Bauer Reactor 9000 Blocker Review

Reinventing Tradition

The Reactor 9000 blocker falls into a more traditional design, that is extremely similar to it's predecessor the Reactor 6000. It's blocker board has one of the last high rise flares available on the market today. It also still features a binding, which while interrupting the aesthetics for some, can stop rotation when pucks roll off the edge giving you more predictable rebound control. It also adds a good colour zone to the face of the blocker when ordering custom.

Like many traditional style blockers before it, the 9000 blocker has a design focus on balance rather than maximum surface area. Because of this it does have a much more aggressive ramping than what we are used to seeing on blockers today. This extra ramping, as well as a centred hand position gives us a very stable and balanced platform that makes the blocker feel much lighter than it already is. Traditionally the ramp was included in blockers to allow for more direct rebound control to the corner, and that still holds true here.

The 9000's finger protection is almost unchanged from the Reactor 6000. The only change that they did make, is to extend the piece and the fingertips so you no longer crush your fingers when going paddle down. Although there wasn't significant changes the protection was nice enough not to warrant any. Side hand protection has also been increased by extending the side board while creating maximum coverage.

Bauer's Free Flex cuff allows for a good range of motion so that you can take full advantage of that extra ramping the blocker provides. Pucks cannot be forced to the corner if you can't get your wrist facing the corner.

Ax Suede Quattro is featured on the blocker palm and back of the hand. This material dries out quickly, doesn't stink up easily and is extremely durable. It has all of the upsides of traditional cream Nash leather, and none of the downsides. By using lots of this material through the interior of the glove, and pairing it with extensive amounts of padding the Reactor 9000 blocker is one of the most comfortable blockers on the market.

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