Bauer Shadow Goalie Pads Review

While the Mach brought improved durability and the next evolution of their bracketing system to the already popular Ultrasonic line, the Shadow goalie pads look to improve upon the Mach based on key feedback from retailers, and goaltenders alike. 

Rebound Edge

One of the improvements Bauer wanted to make to the new Shadow line is a stiffened outer roll. Bauer calls this their Rebound Edge and it combines a stiffer foam with the triangular shape of the outer roll to help prevent rebounds from popping over the pad. This is an option that is seen on the pads of many pro goaltenders; however, at the retail level, Bauer felt that this would help goaltenders with more consistent rebounds and lessen the chance of pucks squeaking through.

“The Rebound Edge offers a more consistent rebound control, minimizing the risk of pucks slipping through, which has been a common issue at the retail level.”

This enhancement aims to cater to the needs of both professional and amateur goaltenders by ensuring that the Shadow pads provide reliable performance during intense gameplay. The stiffened outer roll and advanced foam composition not only improve rebound control but also contribute to the overall durability and effectiveness of the Shadow line.

Stabili-Calf

Building off of the Stabili-Calf first seen in the Mach line, the Shadow utilises a IIHF/NHL legal calf plate with new geometry designed to provide a better seal, weight distribution and stability. The new Shadow calf plate uses the same Supreme double calf bracket that helps improve balance and limit over rotation. The new geometry gives a slight forward pitch in the butterfly helping to keep the goaltender’s center of mass over the knees rather than allowing them to sit back in their butterfly.

"The Stabili-Calf system's new geometry offers improved balance and stability, ensuring that goaltenders maintain optimal positioning during play."

This Shadow design enhancement aims to provide goalies with a more controlled and stable butterfly position, which is crucial for making effective saves. The forward pitch introduced by the new geometry helps goaltenders stay over their knees, enhancing their ability to react quickly and maintain control.

Mid Flex Profile

One of the more notable changes to the Shadow is the return to the mid flex profile. Many goaltenders found that the Mach was too stiff and did not allow them to move the way they desired. Listening to this feedback, Bauer gave the Shadow the same mid flex that was seen on the Ultrasonic; giving it a more playable, forgiving, and mobile feel while still playing noticeably stiffer than the Hyperlite.

"The mid flex profile offers goaltenders a balance of mobility and stiffness, addressing the concerns of those who found the Mach too rigid."

This adjustment ensures that the Shadow goalie pads provide the necessary flexibility for dynamic movements while maintaining a level of stiffness that enhances performance. By incorporating the mid flex profile, Bauer aims to offer goaltenders the versatility needed for various playing styles, ensuring they can move efficiently without sacrificing the Shadow pad’s structural integrity.

Elastic Pro Toe System

Bauer implemented a new toe tie system that is designed to be more durable and adjustable than their previous toe bungees. The new Pro Toe system on the Shadow pads protects the bungee cord from being cut close to the bridge by using a Y-shaped leather-reinforcement. The goaltender can adjust the length of the strap attaching the system to the toe allowing for more or less slack depending on how they like to wear their toe ties.

Strapping and Leg Channel

Tune Fit+ makes its return to the Shadow pad giving goaltenders a secure yet adjustable calf strapping system. The outer calf wrap strap now attaches on the outer calf rather than the inner edge granting more adjustability and reducing the risk of the strap coming undone during.

A wider knee cradle is also seen on the Shadow pad allowing for improved integration with a wide array of knee pads without interference that large kneepad users may typically experience. 

SL1D3R 2.0

Focusing on durability and slideability, Bauer has introduced a new iteration of their SL1D3R skin. This new material called SL1D3R 2.0 is lighter and slicker in addition to helping to create the hot rebounds Bauer is known for. The evolutions of the skin material throughout the years have seen massive improvements to the durability and performance of Bauer pads compared to the original C.O.R Tech material that launched on the Supreme 1S line.

First Impressions

Having worn several sets of Bauer Supreme pads, the Shadow feels like a successful evolution of the Mach. The softer flex is a welcomed change as even for myself, the Mach flex was too straight and stiff for my play style. The removal of the angled calf plate helps to better stabilize the pad when in the butterfly while the forward pitch is enough that you feel more over top of your saves without it feeling as though the pad is tipping you forwards. While I have bounced back and forth between bungee straps and laces, I feel that the new toe strap will be a popular option as it does a good job combining the benefits of lace and bungee toe attachments while minimizing the downsides of both methods.

ROM Adjustable Wrist Strap

Making a return on the Shadow catcher is the R.O.M. Mach adjustable wrist strap. This strapping setup prioritizes wrist mobility and chest protector integration by being much lower profile than what many other brands offer. Taking inspiration from the Hyperlite 2 wrist strap, the Shadow’s strap is more adjustable than the Mach, allowing for goaltenders to dial in the fit exactly how they like.

"The R.O.M. Mach adjustable wrist strap offers enhanced wrist mobility and integration with chest protectors, providing a customized fit."

This improved strap system ensures that goaltenders can achieve optimal flexibility and comfort, crucial for maintaining peak performance during gameplay. The ability to fine-tune the fit of the Shadow catcher reflects Bauer's commitment to creating gear that meets the specific needs and preferences of goaltenders, enhancing their overall playing experience.

CatchGrip+

New for the Shadow is a comfort and grip focused liner called CatchGrip+. This new liner uses adhesive sections throughout the finger and thumb for improved grip on the glove allowing for an easier closure with minimal finger slippage even late into an ice time. This liner is also soft and supple as users of the recent iterations of Bauer catchers have come to know and love.

"Easier closure with minimal finger slippage."

In addition to the material change, Bauer has adjusted the fit of their finger stalls to allow for different internal fit options as well as an easier experience getting the glove on while still having a snug fit. This was noticeable the first time we tried on the Shadow.

Maximum Perimeter Pocket

One thing that we often hear at The Hockey Shop is some goalies feel that the Supreme gloves present smaller than other options on our wall. While this is simply an illusion created by the taller shape of Supreme gloves, Bauer has put this nonissue to bed with the Shadow, which uses the maximum NHL legal 45” perimeter, and a larger 18” pocket. Bauer claims this to be the largest catcher they have made and after seeing it in person, we can confirm that it presents itself as larger than the Mach and Ultrasonic gloves.

"The Shadow's 45” perimeter and 18” pocket make it the largest catcher Bauer has produced, dispelling any concerns about its size." 

This design ensures that goaltenders have maximum coverage and can efficiently trap pucks, enhancing their performance on the ice. The larger size not only improves functionality but also instills greater confidence in goaltenders. You'll have max coverage with the Shadow.

Internal Padding

Bauer layers CURV+ composite, Defense Cloud Tech and Rebound Control foams in the Shadow catcher to help absorb puck impacts, prevent stingers and minimize pop-outs. The combination of these materials is what gives Bauer gloves their snappy, easy to break in closure and their protective impact absorbing properties.

Fit and Closure

The Shadow catcher uses the Supreme break which can be described as a fingers to thumb closure. It does not follow the same break nomenclature as the CCM/True gloves and while it is often compared to a 600 break, after putting it on you can quickly feel the difference between them.

The Shadow keeps the snugger internal fit and feel from the Mach catcher and adds the same finger stalls as well as pinky and thumb loops that are seen on the Hyperlite 2 for improved fit, comfort and control over the glove.

Supreme S60

Bauer elected to offer the 60-degree break as a custom option for the 2024 season and will be available for Shadow orders. This break is most similar to the Ultrasonic catcher and has a distinctly different feel compared to the Shadow, helping to round out Bauer’s catcher line-up offering a glove break for all goalies.

First Impressions

The first thing we noticed putting the Shadow catcher on is the soft supple feel of the internals paired with the strategically placed grip. The Shadow catcher also has a true game-ready feel right out of the box with a snappy closure that needs little break-in other than a quick 5-minute bake in the skate oven to really have it feeling ready to go. On the ice, the larger perimeter helps to cover the glove side while the larger double-T pocket efficiently trap pucks and absorb the impact.

CURV Composite

The implementation of CURV composite to the blocker board by Bauer has lead to their blockers being renowned for some of the hottest rebounds on the market. In addition to the high velocity rebounds they’re known for, this pop lasts longer and remains more consistent throughout the blockers lifetime than those using the traditional plastic over foam construction.

Coverage+ Side Plate

Bauer redesigned the sidewall for the Shadow, focusing on maximum coverage, stiffness and protection. The Coverage+ side plate has been reinforced and is larger than the side plate seen on the Mach and Hyperlite 2 blockers. While this new design is different than what goaltenders are used to, after testing it for ourselves, the stick integration works just as well as any other blocker while drastically increasing the side hand and index finger protection.

DCT Reinforcement

Defense Cloud Technology foam is seen throughout the finger guards. This padding is light and mobile while also being extremely protective. As for the design of the finger guards themselves, Bauer has kept a similar profile to those seen on the Mach, offering the same great protection and mobility.

Palm

The Shadow blocker has received a new 14.5” Connekt+ palm that has a snug fit and a very supple feel. The palm padding that has been seen in recent generations of Supreme blockers feels less aggressive leading to a more comfortable fit and improved feel on the stick. 

Just as in years past, the Shadow line comes custom in three tiers. Regular custom allows goaltenders to have custom colours and change certain basic specs on their gear. Pro Custom opens up all spec changes in addition to mixing and matching Vapor and Supreme graphics with different models depending on the goaltender’s preference. At the Pro Custom level, the option of different gloves and blockers such as the Vapor 90, Supreme S60 and the 2-Piece blocker all become available. Lastly, Digiprint is similar to Pro Custom in that all spec and construction options become available along with a custom graphic designed by you and refined by Bauer. 

The Shadow line is the newest iteration of Supreme that brings key changes based on feedback from goaltenders and retailers alike. Features like the improvement to the balance and stability of the pad, softer flex, refined materials in the gloves, and a new custom glove option make what was an already great line in the Mach even better for the 2024 season. If you’re looking for a moderately stiff pad that provides huge rebounds, great slide and high performance, look no farther than the Bauer Shadow.

For those in the market for a new set that are local to the Lower Mainland, we at The Hockey Shop have a demo fleet that lets you try the brand new Shadow line before you place your custom order or buy a set off the wall.