2017 Bauer Vapor 1X Blocker & Catcher

New for 2017, Bauer introduces the all new Vapor 1X series. The Vapor series takes the place of the previous Reactor series.

Bauer Vapor 1X Blocker

As I said in our Supreme 1S blocker review, it’s pretty hard to diversify a blocker... they all do pretty much the same thing, however, it's the details that differentiate the Vapor 1X.

The 1X blocker features an AX SUEDE™ QUATTRO pro palm, which is Bauer’s premier Nash-like material, first used on the Reactor 9000 series. AX SUEDE QUATTRO is extremely comfortable and is durable enough to outlast similar materials. The internals of the palm also feature Bauer’s new transfer mesh liner; transfer mesh liner is integrated with 37.5® Technology to wick sweat out of the palm.

Like all the recent Bauer blockers, the Vapor 1X has the Free Flex cuff, made with AEROLITE Technology, to ensure that your range of motion is never restricted.

For additional protection, XRD® foam is used for external finger protection. XRD foam is engineered to well absorb impact energy. This style of protection is essential, considering how painful a puck to the finger is.

Bauer Vapor 1X Trapper

Designed with a one-piece cuff and a re-engineered 60-degree break angle, the Vapor 1X trapper is designed to preferences of majority of goalies.

Like the Reactor 9000, the Vapor 1X has a 60-degree break angle (index finger to thumb tip closure); however, the 1X’s closure has been re-engineered. Imagine closing a glove is like folding a piece of paper in half, and this will be the old glove break; now, imagine a hard cover book—it has spine in the middle. The spine in the middle of a hard cover book is kind of the same approach taken with the 1X. The spine, if you will, is designed to make closing the glove more finger-reliant, as well as better protecting your palm.

Bauer has introduced a new trapper T with the Vapor 1X. The hybrid T is split, like a double-T, where it’s anchored, giving the T two anchor points. Why? The hybrid T anchoring does two things: one, it increases puck retention in the pocket by creating more elasticity/depth; and two, having two anchor points on each side, rather than one in the middle, enables the trapper to close much easier, due to less tension from trapper lacing—this is similar to the idea of a floating T.

Once a glove is broken in, it’s inevitable that you will great a stinger occasionally. To combat this, Bauer incorporates their Curv® composite into the palm. Now, even when foams compress and break in, Curv will remain a strong barrier between your hand and the puck. The palm is also further reinforced with Bauer’s XRD® foam.

To keep your glove hand cool, transfer mesh is the primary liner, with 37.5 Technology incorporated. Like in the blocker, transfer mesh enhances the capabilities of 37.5’s moisture wicking properties, keeping the glove relatively dry and your hand cool.

Last, but not least, the entire Vapor 1X line features digitally printed graphics. Rather than having traditional Jenpro or Clarino exterior, the Vapor 1X gloves have a poly-urethane exterior with digitally printed graphics, to reduce weight.

New for 2017, the Bauer Vapor 1X blocker and trapper combine a traditional and comfortable feel with a new approach to making goalie equipment. You can get your hands in these gloves, through us at The Shop!

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- written by Christian Plain