Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Skate Review

Get ready for the hype! Bauer is set to release the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite skate, the newest premier model of the Vapor line. This year, it comes with a new, head-turning design, as well as a makeover in terms of new technology and upgrades. Here's a quick look at what to expect for the brand new skate. 

Bauer's new Fit System

Before jumping into some of the skate's features, it's important to note one of the biggest changes made to Bauer's Fit System. Rather than using traditional D and EE skate widths across several skate families, Bauer has begun using three different fits, identified as Fit 1, Fit 2, and Fit 3. Each fit caters to a skater with a narrow, medium, or wide foot and each fit will be available in both the Vapor and Supreme skate family.

Here's why it's important. By using a fit system that allows for a wider variety of foot shapes, Bauer is able to separate the technology and features attributed to a certain skate with the fit. In the past, it might have been difficult for a player to fit into a Supreme skate, even if the skate's technology fits their player profile. 

Players are now encouraged and able to select a skate based on what fits their style of play best. Are they better suited for quick strides and fast crossovers, or do they prefer long, powerful strides up the ice? 

From there, they can select the fit that's best for their foot. Fit 1 will cater towards players with a narrow forefoot and lower-profile; Fit 2 will attract players with a rounded-heel and a wider foot; Fit 3 is best for players with a large, wide, voluminous foot. 

New features on the Vapor Hyperlite Skate

With that aside, it's time to jump into the features of the Hyperlite skate. One of the overarching themes that Bauer tried to accomplish was creating a lighter skate that allowed for increased forward flex and more agility during turns. Bauer describes the Vapor family as having a stiffer upper portion of the skate, for increased lateral support and a softer bottom half for increased response. 

One of the newest technologies introduced in the skate is Hyperflex Technology, which is made up of two parts of the skate -- the eyelets and the outsole. The skate features a redesigned eyelet system that has "flex zones" built into the top four eyelets. This not only increases the wrap and fit for players but it allows for more flexibility and movement when accelerating. 

The second part of HyperFlex technology is the redesigned outsole. The uniquely constructed outsole features a stiff composite on the front half of the foot, with a flexible material around the heel. This allows for maximum energy transfer when the player is accelerating, while the softer region of the outsole provides increased flex of the skate and blade contact with the ice. 

Another massive overhaul in the Hyperlite skate is with the new Aerolite tongue. Bauer fans will be no stranger to Aerolite, as the product is a key component of some of the brand's protective equipment. And now, it's being used in the tongue of the skate to remove excess weight, while still maintaining the right amount of support, protection, and flexibility. 

Additionally, if you're interested in picking up the Hyperlite skate, you'll also have to select your skate blade as part of the fitting process. The skate will come with a synthetic blade and players will then receive the ability to choose whatever blade suits them best. This includes Bauer's popular Pulse TI and Pulse Steel, as well as the Carbonlite steel -- a revolutionary new skate blade with reduced weight and an inserted rod for increased stability. 

Overall, there are a number of new noticeable features included in the Vapor Hyperlite. And with Bauer's new Fit System, there's never been a better time to check out the skate -- no matter what your foot type is.