Bauer Vapor Flylite Hockey Stick

In the summer of 2019, Bauer launched their latest line of Vapor hockey sticks. Their Vapor Flylite, the best-of-the-best, was recognized as one of the best hockey sticks of the year soon after its release. And for a good reason, we might add, as it was quick, durable, and of exceptional quality.

In fact, the Flylite was and still is so good that it’s considered one of the best hockey sticks to date for both developing and experienced players. But what makes this hockey stick so good that it still dominates the rinks, even in 2021?

This article will review the Bauer Vapor Flylite hockey stick, its specs, build quality, and performance on the ice. So, let’s get started.

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Specifications:

The Vapor Flylite is a low-kick-point OPS hockey stick designed for Intermediates, Juniors, and Seniors, featuring appropriate lengths and flexes. Its variety of available lengths range from 50″ to 60″, making it appropriate for most hockey players and individual play styles. Here’s a more comprehensive list of specs:

• Weight: 383 grams (Senior)
• Available lengths (in): 50, 52, 54, 57, 60
• Flex-profile: low-kick
• Available flexes: 30, 40, 50, 55, 65, 70, 77, 87, 102

Of course, it stands to reason that higher flexes correspond to lengthier sticks. The stated weight corresponds to the 60″ Senior-category hockey stick.

Construction:

Bauer aimed to make a Vapor series into a synonym for quick-release, and they did an exceptional job achieving that. But if the Vapor series is the synonym for quick release, the Vapor Flylite is its embodiment. One look at the construction features, and you’ll understand why.

Shaft:

To make Flylite one of the best hockey sticks to date, Bauer used a patented Easton technology previously seen on its Vapor ADV sticks. This includes the use of specialized carbon layering technology that significantly reduces the stick’s weight.

The Advanced Carbon Layering technology (abbreviated ACL) utilizes thinner, stronger carbon fiber layering, which reduces weight without sacrificing durability. It was first seen in action on Vapor ADV sticks and later used in blade construction for the Vapor 1X Lite.

In Flylite, we see ACL throughout the stick’s entire length, from the butt-end, down the shaft, through the hosel, and into the blade. It’s one of the reasons why the Flylite feels incredibly lightweight, very-well balanced, and extremely durable.

Of course, the ACL technology is combined Asymmetrical TeXtreme texturing that improves energy transfer during shots. Both features are bound by a DuraFlex resin system which binds the layers and provides flexural strength to the stick.

On the lower section of the shaft, the TE taper changes shape from rectangular to rounded edges along the top and the bottom of the shaft. The elliptical geometry requires less material to build, reducing the overall weight, and creating a low-kick flex point.

It also places the sweet spot on the softer, middle portion of the taper, amplifying the stick’s load and release. Combining these features provides a terrific recoil for the fastest possible release ever seen in a Vapor series stick.

Blade:

As we previously stated, Vapor Flylite is a single-piece hockey stick, which means that the shaft seamlessly tapers down into the blade. This allows for better energy transfer, better responsiveness, and an overall better feel of the puck throughout the stick.

Thanks to the seamless transition from the shaft to the blade, the ACL technology is paired with Aero-Sense 2 blade core for improved performance. The reduction in stick’s shaft weight allowed Bauer to increase the blade’s thickness by a negligible margin.

The added thickness significantly increases durability without sacrificing the puck’s feel, thanks to the Aero-Sense 2 core and PureShot technology. Together, these features give the blade an extra stiff profile, with no costs to the feel, control, or accuracy.

When it comes to blade patterns, Flylite offers seven different profiles you can choose from. As you might’ve expected, some blade patterns are limited only to specific categories, flexes, and hockey stick lengths.

Performance:

Bauer indirectly announced the next golden age of hockey sticks once its parent company acquired Easton Hockey – a pioneer of composite stick technology. This solidified Bauer’s position as one of the leading manufacturers of elite-level hockey sticks, mirrored by their high-quality and performance.

The one-piece construction of the Vapor Flylite allows for maximized energy transfer from the handle, through the blade, and into the puck. It’s further amplified by Flylite’s constructional characteristics to provide both power and consistency with every shot.

This stick’s main performance points are the lightweight feel, quicker shooting, and fantastic stickhandling capabilities. Thanks to the XE taper and the low-kick point, Flylite embodies the quick-release shooting in a way you would expect from an elite-level hockey stick.

Though it sounds like its design best suits professional-level players, Vapor Flylite is meant for both developing and experienced players. Its overall performance and durability cater to beginners and professional-level players, which is why we would recommend it to anyone looking to improve their game.

With everything said, we couldn’t find any drawbacks to the Bauer Vapor Flylite, given its exceptional performance and reasonable price tag.

Conclusion:

Given its exceptional performance and reasonable price, it’s easy to understand why Vapor Flylite ranks as one of the best hockey sticks on the market.

Its one-piece construction feels quite responsive, well-balanced, and exceptionally durable, catering to beginners and professional-level players. The ACL carbon technology, reinforced with DuraFlex resin and XE taper, allows for more effective loading and much quicker shot releases.

In summary, the Bauer Vapor Flylite will always match your playstyle and ferocity on the ice, honing your competitive edge. It won’t let you down, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a professional-level athlete.

Related Sticks:

CCM FT2
ADV Stick