Bauer Vapor HyperLite Stick Review
The Vapor HyperLite is one of the most exciting releases from Bauer. The HyperLite is loaded with new upgrades to maximize energy. This Vapor release combines the ACL (Advanced Carbon Layering) technology and Bauer’s XE Taper to allow players to lean into their shot 10% easier than before. By decreasing the weight of the stick to an astonishing 385 grams, Bauer was able to improve release speed, blade design, durability by 20%, and a shaft lay-up that is 5% tougher on impacts. You may be thinking wow, so many numbers and percentages but can you really notice a difference? The answer is yes, and I will prove it to you. Let’s dive in.
XE Taper Technology
With the recent acquisition of Easton’s patented elliptical taper, Bauer was able to utilize this technology and resources to create their own XE Taper Technology. With this taper, you will notice that the hosel is much thinner with rounded edges along the top and bottom.
The XE Taper serves a few different purposes. First, the thinner profile requires less material to construct which in turn reduces weight. Second, by making the hosel stiffer than previous models it prevents torsional flex when shooting to keep the blade face square to the target. And lastly, the middle portion of the taper is also slightly softer which amplifies the load and release system to really allow the puck to rifle off the blade.
Stick Flex Profile
Bauer has continued with their industry-leading true low kick point flex profile in the HyperLite stick. With the optimization of the XE Taper technology and vigorous testing, Bauer has made it possible for players to lean into their sticks 10% easier than before with the FlyLite. By doing this and reducing the overall weight of the stick, Bauer was able to statistically record players having a 10% improvement in getting their shots off quicker than before.
Shaft Construction
A big deciding factor for me when choosing a stick is the weight - it needs to be light! That’s why when I picked up the HyperLite I knew I was going to like it. Bauer achieved this by using Pro-level monocomp construction technology infused with ACL (Advanced Carbon Layering.) This technology utilizes thinner and stronger carbon fiber layering that brings the overall weight of the stick down, without sacrificing durability. At 385 grams in a senior size, the HyperLite is incredibly well balanced and lightweight.
Blade Construction
Bauer has made it their mission to improve the durability of the blade by increasing the blade thickness. From my 20+ years of high-level hockey experience, I noticed that my sticks tended to deteriorate or break predominantly along the blade. I needed a solution - and that’s where the HyperLite blade comes in.
The same core and construction as the FlyLite has been used, but the weight reduction throughout the rest of the stick allowed Bauer to beef up the blade without changing the way the blade performs or feels. They did this by utilizing the new Hypercore Blade. This significantly increases the toughness of the blade and allows it to have substantially more blade pop.
Blade Patterns, Flex, and Stick Length
With the HyperLite, the P92M is available in senior and intermediate sizes. The ‘M’ notion indicates max blade height for the P92 pattern. Popular with Pro players, this blade pattern is the maximum height allowed from heel-to-toe; ultimately creating more surface area for you to make plays on the ice. This is ideal for players looking for an edge in the face-off department or to help with tipping in pucks.
Here is a quick breakdown of the flexes, curve patterns, and heights of the Vapor HyperLite stick:
Senior
- 102 Flex (P88, P92, P28, P92M), L/R - 60”
- 87 Flex (P88, P92, P28, P92M), L/R - 60”
- 77 Flex (P88, P92, P28, P92M), L/R - 60”
- 70 Flex (P88, P92, P28, P92M), L/R - 60”
Intermediate
- 65 Flex (P88, P92, P28, P92M), L/R - 57”
- 55 Flex (P88, P92, P28, P92M), L/R - 57”
Junior
- 50 Flex (P88, P92, P28), L/R - 54”
- 40 Flex (P88, P92, P28), L/R - 52”
- 30 Flex (P88, P92, P28), L/R - 50”
Youth
- 20 Flex (P92), L/R - 46”
Final Thoughts
To round off an impressive new line from Bauer, the HyperLite stick packs innovation and technology into an insanely light package. Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I do not like change. I’ve been a supreme fan my entire life. As hard as it is for me to admit, the HyperLite stick has me reconsidering - this stick is the real deal. I was fortunate enough to try it out and I couldn’t get over the response and pop I could feel right away. If you’ve been a low-kick point lover this stick checks all the boxes, and if you aren’t, I challenge you to give it a try because hey, I did.
Reviewed By: Mac Colasimone
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