The Vapor SFL XX from Bauer Skate Bauer has long been recognized as the world's leader in hockey skates. In recent years, Bauer has gotten stiffer competition with the addition of new skates from Mission, Easton and the CCM Externo. If you have been studying the NHL since the all star break, you may have noticed a number of players, Peter Forsberg, Joe Sacic, Eric Lindros, Marian Gaborick, Al McInnis, Simon Gagne and many others sporting a new silverish skate. The skate is the Vapor SFL XX from Bauer, and it lets any doubters know that Bauer still makes the best skates on the planet. A few of the features you will find on this amazing new skate are the new Tuuk Light speed runners, patented new H2 technology, PU coating and a flex notch. Comfort - 10 of 10 - The new Bauer Vapor is the most comfortable skate on the market. I was anxious to see what the hype was about when I received my pair of Vapors, and I immediately laced them up (without heat molding them). I was amazed at the fit. They were just as comfortable as my broken in custom molded skates, and they were fresh out of the box. The combination of the light weight and dry grip liner (keeps the foot from slipping in the skate) made it feel like I was wearing nothing at all. After I heat molded them, the feeling that I was not wearing a skate was only further magnified. The Vapors truly feel like no other skate and can only be understood by trying a pair on yourself. Performance - 10 of 10 - I am confident when I say that the Vapor XXs are the best skates ever made. The performance aspect is where the new Vapors really set them themselves apart. The H2 technology and the Tuuk Light Speed are two of the most noticeable differences in the new Vapors. They are the key reasons why each skate weights only 825 grams or 1.8 LBS depending on the size of the skate. The XXs are lighter than anything else on the market, and in the words of Bauer "the skate weighs less than a bottle of beer and a TV remote control". The H2 technology reduces the skate's weight and makes them stronger at the same time. What this means for you, is less weight dragging you down and as the game goes on, you will exert less energy in your stride and have more in the tanks when it counts. I found a noticeable difference with the Vapors in my first lap. The lack of weight made my legs feel free, more efficient and more maneuverable. A combination that I can't say I've found in any other skate I have tried. I was also very interested in seeing if there was noticeable difference between the Tuuk + and the new Tuuk Light speed. When I took my first few sharp corners on the ice, I felt a little bit like a goofy giant and was worried I would loose my footing. After I took a few more sharp turns in the corners and got used to the extra 3mm, I was amazed at how much more agile the Vapors made me. The new Tuuks are a great improvement. One feature on the XXs that is over looked is the PU coating. The PU is a special coating that is applied to the skates and makes them nearly cut resistant. From the visual stand point, it keeps your skates looking fresh and new, from the technological stand point, it reduces the chances of your skates getting cuts that will retain water. I know I have already said this, but the only way to truly understand how amazing these new skates are is to lace up a pair of your own. Innovation - 10 of 10- The H2 technology, the Dry Grip Liner, the Flex Notch, the PU coating and Insta-foam ankle pads are features you just cannot find on any other skate in the market. The Vapor XXs are one of the most innovative skates ever. Design - 10 of 10 - If you have read any of my other review, you know that I love a classic looking skate. Looking at the Vapors, you are probable amazed that I like silver finish. Whether I like it or not, the classic black skates are slowing to going to fade out of the market and I need to start embracing new designs. The Vapor XXs are just the way I think future skates in the industry should go (if they are going to continue to be silver or grey). The skates are pretty much one solid color. They may not be black, but at least they do not have lots of distracting patterns on the side of the boot or shinny material. The solid silver is actually pretty sharp. Overall - 10 of 10 - Just to make sure everyone reading this review understands, the Bauer Vapor SFL XXs are the best skates ever made. My advice is that if you have the necessary funds to acquire a pair, you do so. They skates are truly revolutionary and set a new precedence that everyone else in the industry must try and match. The only way to truly appreciate these beauties is to lace up a pair yourself. I strongly suggest you do so. For more info, www.bauer.com Ska8ers.com welcomes our newest writer who boasts a lifetime of hockey involvement. We encourage you to contact Jon with any story ideas or gear review requests you may have. Jon's history includes 11 years hockey experience as both a goalie and a forward in all levels of hockey. He played Varsity hockey at Mt. Greylock Regional high school. The highlight of his career was winning the MVP at the Montreal Metro AAA Summer Tourney ’95 (member of Uncle Sam’s AAA based in Albany, NY). Jon is currently a student at University of New Hampshire . . .