So for goalies who prefer a lighter stick they should go with the hype 2
Bauer Vapor FLYLITE Goal Stick Review
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Time to read 5 min
The Bauer Vapor FLYLITE goalie stick has been one of the most talked-about releases in recent weeks, and for good reason. As the direct successor to the HyperLite 2 — the most-used goalie stick in the NHL — the FLYLITE has some big shoes to fill. Goalies have long trusted the Vapor line for its lightweight construction, quick release, and puck-handling precision, all while maintaining great feel and durability.
With the FLYLITE, Bauer brings several fresh innovations to the table, including an updated shaft construction, paddle design, and a Hybrid Toe — a feature first previewed in the Bauer Protocol stick.
Bauer Vapor FLYLITE
UD Carbon Construction
The FLYLITE shaft is built using UD Carbon Construction, a unidirectional layering technique first introduced in the Supreme Shadow line. This carbon layup improves overall shaft strength while keeping weight low.
FLYLITE Flex Profile
The Bauer Vapor FLYLITE is designed with a stiffer profile than its Supreme counterpart. Featuring a low kick point, the FLYLITE is designed for quick and controlled plays.
28" Shaft Length
One notable design change is the shortened shaft length, measuring 28" — a shift driven by NHL feedback. Many pros prefer a shorter shaft for easier puck handling and improved stick maneuverability behind the net.
Glossy Clear Coat
Contrary to the HyperLite 2, which featured a matte shaft, the Vapor FLYLITE features a glossy clear coat. The glossy coat not only enhances the appearance of the stick, but also provides additional grip along the shaft.
PentaGrip
Carried over from the original HyperLite, the FLYLITE features PentaGrip technology, a five-sided shaft shape that fits naturally in the blocker hand. This ergonomic design removes excess space in the palm for a more secure feel and improves control during puck impact and blocker saves.
TeXtreme Paddle
The FLYLITE paddle construction uses TeXtreme® carbon fiber, a long-trusted Bauer material known for its durability and lightweight properties.
Quad Air Bridge
The new Quad Air Bridge replaces traditional structural foam with a layered air core that improves vibration dampening without adding bulk. The result is a lighter paddle with better impact feel.
IE Taper Technology
The IE Taper on the paddle is designed to improve rebound control by manipulating how the stick is shaped. The new shape creates a rounded paddle face to direct pucks away, while the backside is flatter for those desperation saves.
Hybrid Toe
First seen on the Bauer Protocol, Bauer’s Hybrid Toe makes its debut in the Vapor line here. It’s a smart design that merges a rounded bottom edge with a square top edge. It’s a subtle change that actually makes puck work along the wall much easier, and it performs exactly as intended.
Square Top Toe
The square top section of the toe is designed to maximize your blade size and create a flat seal against the boards. Square toes have been popular amongst goalies for these exact reasons, however, they can make it a bit more difficult to control the puck with the toe of the blade.
Round Bottom Toe
The rounded bottom of the toe is designed to compensate for the challenges the square toe can create. Most player blades are rounded to allow for maximum puck control. This accomplished the same thing for goalies, enabling them to pull the puck off the boards quicker to make a pass, or even stick handle when under pressure.
Expancel Bridge Core Blade
The Expancel Bridge Core, also found on the Supreme Shadow, has been optimized in the FLYLITE for a more balanced stick feel. It offers excellent response and reduces blade vibrations, giving goalies more confidence in rim plays and deflections.
FLYLITE Weight
We weighed a 25" FLYLITE in-store at 606 grams. While still among the lightest goalie sticks available, it is 22 grams heavier than the HyperLite 2 (which we weighed at 584 grams). That said, the extra weight was barely noticeable. Thanks to improved balance, the FLYLITE actually feels lighter in hand — which is a testament to the refinement of its construction.
Bauer Vapor FLYPRO Goalie Stick
Replacing the X5 Pro, the Vapor FLYPRO shares many of the FLYLITE’s technologies but comes in at a more affordable price point.
Weighing in at 641 grams, the FLYPRO is still very light and features a great feel. Here’s what sets it apart from the FLYLITE:
Uses Carbon Glass and a Bridge Core instead of TeXtreme and IE Taper tech.
Comes stock with a round toe instead of the Hybrid Toe.
Uses a TeXtreme blade instead of the upgraded Expancel Bridge.
Overall, the FLYPRO is a well-executed update that provides excellent performance and feel at a lower cost — a strong choice for goalies who want premium features without the premium price.
Overall Thoughts
First Impressions
Right away, I liked the visual design of the FLYLITE — the gloss finish stands out, especially compared to the matte texture of the HyperLite 2. The stick feels incredibly well-balanced, and while slightly heavier on paper, it actually felt lighter thanks to improved weight distribution. In the hand, it’s responsive and easy to maneuver, both when setting up behind the net and making blocker saves.
Testing
During testing, the FLYLITE delivered the puck-handling performance you expect from the Vapor line. The shortened shaft made a noticeable difference when reaching for pucks. The new Hybrid Toe also helped when stopping rims and controlling the puck along the boards — it’s one of the more impactful additions from a gameplay standpoint. The Quad Air Bridge did its job well; vibration from puck impacts felt reduced, even when taking harder shots off the paddle.
Who is This Stick For?
The Bauer Vapor FLYLITE goal stick is designed with the elite goalie in mind. Leveraging industry-leading technology, the FLYLITE excels at balancing technical performance and durability in a lightweight package. When making saves, the stick provides a balanced feel for quick reactions while dampening vibrations from shots. When playing the puck, the stick features a stiffer profile for efficient and powerful passes.
For goalies who aren't playing the puck often, the FLYPRO might be the better option when it comes to specs and price. Coming in at Bauer's second price point, the FLYPRO goal stick offers some great tech, including PentaGrip. If you're looking for a durable stick that doesn't break the bank, the FLYPRO is a great choice.
Final Thoughts
The Bauer Vapor FLYLITE goalie stick is a refined, high-performance evolution of an already best-selling line. It builds on the strengths of the HyperLite 2 with a more responsive paddle, better puck-handling features, and improved shaft durability — all while keeping weight competitive.
Goalies looking for a stick that excels in control, rebound management, and handling will feel right at home with the FLYLITE. Whether you’re upgrading from the HyperLite 2 or trying Vapor for the first time, the FLYLITE is definitely worth a test drive.
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