The Bauer PULSE is a composite stick with two separate energy zones in the shaft. The zones give it a mid-kick feel and a low-kick release. The shaft is built from TeXtreme, a flat-weave carbon fabric. Boron fiber, a stiff aerospace material, appears on 40 flex and above. A raised-ink grip texture runs along the shaft.
Best Youth Hockey Sticks
Our youth hockey stick reviews are here to help you find the perfect stick to ignite your child's passion for the game. We collaborate with players and gear experts to review each stick based on weight (fast handling vs. power), response (how quickly the stick flexes and releases energy), and feel (how comfortable the stick feels in the hands). Rankings are updated weekly based on SidelineSwap sales data.
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The CCM Ribcor Trigger 10 Pro is a composite stick with an ultra-low kick point. The flex sits low in the shaft, so the puck leaves quickly. It weighs about 360 grams in an 85 flex. The shaft rounds off near the bottom hand for a more comfortable grip. Some curves come in a taller +1/4 version for tips and faceoffs.
The Bauer Nexus Tracer is a mid-kick composite stick weighing 360 grams. A mid kick point loads through the middle of the shaft. That suits long wrist shots and slap shots more than quick snaps. The five-sided ER Spine shaft is shaped to sit naturally in the hands. Connectech, a rubber scrim layer in the shaft and blade, dampens vibration.
The Bauer Vapor FlyLite is a low-kick composite stick sold in more than one version. Every version keeps the Vapor low kick point, which loads near the bottom hand. The current stick weighs 360 grams and uses a Twitch taper. Earlier sticks use an XE taper and weigh more. Shaft graphics are the fastest way to tell them apart on a listing.
The Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 is a composite stick molded as a single piece. There is no joint where the shaft meets the blade. It weighs 360 grams and has a low kick point. The XE taper is elliptical, thinner and rounder than a standard taper. ACL 2.0 layers thinner, stronger carbon through the shaft and blade.
The CCM JetSpeed FT8 Pro is a composite stick with a hybrid kick point. It handles quick releases and heavy drives from the point. Thin aluminum layers sit between carbon fiber in the shaft for impact resistance. The R-geometry shaft has rounded corners and concave sidewalls. The EVO blade pairs a soft heel with a stiff toe. It weighs 375 grams and comes with +1/4 blade pattern options.
The CCM Ribcor Trigger 9 Pro is a low-kick composite stick with a three-zone shaft. The shaft changes shape along its length, which CCM calls E geometry. The hosel and upper shaft are softer, so shots load with less effort. The blade carries a dampening foam insert for a softer feel. A curved, raised grip runs along the shaft.
The CCM JetSpeed FT7 Pro is a hybrid-kick composite stick with a soft blade. CCM calls it the X-Soft blade, the softest they make. A softer blade favours puck feel on passes over stiffness on hard shots. The R geometry shaft has rounded corners and concave sides. Nanolite Shield carbon layering varies layer thickness through the shaft.
The Bauer Nexus Sync is a senior composite hockey stick built on a five-sided shaft. Bauer calls it ER Spine, and it strips carbon layers from the loading zone. That makes the shaft easier to flex and contours it to the bottom hand. The Sync keeps the Nexus mid kick point, so energy loads along the shaft. Players who want the fastest release usually prefer a low kick stick.
The Bauer Proto-R is a senior composite hockey stick wrapped in TeXtreme carbon fiber. The wrap adds impact protection across the shaft while keeping the build light. A senior Proto-R weighs 345 grams, with a variance of 10 grams either way. The mid kick point loads energy along the shaft on longer shots. Players who want the quickest release usually go to a low kick stick instead.
The Bauer Vapor Hyperlite is a senior low kick stick with a HyperCore blade. HyperCore sets two carbon bridges into stiff foam for stability behind the puck. That core is fitted on 55 flex and above, so lower flexes differ. The senior stick weighs 385 grams and uses an XE Taper above the blade. Low kick suits quick releases in tight, less so long slap shots from the point.
The CCM Vizion is a composite hockey stick with aluminum plies layered into the shaft. CCM calls this ALUPLI, and it is there to resist cracks from slashes. Two Vizion sticks share the name, so check the kick point before buying. The first Vizion is ultra low kick, and the Vizion 26 is mid kick. Ultra low kick favours snap shots, mid kick favours loading from farther out.
The CCM RibCor Trigger 8 Pro hockey stick is designed for fast, agile shots with its low-kick flex profile, perfect for snap shots and one-timers. It features Dual-Feel blade technology for enhanced puck control and Nanolite Shield Technology that reduces weight without sacrificing durability. Built for durability, this stick continues the series' legacy of high performance.
The Trigger 8 Pro is a great fit for my son. It looks nice, and he loves the Flex on this stick. He was proud to bring it to the rink and show it off to his hockey buddies. When using this stick his level of play seemed to go up a level from his confidence and the comfortability of the stick.
@BethP, Parent Review
The Warrior Covert QR6 Pro is a high-performance hockey stick that features Innovative Edge Taper technology that drives flex energy through the hosel, resulting in explosive power and rapid release. The Minimus Carbon 25 construction, featuring a flat spread-tow material, delivers exceptional strength and lightweight performance.
The CCM Jetspeed FT5 Pro hockey stick is an advanced model designed for elite players focused on speed and shot power. It features a hybrid kick point for a balance of power and quick release, along with a Sigma STP Carbon weave for improved durability without adding weight. The FT5 Pro is designed to have great lightness and responsiveness.
The FT5 Pro is my favorite stick. While other brands use a mid or low-kick point technology, Jetspeed focuses on the hybrid kick. There is no other stick that stands alone in the hybrid category. The FT5 has the best balance of lightweight materials while still providing both the feel of the mid-kick point and a smooth transition into that low-kick point technology. The FT5 Pro was one of the first sticks that balanced out and allowed the ability to feel the difference entirely between the two kick points. It feels like you have two different sticks in one.
Jon Leung, Expert Review
The Hzrdus 9x4 hockey stick is engineered for explosive power and precision, that features a low-kick profile that unleashes lightning-fast shots and explosive releases. The square corner with double concave shaft shape provides superior puck control and handling, allowing player's to dominate on the ice. The gloss grip with textured blade finish offers enhanced feel and grip, ensuring the player stays in control every time you touch the puck.
The CCM Tacks AS-VI Pro stick is designed for players looking for a quick release. This stick's mid kickpoint and "V" shaft geometry are optimized for powerful wrist shots, providing a quick release and explosive power. The innovative HELICOID blade and Nanolite shield construction deliver exceptional durability and responsiveness. Experience a longer-lasting, more consistent performance that will help you dominate on the ice.
The mid-kick release is perfect for every shot type, and the V-shaped shaft is an awesome innovation for grip. The release of the AS-VI Pro is unreal, making it perfect from anywhere on the ice. The pro feels extremely light and has been unbelievably durable.
@Robbins59, Player Review
The CCM Super Tacks AS-V PRO hockey stick is designed for players seeking power and accuracy. It features a mid-kick flex point for effective slapshots and quick wrist shots. The new V-shaped shaft geometry enhances grip and shot control. Notable technologies include the ACUFEEL 2 blade for improved puck feel and Skeleton+ Taper for added durability.
The AS-V Pro stands out for its modern mid-kick point, which has been tweaked for easier loading and powerful release, especially on wrist shots. The AS-V Pro comes in a variety of flexes (stiffness levels). If you're a powerful player who shoots hard, you'll want a stiffer flex (around 85 flex). If you have a weaker shot or prefer more flexibility for dekes and dangles, then a lower flex (around 55 flex) would be a better choice.
Jon Leung, Expert Review
The True Project X Smoke hockey stick features an optimized low kick point, fine-tuned using NHL data, to deliver explosive shot speed from any position on the ice. The stick features True’s patented Axenic one-piece construction and advanced ResFlo and PLD 2.0 layering for unmatched balance, durability, and ultra-lightweight performance. A soft gloss grip, tactile shaft finish, and matte blade enhance control and puck feel, while the reinforced SRT-4S blade design ensures accuracy and stability on every shot.