Xeno Puck - Product Review
Xeno Puck Review
Can this off-ice training tool level up your hockey game? Let's find out!
Hockey players know the challenge of transitioning between on-ice and off-ice. When Xeno sent us their off-ice training puck to test out for Hockeybag.com, I gathered my four hockey-loving kids, Kai, Elin, Riv, and Hollis, to see if it measures up. Spoiler alert—we tested every feature you can imagine.
For any hockey player looking to sharpen stickhandling, passing, and shooting skills away from the rink, this might be the tool you’ve been waiting for.
What is the Xeno Puck?
Think of the Xeno Puck as your go-to off-ice training partner for shooting and stickhandling. Designed to replicate the size and weight of a regulation ice hockey puck (a solid 6 ounces), this puck is built with training in mind. What’s special? It has versatility. From concrete and asphalt to synthetic ice, the Xeno Puck is engineered to slide smoothly and provide an authentic feel.
Other dryland hockey pucks tend to be lighter, making it hard to replicate the on-ice experience. Tony LaVigne, the inventor of the puck, specifically set out to solve this problem, giving hockey players a more realistic training option. Plus, it’s proudly made in the USA and patent pending.
My daughter Elin said it best after her first session, “It feels like a real puck. It’s heavier than I was expecting and I like it better than the others (referring to other pucks in our driveway).”
Key Features and Benefits
Here's what sets the Xeno Puck apart and why it’s creating buzz among players at all skill levels:
- Regulation Weight and Size
Matching what you’d use on ice gives players a realistic feel, which is critical for stickhandling and shooting drills.
- Smooth Surface Versatility
Designed for use on concrete, asphalt, tile, synthetic ice, and more. My son Riv particularly loved testing it on our driveway and praised how it reacted to his passes.
- Durability for Training
Unlike some lighter practice pucks that tend to break when shooting hard, the Xeno Puck promises durability while maintaining its on-ice simulation.
- Made for Training, Not Roller Games
Keep in mind, this puck excels in training scenarios, like stickhandling and passing. I did not use it in a roller hockey scenario to know if it is suited for that experience.
- Manufactured in the USA
Xeno proudly puts craftsmanship at the forefront. It’s always a bonus supporting a product made locally.
Performance and What It Feels Like
The Xeno Puck’s standout feature is how it replicates the feel of a real puck on the ice. My kids and I couldn’t help comparing it to other training options we’ve tried, like the Green Biscuit. While those pucks are great for smooth sliding, they lack the weight and durability of the Xeno Puck.
“It feels heavy enough to be realistic, which I love. It’s the closest thing to an ice puck,” said Kai after his first shot.
One notable downside is that the puck tends to bounce on rougher passes, so it requires some control. Also, be careful when shooting hard; Riv learned the hard way that a rebound off the post can hit your shin with some force.
That said, the overall performance in stickhandling, precise passing, and shooting drills is exceptional. Easy to use even for my seven-year-old.
Pros and Cons
Here’s the quick rundown after our testing sessions.
Pros
- Realistic weight and size for effective off-ice training.
- Slides smoothly on various surfaces, from tiles to driveways.
- Designed to improve stickhandling and passing for all skill levels.
- Made in the USA with durable materials that can handle serious training.
Cons
- The puck can bounce unexpectedly during fast passes.
- Rebounds can pack a punch if not careful (watch those shins!).
Who Should Buy the Xeno Puck?
The Xeno Puck is ideal for players of all ages and skill levels who are looking for an off-ice training solution. Whether you’re new to hockey or a seasoned player wanting to refine your stickhandling and passing, this puck works as a versatile, realistic training tool.
From aspiring youth players, like Hollis, to semi-pros, this puck brings the rink to you—even if it’s your backyard driveway or basement.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
If you’re serious about improving your hockey skills off the ice, the Xeno Puck is an investment worth making. Its regulation weight and size make it feel authentic, giving players the edge they need to transition seamlessly back onto the ice.
Whether you want to elevate your game or just have a great evening practicing with family, the Xeno Puck delivers.
Interested in getting your hands on one? Check out the Xeno Puck here and start skating without the ice.
🎯 Pro Tip
Pair the Xeno Puck with synthetic ice tiles or a smooth surface for maximum performance. And remember to practice safely to avoid any wild bounces!