Bauer Vapor APX Shoulder Pads

[FozzieBear 0]

Hi everyone,

I am looking at the Bauer Vapor APX Shoulder Pads.

I play Defence and I don’t mind using my body against everything which isn’t on my team.

At the moment I use the good old Frankenpads( Jofa 5050 with new RBK shoulder caps ). Lately I got a lot of bruises and iam sick of it.

I started looking around for some new shoulder pads with good protection around the back and the rib area .

First I Liked the Warrior Hustlers and the Nexus 1000, but my hockey dealer (which provides the professional teams around the area) said that the durability from these pads is terrible.

That’s when I looked at the APX. The protection looks very good and solid around the back and ribs. Also I like the low profile shoulder caps.

Is anyone here who can give me an idea what these pads are like?

Cheers

[AIREAYE 248]

Very close fitting, hugs the body very well. For those who like a more segmented and free flowing shoulder pad (think current Reebok models, Warrior Projekt, Supreme etc.), I don't think you'll like the way the body panel wraps around. In terms of protection; very well without being bulky, as that's what the Vapor line is going for. Foams are of higher density in the ribs and areas not considered spine and sternum. Much more protection than the X:60s but not as free-lowing or segmented like I mentioned above. Some durability concerns with the pointed front velcro straps (tearing) but I haven't seen/heard anything yet.

For a skinnier and lankier guy like myself, I'm a big fan of the way this pad hugs the body; it has a very flush fit without any excess bulk. Definitely a fan.

[GiancarloSFL 15]

Take a look at the easton eq50 they are great for defenders and have great rib protection. Totalhockey.com has them on special.

[FozzieBear 0]

Thanks for the quick responses.

I will have a look at the EQ50 as well. A team mate got them and I am going to test them.

I wouldn’t mind the close fit. Maybe it is keeping me a bit warmer one the ice as well^^.

But by the looks and specs the APX looks very good.

[jsykes 35]

If you like the Nexus, I wouldnt shy away from them. I have not seen any durability issues with these pads at this point and we've sold quite a few. Certainly nothing that makes me think its worse than the APX.

[FozzieBear 0]

According to the retailer, the problem with the Nexus is the weak stitching. Two pro Teams from the German Hockey League (DEL) got Bauer as an equipment supporter. They had huge problems with the Nexus shoulder pads. After just four weeks the stitching was coming off.

I know they train twice a day and I am just three to four times a week on the ice but I want some long lasting shoulder pads.

That’s why I am not so keen on the Nexus.

[flaming_june 2]

Can you find the old Bauer pros? They're just like the nexus 1000. However They also do not cover as much. For example in my rib area I have a few wounds from when someone speared my ribs. If you can remember, the old Nikebauer 8000 defender edition years ago was really good at covering those areas. Their front and back have lower foam coverage. The only ones I see similar these days are the CCMs, grafs, warrior project. I'm sure you understand, kidney protection will always be hard to find (when you mean back).

[FozzieBear 0]

I got the Apx shoulder pads last week. These pads are just insane!

They are light, very well protected and the fit, just perfect. I hope they are durable, so i can play them a while.

[beerleaguecaptain 1004]

I got the Apx shoulder pads last week. These pads are just insane!

They are light, very well protected and the fit, just perfect. I hope they are durable, so i can play them a while.

Enjoy. I tried them on today... I'm considering them.