Bauer Vapor X5 Pro Intermediate Hockey Skates

Intro & New Features
For Vapor’s 25th anniversary, Bauer is looking to upgrade the Vapor line to the best it can be for the speedy, agile payer. The Vapor X5 Pro is the next upgrade from the previous 3X Pro and offers a wide range of high-end features, including Aerofoam+ ankle padding, a 3D-lasted CURV composite boot, a Hydrolite liner, and Bauer’s newest innovation: the Powerfly holder.

Skate Fit Profile
The Vapor X5 Pro skates come in Bauer’s Fits 1, 2, and 3, which is a concept that debuted in 2020. This was a great innovation, considering how the three lines, Vapor, Supreme, and Nexus, all historically had their own fits, despite performing differently. Now, those with narrower feet for example can enjoy the powerful stride enhancements that come with the Supreme line. Below is how the Bauer Fit System compares to previous years’ Bauer Skates:

Fit 1 = Low Volume, Narrow width (closest aligned to the Vapor fit profile)
Fit 2 = Medium Volume, Medium Width (closest aligned to the Supreme fit profile)
Fit 3 = High Volume, Wide Width (closest aligned to the Nexus fit profile)
Choosing the right fit profile is a key element in deciding which skate and fit best suits you. Here at The Hockey Shop, we have a team of experts, as well as our very own Bauer 3D scanner that can help you into the correct size and fit to keep you at your best.

Boot Construction & Stiffness Profile
The quarter package of this skate is made of 3D-lasted CURV composite, which is a high-performance material known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, providing a lightweight yet durable construction. This composite material is thermoformable, meaning it can be heat-molded to provide a customized fit and enhanced foot support. In addition, the material is also highly responsive, allowing for efficient energy transfer during skating strides.

Liner & Internal Padding
With the combination of the Hydrolite liner and Aerofoam+ ankle padding, the Bauer X5 Pro hockey skate offers a superior level of comfort, moisture management, and protection. Aerofoam+ is a high-quality padding that provides exceptional cushioning and support around the ankle, enhancing stability and reducing the risk of injury. This padding ensures a snug yet comfortable fit, allowing players to focus on their performance with confidence.

Lacing System
Similar to the previous generation, the Vapor X5 uses integrated injected facing, which was an innovative addition to the 3X Pro skate that enhances lateral stability, ensuring a secure lock between the foot and the skate. This tech is similar to the HyperFlex facing found in the Hyperlite but still takes a slightly more traditional take.

Tongue
The Bauer Vapor X5 Pro hockey skates come equipped with a pro stock 48oz felt tongue, which is sturdy with exceptional protection against lace bite and impact to ensure maximum comfort and support during intense gameplay. Its pro stock design ensures a professional-level fit, feel, and responsiveness, giving you the confidence to push your limits on the ice.

Steel/Runner/Profile/Blade Holder
Beyond the Choose Your Steel initiative, Bauer’s new generation of Vapor skates debuts a brand new blade holder: the Powerfly holder.

This new holder builds off of Bauer’s original OD1N prototype project and is mildly experimental in its construction. The Powerfly holder is built with increased rigidity in the front and more flexibility in the back. The bar in the middle helps stabilize the system. Its strategic positioning in the heel helps maximize acceleration and agility when changing direction. The Powerfly holder will also be compatible with the Mach and previous skate models that fit the old Pulse holder.

The steel in Bauer’s upcoming high-end gear will be transitioning to Fly steel, which has been enhanced for greater response and power. The Fly steel series will include Bauer Fly-TI and Bauer Fly-X, and will only be compatible with the Powerfly holder; likewise, old Pulse steel will not fit in the Powerfly holder. Same as before, the Hyperlite 2 skate comes with the option to Choose Your Steel, so you can have the perfect steel setup for your needs.

Toe Cap
For a better overall fit and to negate any unused space within the boot, Bauer turned to using an asymmetrical toe cap, a concept that has been observed in previous high-end Bauer skates.

Insoles
The insole of the X5 skate is Bauer’s Lock-Fit footbed, which combines comfort with good control. Lock-Fit is designed with additional grip along the sides, so your feet can stay locked in place while you skate. This design also ensures you don’t lose power on the stride.

Graphics
Compared to the new Hyperlite 2, the X5 Pro takes a darker grey appearance, with silver and red highlights near the heel and in the liner.

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