Bauer HyperLite2 Goalie Pads: Long-term Review

Stabiliflex Knee Block

First seen on the Hyperlite pad, Stabiliflex is back for the Hyperlite 2 goalie pads. Bauer uses brackets to attach this knee block directly into the core of the pad, creating an ultra-stable knee block that promotes a quick drive into the butterfly and a superior seal. Compared to the Stabilislide knee block found on the Supreme family of pads, the Vapor’s Stabiliflex has a larger gap between the knee block and the calf plate allowing for improved flex at the knee and a softer feel overall.

"The knee block is one of the key features that keeps me coming back to Bauer."

From my experience with these pads, the knee block is one of the key features that keeps me coming back to Bauer. The added rigidity the Stabiliflex knee block provides helps prevent over-rotation and keep the pad landing consistently each shot. The pad feels extremely reactive when dropping into the butterfly which when paired with the stability and ice seal it provides creates a package is tough to beat.

Hybrid Calf Support System

New for the Hyperlite 2 is the Hybrid Calf Support System. Bauer first introduced this feature on their Mach line of pads, and it has now been modified and adopted to suit the softer Vapor line. The calf on the Hyperlite 2 has a bracket system that just like Stabiliflex is made slightly less stiff through the use of a single bracket point to provide a more balanced and stable feel when on the ice without being as intrusive as the double-bracketed calf plate on the Mach.

"Provides a noticeable difference in stability in both the butterfly and in on-ice movements."

Having played with the previous generation Hyperlite pads, the calf bracketing in the Hyperlite 2 provides a noticeable difference in stability in both the butterfly and in on-ice movements. I found that when paired with the redesigned calf pillow, the stiffened calf plate helped to create a more natural angle for my knees and ankles to sit at when in positions like the butterfly and reverse-VH.

Tune-Fit 2.0 Strapping System

While the Hyperlite 2 keeps the Tune-Fit 2.0 strapping setup seen on earlier Vapor models, Bauer has made some tweaks to the strapping on the Hyperlite 2, offering more customizability depending on how you like to wear your pads. Seeing the popularity of the Tune-Fit Connect strap on the original Hyperlite, the Hyperlite 2 features a new internal attachment point. This allows goalies to mimic the feel of the “professor strap” that sat on the upper calf giving the leg a more connected feeling to the pads while also providing an additional point of rotation to give the goalie more control over the pad. This internal strapping option also gives the feeling of a tighter leg channel compared to previous Bauer models.

"A more connected feeling to the pads while also providing an additional point of rotation to give the goalie more control over the pad."

If you weren’t a fan of the Connect strap or a tight leg channel in general, Bauer gives the option of strapping the Tune-Fit 2.0 calf strap to the calf wrap for a more open feeling leg channel. This strapping method benefits the goalie with a larger calf or who just wants the pad to sit looser on their leg.

SL1D3R Skin

First seen on the Mach pads, SL1D3R skin has been adopted by the Hyperlite 2 to create one of the best sliding pads on the market. When combined with the rebound boost core, the Hyperlite 2 provides the same powerful rebounds that goalies have come to expect from Bauer’s pro-level pads.

"Same great slide Bauer has been known for while being a more durable material."

In recent years, the combination of the dense knee and calf plates with Bauers’ various skin technologies has given them the reputation of building some of the best sliding pads available. The Hyperlite 2 is no exception; the use of the newest SL1D3R skin on these pads provides the same great slide Bauer has been known for while being a more durable material than their original C.O.R. Tech skins.

Rebound Boost Core

Bauer chose to keep their soft yet durable rebound boost core for the Hyperlite 2 pads however, the pad features an even thinner profile through the calf and boot that makes them even lighter than the original Hyperlite pad. Curv Composite is used in the thigh to allow the pad to have a thin, soft, hybrid feel that is solid while remaining durable for seasons to come.

One of my favourite aspects of the Hyperlite 2 and all Bauer pads is their effortless ability to direct rebounds out of harm’s way. The Rebound Boost core seen in the Hyperlite 2 does a great job at creating an ultra-light, flexible pad that still manages to push rebounds out to the blue-line with ease.

"Effortless ability to direct rebounds out of harm’s way."

In recent years, the combination of the dense knee and calf plates with Bauers’ various skin technologies has given them the reputation of building some of the best sliding pads available. The Hyperlite 2 is no exception; the use of the newest SL1D3R skin on these pads provides the same great slide Bauer has been known for while being a more durable material than their original C.O.R. Tech skins.

Molded Backhand and Cuff

The Hyperlite 2 features a molded backhand and cuff design that gives the blocker a more balanced feel while noticeably improving the goalie’s range of motion. The Hyperlite 2 blocker is perfect for the goaltender who enjoys the more traditional cuff design compared to that of the Mach.

"More balanced feel while noticeably improving the goalie’s range of motion."

Compared to the original Hyperlite blocker, the cuff of the Hyperlite 2 has been slimmed down and does integrate much better with the arms on my chest protector resulting in less competition for space between the two pieces.

Rebound Boost Core with CURV Composite Reinforcement

As has been seen in all of Bauer’s recently released blockers, the Hyperlite 2 uses CURV Composite reinforcement to help keep the blocker board stiff and provide consistent rebounds throughout its’ life. Paired with the same Rebound Boost core seen in the pads, the Hyperlite 2 blocker helps direct pucks up and away with ease.

"Helps direct pucks up and away with ease."

Much like their pads, Bauer’s blockers have been known for their lively yet controllable rebounds and the Hyperlite 2 is no exception.

Adjustable Finger Protection

Bauer uses a 14.5” Connekt+ palm in the Hyperlite 2 blocker with a DuraConnekt liner which as the name implies, is designed to improve durability of one of the highest wear areas. The palm is attached to the finger guards using what Bauer calls their Piano Finger adjustability. Simply put, they use a set of thin elastics that are attached to the finger guards using Velcro allowing for a customized fit depending on how you want the finger protection to sit.

"Superior protection against direct impacts while remaining light and mobile."

Speaking of the finger protection, the Hyperlite 2 features Bauer’s new Defense Cloud Technology (DCT) in both the index protection and molded backhand protectors. DCT is the latest and lightest foam that Bauer uses to help protect areas where adding bulk is not an option. Shocklite Shield is used in the fingers and thumb for its’ superior protection against direct impacts while remaining light and mobile.

Sidewall & Hand Placement

The Hyperlite 2 has a molded CURV Composite reinforced side plate to help protect the hand from impacts. It is worth noting that the sidewall on the Mach blocker is slightly thicker and stiffer than that of the Hyperlite 2 once again reinforcing the emphasis on mobility and lightweight protection that the Vapor line is known for.

"Emphasis on mobility and lightweight protection that the Vapor line is known for."

Compared to the Mach, the Hyperlite 2 blocker has a slightly lower hand position allowing for increased coverage. While it isn’t a drastic difference between the two, the balance point of these two blockers is different and is worth noting.

2-Piece Blocker

One of the most interesting options released with the Hyperlite 2 line is the 2-piece blocker. The 2-piece blocker is a custom-only option that is based off the 1X blocker featuring a more distinct curve to the blocker board and a traditional two-piece sidewall construction rather than the single molded piece seen on the Hyperlite 2 and Mach. The palm of the 2-piece blocker is also noticeably looser and larger than that of both the Hyperlite 2 and the Mach making it ideal for those who like the feel of an older-style blocker compared to the newest offerings from Bauer.

Closure

Bauer took the popular Hyperlite catcher and made some subtle tweaks to improve the closure for the newest iteration of the 590 break Vapor glove. While no changes were made to how the glove closes, the palm of the Hyperlite 2 has been rounded to improve the connectedness and comfort the goaltender feels.

"Feels the easiest to close without sacrificing protection in the palm."

Bauer has been refining this Vapor style closure for several years now and with this new glove it feels the easiest to close without sacrificing protection in the palm. The refinements they made to the Hyperlite 2 make it close more naturally on the hand and help it have the same snappy feel no matter if it’s game ready or a practice palm.

Liner and Internals

Bauer uses their Catchgrip+ material throughout the palm and finger stalls of the Hyperlite 2 glove to provide a comfortable and soft feel that remains grippy even when wet. They have also improved the pinky and thumb loops by using a thinner, more supple material making them more comfortable for the goaltender while still offering them plenty of control over the glove.

Wrist strap

Unlike the Mach glove, the Hyperlite 2 keeps the wrist strap to offer goalies a tighter fit and improved adjustability. Despite remaining on this glove, the wrist strap and the cuff have both been slimmed down to improve both the mobility and the integration of the chest protector.

Palm protection

Catchlite is used throughout the palm and T while CURV Composite and DCT foams reinforce the palm and add padding to help eliminate stingers. The use of Catchlite, CURV Composit and DCT foam allows Bauer to keep the Hyperlite 2 relatively thin and light without sacrificing hand protection. Bauer has also added their Rebound Control Foam to the palm. First seen on the Hyperlite chest protector, this foam helps to help deaden the puck on a palm shot helping absorb the impact and reduce the likelihood of the puck popping out of the glove.

"Absorb the impact and reduce the likelihood of the puck popping out of the glove."

If you’re looking at going custom, Bauer offers the option of a game-ready, pro and practice palms all of which can be spec’d with additional DCT padding to either the thumb or fingertip area depending on where you want it. This spec is available for the Hyperlite 2.

Vapor 90

There has been much discussion about the release of a 90º closure from Bauer and with the release of the Hyperlite 2, goaltenders finally get the answer to their wishes. Bauer’s Vapor 90 is built off the Vapor Hyperlite 2 catcher in terms of its backhand and cuff however, it features a standard reinforced T and a much different closure than the standard glove. This glove has a much flatter, wider palm that is designed to take away the upper corner of the net when closed.

The 90º break feels different than both the Mach and Hyperlite2 on your hand. Rather than the fingers-to-thumb closure of the Vapor or the finger-driven closure on the Supreme, the Vapor 90 feels as though your fingers are closing towards the base of your palm giving it a more natural feel for most people.

"Absorb the impact and reduce the likelihood of the puck popping out of the glove."

After using the Vapor 90 for some time, I’ve been extremely impressed with the closure and the feel of the Hyperlite 2 glove. Having never used a 90º break before, I was worried about not being able to try it out before buying. Once it came in however, I knew I made the right choice. Despite getting a pro palm for added protection, after a couple minutes in the skate oven it had a snappy closure and felt ready to be taken right into a game. I find that the full-hand closure helps me to get a firmer grip on my stick when playing the puck and helps me get the glove closed quicker limiting the amount of pop-outs I get even when the puck doesn’t end up directly in the pocket.

Overall, I have been impressed with this new Vapor release and how Bauer has continued to develop and push the envelope of what is possible with their product without losing the feel that their customers know and love.