Bauer Vapor 3x Pro Hockey Skates
Product Description:
The Bauer Vapor 3X Pro hockey skates are a high-end option for players who prioritize agility and speed. They feature a lightweight and responsive boot made from Bauer's Curv composite material, which is also heat-moldable for a custom fit. The skates also have a HydroLite liner to wick away moisture and keep feet dry, as well as a flexible tongue for a better range of motion. Within the Bauer lineup, the Vapor line has historically been known for its focus on quickness and maneuverability, and the 3X Pro continues this tradition. While not the top-of-the-line offering, these skates provides excellent performance at a more accessible price point compared to Bauer's top-tier skates.
Perfect skates for:
A player who skates 3-4+ times per week and is looking for a skate that maximizes agility and speed
Key features include:
- Quarter Package constructed with 3D Lasted Curv Composite
- Utilizes Lock Fit lining material for a secure and comfortable fit.
- Enhanced with Aerofoam+ ankle padding to provide optimal cushioning and support.
- Features Classic 48oz Felt tongue with Injected Insert
- Equipped with Lock Fit footbed for stability and comfort.
- Anaform upper allows for customized fit and enhanced comfort.
- Pro TPU outsole provides stability and durability on the ice.
- TUUK Lightspeed Edge holder enables quick and easy blade changes.
- LS Pulse runner ensures excellent performance and longevity on the ice.
The CCM Jetspeed FT1 skates are designed for speed and acceleration. They feature a lightweight and rigid boot construction with CCM's MonoFrame 360 technology and utilize the SpeedBlade 4.0 holder for efficient energy transfer. The True TF9 skates prioritize a customized fit and enhanced comfort, with True Hockey's custom-fit system based on individual foot measurements. These skates offer a tailored fit for improved performance. Players can choose between the Jetspeed FT1 and the TF9 based on their speed, fit, and overall performance preferences.
Progression:
Key improvements of the 2X Pro over the 1X Pro:
- Fit: DYNAFLEX system provides a more customized fit compared to the three-width system.
- Weight: The 2X Pro is lighter due to advancements in materials and construction.
- Performance: The 2X Pro offers better energy transfer, edge control, and overall responsiveness.
Key improvements of the 3X Pro over the 2X Pro:
- Boot: The new Curv composite material offers slight weight reduction and potential performance enhancements.
- Blade: The LS6 blade is a new option with a focus on durability and edge control.
What people are saying (edited for clarity and brevity)
PROS:
- These skates are a step up from recreational skates but without the hefty price tag of top-of-the-line models. The Curv Composite quarter provides a good balance of stiffness and flex for powerful strides with some maneuverability.
- After getting them baked they are unreal. Feels like a pair of sneakers. The LS Pulse blades took some time getting used to for a beginner like me but after a few sessions they’re solid and they make skating somewhat easier.
- These skates are awesome and super stable. For me there was a slight learning curve (probably more so because I have been skating in the wrong size for a good portion of my life) but these skates are game changers. The glide, the comfort, the stability, everything.
CONS:
- While the stiffness is good for intermediate players, some advanced skaters might find the Vapor 3X a bit too flexible for their needs. If you're a powerful skater who demands maximum energy transfer, you might want to consider a stiffer boot from the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite or Supreme lines.
- I like my skates tied tight. And due to this, the top eyelets of these skates did not last much beyond the warranty period.
- The hard plastic eyelet material is impossible to get tight around upper foot and ankles. The boot is very low volume and shallow so I had to swap out for Supremes. Toe box is great though.
The 3x Pro is made of light materials and is super durable. It's a pro model, so it has top-level comfort with high-quality foam and an asymmetrical toe cap. The lower part of the skate is softer, while the upper part is stiffer, allowing for more support. The 2X Pro was such a hit, and it's kind of hard to follow up... but they made a decent skate with the 3X Pro.
Durability: ⭐⭐⭐
Power: ⭐⭐⭐
Speed: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
