HM Versus Series: Bauer Vapor FlyLite vs. Bauer Vapor 1X Lite

November 2017 is the last time we saw a new iteration of the Vapor stick line when Bauer released their ever-popular Vapor 1X Lite stick. Fast forward to almost two years later and Bauer has unveiled their latest addition to their low-kick stick line with the introduction of the Vapor FlyLite stick! While the FlyLite and the 1X Lite have the same general characteristics, the FlyLite has been tweaked a little bit to keep of with the speed of today’s game. Let’s take a look at some of those changes.

The Vapor stick line has always been known as having one of the quickest releases. When Bauer released their QRT+ Technology in the 1X Lite, it was the quickest releasing stick to date. This design utilized extra carbon fiber layers to reinforce the taper zone, resulting in greatly improved blade stability during stickhandling and shooting! The Vapor 1X Lite Stick also stood as Bauer’s lightest hockey stick for about a year and a half.

In comparison, the creation of the Vapor FlyLite introduced Bauer’s re-vamped ACL Technology throughout its entirety, as seen in Bauer’s ADV Stick. This design has helped the FlyLite shed some weight, weighing in at 390 grams, compared to the 1X Lite’s 399 grams.

Perhaps the biggest upgrade though, can be found at the bottom third of the Vapor FlyLite with the addition of Bauer’s new XE Taper. Inspired by the Elliptical Taper found on older Easton sticks, this design is now a touch thinner, and more “oval-shaped”. As a result, this helps the Vapor FlyLite achieve a significant increase in release speed on both snap shots and slap shots, compared to its predecessor!