Bauer Vapor X700 Senior Ice Hockey Skates

Description

There is still a big following for the pro level tech mesh nylon quarter construction, including at the pro level itself. The Vapor X700 skate carries on the Vapor legacy as the most popular family within Bauer’s 3-fit platform and is the top of the line with this type of construction. While the Vapor fit may not work for every foot type, those who do benefit from its fit characteristics often swear by its “second skin” fit and feel. Its standard v-fit profile consists of a standard width through the toebox and forefoot with a low-volume, narrower fit in the heel and ankle.

The OD1N concept skate provided the inspiration behind the updated X-Rib pattern that can be found throughout the Vapor line. In addition to providing structural support to the skate, lab tests, designed to measure performance, showed that the X-rib pattern led to improvements in heel and ankle lock which resulted in quicker cross overs and tighter turns. This pattern is thermoformed into the pro level tech mesh nylon quarter construction of the X700 and also offers a jump start on a great fit, the balance of which can be achieved from heat molding the skate to the shape of your foot.

The X700 uses a quick-dry hydrophobic liner, which helps to reduce drying time between ice times. The 3-piece felt design of the tongue features comfortable 48 oz white felt on the top and 30 oz white felt on the sides and includes a relatively robust and protective metatarsal guard that consists of high density foam.

The boot sits atop a pro TPU outsole, which is a commonly used material that also provides a stable platform for which to mount the Tuuk Lightspeed Edge holder. This holder design provides an added three millimeters of height, in comparison to the Tuuk Lightspeed 2 holder which allows the skater to get lower to the ice for sharper, tighter turns without “bottoming out” or in other words a greater angle of attack. The other huge benefit of this holder is the ability to change the runners in seconds with the pull of a trigger. Carrying an extra set of sharpened steel in your bag makes good sense, given the ease of which these can now be changed. The X700 comes with the Tuuk LS1 runner, which is a higher grade of steel with a nicer finish than the Super Stainless steel runners that are commonly found on the lower price point Bauer skates.