The long anticipated Bauer Reactor Goalie equipment is finally here! Starting April 15th, Bauer’s all new Reactor goalie gear will become available. The original Bauer Reactor line was launched in 1994, setting a new standard for goaltending equipment by providing innovative, functional and protective gear. The Reactor line created the foundation for many of the goalie gear products seen on the market today.

The newly designed Bauer Reactor line is stylish, lightweight and protective, perfect for today’s goaltending playing styles. The new Bauer Reactor goalie equipment is geared toward goaltenders that tend to play more aggressive and are quick to challenge the shooter in an attempt to make the save. A handful of NHL goalies can be seen wearing the new gear including  goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov.

The Reactor pads will be offered in three different models for the US including the Reactor 2000, Reactor 4000 and the Reactor 6000. The Reactor line includes goalie leg pads, goalie catcher and blocker, goalie ice skates, goalie sticks and accessories like the Reactor clavicle protector, knee guard and goalie jock/jill. Along with the Reactor goalie gear, Bauer will be releasing their brand new line of Concept goalie masks.

Let’s take a closer look:

The Bauer Reactor pads are designed for the hybrid / battlefly style goaltender because of the flexible-lightweight design. The Bauer Reactor goalie pads feature a lightweight Pro core insert, triangle outside roll, quick release thigh & knee straps and NHL legal under-pant thigh protector. The Bauer Reactor knee cradle setup is slightly different on the Reactor 6000 because the knee cradle is sew in, instead of using their (AKL) Adjustable Knee Lock system like the Reactor 2000 & 4000 models.

The Bauer Reactor goalie catcher features lightweight construction, awesome new Reactor design, skate laced single T pocket design on the 4000/6000 models, full hand closure and free flex cuff for excellent mobility.

The Reactor goalie blocker features Bauer’s maximum coverage side hand protection and soft Nash palm with extra layer of reinforcement on the 4000/6000 models.

Bauer’s new top of the line Reactor 6000 ice hockey goalie skates feature an ultra thick pro felt tongue with extended length and padded high density metatarsal guard, a 3D anaformable boot, redesigned ankle collar and extra padding under the foot bed. The Bauer Reactor goalie skates will also feature an improved reinforced VERTEXX cowling, super-strong 4mm removable stainless steel runner and hydrophobic Clarino synthetic liner.

Bauer’s new composite Reactor goalie sticks offer similar technology and materials as the Reflex and Totalone lines with the main visual difference being the slick updated Reactor graphics. The Bauer Reactor Goalie Stick will of course be replacing the Reflex family of goalie sticks.

Last but not least I wanted to highlight Bauer’s all new Concept goalie masks. Two models are available, the top of the line Concept C1 and Concept C2. The Concept C1 goalie mask provides pro level protection thanks to some really impressive technologies. NHL goaltender JamesReimer of the Toronto Maples Leaves recently started using Bauer’s impressive new C1 mask. The C1 mask features an ultra lightweight carbon fiber shell with a reinforced outer TeXtreme® layer. TeXtreme® technology is exclusive to Bauer, weighing 20% less than conventional carbon without sacrificing strength. The liner on the C1 is a mechanically attached SUSPEND-TECH liner with PORON® XRD™ foam closest to the face for enhanced protection and max comfort. The cage on the C1 is constructed from ultra light titanium oval wire, available in certified straight bar and non-certified cat eye cages. The cage on the C1 and C2 masks come with new (SAW) shock absorbing wire clip system. SAW technology improves impact absorption and reduces cage denting.

Additional information on the new Bauer Reactor goalie equipment line will be available online April 15, 2013 at Inline and Ice Warehouse.

“Every action has a Re-Aktion” is Bauer’s new motto for their new helmet for 2012, the Re-Akt. No numbers in it’s name for this guy because this one is all about advancing protection in the helmet game. Bauer took a look at every possible angle for protection with this one and developed a new helmet that aims to tackle one overlooked issue, as well as others, when it comes to head injuries, rotational force.

Ovi wearing the new Bauer Re-Akt helmet

Lets take a look at some of the key features of the new Re-Akt helmet:

Suspend-Tech Liner

The new liner is a true, free-floating, suspension liner that uses Bauer’s already proven PORON XRD Technology which will offer enhanced protection and maximum comfort. The new liner is shown in the highlighted area in the picture below.

Suspend-Tech Liner (highlighted in yellow/black)

Rotational Force Management

During an impact, the Suspend-Tech Liner moves independently from the Vertex Foam liner in the helmet which helps protect your brain from crippling intra-cranial movement. This allows the helmet to move on its own while having your head stay in place, separate from the helmet to prevent injuries. See diagram shown below.

Helmet displacement during impact.

Central Tool-Free Adjustment

Bauer loves their tool free adjustments but what is new for the Re-Akt is the adjustments have been moved from the sides like on the 9900, 7500, etc. to the top of the helmet. This frees up much needed space on the sides to increase protection. By moving the adjustments, the Re-Akt helmet becomes narrower and sleeker similar to the HH4500 for which the pro design is inspired from. Plus it is now just a single latch that you flip up instead of the two tabs that were required before.

Bauer's new tool-free adjustment

Overall Design

The Bauer Re-Akt helmet is a two-piece design similar to what we see in the rest of their helmet line-up. Bauer likes this design because it allows the helmet to adjust to various head sizes and offer a better fit. Inside you will find the Vertex Foam Liner which is the main impact management protection and Bauer says is significantly lighter than traditional EPP foam of the same density. This along with the Suspend-Tech Liner provide superior head and brain protection during impact. Also along with the new adjustment latch, that has been moved to the top of the helmet, there is the new Occipital Lock 3.0. This adjustment feature aims to stabilize and lock the back of the head into place, similar to what the Giro System aims to do on the Easton E700 helmet. Along with memory foam temple pads (shown below), the foam and pads inside are treated with Microban antibacterial protection to resist mildew and odors. Ample ventilation ports throughout increase airflow.

Bauer Re-Akt helmet other key features

The Bauer Re-Akt helmet is set for a Spring launch this year alongside all of their new 2012 equipment. Be sure to stay connected with www.icewarehouse.com and www.inlinewarehouse.com for availability. Also be sure to “like” us on facebook to stay up to date on releases and giveaways.

Coming this October Bauer will be releasing limited edition (LE) models of the Supreme ONE100 and ONE60 ice skates.  The LE Supreme skates will feature a cool black on black look, complete with custom Black Tuuk holders.  The Supreme ONE 100 LE skate will also feature a retro tan colored Clarino liner.  All other specs on both models will be identical to the current models.

Bauer Supreme ONE100 LE Ice Skate

The Bauer Supreme LE ice skates will be available for pre-order at IceWarehouse.com early September.

Bauer recently showed us the 2010 Supreme TotalOne ice skate.  And as the name states this skate offers the total package:  A customizable fit and flex with lightweight, performance improving technology.

Bauer Supreme TotalOne Skate

The uppers of the TotalOne skate offer Bauer’s ALIVE composite material.  As seen on the current ONE95 skate, ALIVE uppers are completely thermoformable, allowing the TotalOne to offer a true custom 360-degree fit.  Fitted with the right size, the ALIVE uppers will form ideally around a medium to wide foot providing a custom fit that will reduce negative space in the boot, improving the player’s fit and ultimately performance on the ice.

Bauer Supreme TotalOne Tongue Inserts

The TotalOne will also allow the player to customize the flex of the boot.  Bauer’s new Reflex tongue is a thin, molded foam tongue with a white felt backing that has a pocket on the face to insert a stiffener.  The skate will come with 3 different insert sets, to allow the player to choose the correct stiffener to meet their skating and comfort needs.  The stiffeners are made out of Bauer’s ALIVE material which will allow the tongue to act like a springboard:  As the player flexes forward, the skate responds and lets the player spring back.

The Supreme TotalOne skate will also sport Bauer’s new Tuuk LS Fusion Runner.  The Fusion runner will feature high grade Aluminum on the top section of the runner and Stainless steel on the bottom.    Replacing part of the stainless steel runner with lighter weight Aluminum reduces the overall weight of the runner when compared to anything else on the ice by 27%.  And yes, Bauer will sell the LS Fusion runners separately so players can upgrade their current Bauer skates that have the Tuuk Lightspeed holders.  The LS Fusion will be available in May, but this weight saving technology will come with a lofty MSRP of $199.99/set.

Out of all the hockey companies, Bauer is known for spending the most money in R&D and it really shows in the TotalOne skate.  However, I think my favorite feature of the TotalOne is probably the most low tech, inexpensive piece on the boot.  Bauer has wrapped the top edges of the boot with a soft leather-like material.    This alleviates abrasion high on the ankle during the break-in process of the boot.    A feature once only available on custom pro boots is now part of the TotalOne’s custom fit package.

The Bauer Supreme TotalOne skate is expected to be available in limited quantities April.  You  may pre-order a pair at IceWarehouse.com. The TotalOne will sell for $799.99.