Let’s talk about style. San Jose Sharks forward Will Smith loves his flashy Bauer Hockey gear and it makes him a better player.

In the next edition of SHD’s Sharks Equipment Breakdown, we take a look at Bauer Hockey’s Will Smith. The 20-year-old exudes swagger with his gear choice. Patrick Kane was a significant influence on Smith’s choice of Bauer, a fact he’s discussed in the past as well.

Stick: Bauer Vapor FLYLITE

One of the most used sticks in the NHL right now is Bauer’s FLYLITE. A top-of-the-line stick that has hockey players running to purchase it due to its performance and look. The Flylite is customizable in some cases, giving players chances to show their personality.

For Smith, playing around with his stick tape during morning skate, blade stiffness, and kick-point have all been commonplace. But this season, Smith has used the Flylite exclusively, and it’s worked.

Like Macklin Celebrini’s CCM Vizion stick, Smith uses a low-kick point stick. As explained in the previous edition of the Equipment Breakdown, the flex point on the Sharks winger’s stick is closer to the blade. Smith’s snapshot has been on display all season.

The FLYLITE has taken parts of successful Bauer sticks of the past and applied them to this high-quality twig. Here’s what PureHockey.com writes about some of the features of the FLYLITE.

“Originally part of the Innovation Series, the Twitch Taper is now integrated into the Vapor line—an exclusive taper design that begins closer to your bottom hand, enabling quicker shot loading and faster recoil than any previous Vapor stick.

The shaft features Advanced Carbon Layering 2.0 to help reduce weight, giving players the feel and control needed for precise puck handling. It also incorporates Asymmetrical TeXtreme technology—a trusted, lightweight, and responsive material that delivers a more balanced feel for elite-level performance.

To enhance balance and pop, the blade has been upgraded with Hyp2core, ACL 2.0, and a lightweight aluminum insert. ACL 2.0 uses stronger, thinner layers of internal carbon fiber to optimize performance, while the strategically placed aluminum sheet helps reduce overall weight without compromising strength or responsiveness—giving you a quick, reliable release every time you hit the ice.”

Smith loves to change his tape job during San Jose Sharks practices and morning skates. Just listen to his good buddy Gabe Perreault talk about it.

Skates: Bauer Vapor FlyLite (White skate version)

Here’s where the San Jose Sharks winger has recently set himself apart. Smith uses the same Bauer Vapor FlyLite line of skates. You’ll find a common theme soon enough.

Since returning from his injury on Jan. 16, Smith has displayed a pretty version of his skates. Earlier in the season, Smith used a basic black pair of FlyLite wheels, but now shows off one of the prettiest designed skates the league has seen. Jack Hughes was one of the first NHLers to use these skates.

Jan 23, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; during San Jose Sharks vs New York Rangers at SAP Center. Photo: Sport Shots / Dean TaitCredit: Dean Tait – Sport Shots

Like the FlyLite stick, there is a a ton of different customization that can be done for any player using this model. It is one of the most used skates in the NHL this season, and is easily recognizable due to its sleek and color designs.

Talking shop (gear) with Smith is one of my favorite things to do when I am not interviewing the Sharks winger. For me, it is a good way to break the ice (no pun intended). Like me, Smith is a gearhead. After morning skate on Jan. 23 before leaving the Sharks locker room, Smith turned to me and said, “What do you think of the skates?”

I responded with “They look beautiful. Did Jack Hughes influence you?”

Smith chirped back and said, “Nope just Bauer. Clean though right?”

Very clean Mr. Smith, very clean, indeed.

Gloves: Bauer Vapor HyperLite

A change! I know crazy, but the HyperLite line for gloves are a bit of an older model. Sticking with Bauer’s iconic Vapor line, Smith gets ultimate comforte and flexibility with the older model.

Smith’s hands are elite. Smooth, quick, and rangy. His choice of gloves allow him to get the most out of his playstyle.

Here’s what GearGeek.com has to say about what makes the HyperLite model one of Bauer’s best gloves of all-time.

“Top-of-the-line gloves offer pro-style comfort, protection and mobility for all players who rely on these details. Much of the Vapor HyperLite’s construction is what also made the 2X Pro a popular glove option. The relaxed fit allows better movement, which equates to a spectacular feel while shooting and stickhandling.

Bauer offers a three-piece finger build with special foam to provide a combination of impact resistance and overall mobility. No protection is sacrificed. The backhand is molded with a Shocklite plate that offers up to 25% more protection than the Vapor 2X Pro. Additionally, the molded cuff roll provides extra coverage at the top. Arguably the most important aspect of gloves is resistance to wear and tear, specifically in the palms. HyperLite gloves contain a “Dura Connekt” palm that is advertised to provide 30% more durability than previous models — also designed to help keep gloves dry and free of odor-causing bacteria.”

Helmet: Bauer Re-Akt 150

The Bauer Re-Akt series helmets is arguably the most common helmet at any level of hockey. There are multiple versions that give different levels of protection, comfort, and padding. The 150 is an older model, first spotted in 2018 according to GearGeek.com.

A player doesn’t change their helmet too often, but that changed with the Re-Akt 150. Per GearGeek, the Re-Akt 150 became the most used helmet by Bauer players around the world.

“Welcome to a fit that is truly personal with the Bauer Re-Akt 150. Bauer’s “Free Form” adjustment system allows independent length and width shifting for a personalized fit. The “Comfort Pod” liner system conforms to the shape of your head, and foam on the inside of the helmet adapts well to both high- and low-energy impacts. This combination of style and high performance can be hard to come by in other helmets. The numbers speak for themselves in the NHL, with many players choosing the look and protection of the Bauer Re-Akt 150.”

The adjustibility, beathability, and impact protection makes the Re-Akt 150 a go-to choice. It is comfortable and durable, which as we all know, is critical. Concussions are no joke (I will stress this in every story), getting the top protection possible from your bucket is always a must. The Bauer Re-Akt 150 won’t be a bad choice, and is arguably Bauer’s best piece of any equipment.

If you want to match Will Smith’s look, you’ll need to let your hair grow out and show it off with the Re-Akt 150. Almost all of Smith’s gear, the stock versions with some custom ability, are easily available. All model prices are of the “senior” sizing all from PureHockey.com

Stick: $369.99
Skates: $1179.99 – $1229.99 (depends on steel and customization)
Gloves: N/A (the older model is likely for sale on a clearence section at various proshops. Sidelineswap.com has plenty of pairs that have a range of prices.)
Helmet: $164.99

Comment below what Sharks player you want to see next, and any information on gear you think could be interesting!