Intro & New Features
As any hockey goaltender knows, having reliable and high-performance gear is essential for success on the ice. Bauer has taken their renowned Hyperlite gear and upgraded it for the 2023 season with a combination of new technology, what worked before, and what’s worked in their other gear families. The Hyperlite 2 leg pads feature SL1D3R skin, a Rebound Boost Core, and a Stabiliflex knee block.
External Material
The Hyperlite 2 adopts the SL1D3R skin from the Machs this upcoming season. SL1D3R skin is a special surface designed to provide superior sliding ability and durability compared to traditional materials used on goalie pads. It is made of a combination of materials, including a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) sheet and a proprietary coating; the HDPE sheet is a type of plastic known for its low friction and wear-resistant properties. The coating further enhances the effect of the HDPE sheet. With SL1D3R skin on the Bauer Hyperlite 2, goaltenders can enjoy a smoother and more effortless sliding experience on the ice.
Internal Construction
The Rebound Boost Core returns from the previous Hyperlite to offer enhanced rebound control for goaltenders. The foams used in this core provide a specific level of stiffness and resilience, which helps absorb initial impact, and then quickly return that energy back outwards. This results in a more predictable and consistent rebound, allowing goaltenders to make quicker recoveries and be better positioned for follow-up shots.
Pad Break
The Hyperlite 2 leg pads use a pre-curved single break design. This means that the pad is already shaped with a pre-curve in the leg channel, allowing it to conform to the goaltender's leg shape more easily. This design is intended to provide a more natural and comfortable fit, as well as increased flexibility and mobility for the goaltender. Rebound Boost Core technology can help reduce the amount of energy lost upon impact with the puck, translating into more efficient movement and less effort required from the goalie to make the save.
Boot Angle & Toe Taper
This series continues to use the 110-degree boot angle, which is designed to provide a more aggressive and forward-leaning stance for the goaltender. With this boot angle, the boot sits slightly flatter and drops the overall height of the pad by half an inch. The shortened pad allows for greater mobility while reducing potential thigh overlap.
Knee Cradle
The Stabiliflex Knee Block is a feature of the Bauer Hyperlite goalie leg pads designed to provide improved stability and support for the goaltender's knee. The foam is engineered to provide good stiffness and support for the knee joint. This can help reduce the risk of injury while improving the goalie’s overall comfort and confidence on the ice.
Strapping
Bauer continues to use tried and true TuneFit strappings on the Hyperlite series of leg pads. The strapping system consists of a series of adjustable straps and fasteners that can be configured to achieve the desired level of support, mobility, and comfort. The Hyperlite 2 also includes a new lower calf strap for better leg connectivity.
Colors, Sizes & Customization
The Vapor Hyperlite 2 Senior leg pads come in sizes XSmall, Small, Medium, Large, and XLarge, in the following colourways: White, Black, White/Black, White/Navy, and White/Red.