Bauer Vapor 1X LE Stick Review

Difference maker.

With the Bauer Vapor 1X being a hot seller, Bauer has updated the graphics and is releasing the Vapor 1X Limited Edition. With all due respect the original 1X, we find the 1X LE much more attractive. Combine the updated look with a Vapor stick line that has historically performed very well, we are anticipating heavy demand for the 1X LE. So what makes this stick different than last year’s Bauer APX2, or any other high end composite stick?

Bauer describes the Vapor 1X as the "ideal stick for the crafty player that excels in puck handling and quick release shots". Normally we see a statement like this and chalk it up to typical industry jargon…but the description is bang on.

Early on-ice feedback includes one of our stick testers calling it “The best puck feel in a composite blade”. Everybody seems to agree that it might be the best low kick release on the market. That’s pretty heavy praise to start with so let’s take a closer look at what makes it tick.

Updated Graphics:

When you see the stick for the first time, you’ll immediately notice the blacked out bottom portion of the stick. You may notice most pro’s paint their sticks black near the bottom of the stick which allows for better vision. From our testing we feel this is a welcomed change as the stick is much easier to see against the white of the ice, and knowing where the puck is on your blade is crucial during a game.

Moving up the shaft the stick remains grey, and red replaces the white on the original 1X. We definitely love the new look of the stick, but the way the stick performs excites us even more.

New Aggressive Taper:

(QRT) Quick Release Technology is Bauer’s new aggressive taper design. Optimized to load and recoil energy in the lower part of the shaft, which allows a player to get their shot off as fast as possible. By lowering the taper even further than the Vapor Apx2, the 1X is ideal for quick motion snap or slap shots.

New Blade Profile:

The new innovative design sees an expanded throat on the blade profile. This helps reduce the amount of blade deflection (the twisting or opening of the blade while shooting), improving blade control and delivering increased shooting accuracy.

Aero-Sense 2 Blade:

A new dual density foam core construction that Bauer is calling Aero-Sense 2 gives the blade it’s light and crisp feel. This combination foam is lightweight, improving the overall balance of the stick.

The puck sticks to blade mind-blowingly well when stickhandling and effectively reduces puck bounce on hard passes. One of our testers couldn’t explain it but swears the puck just sticks to the blade like a magnet. The blade also retains strong torsional stability for that quick release that the Vapor APX and APX2 are known for.

Some familiar technical features:

Micro Feel 2 Shaft

Subtly rounded corners and double concave shaft walls. Gives a nice tapered feel for players that don’t want a traditional square box shaped shaft.

Monocomp

This is Bauer’s single molding process designed to remove excess material like overlapping layers, resin and foam waste. In plain English – improving the balance of the stick and reducing the overall weight.

TeXtreme

A new silver TeXtreme is featured exclusively on the Vapor 1X & 1X LE. Exclusive to Bauer in hockey, TeXtreme is an ultra-lightweight carbon fiber that is 20% lighter than conventional carbon.

eLASTech

Bauer’s proprietary resin system with carbon nanotube reinforcements. Designed to increase durability by reducing the spread of micro-fractures caused by slashes and puck impacts.

Summary:

The Vapor 1X LE is a pretty slick stick, performance wise and aesthetically. If you’re a fan of Vapor sticks and you can afford the price tag, you’ll absolutely love this stick. For those that haven’t tried a higher end Bauer stick in a while, or are just looking for a quick release/low kick stick, this would be a great stick to put in your hands.

If you aren’t in the market for a high-end stick give the Bauer X700 LE a chance. The X700LE has similar slick graphics like the 1X LE, with some excellent features that make it a great choice. With QRT Taper Technology, a Pure Shot blade profile, as well Micro Feel II shaft dimensions and double concave walls making their appearance from the 1X LE to the X700 LE, players can expect that 1X feel without sacrificing their wallets.