Bauer Vapor 1X Skates Review

Bauer Hockey is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting hockey equipment manufacturers. Each year they release dozens of new products, and are always on the leading edge of the equipment technology. This year, with the release of the 1X skates, Bauer remained on the leading edge and looked to hit another home run with product development. Thanks to our friends at Bauer, we received a pair of 1X skates for review, and have used the summer to put them through the paces on the ice. Here’s our full Bauer Vapor 1X skates review.

Specifications:

• Bauer Vapor 1X Skates
• Size 8.5 EE
• 793 grams

Features:

• 3D Lasted, Aluminized Curv Composite Quarter Package
• Redesigned X-rib pattern
• Fully thermoformable upper
• 37.5 Liner
• Memory Foam Ankle Pads
• Speed Plate Footbed
• Full Composite Outsole with exhaust vents
• Tuuk LightSpeed Edge Holder
• Tuuk LS4 Runners

Design and Construction:

The Bauer Vapor 1X hockey skates are Bauer’s most innovative to date. Not only have they built upon an already successful APX 2 skate, but they have also incorporated game changing technology first seen in the OD1N skates.

Bauer’s 1X skate sees an updated 3D lasted and aluminized Curv Composite quarterpackage which features the thermoformed X-rib pattern. The new Curv composite ankle supports reduce weight while increasing stiffness and rigidity which allows the boot to conform to your foot better than ever. The redesigned X-rib will provide a new level of responsiveness and support as well. Bauer has also included new wear patches to improve durability in key areas.

New to the inside of the boot will be Bauer’s 37.5 liner, an upgrade over the old Hydra Max 2 liner found on the APX 2. The 37.5 technology works in an efficient way to utilize body heat to evaporate and release sweat. This works to help keep your feet dryer during games, and also help to keep your skates lighter.

Bauer has also improved the tongue on the 1X skates by utilizing Curv composite. This new hybrid style tongue features additional high density injected foams for a welcome boost in protection. Meanwhile, the tongue manages to remain lightweight and offers a familiar feel and fit.

Last, but certainly not least, Bauer has included Tuuk LightSpeed LS4 runners on the 1X skates. The LS4 is Bauer’s latest and most premium steel, and comes at the height preferred by the pros. It’s a higher grade steel overall which will hold an edge longer, and comes stock at a 10’ radius. Bauer continues with the LightSpeed Edge holder on the 1X skates as well.

Fit and Performance:

Out of the box, one of the first things you notice about the Bauer 1X skates is how light they are. You can tell that these are premium skates, and everything from the weight, feel, and construction says so.

On your feet, the skates continue to quickly impress. They offer a nice fit and a lot of comfort for such a stiff skate. You might think that Bauer would have to compromise somewhere, but they have achieved great levels of both comfort and rigidity in these skates.

The Vapor offers a more narrow and tapered fit, so I was sure request EE sizing on these skates to ensure the proper fit for my feet. From using previous iterations of Vapor skates, I was aware that standard D width skates are not wide enough.

What came as a surprise, however, was when the skates arrived and were a size 8.5 EE rather than the 9.5 I would typically wear. I tried the skates on anyway and found that I could actually squeeze my foot into them without an issue. My big toe feathered the toe cap, but a bit of usage and break in helped it from being too uncomfortable. With a 9.5 skate and the fit I typically prefer I’m not feathering the toe, even before break-in. The smaller size turned out to be a nice adjustment though, and I believe helped to improve my agility on the ice.

When it comes to performance, the Vapor 1X slates are quite incredible. The light weight and stiffness helped me to feel extremely quick on the ice. Acceleration, turning, and all other movements seemed quick and easy.

The addition of the Bauer Speed Plate is a great compliment to the 1X skate. Too often skates are fitted with weak insoles that leave your feet aching after a good skate. Aftermarket solutions are available, and CCM has done a nice job including more customized insoles, but Bauer has taken it to a whole new level with a heat moldable insole. The customized fit offered by the Speed Plate is one of a kind, and really helps to maximize the output and performance from these skates.

From using the 1X skates, it is quite apparent that they are premier and pro level skates. Performance should match that, and Bauer has ensured that it does. On ice performance is next level, and even the smaller fine touches like the 37.5 liner work hard to make the 1X an unbelievable skate.

Overall Impressions:

Bauer has developed three incredible lines of unique skates to fit all sorts of different feet. The 1X skates have now taken the Vapor series to a whole new level of technology and performance.  By incorporating design elements from the OD1N skates, we can see that Bauer is committed to bringing the latest and greatest features to market with each and every product they release.

At the end of the day, the 1X skates provide the pro level or highly competitive player with a way to take their game to the next level. While the $899 price tag certainly isn’t cheap, these skates offer all the features you could want in a skate at that price point. The only question you have to ask yourself is whether or not the improved performance on the ice justifies the price?

Where to buy?

If you’re done thinking and are ready to pull the trigger on a pair of Bauer Vapor 1X skates, head on over to IceWarehouse.com. You can grab the 1X skates now for $899.99 and they’ll ship for free.

Ice Warehouse has the best selection of new hockey gear, so head over and grab your new Bauer Vapor 1X skates today!

Click here to visit Ice Warehouse.