Bauer returns for round two with the Bauer PULSE2 hockey stick. This time around, it sports a sleeker purple look with newly refined features—it's the PULSE, but better than ever. Let’s take a deeper look at this stick compared to the original PULSE, and see if it might be the right one for you..

Graphics

The PULSE2 comes in two primary variations: white and black, similar to other top-end models today, like the PROTO². The graphics lean toward a cleaner, simpler look, with silver and purple accents that catch the eye without feeling too busy. Unlike many other higher-end sticks, the silver accents aren’t completely iridescent (when the colours change a little depending on how the light hits).

Rather, there are two distinct silver tones at play along the accents, most notable on the white version. This is a subtle design choice you don't often see, especially when most brands lean toward a single iridescent finish. Bauer's decision to take a different design approach gave them some more freedom with the overall look. That freedom lets them add real dimension to the PULSE2 text logo, which is such a cool aesthetic that is executed quite well here.

On the black variation only (similar to the first PULSE stick), lines along the shaft indicate the presence of the raised ink grip, which we will look at next.

Grip and Geometry

If you tried the original PULSE before, you’ll probably notice on this one that the grip feels massively different. While the PULSE was fairly tacky, the PULSE2 has a more subtle feel, with most of the texture coming from the raised ink grip, which is a returning feature.

On the black version, the grip still aligns with the black striping along the sides. On the white variation, it's more subtle, but you can still spot the small grey flecks that parallel the text graphic and purple accents:

And yes, on the PULSE2, the colours and graphics run parallel along the raised ink grip. This setup is much easier to see in your peripheral vision if you want to align your bottom hand with the grip, particularly on the white version.

The stick also uses what Bauer calls a hybrid shaft shape, which is something between a traditional and rounded shaft. The overall shape is square, with rounded corners and a modest concave curve along the sides, which feels very natural in your hand.

FUSION Kick Point

We have actually seen this kick point in the first PULSE stick, but now with an official name: the PULSE2 uses what Bauer calls a FUSION kick point, which isn’t a flex profile we may be totally familiar with, so we’ll break it down a bit.

Despite this being an exclusive tech to this stick, the stick itself is not labelled anywhere along the shaft as having a FUSION kick point. With the release of the FUSE series, you might think this flex profile might be akin to a Supreme mid kick, but that's not the case. So then, what is it?

When it comes to hockey sticks, most kick points usually fall into one of two main categories: mid kick and low kick. Mid kicks are known for their power and control, loading higher and storing more energy for the shot. Low kicks don’t load as high, but that’s not the goal for them—these sticks want to get the shot off quick and snappy, before the goalie has a chance to predict the release at all.

The FUSION kick point is similar to the hybrid kick point found in CCM sticks, but functions a little differently. Simply put, this kick point fuses the mid kick and low kick profiles  into one package. It doesn’t necessarily adapt to your play, like a hybrid; rather, the stick includes two distinct energy zones, effectively combining a mid kick load with a low kick release. That means the stick has the potential to deliver powerful shots while still being quick and efficient when getting your shots off.

Shaft Materials

We already talked about the FUSION kick point, but it’s worth returning to when talking about the shaft and materials used. A major reason the stick is able to deliver those characteristics is because of the TeXtreme carbon fibre construction, which involves strategic placement of advanced carbon material to further enhance that energy load along the stick, leading up to powerful shots and passes.

Of course, this stick also uses Boron material in combination with carbon. Boron is more rigid than carbon, which means it has much higher recoil and therefore, much greater snap when you shoot the puck. It might sound like a bunch of marketing jargon to some, but we highly suggest trying this stick out, at the very least in our shooting room, because the boron is no joke—you will feel that extra snap on your shot when the recoil happens.

The boron formula has been refined and further optimized in its placement here too since the PULSE, making it even stronger and lighter than before.

Blade

It’s not just the shaft and boron that help drive that shot, but the blade as well. The PULSE2 blade core is an upgraded version of the previous PULSE blade core, retaining its lightweight, stiff design. That rigidity comes from the use of dual carbon bridges, now with an added aluminum layer for increased durability, all without adding extra weight.

Final Thoughts - Is This Stick Right for You?

Of course, the two biggest highlights of this stick are the FUSION kick point and use of boron material in the shaft. We highly recommend trying out in a store with a shooting area (like The Hockey Shop) to feel the full effects, especially when experiencing boron and its contribution to shot release.

Every part of this stick is built to make your shots feel as seamless as possible, with a powerful load and quick release.

Like most combined flex profile sticks, the PULSE2 is amazing for any player who find themselves playing all over the ice in a variety of positions. This can include centremen, two-way forwards and offensive defensemen. Defensemen who much prefer the feel and release of low kick sticks, but feel pressured to try mid kicks due to their position, may benefit a lot from this model.

This point is a bit of a smaller one, but I’m a huge fan of the changes Bauer made to the raised ink grip. It’s light and subtle, while still feeling really good in your hands without being too overbearing. The grip is also especially nice if you’re looking for a mid kick-style stick but aren’t the biggest fan of really grippy, tacky grips you might experience on most sticks at that flex point.