Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 Hockey Skates

Product Description:

The Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 hockey skates are designed for professional and aspiring players who prioritize agility and quickness on the ice. They are the culmination of 25 years of innovation in the Bauer Vapor line, known for its focus on lightweight performance. The skates feature a revolutionary Powerfly holder that flexes and responds to different skating movements, enhancing acceleration, and transitions. This technology is designed to give players an edge in every game situation.

Perfect skates for:

Elite-level and aspiring pro players who skate every day

Key features include:

• Choose between Fly-TI or Fly-X steel options for optimal performance.
• Equipped with the PowerFly Holder for secure blade attachment.
• Features the LockFit Pro Liner for a secure and comfortable fit.
• Utilizes the Aerolite 2.0 tongue for lightweight and responsive performance.
• Incorporates Hyperflex eyelets/facing for enhanced flexibility and comfort.
• Constructed with Carbon Curv Composite for lightweight durability and support.

Top competitors comparison: the CCM JetSpeed FT470 and the True TF9 Pro

While all three boast lightweight, one-piece boots for responsiveness, the JetSpeed leans towards a stiffer flex for powerful strides, complementing the Vapor's pure agility focus. The True TF9 Pro takes a different approach, prioritizing a lightweight, heat-moldable shell for a custom fit and a more forgiving flex, ideal for players who value comfort and maneuverability over pure power output. Ultimately, the best choice hinges on whether you crave lightning-fast agility (Vapor Hyperlite), a balance of agility and power (JetSpeed), or a focus on lightweight comfort and personalized fit (True).

Progression:

The popular HyperLite model debuted in 2021 and Bauer continues to build on the design and high-preforming construction of the Vaper. The Hyperlite 2 includes updated features like the PowerFly holder and Aerolite 2.0 Tongue, improved eyelets, and better materias (carbon composite) in the outsole.

What people are saying (edited for clarity and brevity)

PROS

• These skates are unbelievably light! The one-piece boot and PowerFly holder really make a difference. They feel very agile and responsive on the ice, allowing for quicker turns and faster strides. My skating has definitely improved since switching to the HyperLite 2.
• The HyperLite 2 skates are some of the most comfortable skates I've ever worn. The liner is soft and the foam padding helps eliminate pressure points. The new fit system with variable flex zones seems to conform well to my foot shape.
• Great skates, the 2's are very similar to the original HyperLite's, 2's have a better release to change the steel, and a different tongue.

CONS

• There's no getting around it, these skates are expensive. They're definitely an investment for serious players only.
• A huge issue for me is lacing up because there are NO metal eyelets for the laces. So to tighten, l have to pull on the laces sideways (if l pull straight up there's a good chance the laces will rip through the carbon fiber) making it difficult to get a good grip.
• Paying well over $1k for skates and additional steel, I feel like the skates should really last longer than two years.

Expert notes (by Austin MacDonald)

There is not as much difference between the HyperLite and the HyperLite 2 as there was between the Hyperlite and the 2x Pro, but the 2 is really just a lighter skate. More comfort features have been added also, and there is a new locking mechanism. The HyperLite 2 still offers the quick release, but it's a different upgraded style, which makes it easier to switch the steel in and out. The holder itself is different and extremely lightweight.

Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Power: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Speed: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐