Bauer GSX Goalie Stick Review — What You Get for $140 CAD

The GSX is the bottom of Bauer’s goalie stick lineup, and it is built for the goalie at the start of the climb: a stick that feels good in the hands and holds up, at a real value price.

What you get

The shaft is shortened to 28 inches, which gives an entry-level goalie a little more leverage playing the puck and keeps the weight down. Weighed in the shop, it came in at 720 grams, which is not bad at this price. A carbon-glass layup runs over the entire stick for durability, and the paddle has an Expancel foam core that kills the vibration when a rebound comes off your stick.

What you give up

Next to a top-end stick you are carrying roughly 120 more grams, and the balance point sits a little lower, so it feels slightly bottom-heavy. There are no custom grips or custom options, and the only curve is the stock P31. That extra weight also has an upside: at lower price points the layup tends to be thicker, so the stick is a little heavier but usually lasts a little longer.

The look and the feel

It comes in red, blue and black, all with a matte finish. Last year’s GSX gear was full colour; this year’s is mostly white with coloured accents, so a bold stick stands out against it. Jono’s favourite detail is the matte finish itself, which gives your hand a little grip but still lets it slide easily when you go for a poke check.

Sizes and who it’s for

The GSX comes in junior, intermediate and senior, in both left and right. It fits the entry-level and recreational goalie who wants a good-feeling stick that lasts. Questions about sizing, curve or lie go to the goalie experts at The Hockey Shop Source for Sports at goalie@thehockeyshop.com, or @THSgoal on social.