Bauer Vapor 3X Pro Skates: Used & Clearance Deals Online

Bauer Vapor 3x Pro Hockey Skates

The Bauer Vapor 3X Pro hockey skates are designed for agility and speed. They feature a lightweight, heat-moldable Curv composite boot that provides great stability within the skate. The 3x pro skates also feature AeroFoam+ which is interior padding for comfort and support.

Perfect skates for:

Quick-cut, agility-first skaters who like the classic Vapor low-volume/tapered fit.

Key features include:

3D Lasted Curv Composite Quarter	Advanced materials to create a lightweight and supportive shell.
Integrated Injected Facing	Superior lateral stability and improved foot lock within the boot, maximizing power transfer during explosive starts, stops, and sharp turns.
Asymmetrical Toe Cap	Reduces negative space around your toes for a more precise fit.
TUUK Lightspeed Edge Holder	Easy to swap out blades for sharpening or switching to a different type of various ice conditions
Hydrolite Lining	Helps keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the game.

Top Competitors

The CCM Jetspeed FT1 is designed for speed and acceleration. It features a lightweight and rigid boot construction with CCM's MonoFrame 360 technology and utilizes the SpeedBlade 4.0 holder for efficient energy transfer. The True TF9 prioritizes a customized fit and enhanced comfort with a custom-fit system based on individual foot measurements. These skates offer a tailored fit for improved performance.

Progression of the Vapor 3X

Key improvements of the 2X Pro over the 1X Pro:

Fit: DYNAFLEX system provides a more customized fit compared to the three-width system.
Weight: The 2X Pro is lighter due to advancements in materials and construction.
Performance: The 2X Pro offers better energy transfer, edge control, and overall responsiveness.

Key improvements of the 3X Pro over the 2X Pro:

Boot: The new Curv composite material offers slight weight reduction and potential performance enhancements.
Blade: The LS6 blade is a new option with a focus on durability and edge control.

What people are saying about the 3x:

👍 Pros
These skates are a step up from recreational skates but without the hefty price tag of top-of-the-line models.
They were perfect after I baked them. The blades took some time getting used to, but made skating way easier.
These skates are unreal. Sliiight learning curve (but I've also been using the wrong size, which doesn't help), but otherwise great.

👎 Cons
If you're a powerful skater, you might want to consider a stiffer boot from the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite or Supreme lines.
I like my skates tied tight. And due to this, the top eyelets of these skates did not last much beyond the warranty period.
The plastic eyelet material is really tough to get tight around upper foot and ankles. Low volume and shallow, and I ultimately went with a different pair.

“

The 3x Pro is made of light materials and is super durable. It's a pro model, so it has top-level comfort with high-quality foam and an asymmetrical toe cap. The lower part of the skate is softer, while the upper part is stiffer, allowing for more support. The 2X Pro was such a hit, and it's kind of hard to follow up... but they made a decent skate with the 3X Pro.

”

Durability

Power

Speed

@Dstars79, Player Review

Like all Canadians, Austin has hockey in his blood and has been passionately playing the sport across the US, Canada, and Finland since childhood.

FAQs: Bauer Vapor 3X Pro Hockey Skates

Q: Who are Bauer Vapor 3X Pro skates best for?
A: 3X Pro provides a light, responsive boot with a forward, attack-ready stance—ideal for wingers or anyone who relies on quick edge changes and acceleration, without the high price tag of a flagship boot.

Q: How does the 3X Pro fit vs other Bauer lines?
A: Vapor = tapered/low-volume (snug heel/forefoot). With the Performance Fit system you can pick Fit 1 (narrow), Fit 2 (medium), or Fit 3 (wide). Compared to Supreme, 3X Pro feels looser at the cuff and more agile; compared to old Nexus, it’s notably lower volume.

Q: 3X Pro vs Vapor 3X (non‑Pro)—what’s the real difference?
A: 3X Pro steps up stiffness, responsiveness, and materials. It feels lighter and more reactive, with a better wrap and higher-end liner/tongue package. The standard 3X is comfortable/value-forward; 3X Pro feels closer to elite in power transfer and ankle support.

Q: 3X Pro vs Vapor Hyperlite—who should choose what?
A: Hyperlite is lighter and more elite-feeling with a freer, race-like response; 3X Pro is a touch heavier but more budget-friendly while still very quick. If absolute weight and top-end tech matter most, Hyperlite. If you want 90% of that feel for less, 3X Pro.

Q: Are Vapor 3X Pros true to size?
A: Most skaters end up ~½ size down from street shoes (typical Bauer). Because it’s a lower-volume Vapor boot, high insteps or wide forefeet should use Fit 2/3 and plan on a proper bake. Aim for firm heel lock and ~5–8 mm of toe space, not “roomy” comfort.

Q: Do 3X Pros bake well? One bake or two?
A: Yes—highly thermoformable. One shop bake usually dials the wrap; a second bake is fine if you have localized pressure. Bake wearing your game socks/footbeds, sit in a skating stance, and avoid over-tightening during cool-down so the tongue can set naturally.

Q: What holder and steel come on the 3X Pro? Can I upgrade?
A: Most 3X Pros ship with Tuuk Lightspeed EDGE holders and stainless runners (specific runner can vary by retailer/year). You can upgrade to premium steel (e.g., Pulse/Pulse‑Ti/Step). Keep runner pairs matched, note your profile, and ensure blades seat fully.

Q: What’s the on‑ice feel—pitch, stiffness, agility?
A: Vapor carries a slightly forward pitch for fast toe engagement. 3X Pro is stiff enough for strong pushes but still very nimble. Expect quick edge-to-edge response and easy acceleration—more “dance and dart” than the planted, power-drive feel of Supreme.

Q: How is the 3X Pro tongue (comfort and lace-bite)?
A: The tongue is protective with a responsive flex that spreads pressure well—good news for lace‑bite‑prone skaters. Combined with a proper bake, most instep pressure settles in a couple skates. If needed, ease tension on the top eyelets early on.

Q: Any common hot spots or break‑in notes?
A: Occasional pressure over the 5th met head or high instep pre‑bake. Solutions: proper bake, skip one eyelet for the first 1–2 skates, or a small punch at the hotspot. Don’t overtighten to fix heel lift—address fit (footbeds, lace pattern, punch) instead.

Q: Can I use aftermarket insoles or orthotics?
A: Yes. Superfeet/Orthomove or custom orthotics can improve arch support and heel lock. Bake with them installed. Watch stack height so you don’t run out of volume at the eyelets; adjust lacing or punch the eyelet row if needed.

Q: How do 3X Pros handle durability (eyelets, tendon guard, holder)?
A: Solid for the tier. Avoid over-torquing the top eyelets, dry fully (no heat), and check rivets monthly. With EDGE holders, make sure steel is seated tight (no wiggle). Wipe quarters/tendon guard after skates to prevent grime hardening flex zones.

Q: Are 3X Pros good for heavier skaters or strong pushers?
A: Yes, within reason. They’re stiffer than 3X and fine for competitive rec. If you’re heavy, explosive, or skate 4–5x/week at high tempo, Hyperlite/Supreme top-end may feel more supportive long-term. Otherwise, 3X Pro offers an excellent power‑to‑price balance.

Q: What should I check when buying used 3X Pros?
A: Inspect:

Boot: eyelet tearing, quarter cracks, outsole separation
Holder/rivets: any play, bent posts; remaining steel height
Liner: heel wear/pilling, odor/moisture

Break‑in and care quick tips

Bake once (twice if needed); skate 2–3 times before judging fit
Don’t crank the top eyelets—let the tongue flex
Dry fully (no heat), tongues opened; check rivets regularly
Record profile/hollow once dialed so future sharpens stay consistent

Bauer Vapor 3X Pro Hockey Skates

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