Intro & New Features
For Vapor’s 25th anniversary, Bauer is looking to upgrade the Vapor line to the best it can be for the speedy, agile player. The HyperLite 2 hockey skate is Bauer’s newest addition to the Vapor skate line, with a combination of the classic Vapor performance goals and new skate technology, particularly in the new Powerfly holder. The skates also feature a Hyperflex outsole and facing, a 3D-lasted carbon CURV composite quarter package, and an Aerolite 2.0 tongue.
Skate Fit Profile
The Vapor HyperLite 2 skates come in Bauer’s Fits 1, 2, and 3, which is a concept that debuted in 2020. This was a great innovation, considering how the three lines, Vapor, Supreme, and Nexus, all historically had their own fits, despite performing differently. Now, those with narrower feet for example can enjoy the powerful stride enhancements that come with the Supreme line. Below is how the Bauer Fit System compares to previous years’ Bauer Skates:
- Fit 1 = Low Volume, Narrow width (closest aligned to the Vapor fit profile)
- Fit 2 = Medium Volume, Medium Width (closest aligned to the Supreme fit profile)
- Fit 3 = High Volume, Wide Width (closest aligned to the Nexus fit profile)
Boot Construction & Stiffness Profile
Bauer continues to use their tried and true 3D-lasted Carbon CURV composite quarter package, which is their highest-end carbon material, with lightweight highly thermoformable properties. The Hyperflex outsole also returns in the HyperLite 2 skate. This outsole works with the new Powerfly holder and is positioned right at the heel and built with the ideal flex to enhance acceleration and agility.
Liner & Internal Padding
The HyperLite 2 continues to feature a Lock-Fit Pro liner to provide grip, durability, and moisture management for peak performance. This liner is a major contributor to the lighter weight of the HyperLite, helping make this skate the ideal option for the agile player.
Lacing System
Similar to the previous generation, the HyperLite 2 uses Hyperflex Facing, which are flex zones integrated into the top four eyelets of the skate. These flex zones help stabilize the ankle portion of the skate by increasing the wrap. It works alongside the Hyperflex Outsole to fully support agile movement and acceleration in the player’s stride.
Tongue
Bauer has upgraded the Aerolite tongue to Aerolite 2.0. This skate tongue builds off the previous by keeping the same lightweight foam core while improving the comfort felt along both the medial and lateral sides.
Steel/Runner/Profile/Blade Holder
Bauer’s new generation of Vapor skates debuts a brand new blade holder: the Powerfly holder.
This new holder builds off of Bauer’s original OD1N prototype project and is mildly experimental in its construction. The Powerfly holder is built with increased rigidity in the front and more flexibility in the back. The bar in the middle helps stabilize the system. Its strategic positioning in the heel helps maximize acceleration and agility when changing direction. The Powerfly holder will also be compatible with the Mach and previous skate models that fit the old Pulse holder.
The steel in Bauer’s upcoming high-end gear will be transitioning to Fly steel, which has been enhanced for greater response and power. The Fly steel series will include Bauer Fly-Ti and Bauer Fly-X, and will only be compatible with the Powerfly holder; likewise, old Pulse steel will not fit in the Powerfly holder. The HyperLite 2 skate comes with the new Fly-Ti steel.
Toe Cap
For a better overall fit and to negate any unused space within the boot, Bauer turned to using an asymmetrical toe cap, a concept that has been observed in previous high-end Bauer skates.
Insoles
The stock insole of the HyperLite 2 skate is still Bauer’s Lock-Fit Pro, which combines comfort with good control in the sole. Lock-Fit is designed with additional grip along the sides, so your feet can stay locked in place while you skate. This design also ensures you don’t lose power on the stride.
Graphics
The graphics of the next generation of Vapor hockey skate put more emphasis on the silver and green colour and accents that the agility skate family is known for—with the addition of green and black speed lines along the side. The resulting colours show more contrast and give a similar vibe to its power counterpart, the Mach skate, while still keeping the same classic look of the Vapor line
