"A Tale of two sticks"
Nike Bauer Hockey's Vapor XXX-lite and Supreme One90
The month of November is already known for the start of the holiday season, but for the hockey world it is starting to become just as the synonymous with June/July and the introduction of new product. While we saw the introduction of the Bauer Vapor XXX-lite in November of 2005, the Holiday ‘06 unveiled its counterpart, the all new Nike/Bauer Supreme One90 one-piece composite stick. The revamping of the Classic Supreme line came earlier this year with the release of the Supreme One series skates and gloves. Both pieces different than the Vapor line equals, the stick continues in the same direction. Take a moment and look at the structure found in each.
Let's start with the magnificent tale of the Vapor XXX-lite one piece stick. Since its release in November 2005 the XXX-lite had one goal in mind, "To provide the ultimate in Balance and Feel." Nike/Bauer's lightest stick in its product line, The reduced weight is specifically designed to provide faster control and a faster release of the puck. The Vapor XXX-lite is made as a Mono-comp Construction, a true one-piece with a .47 Taper. This stick is designed for ultimate shot loading, better balance, added velocity and the quickest release.
Finesse and Feel is only half the game, and every hockey player knows that the game of hockey is played at both ends of the ice. The Supreme One90 stick is designed for the ultimate in Strength and Power. Looking at some of the elements that go into this one-piece, it is clear to see where it differs. Starting with the blade, a squared-off profile offers better puck-to-blade contact and even more velocity, while the blade core distributes energy more evenly. The power is converted from the blade on and into the puck. Like the Vapor XXX-lite the Supreme One90 is of Mono-comp design but is supported by a .52 power taper. With a mid-kick point the added strength in the taper allows for increased torsional stiffness and maximum loading. Check out NikeBauer.com for more info.
