Hockey Stick Review: Bauer Vapor 1X

Bauer advertises their Vapor line of hockey sticks as best for quick-motion shots. We agree, particularly when it comes to the high-end upgrade on the APX2, the Bauer Vapor 1X, available since 2014.

From the Manufacturer

Bauer Vapor 1X: Construction

As the top-of-the-Vapor-line model, the Bauer Vapor 1X stick features chock full (alphabet soup?) of the manufacturer’s proprietary technologies, making it lighter, stronger, and faster than its predecessor, the APX2.

It is a true one-piece stick, made with a single molding Monocomp process. Its TeXtreme® carbon fiber is 20% lighter than conventional graphite while maintaining strength. The reinforced eLASTech resin helps improve durability by reducing the spread of micro-fractures occurring during hard play. The Micro Feel II shaft profile has rounded corners and double-concave walls.

The shaft of the 2016 Vapor 1X features a narrowing taper re-engineered with QRT (Quick Release Taper) technology, which is an upgrade on the 2014 model and particularly on the previous dual flex Intelli-Sense, to provide a 20% faster load and 28% quicker recoil than the APX2.

The shaft comes in a matte non-grip finish or with the Griptac finish. The regular model is silver and red, while the LE variation is black and red.

The light, durable, silver-checkerboard blade features Bauer’s Aero-Sense 2 technology, combining a dual density Aero Foam 3 core and the Sense layer that reduce vibration and improve durability, all encased in a TeXtreme® wrap. Bauer’s Pure Shot Blade Profile reduces the amount of blade the twisting of the blade while shooting, improving the stick’s feel.

2016 Bauer Vapor 1X

Here’s what our friends at HockeyMonkey.com have to say about Bauer Vapor 1X:

Bauer Vapor 1X: Specifications

• One piece
• Length:
  • Senior: 60 in
  • Intermediate: 56 in
  • Junior: 52 in
• Weight: 415 grams
• Flex: 77, 87, 95, and 102
• Kick point: Low
• Blade patterns and lies:
  • P02: heel curve, open face, square toe; Lie 7
  • PM9-Stamkos: mid curve, closed face, round toe; Lie 5
  • P14-Toews: toe curve, closed face, square toe; Lie 6
  • P28-Giroux: toe curve, closed face, round toe; Lie 5
  • P88-Kane: mid curve, closed face, round toe; Lie 6
  • P91A-Staal: heel curve, open face, round toe; Lie 6
  • P92-Ovechkin: mid-toe curve, open face, round toe; Lie 6
  • P106-Richards: heel curve, open face, round toe; Lie 6
• Grip: Yes in GripTac / No in matte version (LE Yes in GripTac / No in matte)

Bauer Vapor 1X: Our Take

Among Bauer sticks, the Vapor 1X offers the fastest shot of the Vapor line. The improved taper and stiffer blade in particular enable shots without having to expend extra energy. The improved shot release isn’t just marketing: Most players notice the improvement right away, including in shot accuracy.

This low-kick stick with a softer flex in the kick point is best-suited for forwards who like their snap and wrist shots. If you prefer stiffer sticks the 1X has a couple of high-flex versions. Though not the lightest one out there, the 1X is an impressively light stick, the lightest in Bauer’s lineup, in fact. The low-vibration yet very stiff blade is crisp, enabling good puck feel on shots, though it may come across as a little too stiff on passes.

As strong as the new materials make it, the weight savings come at the expense of durability. The higher flexes may entice defensemen, but stay away if you are one, if you play with a grinding edge, or like taking slap shots. This is truly a goal-scorer’s stick.

The lightest, strongest, and fastest of the entire Vapor line comes at a corresponding price, so if you can, get the 2015 model on clearance (under $150).

Famous players who have used the Bauer Vapor 1X include Claude Giroux, Shayne Gostisbehere, and Patrick Kane.

Bauer Vapor 1X blade (2015 LE on the left, 2016 on the right).

Bauer Vapor 1X: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Quick shot release
• Light
• Look (in regular models)

Cons

• Durability
• Price

Bauer Vapor 1X: Verdict

A vast improvement on its predecessor, the Bauer Vapor 1X will impress goal-scoring forwards with an extra budget.

Check price and availability of Bauer Vapor 1X »

Can’t decide? Check out our guide to the best hockey sticks.