Bauer Vapor 1X Goal Skate Review

In 2016, Bauer introduced the Supreme 1S goalie skate, featuring no cowling and resembling a player skate without a tendon guard. To no surprise, this skate took control of the market by grabbing the attention of goalies all over. Next up: the Bauer Vapor 1X goalie skate.

Due to the change of goalies’ style of play, reinforced foot protection has become decreasingly unnecessary, thus making the cowling pretty much irrelevant.

Lower

The VERTEXX EDGE goalie holder increases the overall skate height by 5mm, which then increases the goalie’s attack angle by 10% from the original VERTEXX cowling and 38% from any traditional cowling.

The new holder also features Bauer’s innovative trigger release system. Whether it’s between periods or between whistles, the trigger release system allows goalies to switch their steel within seconds, so they can always keep a fresh edge on the ice.

3mm LS3G steel comes stock with the VERTEXX EDGE Holder, which is designed to better transfer energy from the goalie, through the skate, to the ice. The LS3G steel also has a better surface finish for a longer lasting sharpening.

The Vapor 1X is the second (Supreme 1S being first) goalie skate from Bauer with a full composite outsole. The composite outsole solidifies the sole of the skate, which then increases the potential energy transfer when making pushes on the ice. While this energy transfer may not literally be felt, any goalie should notice more consistency in their skating.

Upper

3D anaformable Curv® composite is the essential makeup of the Vapor 1X goal skate. By the 3D anaformable, the Curv composite will mold to the anatomy of your foot, resulting in a more accurate and comfortable fit. Overall, the intention of Curv composite is to keep your foot in a locked-in position for more efficient skating.

Although the Vapor 1X has a taller boot than Supreme, the top brim of the skate opening features the Dynamic Flex Collar to make any movements in the skate feel natural and comfortable.

One feature that differentiates the fit of the 1X from the 1S is X-Wrap. X-Wrap is a 3mm facing extension, affording you some more space in the quarter package and enabling you stay in your stance more comfortably. Essentially, X-Wrap moves the eyelets 3mm outwards, thus increasing the depth of the quarter package.

Working in co-ordinance with the X-Wrap is the Dynamic Flex tongue. A molded insert, with spring-like performance, allows you to lean forward easily and stay in an attack-ready position. This tongue is made with an anatomically asymmetrical profile, which follows the shape of the foot, resulting in a better fit and less lace-bite.

Liner

Since the X-Wrap affords you a little more depth in the Vapor 1X, the potential movement of your foot needs to be counter-balanced. LOCK-FIT PRO Liner features grip zones to keep your foot in position, allowing you to flex down in your stance without moving your foot around.

Final Thoughts

Firstly, it’s nice to have the Vapor name back in Bauer goalie. Though Reactor was a more nostalgic name for goalies, Vapor is more consistent with the whole Bauer story and identifies with a new era of Bauer goalie; now, Bauer has two formidable brands in the goalie market.

The Vapor will be a great skate for goalies to choose, because it has the Curv composite boot for performance, but features like the X-Wrap, Dynamic Flex tongue and LOCK-FIT PRO liner to provide a fit that is unique in its comfort and security.

The Vapor 1X is the newest high-end goal skate from Bauer, and will have price-point options in the Vapor X900 and X700 goal skates. If you’re in the market for new skates, the 2017 Bauer Vapor line up should be at the top of your list.