Bauer Vapor Vapor X4
ValueValue Vapor; consumer construction
Base price: $399·Style: butterfly·Level ceiling: AA·Sizing: true
The Vapor X4 is Bauer's value-tier Vapor pad — junior and intermediate sizing only, priced at $399. It sits below the Vapor X3 and above the recreational GSX. Consumer-grade construction throughout, but Bauer's build quality at the value tier is meaningfully better than budget pads from brands with less manufacturing volume.
The Vapor geometry is intact at this price: butterfly profile, Bauer's sizing convention (word sizing — Small, Medium, Large), decent sliding material. The trade-offs from the X3 above are in weight and core stiffness — the X4 is heavier per unit of performance and has a less refined core. For AA-level use, neither matters much.
Worth comparing against the Warrior Ritual G7 at $599 for goalies who want to spend a bit more: the G7 at value tier is lighter and has better slide tech. But the X4's durability and Bauer's resale advantage keep it competitive.
Best for: AA junior or intermediate butterfly goalies on a real budget; parents buying a first serious pad for a kid progressing from House Rec.
Not ideal for: senior goalies (senior sizing not offered); anyone at AA-AAA who can stretch to the X3 at $200 more.
Scores
Score breakdown
durability
4/5Consumer-grade construction, but Bauer's manufacturing quality even at value tier is solid. Holds up through AA-level use for 2+ seasons without the edge-splitting issues seen in CCM value pads.
mobility
3/5Heavier than the X3 above and notably heavier than pro-tier options. Fine for House Rec and AA; a real limitation for faster-paced AAA-level play.
rebound
4/5Consumer-grade core has decent stiffness. Rebounds are solid for AA use — not lively, but not flat either.
sliding
4/5Bauer's slide material at value tier is functional and competitive with CCM's Speedskin. Both are behind Vaughn and Brian's top slide systems.
comfort
3/5Consumer-grade strapping is basic. Not uncomfortable, but less refined than the X3. Adequate for junior and intermediate goalies who are still growing into gear.
value
4/5Solid value at $399 for junior and intermediate players. The CCM A1.9 is a direct competitor at $449 with more durability risk. X4 has the edge in construction reliability.
resale
5/5Bauer brand means excellent resale even at value tier. Junior pads turn over fast in local markets — these sell quickly.