We Tested Bauer's PROTO2 Stick and Found Something Shocking

When Bauer announced the PROTO2 hockey stick, the buzz around locker rooms and online forums was instant — “lighter, faster, more responsive.” But with so many high-end sticks claiming to do it all, we wanted to know: what makes the PROTO2 different — and is it really worth the hype?

After weeks of on-ice testing, snapshot challenges, and heavy forecheck sessions, we can confidently say this: Bauer’s PROTO2 is not just a re-skin of the Nexus lineage — it’s a full-blown evolution of the modern mid-kick stick.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Dial In Your Shot – The Power of the Mid-Kick

At its core, the PROTO2 is a mid-kick stick, designed for hockey players who generate power through their hands and load their shots with control and precision.

This kick point offers a perfect balance between lightning-fast release and maximum energy transfer — ideal for two-way players, defensemen, and forwards who love to unleash booming one-timers or heavy wrist shots from the circles.

Bauer tuned the flex profile so it loads deeper along the shaft without losing stability up top. The result?

• Explosive energy return through the lower half.

• Consistent accuracy even when you’re shooting in stride or off-balance.

• Improved velocity at any shooting distance.

If the low-kick Vapor is your quick-draw pistol, the PROTO2 is your long-range sniper rifle — steady, strong, and surgical.

Feel the Game – A Blade Built for Control

The new PROTO2 blade core is one of the biggest changes from its predecessor.

Bauer re-engineered the internal structure to be lighter while maintaining that signature “pop” elite players love when the puck explodes off the blade. The reduced weight translates to better puck feel, giving players instant feedback on toe drags, saucer passes, and quick catch-and-releases.

This is where Bauer nailed the balance:

• It doesn’t feel hollow or “pingy.”

• It’s soft enough for stickhandling, yet stiff enough to keep your shots laser-straight.

• Perfect for players who rely on touch, control, and precision passing as much as shooting power.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from the puck with an overly stiff blade, the PROTO2 fixes that. You feel everything — and that confidence translates directly into performance.

Light to the Touch – Effortless Handling

While the scale might read slightly heavier than some ultra-light sticks on the market, you’d never know it once you grab it.

That’s because Bauer optimized the balance point, making the stick feel weightless in your hands. It glides naturally with your movements, giving you better stickhandling rhythm and smoother transitions between passes and shots.

This “lighter-than-it-feels” design means less fatigue over the course of a game — perfect for players who rely on quick hands and agile play in tight spaces.

Whether you’re danging through defenders or poking pucks free on the backcheck, the PROTO2 feels like an extension of your hands.

Embrace the Element – The Power of Boron Fiber

Here’s where Bauer breaks new ground.

Exclusive to Bauer Hockey, the boron fiber layer in the PROTO2’s construction (featured on 40-flex sticks and above) is a game-changer. Boron is ultra-lightweight yet incredibly rigid — meaning it stores more energy during your load and releases it faster on your shot.

Compared to traditional carbon layering, boron fiber offers:

• Higher strength-to-weight ratio

• Better energy storage

• More consistent flex response

That means your wrist shot, slap shot, and one-timer all feel identical — no dead zones, no unpredictable flex points.

Boron doesn’t just make the stick lighter — it makes it smarter. It reacts instantly, loading energy when you need it and staying stable when you don’t.

Elite-Level Construction – TeXtreme® Carbon + Hybrid Geometry

The PROTO2 is built with TeXtreme® carbon fiber, Bauer’s premium lightweight weave used in pro-level hockey sticks and even Formula 1 cars. It provides the strength and rigidity of a high-performance chassis while keeping the overall weight minimal.

The hybrid shaft shape combines the best of both worlds:

• Round corners for comfort and quick wrist action.

• Slight concavity for control and solid grip.

It’s ergonomic, balanced, and responsive — built for elite players who demand both comfort and performance.

Who Is the PROTO2 For?

This isn’t a beginner stick — it’s designed for elite to competitive players who want an all-around weapon.

You’ll love the PROTO2 if you:

• Take a mix of wrist shots, slap shots, and snapshots.
• Play both ends of the ice and need power without losing precision.
• Prefer a mid-kick profile that loads smoothly and delivers consistent results.
• Value puck feel, balance, and control as much as shot speed.

It’s the stick for players who don’t want to choose between power and finesse — because it gives you both.

The “Dark Mode” Look

The PROTO2’s dark, minimal graphic might just be the cleanest design Bauer’s ever put out. The matte black finish with subtle accents gives it a stealthy, pro-level aesthetic that looks deadly on the ice.

If style matters (and let’s be honest, it always does), this stick turns heads every time you line up for a faceoff.

Bauer PROTO2 – Key Specs Recap

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The Verdict

After extensive testing, we can confirm that Bauer’s PROTO2 delivers on its promise — explosive shot power, unbelievable puck feel, and a balanced, lightweight feel that makes it seem alive in your hands.

The shocking part?
It’s not about gimmicks or flash. It’s the subtle refinements — the boron fiber, the tuned mid-kick, the lighter blade — that combine to create one of the most complete sticks Bauer has ever built.

If you’re a player who values control, consistency, and confidence every time the puck touches your stick, the Bauer PROTO2 is a serious contender for your next upgrade.