The Bauer PRO Goal Skates is new for 2012 and the boot is based off of the popular Vapor player skate design to help give the goalie the best in performance. This year"s design is both lighter and more responsive than the previous One100 model - a skate that set a new standard for weight and performance. For starters, goalies will notice the curved, ribbed boot design that has become a staple in the Vapor player skate line. The curve material and the ribs on the boot - part of Bauer"s Alive Composite construction -help the skate maintain it"s stiffness, structure and integrity over a longer period of time. The change in boot structure has created a stiffer skate than the older One100 model, and it has also given the boot better forward flex as well. Additionally, the tendon guard of the boot has been made more stiff to keep it in the original position over time and make it more supportive. The interior of the boot features a hydrophobic liner to keep moisture out of the boot. In addition to the liner material, extra padding has been added around the heel area and under the footbed for added comfort. The skate tongue has a thick, pro felt base with extra padding down the middle to protect against lace bite. The cowling features a 3mm Tuuk Super Stainless Steel runner as well as the popular VERTEXX cutout. Because of the VERTEXX cutout and the taller support position, goalies can realize a 28% increased attack angle when compared to a standard goal cowling. This means that goalies can take a deeper stance, and keep the blade on the ice longer when pushing laterally, before the cowling bottoms out on the ice. The runner on the Vertexx cowling can be easily replaced by simply loosening the screw at the toe of the blade.