Bauer Nexus Tracer Stick Review
|
|
Time to read 4 min
Get ready to elevate your game with the Bauer Nexus Tracer. This stick comes with some returning tech, like the ER Spine, ACL 2.0, and Connectech, and combines them with a more optimized kick point and enhanced balancing for a more modern stick that fits in with the fast-paced hockey we see today. Whether you're making quick passes or firing powerful shots, the Nexus Tracer looks to enhance every aspect of your performance. In this article, we’ll be looking into the features that set it as the next solid generation in the Nexus family.
Graphics
The Nexus Tracer comes out the gate with some clean and striking aesthetics, so you can look good while also being a powerhouse on the ice. The top of the shaft features an eye-catching white and chrome design, complemented by a sleek black finish along the backhand side. Blue accents provide a pop of color, while the iridescent chrome design on the text logos gives the stick a dynamic look.
Nexus Tracer - Tech and Features
Optimized Mid Kick Point
The Tracer’s mid kick point has been optimized in specific areas to enhance the Nexus line’s performance in shots and passes. One part is in the improved balance point— the weight has been redistributed throughout the stick to achieve this. You’ll notice that this design allows for easier and more natural maneuverability, all while maintaining the stability desired in a mid kick stick.
The stick's weight has also dropped to just 360g, making it one of the lightest in its category. This weight reduction is achieved through various design improvements, and the lighter weight makes it easier to execute those hard shots quickly and efficiently.
The standout change is in how the stick feels when in use— the “slingshot effect” is back in Nexus and has been enhanced in the Tracer, making the stick better designed to charge up energy, then release, similar to a slingshot. The stick focuses on storing maximum energy in the middle section of the stick and releasing it explosively on the shot. The slingshot effect both increases shot velocity while also making the stick more effortless to shoot with.
ER Spine
The ER Spine returns in the Nexus line to continue providing a full-hand grip feel. The 5-sided shape is engineered with a more ergononomic shape that fits naturally in the player’s hand, allowing you to hold more of the stick comfortably, as if it’s curling into your palm. This natural feel translates into better control and maneuverability.
This design also further enhances the stick’s flex profile. The more responsive and consistent flex ensures that the energy transfer from your hands to the puck is maximized for more powerful and accurate shots. Whether the play calls for a quick wrist shot or a more powerful slapshot, the Tracer works to enhance your performance with its intuitive feel and superior control capabilities.
ACL 2.0 Shaft
Bauer has again designed their top-of-the-line stick with ACL 2.0, or Advanced Carbon Layering, which is a method that arranges the carbon fibres strategically to reduce material crimp and deformation, while also keeping the stick lightweight. This precise alignment results in a shaft that is more durable and resistant to damage at higher levels of play.
The ACL 2.0 design also makes the stick more responsive. Like the ER Spine enhancement on the flex point, the optimization in the layering process helps transfer energy more efficiently through your hands to the puck, leading to quicker shot releases and hard, accurate passes.
Connectech and Textreme Blade
The Connectech and Textreme blade technologies are returning features from the previous Nexus SYNC stick, where they proved to be highly effective. Connectech is a technology featuring a lightweight foam core coupled with a dampening material running throughout the entire stick. This combination works to enhance the feel of the puck, allowing players to maintain better control and keep the puck on the blade for longer. The dampening material absorbs vibrations that can disrupt puck handling, helping make a smoother and more controlled experience.
Bauer has long partnered with Textreme to leverage their high-performance carbon fibre weave. The Textreme carbon fibre in the Tracer blade is both incredibly strong and lightweight, and it’s this strength-to-weight ratio that is crucial for maintaining durability without adding unnecessary bulk to the stick. The lightweight nature of the Textreme weave helps with faster stickhandling and shooting. The combination of Textreme with Connectech can keep your stick durable, powerful, and responsive longer, allowing you to focus on your game without worrying about the blade’s reliability.
Final Thoughts
Bauer wanted to create a stick that is “lighter, better balanced, allows players to more easily load any kind of shot with more velocity, all with added durability,” and the feedback from players had been overwhelmingly positive, with many stating they "are going to love using the stick." From the get-go, The Hockey Shop has been greatly anticipating this stick, and those of us who’ve tried it have echoed those statements— especially with the feel. The Nexus line has always been celebrated for its well-balanced design, and from what we've seen, the Tracer will be continuing this tradition.
We’re eager to see where this stick goes!
