Bauer has released their second rendition of the Vapor 2X Pro Goalie Pads, looking to make the pad softer without sacrificing integrity of the pad. With the new leg pads come an improved C.O.R.Tech skin, a softer profile and monster toe strapping to round out the new features on these pads.
External Material
Bauer uses C.O.R.Tech ST skin on the new Vapor 2X pros to improve the rebound performance, C.O.R.Tech has been used on all bauer products since the dawn of he 1S pads. This skin technology promotes harder, faster rebounds due to the quick recovery to the pads natural state, faster recovery = harder rebound. The ST also stands for super tough, improving on the durability aspect of the pad.
Internal Construction
Bauer uses their new Dynamic Flex core with Curv Composite in the thigh rise. The dynamic flex core allows the pad to be softer and more flexible than the previous 1X pad. The Curv Composite added into the thighrise ensures the pad keeps it’s integrity and shape even after countless ice times.
Pad Break
The Bauer 2X pro leg pads have a soft flex profile, with pad breaks above and below the knee. The pad breaks encourage the pad to sync with your leg and move seamlessly with each movement.
Boot Angle
The Vapor 2X pro pads have a 100-degree free flex boot, this helps the pad be more reactive and play in sync with your body without restriction.
Knee Cradle
Bauer has equipped the 2X pro with a 45-degree Stabilislide Knee block, lined with Ax Suede Quattro+. The knee block is designed to raise you off the ice and provide a solid base from when in the butterfly. Ax Suede Quattro+ is an improved pro liner from Bauer, sanitized odour resistant treatment to fight against any bacterial or fungal growth, keeping gear is top condition and clean. Bauer has also made the knee wing adjustable/removeable for a more customizable fit.
Strapping
The strapping system stays familiar with the classic Vapor Tune Fit strapping, allowing a quick and easy set up with only 3 velcro straps. The strapping consists of an outer velcro strap to keep everything together, a strap that wraps around the knee or upper calf and lastly the Tune Fit strap that allows the ability to choose wear it is done up on the calf, once again giving a more custom fit.
Toe Taper
The toe on the new Vapor 2X pro has a slight taper to it, allowing goalies a better attack angle. To ensure a strong seal along the ice, Bauer uses uses a combination of torsional flex as well as their new Monster Toe Ties. The new toe ties are a bungee lace similar to the previous bungee lace they used, though this one has velcro on each end to simply wrap through the bottom of the skate and then attach the velcro on to of your skate, similar to where you would tie your lace.
Sizes & Colors
Bauer does things slightly different than other brands, only offering XS,S,M,L,XL pad sizing, though these sizes still increase in only 1 inch increments. In senior sizing, a small would be equivalent to 33 +1, medium 34 +1, and so on. The new Vapor 2X pads will come in white, blue, navy and red colour combos as well as a better customizer with many more options such as black based. Bauer is also expected to unveil a custom graphic program which will print graphics directly onto the skin of the pad enabling endless possibilities.
