For the Hyperlite chest, Bauer wanted to keep the mobility, range of motion and lightweight construction users of the 2X Pro liked while adding more protection to key areas and creating a more beefed-up unit overall.
Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Chest Body
While the body of the Hyperlite features many of the same materials and construction methods as the 2X Pro, it boasts a refreshed look and design that sets it apart from its predecessor. The belly is made using Shock-Lite blocks which are a firm foam that effectively absorb and disperse impacts. The Hyperlite uses the same velcro removable Core Extension pieces located along the bottom of the belly allowing goalies to customize the fit of their chest guard even further. A complaint I had about the 2X Pro chest guard was the lack of padding in the ribs area leaving you exposed to shots when in the RVH. The Hyperlite has what's called Bauer’s 360 Coverage which is created by a flexible belly and rib area that wraps around the waist making the goalie feel connected to the unit.
Rebound Control Foam Sternum
One area of criticism in the 2X Pro chest guard was the hard composite they used on the sternum of the unit which when hit by a puck created a lively rebound. Thanks to the addition of a soft foam designed to deaden pucks that Bauer calls their Rebound Control Foam to the sternum, the Hyperlite will make shots to the chest easy to smother rather than having to fight them off.
Shoulders
The shoulder floaters have been retouched, making them sit slightly lower and wider to give them a less pronounced but larger appearance. This is a welcomed change from the 2X Pro as some goalies found that the taller shoulders of that unit caused some interference with their mask. In addition to the new squared off shape of the floaters, they’re built using Bauer’s Shock-Lite Pro foams making them more impact resistant and durable than the AeroFoam used in the 2X Pro. The shoulder caps on the Hyperlite have also been redesigned; they now feature a double floater that’s more low profile in its overall height while taking up more lateral space above the arm.
Arms
When it comes to the arms, not much has changed between the Hyperlite and its predecessor. In the bicep and forearm, Bauer uses a molded Fused Composite with Curv reinforcement that wraps around the arm offering superior protection around the arm. Thanks to the rounded shaping of this padding there’s no sacrifice of mobility in the unit. The elbow floaters use the same Dynamic 3 Flex system that was seen on the 2X Pro featuring added Curv for increased protection. While padding in the triceps, back of the shoulder and wrist area may have been scarce in the 2X Pro, the molded arms now wrap further around offering better protection for those areas that were previously left exposed.
Coverage
While the Vapor line is synonymous with mobility, the Hyperlite chest doesn’t skip out on coverage. The shoulder floaters give the goalie a nice squared off, wide shape up top. The arms feature a similar shape to those on the Ultrasonic with a less pronounced elbow floater which helps reduce gaps between the arms in tight plays.
Appearance
While it may be hidden under the jersey, the Hyperlite chest has a sharp appearance that comes in a variety of colours to help match your set or team. As with all Bauer chests, this new Vapor unit is also customizable with an array of colour, spec and sizing options.
Final Thoughts
All in all, Bauer took the mobile feel of the very popular 2X Pro chest and brought it into a more well-rounded package. With updated materials and technologies such as Rebound Control foams, a redesigned shape and Curv Composite throughout; the Hyperlite is definitely worth trying on if you’re looking for a chest guard that offers elite level protection, mobility and coverage.
Reviewed By: Cedric Hastings
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