previously held by Supreme.

Supreme has had a long and celebrated run. Sadly, with the next generation and changes in the game, it is now coming to about that time for the age of the high kick point—including the Supreme line—to retire.

Connectech & OmniCore

The SYNC builds off of and improves on the previous Nexus Geo by using the same OmniCore blade core while adding some new tech in the construction. OmniCore’s focus on stability and quicker release made it a favourite among its users, which is why Bauer opted not to touch the core that much.

What Bauer did do is insert a new, responsive rubber layer along the inside of the stick—also known as Connectech—to add more of a dampening effect to the stick. What this means is that the stick is now much better at reducing vibration while using and upon impact, effectively making the stick easier to handle and the puck easier to control.

ACL 2.0—Advanced Carbon Layering

The game is just going to keep getting faster, and with that, there have been many advancements in hockey stick weight. To get that effect in the SYNC, Bauer has included an update to their Advanced Carbon Layering technology. ACL 2.0 is a big factor contributing to the stick’s 25g weight reduction from the Nexus Geo, and the technology basically means that the carbon fibre used on the inside of the stick is thinner and of higher quality. The layering comes from the strategic procedure they take to layer those carbon fibres during assembly for a lighter, more efficient build.

ER Spine Geometry

The ER Spine is back better than ever across the entire Nexus line. You heard that right—Bauer received quite a bit of feedback regarding the five-sided geometry, and now, they’ve decided that the benefits shouldn’t just be limited to the highest price point. As a result, the ER Spine is now available across the board, from the SYNC all the way down to the Nexus E3 (the only exception is the Nexus Performance Youth line, which will continue to use traditional geometry). There are five sides to the ER Spine shaft, making it easier and more natural for you to control the puck and stay connected to your stick. This tech has been refined further on the SYNC for a lower profile and even more natural feel.

Reduced Weight, Longer Stick

We’d already explored a bit why the stick is lighter, as well as why that’s necessary for the growing game. Indeed, this was one of their major focuses for the Nexus SYNC—the other main physical focus was fixing the stick’s height.

You may have noticed that the SYNC has a longer option. This came after Bauer received feedback on the length of the stick; to accommodate taller players while simultaneously adjusting the stick’s flex threshold, they added 2 extra inches to the standard 60-inch height. As the game gets faster and sticks become more durable, players are starting to lower the flex in their sticks for quicker, more efficient shots. A stick that’s longer initially adds more customization in stick flex if you need to cut it down a bit.

Final Thoughts

When I first held the stick, I couldn’t believe how balanced it was. I have a relatively recent Nexus stick at home, complete with all the best tech and an ER Spine, and I could really feel the differences that Bauer brought to the table with the SYNC. Some sticks may not go through much change between iterations, but the SYNC felt like an exception with its notable light weight, more natural shaft geometry, and overall stability. This could likely be an aftereffect of the discontinuation of Supreme—with more time, effort, and freedom to build the Nexus for a mid kick point, Bauer is able to put in the best tech they can to enhance the power and control you expect from this type of stick. Overall, we’re excited to see what the future holds for Bauer and Nexus.