Bauer Vapor 1X LE Skate Review

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Besides being one of the sexiest looking skates we’ve ever seen, the Bauer Vapor 1XLE Skate brings a lot of new technologies to talk about. When the Bauer Vapor 1X skate launched, all the boys at the shop were pretty excited about the skate.

Drawing technologies from the OD1N performance lab, Bauer’s new boot construction looks like it’s going to set a new standard for on-ice performance and out-of-the-box customization. Our staff found the heel and ankle lock to be very good. Highly heat formable, the fit of this new Bauer Vapor skate is better than ever.

Similar to previous years of Limited Edition gear from Bauer, the Vapor 1X LE Skate follows the same path as the others aesthetically. The skate features an All-Black look including a blacked out boot. You’ll notice red accenting on the boot and tongue with red laces that make that give the skate some colour life. We assume Bauer didn’t want your opponents to know what’s flying down the wing with these ‘stealthy’ looking jets. Bauer has managed to take a skate that already exceeded expectations for performances and looks, and blew the roof off the design to make the skate look even more appealing.

There’s also a new tongue design which contributes to the improved fit. The Form Fit Lite felt tongue is a combination of 52oz and 40oz felt with Curv composite inserts. The designers at Bauer set out to improve the overall integration of skate and foot, while still providing a high level of protection and increased support. We feel they have done a pretty bang up job on this, and we have received great feedback.

Aluminized Curv composite upper & ankle support

Bauer has reduced weight with their boot construction using a combination of lighter weight Curv composite upper and ankle supports. With the 1X LE skate, Bauer has gone to an all-black design with red accents.

This allows them to maintain a similar overall skate weight. Maybe you’re wondering how the skate can be a similar weight if they’ve reduced the weight of the boot itself. The reason for this is that the new Tuuk LS4 stainless steel runner is actually heavier than the Fusion steel used in last year’s APX2 skate. The trade-off is worth it though.

The LS4 is a completely new elite grade of stainless steel that has an improved surface finish for a cleaner, stronger sharpening edge. There’s also an additional 3mm in the steel height and an improved out of the box profile compared to Tuuk LS3. The Tuuk Edge holder provides sharper and tighter turns without “bottoming out” through an increase of 3mm in overall height. It also features an innovative trigger system that allows players to change steel in seconds without missing a shift. This has been a innovative feature for those performance players that carry additional sets of steel…and chances are if you’re in the market for a pair of 1X LE skates you fit into the performance category.

37.5™ Technology liner

37.5™ was introduced last year in Bauer’s training apparel and base layer. This kick-ass liner technology keeps your feet dry and locked in place for better control. It also helps your skates dry out quicker in between ice times and is featured in the 1X LE Skate. How does it work?

37.5™ material is made up of millions of tiny particles that are embedded into the fabric to increase the surface area. These particles act like "hot rocks" in a sauna allowing sweat to evaporate, rather than just being wicked away from your body. These "hot rock" particles attract sweat and evaporate it when your body heats up. Because evaporated sweat is a gas, it finds its way into the air, allowing the fabric to stay almost unbelievably dry, even during heavy use.

This video shows how this process works pretty well:

Comfort matters to a hockey player just as much as performance. Bauer Premium socks also feature 37.5 technology. Wearing these socks will provide a compounding effect of moisture management when worn with the 37.5 liner of the 1X skate

1X Velocity LE

Bauer has also decided to release an All-Black Vapor 1X Velocity LE Skate which is exclusive to Source for Sports. The 1X Velocity LE features a blacked out look with red accenting, but still provides the same, excellent performance as the traditional 1X Velocity Skate. If you aren’t in the market for a top-end skate, but want that 1X LE look, the 1X Velocity LE is available now.

The 1X Velocity LE is based off the Bauer Vapor X600 with features from the X700 to increase performance and overall value. The liner of the skate has an upgraded Hydra Max Liner taken from the X800, as well as an upgraded 48oz felt tongue with a Metatarsal Guard from the X700. Tuuk LS1 Edge steel is also featured on the skate as well as an updated abrasion pad on the inside of the boot.

As always, fit is the most important thing to consider when buying a new skate. Visit us in store - our skate fit specialists have all been trained and certified with the Pro-formance Fit Advantage system, developed by Source for Sports. We'll perform a full foot analysis and evaluation to make sure you get the best fitting skates possible.