Bauer Vapor 3X Senior Goalie Catcher
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New for 2021, the Bauer Vapor 3X Senior Goalie Catcher is the mid-level goalie glove in the Vapor lineup. While the 2X catcher was extremely popular, it was met with a few criticisms. Mainly the thin, flat “pancake style” palm that left goalies feeling shots. Bauer made a number of changes addressing this issue while keeping the same game-ready snappy closure of the 2X that goalies loved.
External Material
Bauer uses their synthetic leather with C.O.R.Tech skin on the new Vapor 3X catcher, this promotes better durability while helping contribute to the lightweight feel.
Break Angle
While the closure on the 2X was more driven by the fingers, due to how much deeper the 3X sits on the hand, it features more of a full hand closure getting the thumb involved allowing the glove to snap closed with ease. The break itself is still the same 60 degree angle seen in previous generation Vapor gloves giving the 3X a full hand “fingers to base of the thumb” style closure that feels natural and comfortable on the hand.
Pocket Design
Rather than sticking with the same offset single T pocket seen on the 2X, the 3X features a double T which helps keep the glove stay more open and presented to the shooter.
Strapping
Bauer continues to use their Connekt material throughout the internals of the glove. The 3X also has a few tweaks when it comes to strapping and adjustments on the backhand of the glove. A velcro adjustable neoprene-like flap extends from the finger stalls back over the knuckle allowing goalies to get a tighter fit in this region that doesn’t sacrifice the closure due to the elasticity of the material.
Cuff Design
The 3X catcher uses a true one-piece cuff designed to maximize the catching area while the Curv reinforced construction makes for a more impact resistant, lightweight construction.
Colors & Customization
The 3X line comes stock in all White, all Black, White/Nlack, White/Nlue, White/Navy and White/Red.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Adjustable Straps | Adjustable Backhand Strapping |
| Break Angle | 60º |
| Category | Performance |
| Cuff Design | One-Piece CURV Reinforced |
| Customizable | No |
| External Material | C.O.R Tech Synthetic Leather |
| Palm Liner | Connekt Grip |
| Palm | Game Ready Pro Palm |
| Double T | |
| Warranty | 90 Days |
| Senior | *7" - 8 ½" |
|---|---|
| Intermediate | 6 ⅓" - 7" |
| Junior | 5 ¾" - 6 ⅓" |
| Youth | 4 ½" - 5 ¾" |
| *8" - 8 ½" is typically seen as a SR-XL palm **Hand Measurement is made from heel of palm to the tip of your middle finger |
|
Goalie Catcher Sizing
More times than not, the fit of your Goalie Catcher is often overlooked. This is likely the result of the limited size availability compared to other pieces of equipment, however a properly sized Catcher provides you the protection and stick control you trust.
Which Catcher Size is for you?
The first step to finding the correct Catcher size is to utilize the “heel-of-palm-to-tip-of-middle-finger” measurement. This measurement will generally send you to the appropriate size you need.
Analyzing the Catcher Fit
It is important to make sure the palm lines up properly within the catching glove, so that it can be closed without excessive force. New goalie gloves will be difficult to close initially, but through either a standard break-in process, or "baking" the catcher with our in-house convection skate ovens, they will soften over time.
*We do not recommend using any conventional in-home ovens, as the results have been very unpredictable in the past and could damage your Catcher.*
Next you want to ensure the adjustable wrist strap goes directly across the wrist bone, and has minimal to no interference with your chest protector. The goaltender should be able to swivel their wrist to accommodate a range of save selections without any restrictions from the chest protector.
Sizing for Growing Goaltenders
For growing goaltenders we recommend following the guidelines set above, rather than sizing up to accommodate growth. Oversized goalie gloves restrict control, especially for young developing goalies. As you climb the size ladder for Catchers, typically the glove requires more strength for pocket closure.
Which Hand Do I Need?
Figuring out which hand you need for your Catcher can be slightly confusing. Goalies generally refer to themselves as "REGULAR" or "FULL RIGHT". Below is the easiest way to simplify which hand you need.
- Goalie Catcher Hands Simplified
- Regular - Catcher worn on your Left Hand
- Full Right - Catcher worn on your Right Hand
