Bauer Vapor X Shift Pro Intermediate Hockey Stick (2019)

The Bauer X Shift Pro Intermediate hockey stick is the perfect companion for offensive players looking to beat the other team with quick hands and a quick release. It bolsters much of the same tech as its Senior counterpart, including an XE taper, MaxBalance blade, low kick point, and 3K carbon construction. It’s also a Source Exclusive, which is why it is equipped with some of Bauer’s best tech while sitting at an affordable price point.

Stick Flex Profile

This stick is a member of the Vapor family, meaning it has a low kick point. Low kick sticks flex closer to the hosel, making them snappier than mid and high kick sticks. This dynamic is useful for players who often play close to the net or want the most control and speed in their dekes and stickhandling.

Shaft Construction & Stiffness

The Vapor X Shift Pro uses a 3K carbon fibre construction across the shaft, which is visible in the weave pattern. This material is tough while allowing the stick to keep its whippiness. The stick is built as a one-piece with a one-piece feel, which will help you feel more connected to the ice and the puck as you play.

Bauer has been implementing what they call an XE taper to the hosel portion of their Vapor line, meaning that the stick starts to round out more to an oval shape rather than a square the further down you go. The hosel is one of the most important parts of a low kick stick, and the XE taper looks to enhance that quick load and energy transfer. Low kick sticks tend to bend more and have an easier shot release, which is important to consider when choosing the flex of your stick.

Blade Construction

The blade featured on this stick model is stiffened to complement the low kick shaft and uses Bauer’s MaxBalance blade core. MaxBalance tech reinforces the edges to achieve that stiffness and additional durability. It is also lighter, keeping with the quick-hand enhancement of the low kick.

Graphics

The Bauer Vapor X Shift Pro Intermediate stick looks just like the Senior version, with a mainly black and silver colouration. The design helps keep it simple and stealthy, perfect for players who like that aesthetic.

Grip

The Vapor X Shift Pro Intermediate stick uses Bauer’s smooth gloss Griptac along the shaft to help you keep a good hold of your stick.

Blade Patterns, Flex & Stick Length

The Vapor X Shift Pro Intermediate stick comes in the following blade patterns: P88.

The P88 curve is a relatively traditional curve. A popular choice in the past, it excels greatly in stickhandling, quick wrist shots, and snappy backhands.