When it comes to picking a new one-piece composite hockey stick, the number of choices out there can be daunting. In order to cut through some of the confusion, I’m launching a series here at Hockey Gear HQ to help break down the various brands of sticks according to their features and price points, to help you make the best decision possible about which twig is most appropriate for you. We’re going to start with the Bauer Vapor series…

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The Vapor line (which debuted in 2007) is designed with puck handling and passing in mind, providing responsive dynamics and a comfortable feel. Bauer’s Supreme brand, on the other hand, is geared more for high-stress workloads from slap shots and one-timers. The Vapor comes in five levels these days, starting with the X:15, moving up through the ranks with the X:20, X:40, X:50, and X:60 (the X:15 is often found on clearance, however, and may not have as many options available). As you move up the scale, the more expensive sticks are lighter, although specific weights will vary depending on the flex rating and blade pattern involved.

Bauer Vapor Composite Hockey Stick Feature Comparison
	X:15	X:20	X:40	X:50	X:60
Flex Point	Low Kick Technology	Low Kick Technology	Intelli-Sense Shot Technology	Intelli-Sense Shot Technology	Intelli-Sense Shot Technology
Shaft geometry	Double Concave Walls Micro Feel II 0.47” Vapor Premium taper	Double Concave Walls Micro Feel II 0.47” Vapor Premium taper	Double Concave Walls Micro Feel II Vapor Premium Dual taper	Double Concave Walls Micro Feel II Vapor Premium Dual taper	Double Concave Walls Micro Feel II Vapor Premium Dual taper
Construction					Lightweight TeXtreme construction Monocomp Technology
Blade			Aero Foam II Pure Shot Blade Profile	Aero Foam II Pure Shot Blade Profile	Aero Foam II Pure Shot Blade Profile
Grip		Stick’um Grip	Stick’um Grip	Stick’um Grip	Stick’um Grip (optional)
Price (as of 8/31/2011)	$54.99 at Hockey Monkey	$59.98 at Hockey Monkey	$89.98 at Hockey Monkey	$129.98 at Hockey Monkey	$209.99 at Hockey Monkey
Special Deals			2-pack for $86.98 each 3-pack for $83.98 each	2-pack for $124.98 each 3-pack for $119.98 each

Special Discount for HGHQ Readers: Thanks to a special partnership with Hockey Monkey, you can save 7% on most items (some manufacturer restrictions apply) by using the coupon code GEARHQ7!

How to save money on Bauer Vapor hockey sticks

There are a couple main ways to save money on some of the choices in the Bauer Vapor line:

The X:15 can sometimes be found on clearance, with additional discounting.
Buying a 2-pack or 3-pack of sticks offers a bulk rate (about $45 savings on a 3-pack of X:60′s)

Bauer Vapor Hockey Stick Features

Low Kick Technology – the flex point of the shaft is engineered to be down closer to the blade, providing stability for the lower hand while allowing for the “give” in the stick to remain nearer the point of contact with the puck.
Intelli-Sense Shot Technology – the flex point of the shaft dynamically changes based on the user’s hand position, in order to maximize performance whether delivering a wrist or slap shot.
Double concave walls – a contour along the walls of the shaft that’s more ergonomic than a traditional rectangular block.
Micro Feel II – rounded corners added to the shaft along with the double concave walls to provide the most natural fit.
Lightweight TeXtreme construction – carbon fiber materials combining high-end performance with minimal weight.
Monocomp Technology – a single-molding process that joins the shaft to the blade reduces weight and improves the balance of the overall stick.
Aero Foam II blade – vibration-dampening materials reduce rattle when receiving a puck.
Pure Shot Blade Profile – provides increased accuracy by reducing the deformation of the blade during the act of shooting.
Stick’um Grip – a rubber-like coating on the shaft which for most players eliminates the need to wrap tape at the lower hand position.

As I mentioned in my Bauer Vapor X:20 review the other day, I’ve been using the X:20 regularly for a while now and have found it to be a pretty good performer. Stepping up from that level to the X:40 and beyond brings two major features in particular, the Intelli-Sense Shot Technology and the blade enhancements. Together, those take the Vapor from beyond being a playmaker’s stick into more of a general-purpose option. Whichever situation suits you best, I hope this feature matrix helps lay out the choices for you.

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Bauer Vapor hockey stick feature comparisons, from X:15 to X:60

June 21, 2011 By Dirk Hoag 5 Comments

Bauer Vapor Composite Hockey Stick Feature Comparison
	X:15	X:20	X:40	X:50	X:60
Flex Point	Low Kick Technology	Low Kick Technology	Intelli-Sense Shot Technology	Intelli-Sense Shot Technology	Intelli-Sense Shot Technology
Shaft geometry	Double Concave Walls Micro Feel II 0.47” Vapor Premium taper	Double Concave Walls Micro Feel II 0.47” Vapor Premium taper	Double Concave Walls Micro Feel II Vapor Premium Dual taper	Double Concave Walls Micro Feel II Vapor Premium Dual taper	Double Concave Walls Micro Feel II Vapor Premium Dual taper
Construction					Lightweight TeXtreme construction Monocomp Technology
Blade			Aero Foam II Pure Shot Blade Profile	Aero Foam II Pure Shot Blade Profile	Aero Foam II Pure Shot Blade Profile
Grip		Stick’um Grip	Stick’um Grip	Stick’um Grip	Stick’um Grip (optional)
Price (as of 8/31/2011)	$54.99 at Hockey Monkey	$59.98 at Hockey Monkey	$89.98 at Hockey Monkey	$129.98 at Hockey Monkey	$209.99 at Hockey Monkey
Special Deals			2-pack for $86.98 each 3-pack for $83.98 each	2-pack for $124.98 each 3-pack for $119.98 each