Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Senior Hockey Skates Review
For the 2021 season, we introduce to you the new pro level Bauer Hyperlite skate. Bauer has really focused on separating not only the graphic elements of the Vapor and Supreme skate families but the performance attributes as well. The main separation now is the flex point of each skate. We’ll dive into this later on.
There’s a ton of new features to cover including blade fitting integration with the options of Carbonlite, Pulse Ti, and Pulse steel. Oh I didn’t mention that the Hyperlite comes shipped as a boot only? Let’s get into it!
Steel Runner, Holder & Blade Profile
The Vapor Hyperlite requires a blade fitting as the boot comes shipped without steel and gives you the option to customize the performance based on the type of steel you choose. At first, this may seem a bit daunting, but it’s actually quite exciting.
You can now choose from the following 3 options:
- Hyperlite with Carbonlite steel - designed to be lightweight and responsive
- Hyperlite with Pulse Ti - designed for enhanced edge retention
- Hyperlite with Pulse - designed for premium glide
The holder used on the Hyperlite skate 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.
As always, your blade fitting doesn’t have to stop with just selecting the blade performance attributes. We also offer custom radius profiles which you can learn more about in-store or speak with one of our staff over the phone.
Skate Fit Profile
Just like the 2X Pro skate, the Hyperlite offers the Fit 1, Fit 2, and Fit 3 options. Traditionally, the Vapor profile was only for the narrower tapered foot shape, but not anymore. The introduction of the fit system offers a wider variety of foot shapes to fit into the Vapor boot without sacrificing any quickness attributes the Vapor line offers.
Previously you made Bauer skate purchases based on “Vapor fit”, “Supreme fit”, or “Nexus fit”. Now all 3 skate fits are available to wear with “Supreme Features”. Or “Vapor Features”, which aligns with your performance. 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)
Choosing the right fit profile is a key element in deciding which skate and fit best suits you. Here at The Hockey Shop, we have a team of experts, as well as our very own Bauer 3D scanner that can help you into the correct size and fit to keep you at your best.
Boot Construction & Stiffness Profile
New to the Vapor Hyperlite skate is Hyperflex Technology. It’s a combination of facing and outsole technology that improves the overall flex of the skate to maximize quickness and agility.
As mentioned before, the distinction between Supreme and Vapor is all about the different flex points and stiffness profiles. Unlike Supreme where the flex point is on the upper region, the Hyperlite’s flex point is in the lower portion of the skate. It’s softer in the lower parts of the boot for increased response, and stiffer in the upper region for more lateral support.
The Hyperlite outsole features a sleek rigid composite material on the front and a more flexible material on the back. Because the front material is rigid, it allows you to maximize your energy transfer during the acceleration phase of your skating stride. The softer region of the sole amplifies the torsional flex of the skate and increases blade contact through speed and transition zones.
Liner & Internal Padding
The material along the top edge above the eyelets of the skate is the Comfort Edge padding. The internal padding consists of the new Aerolite foam. The main advantage of this foam is the reduced weight.
The Hyperlite also features the Lock Fit Pro liner to provide grip, durability, and moisture management. This allowed Bauer to remove the excess weight that previous liners had while maintaining the right amount of support, protection, and flexibility. The result is a lighter Vapor skate that appeals to agile skaters.
Asymmetrical Toe Cap
The Hyperlite features an asymmetrical toe cap. Maintaining the same level of protection, the redesigned toe cap decreases the amount of negative space in the boot. This improves the overall fit and allows for enhanced energy transfer from foot to skate. Bauer designed this toe cap based on the data collected from over 400,000 scans from the Bauer 3D scanner.
Tongue
This tongue is like nothing you have ever seen. The Aerolite tongue is yet another new feature that the Hyperlite skate brings to the table. Traditionally, most tongues are felt based with a protective metatarsal insert in the middle. The AeroFoam reduces the weight significantly while maintaining the right amount of support, protection, and flexibility you require.
Insoles
The Hyperlite comes with the conventional Lock Fit insole. This sole helps increase the forward flex of the skate and grips your foot to the bed of the boot.
Lacing System
The Hyperlite comes with a new and improved injected lace facing. The Hyperflex facing has now integrated flex zones into the top 4 eyelets. These flex zones increase the wrap of the boot for greater side-to-side stability while still allowing you to quickly get over top of the balls of your feet to maximize your acceleration.
Final Thoughts
Shut up and take my money. Bauer has once again outdone themselves. The Hyperlite skate is beautiful and has a unique look that catches your eye right away.
With a unique approach for your skating stride and packed with a ton of new features, there’s about a billion reasons to like what the Hyperlite skate has to offer. The Hyperlite will impress whether you’re a high-level player or simply looking to treat yourself after a long winter of being stuck on the couch waiting to get back on the ice.
Reviewed By: Chad Purdy
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