Bauer Vapor Flylite vs Proto 2: The Ultimate Bauer Stick Showdown
The rinks of North Vancouver are buzzing, and for good reason. Bauer has once again pushed the boundaries of hockey stick technology with two of their most elite offerings: the Bauer Vapor Flylite and the new Bauer Proto 2.
While both sticks represent the pinnacle of high-performance gear, they are crafted with different player styles in mind. The Vapor Flylite is built for pure speed and a lightning-fast release, while the Proto 2 is the evolution of power and precision. Let's break down these two titans of the ice to help you choose the stick that will take your game to the next level.
The Contenders: A Quick Look
Bauer Vapor Flylite: The Quick-Release Maestro
The Vapor Flylite is the quintessential low-kick stick. Its design is hyper-focused on one thing: getting the puck off your blade as quickly as possible. This makes it a favorite among players who rely on quick snapshots, deceptive dekes, and agile puck handling to create scoring opportunities.
Bauer Proto 2: The Precision Powerhouse
The Proto 2 is the successor to the Proto-R, and it's built to deliver explosive shots with unmatched accuracy. This mid-kick stick is engineered for players who want to lean into their shots and deliver powerful, precise blasts from anywhere on the ice, without sacrificing feel and control.
Side-by-Side Feature Analysis
Here's a detailed breakdown of what sets these two elite sticks apart:
|
Feature |
Bauer Vapor Flylite |
Bauer Proto 2 |
|
Kick Point |
Low Kick Point: The stick flexes lower on the shaft, closer to the blade. This design is built for an incredibly fast and reactive shot release, ideal for quick wrist shots and snapshots in tight spaces. |
Mid-Kick Point: The stick flexes higher on the shaft. This allows for more energy storage, resulting in more powerful shots, including slap shots and one-timers, without sacrificing too much quickness. |
|
Construction |
TWITCH Taper & ACL 2.0: The unique taper loads shots sooner and recoils faster. Advanced Carbon Layering 2.0 (ACL 2.0) creates a lighter and more responsive stick. |
Boron Fiber Technology: A material exclusive to Bauer that provides an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the stick to be both incredibly light and exceptionally rigid for maximum energy transfer. |
|
Blade |
HYP2RCORE with Aluminum: This blade core is reinforced with a thin sheet of aluminum, which helps to keep the weight down while maintaining strength and providing a lively "pop" on the puck. |
Lighter Blade Core: An upgraded blade core from its predecessor, designed for enhanced puck feel and handling in high-danger areas. This upgrade provides a balance of pop and control. |
|
Feel & Control |
Features a round shaft with a focus on an ultra-lightweight feel. This promotes quick, agile stickhandling and provides an excellent sense of the puck on the blade. |
The optimized balance point makes the stick feel lighter than its actual weight. This enhances control for everything from puck handling and passing to defensive plays like stick-checking. |
|
Durability |
ACL 2.0 and TeXtreme carbon fiber offer great strength for a stick of its weight class, but as with many ultra-lightweight sticks, it can be more susceptible to impact damage. |
The inclusion of Boron fiber gives the Proto 2 an edge in strength and rigidity, making it a highly durable option for high-level play. |
|
Player Profile |
The agile forward, the playmaker, or the sniper who thrives on getting the puck off their stick in a blink of an eye. If you're a rink rat who loves to dangle and snipe from close range, this is your stick. |
The all-around player, the power forward, or the defenseman who wants to maximize shot velocity and accuracy without sacrificing responsiveness. This stick is for those who want a blend of power and precision. |
Which Stick Is Right for You?
Choosing between the Vapor Flylite and the Proto 2 is a matter of personal preference and playing style.
Choose the Bauer Vapor Flylite if:
- You are a high-octane player who relies on quickness and agility to beat your opponents.
- Your game is defined by quick snapshots, one-touch passes, and a premium feel for the puck on your stick.
- You want the lightest, most reactive stick on the market for ultimate control and stickhandling freedom.
Choose the Bauer Proto 2 if:
- You are a power player who wants to generate maximum velocity and accuracy on every shot.
- You need a stick that can handle the rigors of powerful shots and a physical game, thanks to its enhanced durability.
- You value a balanced feel that allows for both explosive power and refined puck control in a variety of situations.
Ultimately, the best way to make a decision is to get your hands on both. Visit Time Out Source for Sports in North Vancouver to feel the difference for yourself. Whether you're a Vapor fanatic or you're ready to embrace the future with the Proto 2, the right stick is waiting for you to unleash your potential on the ice.
