Bauer Roller Hockey 2022 Skate Collection Review

February 25, 2022 || Written by Katie Lakusta

The inline hockey and skating community varies greatly in terms of skill and ambition. As a kid, I used to skate outdoors quite casually and for fun with my family; on the other side of the spectrum, players train long and hard to reach the professional inline leagues or even Worlds. Inline skating and hockey is also a common training tool for ice hockey players, specifically in professional, junior, and university leagues.

Whether you have a passion for competitive, high-level inline hockey, are looking for some extra training, or just want to go out in the sun for some light exercise, Bauer has what you need in their newly updated Vapor roller hockey skate line.

Vapor 3X Pro

For that elite player shooting to compete professionally or play in the World Championships, the Vapor 3X Pro features various high-end tech and construction from Bauer’s elite ice hockey and inline hockey lines. This includes a 3D-lasted Carbon CURV composite quarter package, an asymmetrical toe cap, a HI-LO bearing and chassis set up, and Labeda Millenium wheels.

Carbon CURV Composite

What really makes the top-of-the-line performance of these skates is the Carbon CURV composite quarter package, only present in the best from Bauer in both ice and inline. It’s tough, lightweight, and greatly supportive, in addition to having thermoforming properties. Stiffer, tougher boots are ideal for stronger skaters who can handle them, as that extra support can greatly enhance strong strides and withstand more use.

HI-LO Chassis & Labeda Wheels

The HI-LO chassis and wheel setup is exclusive to Bauer/Mission skates. The setup places two 80mm wheels in the back and two 76mm wheels in the front, offering greater forward lean into your strides for effortless power. The 3X Pro couples an Aluminum chassis with Labeda Millenium wheels for premium performance and feel during indoor play. The wheels are classified as “X-Soft,” making them ideal for professional and smooth surface use. Despite that, they are a little harder than other X-Soft wheels, adding some extra durability while keeping to the same capabilities and feel.

If you do want to train outside with these skates, it is recommended that you switch the wheels for outdoor Street wheels, which will be harder and more durable than the Millenium wheels.

Vapor 3X

One price point down but not that far off in potential are the Vapor 3X roller skates. This skate puts a major focus on balancing performance, support, and good ventilation, making them a great option for elite players looking for high-level skates that are a bit more affordable. They also complement strong ice skaters looking to do some off-season training.

3D-Lasted Flex Composite

Where the 3X gains its edge in skating is in its balance. It is equipped to support you across all situations, whether you’re attacking or defending your zone. To cover all angles, Bauer used 3D-lasted flex composite, which has been an established material used in their gear for years. This material works in harmony with the flex wheels to enhance your turns and transitions, making it easy to cover various positions.

Chassis & Wheels

The skates come with an Aluminum CNC chassis—lightweight and similar to the 3X Pro—along with Labeda Gripper Crossover wheels. Labeda was a leader in Flex Technology with their Gripper series, which offers a good balance in its capabilities at the mid price point. Its focus on grip while turning will help you be in full control of your skating while you play.

Although they are equipped to work well on both rough and smooth surfaces, Gripper Crossover wheels are classified as Soft and will last longer on smoother flooring.

Vapor X3.5

If you’re not quite looking to play professionally, are new to skating, or are just looking to stretch your legs out on a casual stroll along the Vancouver Seawall, the Vapor X3.5 roller skates may be just your style. They fit every need of the casual skater with its 3D polycarbonate quarter package, HI-LO Ventilation Steel chassis, and HI-LO Street wheels.

Built for Cruisin’

These skates are built for comfort and are ready to skate with right out of the box. The TPR outsole is softer and more flexible than the others used in this line, making them easier to maneuver in and skate with. They are also completely thermoformable, meaning for an even better fit and feel.

The Ventilation Steel chassis is tough and durable, and the HI-LO Street wheels are hard and perfect for outdoor play and Seawall cruising. If you do plan to play indoor roller hockey with these skates, we suggest opting for softer, indoor wheels instead.

Final Thoughts

Whether you play ice hockey or inline hockey, having a solid pair of inline skates that fit you and your style could be the missing piece you need to bump your game up to the next level. Even if you play primarily ice hockey, that extra training in roller can definitely up your game and your skating. I’ve seen this kind of improvement firsthand—I had teammates in university who used roller hockey as both a training tool and a stepping stool, and today, they're all up in the ranks and playing ice hockey professionally.