Bauer Nike Vapor XXX C/A Review

[OUV11112]

I have been wearing this unit for about a month now. I average 2-3 skates per week. I play in mens rec divisions over 35, and run an open skate on Wednesdays in Mississauga that we have a wide range of calibre from the occasional OHL player and Jr A player, to 55 year old guys.

Reason to buy: I was using a Bauer Supreme Pro and was getting tired of getting hit where there was no padding and also really feeling shots to the abdomen. I was bringing my gloves in to make saves that I should have just let hit me. I liked the overall fit of the Supreme but wanted more protection. I went with the Bauer/Nike over other manufacturers because it does essentially fit like the Supreme.

Protection: This has been 100% better than the Supreme. They have added side flaps to protect your ribs so no more cross ice one timers right off the rib cage. The upper chest has an air vent and the lower abdomen has more than enough protection. I have yet to get stung by any shot in this area. The arms offer good protection as well. I have only "felt" one shot and it was because I was overextended and took one between my glove and the elbow flaps on the inside of my forearm.

Fit and Comfort: The nice thing about this unit is that it has two back straps instead of one. It really stays in place well. There are also multiple straps on the elbows to adjust it to your liking. I wear it over my pants and suspenders. It does not ride up or fall down. I have it strapped fairly loosely and it stays in place very well. The unit weighs in at 6.5 pounds and is bulkier than the Supreme but it is only a minor difference. The unit was very comfortable and felt broken in after about three skates. I had to get used to having side protection, this was the biggest adjustment and I don't even notice them anymore.

The unit has a honeycombed material on the inside that allows air to circulate keeping it cool and moisture free. It does not absorb any moisture and feels like it is the same weight after a game as before.

Finish: The unit is cosmetically flawless and there have been no wear issues so far.

Pros: Protection, fit, comfort and breath ability.

Cons: Rechargeable solar panels on the front are a little too loud .

[Mulliniks]

Cons: Rechargeable solar panels on the front are a little too loud .

thats brilliant

[Tim Allen27]

What do these units run for these days?

[DRE75HABS]

About 400 USd

[Tim Allen27]

Originally Posted by DRE75HABS

About 400 USd

Ooo ouch, little steep

[Jenaiyah]

What kind of material is the silver part on the shoulder floaters? It doesn't look like it would be durable...

[puckstopper33]

I have the same unit, but NHL spec'd. I agree they could have down played a little on the chrome panels. The material unit to make it, it's hard to guess what the heck it's made it's not nylon, and it's not leather. The one thing I like about is it very light weight and the breathablity of the unit is great. I had a Brown 2100 before this and I feel alot cooler wearing this unit verus the Brown. I'm just waitng on my XXX pants coming in this week or next.

[DRE75HABS]

Originally Posted by Tim Allen27

Ooo ouch, little steep

Yes, but it's the top of the line Nike Bauer C/A. You'd find the XX and X for much cheaper, and depending on the level of hockey you play, it would be far more economical.

Goalies that see the kind of shots that a pro C/A warrants usually aren't too hesitant to spend the bucks on a high end unit.

[Tim Allen27]

Originally Posted by DRE75HABS

Yes, but it's the top of the line Nike Bauer C/A. You'd find the XX and X for much cheaper, and depending on the level of hockey you play, it would be far more economical.

Goalies that see the kind of shots that a pro C/A warrants usually aren't too hesitant to spend the bucks on a high end unit.

True but for what the RBK Premier Pro goes for and the XXX Pro theirs quite a jump in price.

[DRE75HABS]

Also true, but I suspect the newer models of PRO RBK C/A's will be up there in price too. You have to remember that the switch to NHL legal specs are kicking in, so retailers that have overstock of gear that isn't moving will drop their prices accrodingly.

[old G]

Originally Posted by Jenaiyah

What kind of material is the silver part on the shoulder floaters? It doesn't look like it would be durable...

Isn't that just tin foil. Old time hockey.

[canuck]

dukes has told me this unit cannot be customized.
what is the word on the street. thx dave

[SAS91]

Originally Posted by canuck

dukes has told me this unit cannot be customized.
what is the word on the street. thx dave

Normally what duke say goes. You can always customise it yourself, awesome review btw, price is a little steep though.

[puckstopper33]

Originally Posted by canuck

dukes has told me this unit cannot be customized.
what is the word on the street. thx dave

Call back and find out why. If one of there employees can get it done, then it can be done. If Bauer says on the site they do it, then call Bauer direct and ask them, other then that question Gasman on it . It doesn't really sound right that Bauer says on the site it can be custom done but then your told by a store it can't.

[jaysee]

you got any pics of this in action