Bauer Vapor 2X Pro Senior Hockey Skate Review
With a focus on improved fit and out of the box comfort, head turning graphics, and a boatload of redesigned features, the Bauer 2X Pro skate is arguably the best Vapor skate of all time. There’s a ton of exciting new features to cover so let’s jump right in and start things off with Bo Horvat interview discussing the new skate when he came by for a visit this spring!
New Features
Asymmetrical Toe Cap
One of the big changes featured on the 2X Pro skate is Bauer’s new asymmetrical toe cap. This low volume toe cap was built based on the data collected from over 25,000 scans from the Bauer 3D scanner. Reduced volume results in improved fit and translates to enhanced push off on every skate stride.
Recoil Pro Tongue
Bauer finally got it right with the new Recoil Pro tongue. Generation after generation of too thin or thick has been solved with a tongue that is very close in volume to the Classic Felt tongue option on custom MyBauer skates. It also features an injected insert that adds protection and comfort against lace-bite without being too bulky.
Graphics
Bauer took a bold move switching towards brighter colors for the Vapor 2X Pro skates. Highlighted by a yellow color pop (which by the way doesn’t have any specific tie in with the traditional Supreme family color) and also enhanced with lighter silver coloration of the back of the skate, it’s a refreshing change from the trend of “black boot/ white holder” we’ve seen over the past few years.
Redesigned Flex Tendon
A redesigned injected plastic tendon provides more flex than any previous Vapor model but not as much as the Supreme 2S Pro. During testing, we found it to strike a nice balance between supportive and flexible which should suit elite level skaters well.
Liner/Internal Padding
The 2X Pro is one of the most comfortable out of the box skates we’ve experienced. If the Vapor fit profile is right for you, the updated Lock-Fit Pro liner and Aero Foam Pro memory foam will deliver pillow-like comfort while providing a snug ankle wrap.
Lacing System
A new integrated injected lace facing with lace lock wraps the foot better, supports the foot, and allows you to have more control over the skate. Similar to the Supreme 2S Pro skate, it features three additional lacing pattern options in-between the top 4 eyelets. The three eyelet holes are located a bit closer to the ankle bone and are offset with the top 4. This allows you to customize your lacing style to optimize comfort and performance. The primary purpose of the extra eyelets will be to snug up the fit for someone with smaller ankle volume.
Insoles
Bauer's Dynamic Flex footbed provides the ultimate support and comes standard in every 2X Pro Skate. Mid-density top foam covers high impact areas for premium comfort and stabilizing grip applications further support your foot.
Familiar Features
Skate Fit Profile
Vapor continues to be the best option for skaters with a low fit profile. While not as tight across the forefoot as previous generation Vapors, the fit is definitely snugger than Supreme or Nexus.
Boot Construction / Stiffness / Level of Play
Designed for the pro and elite level player, the 2X Pro skate features Bauer’s 3D carbon CURV composite material. This is the highest-end, lightest weight and best thermal forming CURV material Bauer offers. Comfort Edge Padding returns to offer comfort and reduce bite from the top of the boot when performing aggressive turns.
Holders / Steel
Tuuk LS5 carbon coated steel is Bauer’s premium steel and provides increased sharpening life with improved edge bite. This allows skaters drop to a shallower hollow to take advantage of increased glide while maintaining the same amount of control. The holder used on the 2X Pro is the Tuuk Lightspeed Edge with quick release trigger system. This holder is the number one holder used by NHL and professional players everywhere.
Final Thoughts
The Vapor 2X Pro is going to be a favorite with long-time fans of the Vapor line and I think it’ll surprise many who haven’t tried it on in a while. The focus on comfort is noticeable right out of the box but it’s the updated Vapor fit profile with it’s snug fitting heel is going to be a great match for skaters looking for a true performance fit. And while the fit is impressive, a focus on no-nonsense pro features is what will really have players falling in love. Solid improvements throughout the entire skate have left us thoroughly impressed and we think you will be too! Swing by the shop and speak with one of our Pro-Formance certified skate fitters to see if the Bauer 2X Pro is right for your game!
Written By: Chad Purdy
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