[Update 2023 – it broke!] Bauer Vapor 1x (2018) vs VH (2016)

I wrote this as a comment to a Reddit post asking about the differences between Bauer’s custom skates and True (formerly VH) custom skate. Since I have both, I was hoping it will help anybody wondering which brand to go for when shopping for custom made skates.

Introduction

I have a pair of custom VH player skates I bought back in early 2016, and I recently got a pair of custom Bauer Vapor 1x in August 2019. These are my thoughts.

My feet aren’t abnormal, but I have some width behind the joint of the little toe, so the outside edge of my feet. I’ve skated in Bauers and Eastons before, and they hurt a lot. According to Bauer’s 3D scan though, most of the stuff weren’t too far from average.

The VH Player Skates (2016)

I bought the VH player skates in April of 2016. Back then, customers took pictures of their feet from every angle, traced their feet on their order form, declared any pressure points, attached PDF scans and pictures to their order, paid for the skates, waited maybe three weeks, and received their skates.

In 2016, VHs one of the few manufacturers making custom sized skates at reasonable pricing for the average customers (like me). I believe in 2018, bigger manufacturers like Bauer and CCM joined the custom skates game.

In just over three years, the pair of VH held up fairly well. Just a few things happened to it over the years:

• I had a rivet for the tendon guard come loose and had it replaced at a hockey store.
• Also had the top lace eyelet break that had to be fixed by my cobbler. He wasn’t extremely happy.
• The outside of the boot (bottom side) that’s coated with epoxy(?) cracked near where it joined the leather(?) part of the boot. VH recommended some nail polish so I did that myself, it wasn’t the best “fix” but it’s just aesthetics.

I cannot speak for the recent True skates, but I think my pair of VH was pretty good.

I felt like the VHs were starting to deteriorate in certain areas, although they are still usable, I decided to buy Bauers and keep the VH as backup.

The Bauer Vapor 1x (2018)

The Bauers I got recently, so I cannot comment on durability. Got my feet measured at Pure Hockey as a size 5-E for both feet, asked for size 5.25-E and 254 holders (I have a few pairs) even though 5 is supposed to come with 247 or 250? The store’s WiFi wasn’t too great so we ordered it by paper+fax. I didn’t care how we ordered, as long as Bauer delivered what I wanted or else I would just have Pure Hockey send it back. I had the skates sent back to Bauer once because the holder wasn’t centered at my heel (I swear).

Shaun the manager (thanks Shaun!) along with his other associates were very kind to me throughout the process. He claims he didn’t do much but he made the otherwise frustrating experience with Bauer bearable. Got it back maybe a month later (Bauer factory was shut down for a week in July?) and I love them.

Comparison

Let me highlight what I like about each, although very YMMV:

Fit

VH’s fit is a little better than Bauer. The inside of the boot is slightly softer. In the VHs, it felt like every curve on my feet were accommodated. Not sure if this is true anymore though. Bauer’s fit is close though, I wouldn’t say it’s bad. It’s still a great fit. The inside of the Bauer is much stiffer than the VH. Winner: VH

Wrap

The wrap around the ankle on the VH is very fitted that it opens up as a letter “C” when unlaced. With the Bauer, it opens up as a letter “V” when unlaced. Winner: VH

Stiffness

I wanted stiff skates. They both somewhat delivered, but I believe Bauer is stiffer. Winner: Bauer

Customization Options

I think all the specifications were mostly stock for both of my skates, not really anything custom. Most of the options were available on both VH and Bauer. In my opinion, Winner: Bauer

• VH – extra shot blocker blocker material (I didn’t get)
• VH – Tuuk holders (I did get, but I don’t think they offer this anymore) I like the LS Edge holders.
• Bauer – new locking eyelets (I did get, I think it helps tying laces)
• Bauer – different tongues. VH had these too, but Bauer seemed to have more options. I have the standard tongue.
• Bauer – options on runners. I don’t know if anybody would get anything other than the LS5.

Weight

Bauer is super light. VH is very heavy compared to these, feels like ankle weights. This is definitely the biggest difference to me. Winner: Bauer

Foot Compatibility

It’s the same for me. You can get the 1x even if you don’t have the pancake feet the associates say you need. I went on the machine three times, recommended the Supreme twice and Nexus once. I told the guy I want the red one (1x), I’m getting it custom made, so it better fit me. It did. YMMV. Winner: None (I don’t mind either)

Ordering Process

Bauer’s was a breeze. They have a machine that you stand on that measured my feet. CCM/True have iPad apps that apparently are not as easy, per the sales associate I worked with when I got the Bauer. When I got the VH, I took pictures and traced my feet on paper, etc. Winner: Bauer

Aesthetics

I think the Bauer is a prettier looking pair of skates. This is the 2018 1x that’s mostly blacked out with some red. I am not a fan of the 2019 model (2x?). VH has the tuxedo look going with black and silver with the white holders, but I like the 1x look. Winner: Bauer

Price

I got the VH on a $200 discount for having kid size feet, so like $700 with holders and tax I think? That’s $400 less than what I paid for Bauer. I don’t think True offers these discounts anymore though. Winner: VH

Conclusion

I’ve never thought so much about my purchases, but after typing all this, I’m asking, is it worth the $400 extra I paid for the Bauer? The answer would be yes, if the skates last longer than 4 years. I shall hope so. I think Bauer wins here.

I know the VH or the Bauer I mention are not current, but I hope this helps with your decision a little.

Update – March 2023

Although I missed a few months of hockey due to covid, it has almost been 4 years. Still using the original runners (LS5), original footbed, everything has lasted up to now. The skates have also been to the Rocky Mountains in two occasions, and was just fine in temperature as low as 8F (with some heating pouches at the toe).

I still love these skates, and will not go back to True, and if I were to get another pair of skates, I’ll most likely get custom Bauers again. However, I’m hearing the latest custom skates are offering things I got for free like runners and footbeds, but as an expensive add-on, which is disappointing.

Update – June 2023