Overview
Playing Style
-
Power-Focused Playing Style
This style suits players who thrive on generation strong, top end speed through longer and forceful strides. They come with a stiffer boot that efficiently transfers energy into the rink for maximum power with every stride.Acceleration-Focused Playing Style
For players who rely on quick bursts of speed and agile movements to dominate the game, this type of skate is ideal. These offer a moderately stiff boot that balances support with mobility. These these skates, you can swiftly change direction, make sudden moves and accelerate rapidly.
Fit Profile
-
If multiple categories are selected, it indicates the skate is available in or can be molded to different fit profiles.
Low Profile Fit
Narrow forefoot, narrow heel pocket, shallow instep depth and low overall volume.
Medium Profile Fit
Medium forefoot, medium heel pocket, medium instep depth and medium overall volume.
Shop All Medium Profile Skates
High Volume Fit
Wide forefoot, wide heel pocket, deep instep depth and high overall volume.
Level of Play Definitions
-
If multiple categories are selected, it indicates the skate is suitable for multiple levels of play.
Recreational-Level Skates
Built for the new-to-hockey player or casual skaters that are looking for an affordable option. These are great starter skates, especially for youth players.
Shop All Recreational Skates.Performance-Level Skates
Designed for players who are confident in their skating stride and are ready to take their performance to the next level. These players are on the rink 1-2 times a week playing mid-to-high level hockey.
Shop All Performance Skates.Elite-Level Skates
Engineered for the best performance, protection, durability and comfort. These players are usually on the rink three times or more a week and are playing high-level hockey.
Shop All Elite Skates.
Cut Protection Level
-
This is the general level of protection against cuts.
- Minimum: Basic protection suitable for competitive play
- Standard: Balanced protection for intense gameplay. Protects against more severe cuts.
- Maximum: Highest level of cut resistance for elite gameplay. Ideal for competitive adult hockey and designed for the biggest and fastest players.
ANSI Rated Cut Level
-
Measures the actual cut resistance of materials based on the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard.
ANSI Level Description Grams of Force N/A No specific cut resistance rating provided by the manufacturer. N/A A1 Minimal protection; withstands light cuts. 200-499 A2 Lower-level protection; resists slightly heavier cuts. 500-999 A3 Low-level protection; suitable for competitive play. 1,000-1,499 A4 Standard protection; defends against significant cuts. 1,500-2,199 A5 Elevated protection for intense play. 2,200-2,999 A6 Extra protection for faster, higher-impact play. 3,000-3,999 A7 Ultra-high protection. 4,000-4,999 A8 Premium protection for all levels of play and ages. 5,000-5,999 A9 Top-tier cut resistance for ultimate protection. 6,000+
Certifications
-
Indicates compliance with safety standards and regulations for hockey gear.
- USA Hockey: Approved for play under USA Hockey regulations. Ensures gear meets safety standards for organized play in the United States.
- BNQ: Certified by the Bureau de Normalisation du Quebec for cut-resistant hockey gear. Required for players in Canadian Minor Hockey leagues to ensure on-ice safety.
- CE: Meets European safety standards for protective equipment. Designed for compliance with regulations across European leagues and recreational play.
The Bauer Vapor XR4 Roller Hockey Skates offer some higher end features at a mid level price point. The XR 4 comes with indoor Labeda wheels and faster ABEC 9 bearings compared to the XR3. The quarter package used is a durable sublimated woven nylon. Bauer utilized a Hydrophobic microfiber liner and a 2-piece felt tongue to comfortably lock the foot in place.
On the XR4 liner, Bauer incorporated a Hydrophobic microfiber material to decrease odor and keep your feet dry. The tongue on the XR 4 is a comfortable 2 piece felt with metatarsal guard. This guard prevents lace bite and helps cushion impacts. The XR4 provides a great value for an intermediate to advanced player.
- Model Number: 1038046
- Heritage: Vapor RX25
- Level of Player: Ideal for intermediate to advanced level of play
- Fit Guidelines: General fit aspects of the Vapor boot are low-medium volume, medium ankle area, medium across top of foot and forefoot and medium toe box.
- Sizing Guidelines: Bauer skates generally fit 1 1/2 sizes down from your regular shoe size
Specifications
- Quarter Package:
- Sublimated woven nylon with improved molded X-rib pattern
- Thermoformable - Material will mold to the players foot for a precise fit
- The new X-rib design (seen from looking at the back of the boot) offers maximum structural support throughout the entire boot for quicker acceleration and tighter turns. The aggressive pitched boot design allows for optimum forward flex.
- Liner:
- Hydrophobic microfiber
- Heel Support:
- Patented pro-integrated, anatomical heel cup
- Tongue Construction:
- Anatomical 2-piece felt with metatarsal pad
- Footbed:
- Molded Comfort EVA
- Outsole:
- Injected TPR
- Frame:
- Hi-Lo™ Vanguard™ frame: 6000 Series Aluminum Detonator
- The Vanguard™ frame uses 76mm(2) in the front and 80mm(2) in the rear
- Vanguard explodes off the charts in performance!
- Offers increased overall speed and decreased stopping distance
- The perfect balance in wheel sizes - Maximizes results while still maintain a low, powerful center of gravity
- 6000 grade aluminum
- Square Flush 2-Piece Silver 6mm Axles
- Wheels:
- Labeda Millennium X-Soft 74A indoor wheels
- Bearings:
- Abec 9 608 bearings
- Weight of One Size 9D skate:
- 1346 grams
Previous Feedback
Comments: I have had these skates for around 2 monthes now and I must say, these skates are GREAT! The overall feel of the skate is superior to any other inline skat I have ever owned (Tour, Mission, Bauer XR2). The ABEC 9 bearings that your Lebeda roll on are VERY impressive for the price of the skates. It has a VERY strong Aluminum Chasis. The X-Soft Labeda wheels that come on the skates are far more impress than any other wheels in this price range. Cant wait to roll on these skates when i upgrade to Bones Swiss bearings. Bauer did a very nice job with this skate.
PROS:
Lightweight
Sturdy Design
Great Material
Solid Chassis
Great Wheels and Bearings
Fantastic Feel
Good Responsive Skate
Great Fit (For Me)
CONS: Not much padding (still very comfortable though)
From: Andy, IN
Comments: By far the best skates i have ever used! The boots gave me blisters at first but once i broke them in they were perfect! if you buy these online i would highly recommend getting them heat fitted at your local shop. The wheels and bearings were alright but i prefer Revision wheels over Lebada any day. I switch the wheels out for some Revision variant pluses and the bearings for some bones super reds for the perfect combination of speed and grip!
From: Tyler, PA
Comments: These are SUPERB skates for a high school roller hockey player like myself! I've had them for about 6 months and they still work like brand new.
PROS:
-boot is incredibly durable and strong. I never feel shots to the feet anymore.
-wheels are perfect for indoor play, and I weigh ~150lbs.
-the bearings are smooth as glass (recommend lubing them every month or so with lube from IW and washing them every few months with Sonic Citrus bearing cleaner also from IW)
-laces are strong; no fraying or tearing or any visible wear so far
-very responsive skates; you can stop very fast and turn on a dime
only CON (and this is minor) is the padding inside the boot is minimal compared to most skates of the same level
I replaced the factory insoles with Superfeet insoles, so I can't comment on the insoles.
***If you can, go to a hockey pro shop and try these on to find the perfect size for you. Try to get the tightest fit you can handle that doesn't hurt your foot. As you break in the skate, the boot will start to mold to your foot for a wonderfully snug fit.
From: MC Roller Hawks, GA
Comments: Great skates, i loved them the first time i used them. i would reccomend these skates to anyone looking for a new pair o inline skates.
From: Anthony, Gold Coast, Australia
Comments: The skates are good light and come with some pretty decent wheels and bearings out of
the box. Playing on sport court I got about 12 weeks out of the wheels before they
started to crack and chunk up ( I am about 190lbs). The bearings are smooth and quick
as long as you maintance them properly. Overall this is a good skate for any rec league
and even for advance level of play.
From: Brian, CO
Comments: These are very, very similar to the RX25's. Great skate for you bauer vapor fans out there. Quick break-in period, I did bake mine before using though. My only two criticisms are that the skate is slightly heavy and that the tongue is very thin. The bearing and wheels are quality as well. For the price, these skates are well worth it. But, if you have a larger budget - go with the XR5 or XRpremiers.
From: Joe, Pittsburgh, PA
Comments: These skates ride so smooth it is sweet i recomend this skate for any intermidiet skater
From: Andrew
Comments: Just got my Bauer XR4's and love them already!!!! I did the heat mold as instructed in the user manual and they fit like a glove! They are so light and easily manueverable. Coming from Tour Thor LX5 skates, these Bauer's make skating so much easier and enjoyable! They are worth every penny you pay for them! Seriously consider buying these for someone who wants a great skate at not a steep price!
From: JON, PA
Comments: Let me first premise this review by saying that the last pair of skates I've bought were Bauer 3000 supremes with the Tuuk Shifter 2 frames. I loved those skates and wore them for the last 12 years through competitive travel leagues and adult beer leagues! (they don't make em like they used to)Unfortunately, I had to retire them recently. With that said, I couldn't warrant paying more than $300 for a pair of skates. I have to say at this price point, the XR4s are worth it. Easy break in, and played a full game and pretty much forgot they were on. Light as a feather, comfortable and really responsive when shifting weight. I would highly recommend these to any intermediate or advanced player on a budget.
From: Mardee, CA
Comments: Great skates! I have had them for about 2 years and they are
still in great shape. Very comfortable and easy to break in. the Wheels
are good at first but they wear down easily and lose grip. I would
definitely recommend these skates to a friend.
From: Sandy, Centennial, CO, USA