Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic Goal Skates Review
From the time Bauer brought cowling-less goal skates to the crease, they’ve been the leading innovator in goal skates. This year they look to build on the strengths of the previous generation 2S Pro, while redesigning several key elements to give the UltraSonic skate an improved fit, lighter weight, and the best attack angle available on the market.
Boot Construction
The UltraSonic skates use a combination of Bauer’s Unibody Technology and 3D lasted Carbon Curv Composite to give goalies a stiff, responsive skate that provides maximum energy transfer. From the first time I tried the UltraSonic on, I noticed just how much lighter than the previous 2S Pro it was. This is thanks to the new boot construction that yields a lighter skate, allowing for stronger, crisper pushes and quicker recoveries. Bauer kept their Asymmetrical Collar which accommodates a deeper stance and allows for easier drops into the butterfly and quicker recovery pushes. Due to the stiffer boot construction, some goalies may find the boot needs a few ice times in order to break it in enough to notice the benefit to the stiffness however, those who are used to the feeling of a stiffer pro-level boot will appreciate the support it offers.
Toe Cap
Bauer revolutionized the goal skate market releasing the first cowling-less skate with the Supreme 1S model. Utilizing a redesigned asymmetrical toe cap, the UltraSonic skate takes Bauer’s original protective toe cap design and brings it to the next level. Their new asymmetrical toe cap has been slimmed down to both reduce weight and give goalies a noticeably better attack angle than that of the already impressive previous generation Supreme skates. While in hand it may seem like a minor change, try the skates on and you’ll notice the difference. I found they feel much lighter overall and while the attack angle may not be a huge upgrade over the 2S, by allowing you to not have to get your leg up quite as high to get your blade down to the ice, the UltraSonic skate should further reduce the number of slip-outs and inconsistent pushes; giving you an edge over the competition.
Redesigned Fit
The redesigned Supreme fit featured on the UltraSonic series is aimed to fit a wider variety of goalies. Bauer adjusted the depth at the ankle by making the distance between the eyelets and the heel larger giving the skate a better wrap designed to fit more people comfortably. Being that my foot tends to take up more volume and has a more forward, pronounced ankle bone, I had previously been more of a Vapor fit as traditionally it offered me a more comfortable fit and superior wrap. However, with the new Supreme fit, the UltraSonic skates are a comfortable option for me that offer a better wrap than even the 2X Pro. While the fit of the UltraSonic has been tweaked, it is still a Supreme skate and goalies who were traditionally in a Supreme line skate will find it just as comfortable as previous generations.
Liner and Footbed
On the interior of the skates, Bauer made comfort a top priority while ensuring no performance was sacrificed. The Lock Fit Pro liner seen on the 2S Pro skate makes its return however, I found that with the upgraded Aerofoam Pro ankle padding the Ultrasonic skates introduce a new level comfort and should also provide extra durability as the new padding is more resistant to wear. The collar of the Ultrasonic skates feature a dual Comfort Edge pad reducing any rubbing on the inner ankle some goalies may have gotten on the 2S Pro skates while also allowing for more ankle flexibility when combined with the asymmetrical boot collar. The Lock Fit Pro footbed provides a stable base that as the name implies, locks your heel into the skate while providing a supportive base that aims to reduce any pressure points or soreness.
Tongue
The tongue used on the UltraSonic skates is a thick black felt which cut out any trace of lace bite without being too bulky and remaining comfortable. At the same time, the new tongue was flexible enough that doesn’t limit mobility when taking a deep stance even with the skates tied fairly tight.
Vertexx Holder
The Vertexx Edge holder is a tried and true design that has stood up to abuse from goalies of all levels and age groups since its launch with the 1S. The holder alone increases the skate height by 5mm – 9mm with the LS5G steel. The increased height leads to an attack angle by 10% from the original Vertexx cowling and 38% from other traditional cowlings.
LS5G Steel
Combined with their proven trigger style toolless blade change system, the UltraSonic skate use Bauer’s LS5G Black Steel which is one of Bauer’s highest quality steel available. Similar to that seen on the 2X Pro skates, the LS5G is a taller steel providing a longer overall life and a greater attack angle. Compared to the regular LS3G+ stainless steel, I find the LS5G lasts the longer resisting nicks, chips and rolls meaning it dulls less quickly thanks to the carbon coating that gives the steel its sleek black appearance.
Custom Options
Bauer will offer a custom program giving goalies the ability to choose the boot model, liner, tongue, steel and many more options all built off a 360-degree, 3D scan of the foot. This gives goalies the option to get a truly customized fit allowing the skate to fit as tight to your foot as possible for maximum energy transfer and responsiveness.
Final Thoughts
Having previously been a fan of the Vapor line of skates, the new Supreme fit profile is a welcomed change that will allow the UltraSonic skates to fit more goalies comfortably including myself. The new toe cap gives a definite reduction in weight and a noticeable improvement in attack angle while not sacrificing protection. Right out of the box, I was most impressed with the comfort. The addition of the new Aerofoam padding to the ankle along with the soft, dual Comfort Edge pads helped resolve any sort of pressure points or pinching I had in older variations of Supreme skates. The 3D lasted Carbon Curv quarter is stiff and supportive making for great energy transfer as well as a more connected feeling to the skate overall. Once heat molded, they felt snug, comfortable and ready to be taken straight into a game.
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Written By: Cedric Hastings
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