HingeFlex

The key innovation of the Konekt line of skates is their HingeFlex system. Using a clever 2-piece outer shell with a hinge on the ankle, the Konekt2 allows up to 22º of forward ankle flex. This enables goaltenders to get deeper into their stance, more easily integrate into the post, and generate more power in their pushes.

A new feature of the Konekt2 is a flex inhibitor that allows the goaltender to customize the amount of flex the HingeFlex system offers. By mounting a helmet screw and backing in the small hole at the back of the boot, the goalie is able to limit the forward flex to between 5 and 10º. Users of the original Konekt often requested restricting ankle flexion to create a more comfortable and familiar feel, which would ease the transition from a traditional skate to the Konekt series. This adjustment can help goaltenders build confidence in adapting to this new style of skate.

Updated Buckles

While the Konekt was extremely well-received and one of our most popular goal skates here at The Hockey Shop, the buckles were a known issue. In some Konekt skates, the lower buckle could unexpectedly fail with little to no warning; although this may be the equivalent of breaking a lace and is just as simple to fix, buckles were sparse and repair kits weren’t available, leading to some frustration among goaltenders who encountered this problem. Another challenge posed with the original buckle design was the lack of a locking mechanism, which meant that the spring inside the buckle was responsible for holding it down. Over time, this spring could weaken, causing the buckle to fail to latch properly and come loose during play. Bauer addressed these concerns and made multiple necessary adjustments to the buckles when designing the Konekt2.

Bauer has redesigned the buckles for the Konekt2, taking cues from the Konekt HF2 with both the upper and lower buckles now featuring a push lock fit. This design makes for a more secure fit and better durability, eliminating the issues some goaltenders ran into with the original Konekt skate. As for the section that was prone to breaking on the original Konekt, the factory has updated their manufacturing procedure, which should eliminate this issue. Should goaltenders want additional buckles, they should become available for sale soon.

Ultralon Liner

Bauer elected to keep the liner they used on the original Konekt, with some subtle changes to enhance comfort and durability. The Ultralon material itself is extremely thermoformable and has been kept due to its’ ability to create a custom fit out of the skate oven. The new liner features a redesigned, thermoform-molded tongue that enhances binding bite protection (think lace bite but with buckles).

This liner is also available for purchase from The Hockey Shop, meaning that original Konekt owners can upgrade their liners and get a more comfortable boot, giving their skates that new skate feeling once more.

Grilamid Shell

Grilamid is used to construct the entire outer shell of the Konekt2. This material is the key to the skates' stiffness, as it provides a supportive base that enables goaltenders to generate power in their pushes. Similar to Ultralon, this material is extremely thermoactivated, meaning it reacts strongly to heat, helping give the Konekt2 its custom fit. For the Konekt2, the shell has been carved out a bit more, resulting in a more accommodating fit in both width and depth. The outsole of the Konekt2 is made of what Bauer calls their push plate platform, allowing for improved energy transfer in each push.

In streamlining and reshaping the shell, Bauer has been able to shave weight off of the Konekt2, closing the gap between them and a comparably sized Bauer Pro skate to under 100 grams. In addition to the weight savings, by design, the reshaped shell is able to accommodate a larger range of foot shapes and widths. This is not to say that the Konekt2 will fit every goalie; they are still close to a D-width or Fit 2. However, with proper fitting procedure, those with wider feet may now be able to fit into the Konekt2 more comfortably than the original Konekt.

Holder and Steel

The Konekt2 received an upgrade in the form of Pulse Ti steel and, for the first time, a dark grey Vertexx holder. Pulse Ti is the best steel Bauer currently offers. As the name implies, this steel is coated in a titanium finish, which helps prolong sharpening and stop post nicks. Having used this steel for a number of years, I can confirm from personal experience that it does hold an edge for longer and is a fitting addition to the highest-performing skate in Bauer’s lineup.

While the dark holder is no different than the standard white Vertexx holder, it is undeniably more visually appealing and will be available for purchase separately soon after the release of the Konekt2.

Customization

These skates are unfortunately not available in online custom, as their fit requires them to be customized through the heat-molding process in-store. However, Bauer does offer numerous coloured liners for the skates, which are available for purchase and can help give the skate a more personalized look.