Bauer Vapor 2X Pro Catcher & Blocker
Written by: Jono Hollway
The Bauer Vapor 2X Pro Trapper
The 2X Pro trapper makes it clear that Bauer is looking to not only improve their pads, but rather the whole set. Staying with a one piece glove and 60-degree break angle, this glove is comfortable to use right off the shelf.
Break Angle
The 2X Pro catcher stays comfortable and consistent with a 60 degree break, same as what was used on the 1X. This angle used by Bauer is more of a finger-close style, meaning when closing the glove, it is almost all in the fingers, this allows the glove to be more protective on the palm and minimize the amount of stingers you’ll get.
New Pocket
The new 2X Pro has gone back to the single-T design, different from the split T on the 1X and the double T on the 2S promoting the glove to close faster and easier. Bauer has also created a new max depth pocket to allow the glove to trap and keep any pucks sent its way with ease.
Catch Grip with ThermoCore
As more and more goalies are beginning to use an inner glove on their catching hand, Bauer has implemented a new catch grip for those goalies. This creates a stickier surface to keep your hand in place whether you’re sporting an inner glove or not.
Along with the leg pads, Bauer has ditched their 37.5 technology for their newer Thermocore that keeps you from overheating while absorbing sweat and drying quickly to be ready for the next use.
Catchlite
Bauer has introduced their new Catchlite technology in the palm break and T-Trap.
CURV Composite with Poron XRD Foam
Once again, Bauer has incorporated it’s Curv Composite into the face of the glove for added protection. This technology is used in most of Bauer's elite level protective equipment and the main theory behind the use of Curv Composite in the trapper is to have an extra layer of protection for when the materials and foams begin to break down and compress.
Free Flex Backhand
The new 2X Pro glove is meant to be more comfortable and easier to use by having their free flex back hand, this allows playing the puck easier while also allowing more mobility in general.
The strapping now has Bauer's Fast Strap system allowing the user to quickly tighten their glove for maximum comfort and control.
The Bauer Vapor 2X Pro Blocker
Blockers don’t have much to differentiate themselves from others, let’s be honest, a blocker is a blocker. That being said, Bauer has tried to shake things up this time around to separate the 2X Pro blocker from the competition.
Thin Tapered Curv Composite and HD foam
The first thing you’ll notice when comparing this blocker to others on the market is how remarkably thin the blocker board is. Using their new thinner Curv Composite and HD foam, Bauer has shrunk how thick the blocker board is by at least half the size.
Palm
The palm of the blocker is very comfortable and consists of a cushioning where you would hold your stick for additional control and feel. The palm features Bauer's new Quattro Ivory Pro material which is an updated sanitized odor resistant treatment that keeps the material clean. This technology fights against bacterial and fungal growth promoting cleaner gear and keeps you palm in better condition.
Thermocore Liner
Along with the rest of the 2X Pro series, Bauer has left the 37.5 technology in the past for their Thermo Core transfer mesh that helps keep body temperature regulated preventing you from ever being to cold or overheating.
Free Flex Cuff
The free flex cuff on the blocker is specifically engineered to allow you more mobility and a better experience when handling and playing the puck.
C.O.R.Tech Skin Technology
Lastly, using the C.O.R TECH ST skin, not only has Bauer improved the durability on the skin, but they have created this skin to help rebound pop and fly off the gear. The blocker and glove both share diamond shaped ripples and a print on design which will offer custom printed on graphics sometime this spring.
Final Thoughts
The 2X Pro glove and blocker are huge improvements to the Vapor line. The glove is one of the easiest to use out of the box, the Catch Grip along with Curv composite protection makes the need for inner gloves almost obsolete. For the blocker, the thin profile of the blocker board is incredible, there isn’t a blocker on the market even close to this thin as well as the palm uses very comfy Quattro Ivory Pro material. Overall, The 2X Pro line looks to make a splash in 2019 and in my opinion, they’re on the right track.
Read the Bauer Vapor 2X Pro Leg Pad Review
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Bauer 2X Pro Catcher and Blocker Gallery
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