Bauer Vapor Fly40 Grip Hockey Stick

About the Bauer Vapor Fly40 Grip Hockey Stick

The Bauer Vapor Fly40 Grip Stick is engineered for players advancing through competitive development leagues, including India's growing inline and ice hockey circuits at venues such as the ice rinks in India. Its XE Taper geometry replicates the quick-release mechanics favoured at elite levels, channelling energy efficiently through the low kick point for faster shot release on both slap and snap attempts. The HP Mold shaft construction integrates Spread Tow Carbon Fiber, orienting fibre layers at opposing angles to distribute load evenly and reduce shaft torque by a measurable margin. ENERGY CORE 3 blade technology pairs 15k carbon fibre with dual fiberglass bridges, balancing stiffness and puck feel across the blade face. The round shaft cross-section suits players preferring a neutral grip hand position. At 440 g, the Fly40 sits within the performance-category weight band, making it viable for full-game shifts in hot-climate rinks where arm fatigue accumulates faster than in sub-zero environments.

Overview

XE Taper Release

The XE Taper replicates a low-kick construction used across professional lineups, loading energy closer to the blade for a faster, more consistent release on wrist and snap shots without requiring technique overhaul.

• Low kick point accelerates puck release on snap shots
• XE Taper geometry matches professional-tier stick profiles
• Consistent energy transfer reduces shot-to-shot variance
• Suited for quick-release plays from the slot and circle

Forgiving Blade Design

ENERGY CORE 3 technology combines 15k carbon fibre with dual fiberglass bridges to create a blade face that absorbs puck impact vibration while still transmitting shot power, giving developing players confident puck handling feedback.

• Dual fiberglass bridges dampen off-centre puck vibration
• 15k carbon fibre maintains blade stiffness under load
• ENERGY CORE 3 construction balances power and feel
• Forgiving response supports skill development at pace

Bauer Vapor Fly40 Grip Hockey Stick specifications

Key features

• XE Taper — XE Taper geometry narrows the shaft transition zone closer to the blade, concentrating flex energy at the low kick point for quicker energy release on snap and wrist shots.
• Spread Tow Carbon — Spread Tow Carbon Fiber orients fibre tows in opposing directions across shaft layers, distributing torsional load evenly and reducing unwanted blade rotation during shooting and stickhandling.
• HP Mold Construction — High-Pressure Mold manufacturing compacts carbon layers under elevated pressure during curing, minimising void content in the shaft wall and producing a more consistent flex profile from stick to stick.
• ENERGY CORE 3 — ENERGY CORE 3 blade technology structures the internal blade matrix to channel shot energy toward the puck contact zone, improving energy transfer efficiency compared to standard fiberglass blade constructions.
• 15k Blade Fibre — A 15k carbon fibre weave in the blade face provides a higher fibre density than entry-level blades, yielding greater stiffness per gram and contributing to sharper puck response on passes and one-timers.
• Dual Fiberglass Bridges — Two fiberglass bridge structures within the blade core absorb off-centre impact vibration, protecting developing players' hands from harsh feedback while retaining the structural integrity of the blade over extended use.
• Grip Finish — A textured grip coating on the shaft maintains hand position under sweat and glove wear, relevant for players competing in the warmer ambient temperatures common at Indian indoor rinks during summer months.

Bauer Vapor Fly40 Grip Hockey Stick size guide

Two things decide your stick: flex (how stiff it is) and length. Flex follows your body weight, length follows your height.

How to measure

1. Flex: choose roughly half your body weight in pounds (your weight in kg × 1.1). Lower flex is easier to bend and shoot with.
2. Length: stand in your shoes with the stick upright, blade toe on the floor. It should reach between your chin and nose.
3. Too long? It can be cut down at the top. Cutting a stick makes it a little stiffer (about 5 flex per 2 inches cut).

Stick flex & length chart

• Beginners and kids: choose a lower flex — it is easier to lift the puck.
• Hand (Left / Right): hold a broom like a stick. If your right hand is lower on the handle, you shoot Left; if your left hand is lower, you shoot Right.
• Not sure? Message us on WhatsApp (+91 91112 22274) with your measurements and we will confirm the right size before you order.

Flex and length from Bauer's official stick size chart.

How it compares

Bauer Vapor Fly40 Grip Hockey Stick vs CCM Tacks AS-V Pro (Entry Tier)

Bauer Vapor Fly40 Grip Hockey Stick vs Bauer Nexus E3 Grip Stick

Bauer Vapor Fly40 Grip Hockey Stick — frequently asked questions

What flex should I use for the Bauer Vapor Fly40 Grip Stick based on my body weight?

Select a flex rating close to half your body weight in kilograms. For example, a 70 kg (154 lbs) player targets approximately 70 flex. Players under 55 kg (121 lbs) should use intermediate flex (55–65); players between 55–82 kg (121–181 lbs) use senior 65–80 flex; players over 82 kg (181 lbs) use senior 85–100 flex. Shooting style also affects the choice — quick-release forwards can drop 5–10 flex points.

Is the Bauer Vapor Fly40 suitable for ice and inline hockey in India?

Yes. The Fly40's 440 g weight and round shaft profile perform effectively on both ice and inline surfaces. Indian players competing at inline venues or at ice rinks such as the ASICS facility in Bengaluru will find the low kick point and grip finish practical for the shorter, tighter play patterns common in developing-league environments.

What is a low kick point and why does it matter?

A low kick point locates the stick's maximum flex zone close to the blade rather than mid-shaft. This shortens the energy-transfer path, releasing the puck faster on snap and wrist shots. It is most beneficial for forwards who shoot in motion or in tight spaces, and less suited to players who generate power primarily from a full slap shot wind-up.

How does XE Taper differ from a standard taper?

XE Taper narrows the shaft-to-blade transition zone more aggressively than a conventional taper, concentrating flex energy at the lowest section of the shaft. The result is a more pronounced low kick point effect and a crisper shooting response without requiring a stiffer overall flex rating.

What does Spread Tow Carbon Fiber add to shaft performance?

Spread Tow Carbon Fiber spreads fibre tows flat before layering, reducing fibre crimp and increasing the contact area between layers. This improves the shaft's torsional stiffness, meaning the blade face stays square to the puck through the shot instead of rotating under load — important for shot accuracy on both forehand and backhand.

How long does a Bauer Vapor Fly40 stick typically last under regular training use?

Stick lifespan depends on usage frequency, shot volume, and surface type. Composite sticks at this performance tier typically withstand 80–120 hours of on-ice use before structural degradation becomes measurable. Inline play on abrasive surfaces accelerates blade wear. Inspect the blade heel and shaft hosel area periodically for micro-fractures visible under direct light.

Can the Fly40 shaft be cut to a shorter length?

Yes. The senior shaft can be cut from the butt end using a standard pipe cutter or fine-tooth saw. Cutting up to 50 mm effectively increases the functional flex by approximately 5–8 flex points. Re-install the end plug after cutting and reapply grip tape to the butt end. Avoid cutting the blade end, as this can compromise the hosel bond.

Is the Bauer Vapor Fly40 available in left and right hand configurations?

Hockey sticks are handed by the blade orientation, not the shooting hand. Confirm which hand you place at the bottom of the shaft during a shot — that determines your hand orientation (left or right blade). The Fly40 is available in both configurations; specify blade hand at the time of inquiry to T3 Sports.