Written by: Jonathan Holloway
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Time to read 9 min
The Bauer Vapor FLYLITE line has officially arrived, bringing with it a wave of excitement from goalies across all levels. As the successor to the popular HyperLite 2 series, the FLYLITE builds on Bauer’s proven formula for lightweight, mobile gear tailored to the modern reactive goaltender. Known for its flexible profile and quick movement, the Vapor line has long been a favorite for goalies who play fast and stay aggressive in the crease.
With FLYLITE, Bauer delivers a carefully refined update that enhances performance without straying from the core Vapor identity. A redesigned strapping system improves pad connection, a new boot flex sharpens responsiveness, and a wider pocket directs more pucks into the pocket. While the customizer launched back in March, Bauer held back on revealing the full list of tech upgrades — and now that we’ve seen it all in person, it’s clear the FLYLITE gear was worth the wait.
If you want an in-depth look at the new Bauer Flylite gear, then check out our YouTube review. In the review, you'll get a closer look at the specs of the Flylite gear, then I hit the ice to test the gear out, and finally, I'll share my honest opinions on the newest Vapor release.
Designed for reactive goalies who prioritize quick, agile movements. The Vapor line is lightweight, soft-flexing, and ideal for hybrid goalies who play aggressively on their feet and value speed above all else.
The Supreme Shadow line is built for goalies who value efficient movements around the crease, opting for a more positional, butterfly style of play. The Bauer Shadows are known for delivering a solid foundation on ice, and explosive rebounds.
The biggest update on the new Bauer FLYLITE leg pads is the new Tune-Fit Slyde strapping system. This Tune-Fit Slyde design wraps more of the calf, improving control and delivering a comprehensive fit that feels balanced and secure.
The new Fused Double T-Trap creates a U-shaped design resulting in a pocket that sits 5% larger than the previous Vapor model, helping to contain pucks and reduce pop-outs.
Bauer is known for their unconventional graphics, and the FLYLITE gear is no different. The FLYLITE graphic keeps things clean and modern, where simplicity will go a long way when customizing the design. The focal point of the graphic is the spear around the knee, which features a gradient for additional flare.
If the stock FLYLITE graphic isn’t for you, then you can opt for Bauer’s Digi-Print program and create a fully custom graphic. We’ve seen a ton of crazy and wild designs in the past, and with Digi-Print, the possibilities really are endless.
The new Vapor FLYLITE shares the same internal core as the Hyperlite 2’s, Bauer’s Rebound Boost Core. Designed to be lightweight and reactive, the RBC creates springy rebounds to drive pucks away from danger and provide goalies more time to recover between shots.
Bauer has been leveraging CURV Composite in their gear for a long time, and for good reason. The Vapor FLYLITE features Curve Composite to reinforce the thigh rise, creating rigidity in the five-hole while keeping the FLYLITE's thin, lightweight profile. Designed for resistance against wear, such as cracking, Curv Composite helps maintain the leg pad shape and flex over time.
In store, we measured a medium FLYLITE pad at 2.24 kg (4.94 lbs) — slightly heavier than the Hyperlite 2, which weighed in at 2.08 kg (4.59lbs). While the new gear might weigh slightly more, it’s still one of the lightest leg pads in the category.
The Bauer FLYLITE maintains the soft, flexible profile that Vapor gear is known for. Designed for speed and mobility, the leg pad features a 165-degree round break above and below the knee, resulting in a significant pre-curve. This design is especially accommodating to goalies with a narrow butterfly, helping to seal the 5-hole.
The FLYLITE Reactive-Flex boot offers a more responsive feel with faster recovery through it’s spring-like design, compared to the HyperLite 2’s Free-Flex boot. The 100° boot angle creates an ergonomic fit, anchoring the skates to the boot while promoting ankle mobility and keeping rebounds tight around the net.
The FLYLITE's feature Bauer’s rebound edge, a triangular outer roll concealed underneath the SL1D3R skin to help maintain the leg pad's shape while minimizing the likelihood of pucks skipping over.
Carried over from Hyperlite 2, Bauer SL1D3R Skin is a thermoformed pad skin that enhances durability, rebound control, and slide performance. Overall, I’ve been really impressed with the feel of the SL1D3R skin, specifically the level of control I feel when in my butterfly while still being able to slide effortlessly.
The Bauer FLYLITE's come equipped with the Vapor StabiliFlex knee block, an integrated landing that offers extra flex between the knee block and the core of the pad, when compared against the stiffer Supreme StabiliSlide. The overall knee block size has been increased, creating more landing area when dropping into the butterfly. Finally, Bauer redesigned its StabiliGrip to provide more leverage and control of the pad.
Created for a more reactive butterfly, the Balance Plate is designed to balance flex and stability versus the Supreme’s stability-first design. The FLYLITE also contains a streamlined calf plate, with an integrated calf pillow, to improve connection to the ice, while reducing friction.
The new Tune-Fit Slyde strapping is designed to create a better connection between your calf and the leg pad. By securing a wider section of your calf, the FLYLITE feels more balanced and distributes weight effectively for optimal performance.
The Vapor FLYLITE's feature Bauer’s AeroLite calf wrap, creating a breathable and lightweight leg channel, now with reinforced abrasion resistance to increase durability.
Bauer updated the FLYLITE toe ties with a Y-shaped spacer to create separation between the skate and toe bridge, while improving connection between the lace and the skate holder. The redesign also features rubber Velcro tabs, aiming to improve overall durability and extend the lifetime of the Velcro tabs.
The Vapor FLYLITE catcher comes stock with a 590-inspired break angle, as one of the most popular break angles, it closes your fingers towards the base of your thumb. Alternatively, the FLYLITE catcher is available as a Vapor90, which will provide Bauer’s version of a 580-style break angle. At The Hockey Shop, we make sure to keep both options in stock.
The new Fused Double T-Trap creates U-shaped design resulting in a pocket the sits 5% larger than the previous Vapor model, helping to contain pucks and reduce pop-outs. The pocket comes stock with Nylon lace, but skate lace options are available through the customizer.
The Bauer Flylite catcher leverages CatchLite Palm material to keep the glove light for quick reactions.
The FLYLITE glove is reinforced using CURV Composite for a stronger pop while staying lightweight and protective. CURV Composite is specifically engineered for durability at low temperatures, reducing the likelihood of wear over time.
Layered in the palm of the FLYLITE catcher, Bauer’s Rebound Control Foam and DCT is used to absorb puck impacts, reducing the likelihood of pop outs and increasing the ease of catching.
The FLYLITE comes stock with a Game Ready palm, offering standard protection while ensuring the glove is ready to use immediately.
The Pro Palm is designed for goalies who want an extra level of protection, achieved through adding 3mm of padding throughout the palm and fingers of the glove. This option may be stiffer out of the box, but will break in nicely over time.
The FLYLITE catcher weighs in at 1.02 kg (2.25 lbs) — same as the HyperLite 2 — keeping things fast and responsive for glove saves.
Internally, the FLYLITE glove uses Bauer’s Connekt+ liner, designed for comfort and sweat control, while maintaining a consistent feel throughout the game. By the fingers, CatchGrip strips are used for extra leverage, enhancing closure and control.
The glove features standard strapping to customize your fit. To secure the glove, the catcher features an exposed webbing pull strap, perfect for quick adjustments on the ice. To dial in leverage, the FLYLITE has multiple Velcro adjustments along the backhand and fingers, for a snug, reactive fit.
The backhand of the catcher keeps its free flex design using Aerolite material for a breathable, lightweight fit. Staying similar to the HyperLite 2, the backhand promotes easy closure when making glove saves.
The blocker board and sidewall are reinforced with CURV Composite, offering control, powerful rebounds and lightweight protection. By leveraging CURV Composite, Bauer has designed the thinnest blocker board available. The FLYLITE now features a reinforced side plate that is extra stiff, similar to the Bauer Supreme Shadow blocker.
The FLYLITE blocker comes in at 0.94 kg (2.07 lbs) — a touch heavier than the HyperLite 2’s 0.88 kg (1.94lbs). That said, the weight increase is minor and not really noticeable in use.
The FLYLITE blocker enhances finger protection with a new finger block, leveraging a Velcro hinge system to customize the coverage and protection. Bauer leverages its Defense Cloud Technology in the fingers for lightweight protection while Piano finger adjustments enable you customize how tight and responsive the finger protection is.
The FLYLITE features a FreeFlex thumb design. which allows for thumb mobility without sacrificing protection.
Bauer’s 14.5” Connekt+ palm returns, giving a secure grip with great durability. The palm is extremely comfortable, and I'm a big fan of the stretch fingers, which offer a snug fit that doesn't feel restrictive.
The new cuff design is wider, looser, and more flexible than the HyperLite 2, improving wrist mobility. Paired with AeroLite materials, the cuff stays breathable and light — a big win for comfort and performance.
If you’re looking to make the Vapor FLYLITE the perfect fit for your game, Bauer offers three levels of customization to help you fine-tune every detail to match your playing style.
The standard FLYLITE Customizer allows you to tailor your pad graphic using your team colours — and the results can be pretty eye-catching. Beyond graphics, you can also adjust key spec options including boot flex, knee block style, and strapping on the leg pads, as well as palm options and strapping configurations on the glove and blocker.
For goalies seeking pro-level performance, Bauer Pro Custom unlocks even more flexibility. This option lets you combine specs across the Vapor and Supreme lines , allowing you to create a set that blends the best features of both. The gear is built from the ground up at the same pro factory used by NHL goalies, offering a true custom-fit experience from design to delivery.
For those who want to make a visual statement, Bauer Digi-Print takes graphics to another level. While it doesn’t add performance upgrades, it gives you full creative freedom by printing custom imagery directly onto the pad face — whether it’s team branding, bold graphics, or even high-res photos. We’ve seen some amazing and wild designs roll through The Hockey Shop, and the quality is always impressive.
If you're ready to start customizing your own set of FLYLITE gear, our goalie team is here to help you build something that’s uniquely yours — from fit to finish.
The Bauer Vapor FLYLITE is one of the most anticipated releases of 2025 and for good reason. The gear builds off of the massive success of the HyperLite 2 and offers some new design features to help goalies get the most performance out of their gear. Starting off with the leg pads, I’m most excited about this new Slyde strapping, since it creates better balance and connection between the gear and your leg. I’m also a fan of the more prominent precurve, and I think it will address the needs of a lot of goalies. When it comes to the glove, the larger pocket is a welcome improvement. Finally, I like the adjustability of the index protection on the blocker, and the wider, looser cuff provides unlimited wrist mobility for better comfort when playing.
Overall, I think the FLYLITE gear is an exciting update from Bauer, capitalizing on what made the HyperLite 2 successful while offering some great tweaks.
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