2013 Bauer Products

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

The 7500 isn't changing, so the helmet you buy today will be the same helmet you buy in Oct 2013.

[t6lock 24]

The 7500 isn't changing, so the helmet you buy today will be the same helmet you buy in Oct 2013.

yeah sorry i meant soon as in probably before the end of the year. im a cheapskate and like to buy all the old model clearance stuff but wont have a choice this time

[jsykes 35]

The only issue with the lack of cages for us is swapping for fit within the same brand. For that head that needs a small helmet but medium or large cage on it. I usually just keep a handful of each model around so I can do straight swap of the same model cage on the helmet. If I'm fitting a budget 2100 helmet that needs a different sized cage, it would suck to have to put a re-akt cage on it.

But its not that big a deal.

Its actually another nice thing about the Cascade customization. I can order a small helmet with a large cage or vice versa depending on what I need and have it in the store within three to four days max.

And I respect your opinion on the Cascade, Air, I was just curious. I dont necessarily agree with it, but thats fine. ;) One thing to keep in mind is the shell does very little to dissipate the impact, that is what the padding is for. The shell is basically there to give the helmet form and durability from impacts, chips, punctures, etc. The ratchet adjustment is probably the weakest link in the design, I'm hoping the Pro's version is a bit more durable. We find it fits a very wide variety of heads. I think we sell so many cause its one of the first we pick up and it fits most people right off the bat so the sale is quick and easy.

Its always of great interest to me though how trends vary from region to region in regards to sales.

[AIREAYE 248]

The only issue with the lack of cages for us is swapping for fit within the same brand. For that head that needs a small helmet but medium or large cage on it. I usually just keep a handful of each model around so I can do straight swap of the same model cage on the helmet. If I'm fitting a budget 2100 helmet that needs a different sized cage, it would suck to have to put a re-akt cage on it.

But its not that big a deal.

Its actually another nice thing about the Cascade customization. I can order a small helmet with a large cage or vice versa depending on what I need and have it in the store within three to four days max.

And I respect your opinion on the Cascade, Air, I was just curious. I dont necessarily agree with it, but thats fine. ;) One thing to keep in mind is the shell does very little to dissipate the impact, that is what the padding is for. The shell is basically there to give the helmet form and durability from impacts, chips, punctures, etc. The ratchet adjustment is probably the weakest link in the design, I'm hoping the Pro's version is a bit more durable. We find it fits a very wide variety of heads. I think we sell so many cause its one of the first we pick up and it fits most people right off the bat so the sale is quick and easy.

Its always of great interest to me though how trends vary from region to region in regards to sales.

Yeah essentially my point, thank you.

Like I said regarding our opinions, I think yours has more backing just because you carry and sell them regularly while I do not. I would imagine that if I were in your position, my opinion might shift too, or at least, be more informed. As for the shell's role, I would imagine that the shockwaves (impact energy) would distort a soft shell enough that the padding shifts as well, creating gaps (and greater deceleration of the head upon impact as a result, not a good thing), not protecting the right areas etc. But I digress. Thanks for your insight as well!

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Just went through the 2013 Bauer protective with John Davidson - he'll be monitoring this post as well as any questions you may have.

Supreme, Vapor and Nexus are now three complete families with three distinct fit profiles; Supreme is an anatomical fit, Vapor a tapered and Nexus is a traditional fit, if you will.

Many of you guys know I've extolled the virtues of a girdle, at least personally, for years now. Bauer did some research and surprisingly found out that there's quite a bit of others nowadays who feel the same way - 42% polled preferred a girdle over a pant, and there's 4-5 players in the NHL per team in girdle setups. The biggest knock against them from traditional pant wearers was that they weren't protective enough, and what is done at the NHL is to modify the lower portion of a two-piece pant. However, retail options are just a regular shell.

The new TotalONE pant system is comprised of two parts; the inner girdle still has the mobility and adjustment aspects of a standard wrap girdle, however, has their Vent Armor in the hip and kidney areas. It is fastened to the shell using a patented system that has strong Velcro tabs; one in the back and two on the sides. Now, the outer shell has stretch/wear zones and padding in the kidney and thigh areas, just like what NHL EQMs (and me) have been doing. NXG comes in at $149, only sold in combos, however, the shell will be sold separately if you need to change colors. The ONE.8 version comes in at $119, and will offer a custom program for team sales.

Nexus inherits the Supreme pant line from years past - small tweak by adding EPP in the kidney area. Also, the standard pant shell offering has been modified to fit over pants, not girdles.

Vapor line remains for 2013.

The big change for gloves is the Supreme line, which has been gaining NHL acceptance throughout the years - they had forecasted 40-50 players in Supreme glove in the NHL this year. Inspired by what the Rangers do to their gloves (the pro makeup is different from retail, it will actually be embedded in the backroll), the main feature of the Supreme TotalONE NXG is the addition of PoronXRD to the pad that sits on your hand in the glove. It will be lined, however. This addition makes it 23% more protective than the previous TotalONE glove. Single-layer nash palm with three PU patches in key areas for wear. MSRP $179. Followed by the ONE.8/6/4.

Continuing with the whole family thing, the Supreme 4-Roll is now a Nexus - the Nexus 1000 has dual density EPP in the rolls, equating to 15% more protection than the previous 4-roll. 3-piece thumb, nash palm with a black nash overlay, airmesh gussets. MSRP $169. The Nexus 800 is identical to the 4-Roll, so no worries for those who like that style glove.

Vapor line remains for 2013. For shop guys, the gloves will arrive with specific hangers (Sup/Vap/Nexus); so instead of hanging each glove through the thumb loop, they will actually be presented palm-to-palm, and that way, it accents the profile of the glove as they all look different when presented in that manner.

The latest retail trend is for the NHL-spec 1/2" foam shoulder caps to trickle down to retail, which is a good thing. Bauer is taking a different approach to it; one of the biggest concerns from NHL players and ATCs were that while having a softer shoulder cap protects the opponent, it doesn't necessarily protect the player delivering the hit, not to mention the sheer bulk. Bauer's answer is to test the cap from two perspectives; the hitter and the receiver. So, the cap is tested right side up and then flipped. So, what they did was to add two densities of Vent Armor foam (a layer of plastic is sandwiched between to keep the cap shape); the softer foam will be on the top of the cap, and the denser foam will be on the inside of the cap, all the while maintaining the same thickness of previous Bauer shoulder caps. That's the premise behind the NXG shoulder pad, also, the rear of the shoulder pad (areas where a player would get cross-checked) has been improved, trickling down to the ONE.6 pad.

New tooling on the elbow pads - there is a groove along the middle of the pad so that it fits closer to the elbow. On the NXG, the part that touches the elbow is PoronXRD, followed by a mid-density foam, then the shell, and then a softer cap on top of the shell. On the shin, PoronXRD in the kneecap as well. These areas are uncovered; the thought is that most players use baselayers nowadays, and since elbow/shin pads fit closer to the body, it won't shift and adds a more comfortable feel.

Release date is April 15 on all of it.

[danglerod26 0]

JR, any insight to what the next generation of vapor skates will be comparable to the x60 and 7.0 ? its pretty clear thAt this is bauers most popular boot in years, andi for one would really hate to loose that fit. You said something about curv composite being on the top two models of vapor skates now ? the x60 boot will be a third tier skate ?

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

That would be correct. The Elite family goes:

APX2

Vapor X100 = APX spec

Vapor X90 = X:60/7.0 spec

[AIREAYE 248]

New higher top-end pricepoint for the APX2, JR?

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Thought this was already mentioned but yes, $850

[golee334 1]

Any word on when the catalogue will be able to be veiwed?

[Sliwka 0]

Gotta watch what I say here, haha. Not sure if it's throughout, but I wouldn't be surprised if it were so I don't know for sure. If there wasn't this legal nuance, things would be easier for the fitter as we wouldn't be liable for swapping cross-brands. But there is and doing so would put us liable (me, managers, up the chain) so we don't do it.

I cannot confirm nor deny that I have never not been told to mix-and-match.

Personally, I'd much rather fit it "off company time" at a store than have dad or mom take it home and have the kid get hurt because they just bought what looked right in the store. I've many times had to fiddle with 2 or 3 cage sizes in different positions for that kid with a big head and small face (say a medium men's helmet and small cage).

[AIREAYE 248]

I don't understand what you are trying to say. What do you mean by 'off company time'?

I am not allowed to mix and match brands, I can mix and match cage sizes with the helmet provided both are of the same brand (Itech/RBEs with anything is an exception, CCM w/ Reebok, Bauer w/ Bauer).

[DarkStar50 679]

That new Supreme glove fits extremely snug and tight. The 14" sample I tried on felt smaller than a 13" glove.

[adam14 182]

I'm excited for an off the shelf glove with mesh gussets. About time those reach retail.

[raganblink 82]

I don't understand what you are trying to say. What do you mean by 'off company time'?

He means he'd rather have people wait until after he's off work & then spend 5 minutes installing it for them, so the parents don't botch it and get the kid injured b/c they don't know what they're doing.

That new Supreme glove fits extremely snug and tight. The 14" sample I tried on felt smaller than a 13" glove.

The one I tried felt normally sized. Bad sample? Or I had the bad sample?

[DarkStar50 679]

The PLM at Bauer contacted me today about the glove I tried on. There has been feedback from dealers about the fit. The glove will be tweaked by the time it hits retail to provide a better fit. So yes, yours was good and mine was bad. Glad to hear Bauer is making the adjustment.

[IDoezIt 9]

Im really liking the sound of the IMS 11..

All i hope is that they come in XL sizes. Like the 4500/5100

I swear half the time guys with the bigger dome pieces get shafted on some top of the line helmets like the Re-akt 11k or M11.. sure their sizing guidelines say being able to fit up to a 7 7/8 but ive tried some on with no avail in terms of being able to fit my head in or there is enough room where i can squeeze it in but i feel my head would burst through the helmet... No bueno

Idk if you, JR, could squeeze in a suggestion so they make helmets big enough for the big headed guys that can fit in it comfortably like the 5100 or 4500 (7 7/8 - 8 Hats) ...?

Fingers crossed at least..

[Sliwka 0]

I don't understand what you are trying to say. What do you mean by 'off company time'?

Well I normally sell Bauer and Bauer, CCM/CCM, etc. anyways, but some folks want a particular helmet and cage.

By off company time, I mean take a break so I can mount the cage on" personal time". I know that wouldn't hold up in court necessarily but I meant it in more of a tongue in cheek way than seriously. Basically, I'd rather someone have a properly fitting combo than one that while CSA approved will injure the kid due to a misfit.

[AIREAYE 248]

Oh ok, I see. I hope you weren't implying that I don't fit pieces to the best of my ability. If it were up to me, I wouldn't mind personally re evaluating and refitting if necessary every helmet/cage that comes in. That's not practical however and there are restrictions to what I can do as per my job so I hope you can understand that part.

[squat 5]

Can someone tell me why the Gloves used by elite players meaning guys that get paid to play from CHL to NHL are usually 4 rolls, yet they keep raising prices and changing foams on their top lines yet out of 700 NHL players fewer use them. Just like with the X7.0 vs APX. I know Bauer needs to have a product line but its funny how many pros use less "advanced" gear than the local bantam team. Also I can't figure out why Bauer loves to have 4 lines of gear. 3 for the public and 1 for the pro stock users, and they are in many cases VASTLY different. Not like a EQ50 pro or a Franchise that is a glove with tweaks.

[CommodoreColt 19]

It might seem very trivial and silly, but having technical-sounding marketing language for "features" to throw around on tags, displays, and online product descriptions actually sells a lot of sh*t. Bauer have raised "feature" language to a high art and can support multiple lines.

I actually see a fairly equal representation of tapered and anatomical fits.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Can someone tell me why the Gloves used by elite players meaning guys that get paid to play from CHL to NHL are usually 4 rolls, yet they keep raising prices and changing foams on their top lines yet out of 700 NHL players fewer use them. Just like with the X7.0 vs APX. I know Bauer needs to have a product line but its funny how many pros use less "advanced" gear than the local bantam team. Also I can't figure out why Bauer loves to have 4 lines of gear. 3 for the public and 1 for the pro stock users, and they are in many cases VASTLY different. Not like a EQ50 pro or a Franchise that is a glove with tweaks.

Creatures of habit. They want to use what got them there.

But actually, APX was a skate that surprisingly did well at pro...how many "pro" 7.0s have you seen out there? Not many.

As far as your last sentence, it totally contradicts your first one; you said pros usually wear 4-rolls, but it's vastly different and less advanced? It's the same retail glove.

According to Bauer, they have 40% of the league, three glove models. But what is working for Bauer is the brand appeal instead of having a hero product that the consumer sees and then wants to buy because their favorite player uses. The brand then gives the consumer options; the pros' use is their validation on the brand. A different take on marketing, but it's working.

[squat 5]

Every single 4 roll I have seen is highly modified. I understand there are 3 lines but I added the "pro version" as a line. You have seen the mods they do. If you brought a 4 roll stock to an equipment room how many would be stock? few if any. Maybe the foams are the same but cuffs are majorly modified, fingers, gussets, and even some have some different cover not tufftek but different. Granted you are paying 280 for a Franchise and can do what you want not 109$ for a 4 roll.

Just seems that Bauer has one thing for its pros and one thing for the parents paying 799.99 for skates and 600$ + for a few sticks. I mean how many 0ne95s are only being made for pros? Why is the G3 and 12k not available? They could charge what they wanted and the kids would buy them.

I was just at my LHS and watched a Bantam leave with 4 different sticks and 3 different curves and who even knows if the flexes were even close. So I am guessing if his favorite players 12k weave or G3 was on the shelf for 350 he would get it.

Agreed that its working however a lot more people are realizing that if X is using something different than Bauer wants you to believe, they aren't buying. One sport I was heavily involved with some of the top names is like that however people are starting to see that the guy winning 1mil+ is just good and it wasnt his gear. With all his sponsors very few trying to reach his level use it.

So as the public becomes educated I dont know if the repaint concept will be as good of a plan.

And you guys with the connections know that a lot of players use a lot of different gear and have seen as many crazy repaints of skates, sticks, and gloves as anyone. Heck I just have exp with 2 NHL teams and I still have no idea what some of these mods they do add to anything. Nothing like an equipment manager telling you" the only thing retail on that is the brand name."

[Rockingsquat 4]

I was surprised to discover that Malkin's skates are actually APXs

Probably massively customized, I think he uses an heel lift as well

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Yawn.

Every single 4 roll I have seen is highly modified. I understand there are 3 lines but I added the "pro version" as a line. You have seen the mods they do. If you brought a 4 roll stock to an equipment room how many would be stock? few if any. Maybe the foams are the same but cuffs are majorly modified, fingers, gussets, and even some have some different cover not tufftek but different. Granted you are paying 280 for a Franchise and can do what you want not 109$ for a 4 roll.

Just seems that Bauer has one thing for its pros and one thing for the parents paying 799.99 for skates and 600$ + for a few sticks. I mean how many 0ne95s are only being made for pros? Why is the G3 and 12k not available? They could charge what they wanted and the kids would buy them.

I was just at my LHS and watched a Bantam leave with 4 different sticks and 3 different curves and who even knows if the flexes were even close. So I am guessing if his favorite players 12k weave or G3 was on the shelf for 350 he would get it.

Agreed that its working however a lot more people are realizing that if X is using something different than Bauer wants you to believe, they aren't buying. One sport I was heavily involved with some of the top names is like that however people are starting to see that the guy winning 1mil+ is just good and it wasnt his gear. With all his sponsors very few trying to reach his level use it.

So as the public becomes educated I dont know if the repaint concept will be as good of a plan.

And you guys with the connections know that a lot of players use a lot of different gear and have seen as many crazy repaints of skates, sticks, and gloves as anyone. Heck I just have exp with 2 NHL teams and I still have no idea what some of these mods they do add to anything. Nothing like an equipment manager telling you" the only thing retail on that is the brand name."