The Bauer Vapor 1X blocker is designed using the industries most advanced methods and materials, yet. The 1X blocker is based off the Reactor 9000, featuring a binding and the same overall shape.
The palm of the new Vapor blocker is made with Bauer's AX SUEDE QUATTRO material, for a comfortable feel; it also uses Bauer's transfer mesh, integrated with their trademark 37.5 Technology, to keep the hand relatively dry and cool, during play. The fingers are protected with full wrap-around XRD Foam.
Vapor 1X revolutionizes the industry standard, both with new material and digitally printed graphics, that will make goalies feel lighter and quicker when it matters.If you're interested and want to know more about the new Bauer Vapor 1X line, read our entry on the THS Goal Blog!
Goalie Blockers Sizing
More times than not, blockers are often overlooked compared to other pieces of gear where fit is concerned. Perhaps this is a result of the limited sizes available compared to other pieces of equipment: youth, junior, intermediate and senior. The first step to finding the correct blocker is to approximate your size by following the estimated age range and “heel-of-palm-to-tip-of-middle-finger” measurement:
- Youth (age 5 – 8): 4.5” – 5.75” / 119 – 143 mm
- Junior (age 8 – 11): 6.35” – 5.75” / 144 – 160 mm
- Intermediate (age 11 – 13): 6.35” – 7” / 161 – 178 mm
- Senior (age 14 and up): 7” – 8.5”* / 179 – 216 mm
*8” – 8.5” would constitute an XL palm on a senior blocker
Once a size has been approximated it is important to ensure that the fingers tips lie close to the seam at the fingertips or within 0.5” if the goaltender is growing. This is important to ensure that the goalie can maintain control of the stick while making saves in addition to being able to maneuver the blocker when playing the puck.
Another thing to look for is that the wrist strap goes directly across the wrist bone and has little to no interference with the chest/arm. The wearer should be able to swivel their wrist to accommodate a range of save selections without any restrictions from the chest protector.
