The Bauer Vapor 3X Pro INT Hockey Skates are the newest member of the Vapor family for 2021. Coming in at our 2nd price point, this elite-level boot features Bauer’s Performance Fit System that opens up options to all foot profiles.
With the focus on its universal fit style, explosive agility and quickness, asymmetrical toe cap, and other upgrades, this is a skate that you definitely want to check out.
Skate Fit Profile
Like the Hyperlite, the 3X Pro features the Performance Skate Fit System as well. The classic D and EE widths have been replaced in this size range by Fit 1, Fit 2, and Fit 3. This may sound confusing, however, this allows you the freedom to wear different options in the Bauer family.
Previously you based your decision on the traditional “Vapor Fit”, “Supreme Fit”, or “Nexus Fit”. Now all 3 skate fits are available to wear with “Supreme Features”, or “Vapor Features”, whichever aligns with your preference. Below is how the new Bauer Skate Fit System compares to previous years’ of 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 has constructed the Vapor 3X Pro with the focus on elite level hockey players. This skate features Bauer’s 3D Lasted Curv Composite material. It’s lightweight and offers top of its class thermoforming composite. This allows you to get a nice mold and wrap of the boot to your foot. Comfort Edge Padding compliments the top of the boot nicely to nullify bites when stopping and performing aggressive tight turns.
Like the Hyperlite, the flex point on the 3X Pro is in the lower portion of the skate. It’s soft in the lower parts of the boot for more response and stiffer in the upper region for more lateral support.
Furthermore, Bauer has added a Pro TPU outsole. Essentially what this does is allow the skate to maintain that lower kick-point for the optimal quickness and agility you want out of a Vapor skate.
Liner & Internal Padding
The lining of the skate consists of the new Hydrolite and AeroFoam+ material. Bauer’s main focus for this line is lightweight. This new liner and padding removed the excess weight that previous liners had while maintaining the perfect amount of support, protection, and flexibility. This coupled with the Vapor Hyperflex facing allows the skate to maintain its lower kick-point for excellent quickness and agility.
Asymmetrical Toe Cap
The Vapor 3X Pro features an asymmetrical toe cap. This new toe cap has been revolutionized to reduce the negative space which results in a better fit. It also generates more power with every push stride. Bauer designed this toe cap based on the data collected from over 400,000 scans from the Bauer 3D scanner.
Tongue
Within the past couple of years, Bauer has tried to find the perfect tongue. Year after year, Bauer has faced the dilemma of too thick or too thin of a tongue. Thankfully, the 3X Pro features the Classic 48oz Felt Tongue which you will find to be a very nice balance between the two. It also integrates an injected insert that adds protection and comfort against lace-bite without being too bulky.
Insoles
The 3X Pro comes with the Lock Fit insole. This sole helps increase the forward flex of the skate and grips your foot to the bed of the boot. This allows you to increase the control and blade contact you have while skating.
Lacing System
Like its predecessor, the 3X Pro offers an integrated injected lacing system. This allows for great support, a nice wrap of the ankle, and more control while skating.
Additionally, it features three lacing pattern options in-between the top 4 eyelets. You will find the three eyelet holes located closer to the ankle bone and are offset with the top 4. This grants you to customize your lacing style to optimize comfort and performance. The primary purpose of the extra eyelets is to snug up the fit if you find yourself with a smaller ankle volume.
Steel Runner, Holder & Blade Profile
The holder used on the 3X Pro is the Tuuk Lightspeed Edge with a quick-release trigger system. This holder is the number one holder used by the NHL and professional players everywhere.
The 3X Pro comes with the LS PULSE SS 10ft steel. This is a high-end steel engineered to provide superior glide for increased speed. The steel is also raised in height to create a better attack angle while skating.
Lastly, the blade is equipped with a friendly 10’ radius so that a profile can easily be added without the need to remove steel. If you have questions about the steel and or radius’, feel free to reach out and one of our experts will happily answer any questions.
Graphics
There is just something about black and red that always catches an eye. The Vapor 3X Pro cosmetics are phenomenal. The transition from back to grey coupled with the vibrant red accents on the tendon guard, tongue, and comfort edge liner make the skate pop. The sleek glossy finish overtop will definitely have some heads turning out on the ice.