What’s the deal with $460 hockey sticks?

Every year there’s a new release.

New name. New graphics. New price tag.

And somehow, it always feels like you need it.

But there's something about this not many people know

A noticeable percentage of NHL players aren’t actually using the newest stick at all.

They’re using something else—something that’s been around for years.

The stat that changes everything

If you follow GearGeek, you’ve probably seen this already:

Around 11% of NHL players are using sticks with the Nexus Tracer graphic.

That sounds like one of the newest sticks in the game.

But here’s what we’ve learned from handling pro stock sticks every single day:

A large portion of those “Tracer” sticks…
aren’t Tracers at all.

They’re Bauer Nexus 2N Pro XL builds underneath.

And this isn’t a guess.

• Bauer sticks have build codes that tell you exactly what’s inside
• We physically inspect these sticks when they come through
• And we’re seeing them at roughly a 5:1 ratio compared to true Tracer builds

So when you see that Tracer graphic on the ice, there’s a very real chance you’re actually looking at one of the most trusted sticks from the past decade.

What is the Nexus 2N Pro XL?

The Bauer Nexus 2N Pro XL isn’t complicated, and that’s exactly why it works.

It’s known for:

• A true mid-kick profile
• A traditional, consistent shaft feel
• Excellent balance without feeling overly engineered

No extreme kickpoint tweaks or 5 sided shafts. 

This is a stick that does exactly what it needs to do

Why NHL players won’t move on from it

At the NHL level, performance isn’t about chasing the newest release.

It’s about predictability and trust.

Players like Barkov, Makar, Hayes, Tanev, and Newhook have all been seen using the Tracer graphic but with 2N Pro XL builds. And once you find something that works at that level, there’s no reason to change it.

New sticks aren’t necessarily better, they’re just different.

And when your job depends on how the puck comes off your blade, “different” isn’t always a good thing.

So instead of switching every year, many pros stick with what they know.

Why everything looks like a Tracer now

Here’s where things get interesting.

Pro players don’t pick sticks the same way retail customers do. They pick builds, not graphics.

That means:

• A player can request a 2N Pro XL build
• The manufacturer puts any graphic they want on it (often the newest release)
• And use it all season without anyone noticing

And it’s not just Tracer graphics either, we see 2N Pro XL builds wrapped in multiple different modern designs.

The key point:

What you see on TV is not always what’s actually being used.

If you’re curious what that feels like in your hands,
you can check out our Nexus 2N Pro XL pro stock inventory here.

A lot of these sticks come in updated graphics, so you’re getting that same elite-level build with a modern look.

If it came out in 2018… why isn’t it cheaper?

This is the question we hear all the time.

And it’s fair.

But the answer is simple:

The Nexus 2N Pro XL is still a top-end stick.

It hasn’t been replaced in the way people think, it’s still actively used by NHL players today.

On top of that:

• We pay teams the same price for sticks regardless of model
• Older sticks usually disappear from circulation over time
• The 2N Pro XL hasn’t, because players keep using it

So instead of becoming “outdated,” it’s stayed in demand.

That’s why it’s priced alongside other elite-level pro stock options, not discounted like an old retail clearance stick.

Who this stick is actually perfect for

Beer league players

If you want:

• Pro-level performance
• A reliable, consistent release
• Something you don’t have to relearn every game

This is exactly the kind of stick NHL players trust for the same reasons.

Parents and older players (15–18)

Let’s be honest...graphics matter.

Kids want something that looks current.

With these sticks, you’re getting:

• Modern graphics
• A proven pro-level build
• Performance that easily outpaces ALL retail sticks

In a lot of cases, this is a better option than buying a mid-tier retail stick at the same price.

The reality about hockey sticks

There’s always going to be a new release.

And there’s always going to be hype around it.

But NHL usage tells a different story.

Players at the highest level in the world are still choosing a stick from 2018, not because they have to, but because it works.

And that says a lot more than any product launch ever could.

Final thoughts

You can keep chasing the newest $400+ release every year.

Or you can use what NHL players are actually using, just with a fresh look.

And honestly, if it were up to us?

The 2N Pro XL graphic would still be front and center. It’s one of the best sticks ever made, and it’s earned that.

If you want to try one for yourself,
check out our Nexus 2N Pro XL pro stock sticks here.