Vaughn VX1 Pro and ION Pro Blockers Take Different Cuff Routes
A floating cuff on the VX1 Pro and an open cuff on the ION Pro give goalies two constructions to compare at the wrist.
The wrist opening is one useful place to start a comparison of Vaughn's VX1 Pro and ION Pro blockers. Vaughn lists a floating cuff on the [VX1 Pro](https://vaughnhockey.com/product/b-vx1-pro-blocker/) and an open-style cuff with an adjustable wrist strap on the [ION Pro](https://vaughnhockey.com/product/b-ion-pro-blocker/).
Both descriptions put the hand high on the blocker, but the protection around that hand takes different forms. The VX1 Pro lists doubled protection beside the index finger, a large side shield and mesh palm gussets. Index- and small-finger trigger features are also listed. The ION Pro uses split finger protectors, high-density side-shield inserts and a VX suede palm with an antimicrobial grip overlay.
The board details provide another distinction. Vaughn describes the VX1 Pro with a reinforced face, a pronounced bend at the top of the board and a tapered bottom edge. The ION Pro specification gives an 8-by-15-inch front blocking surface without binding, a reinforced front board and lacing securing its front surface.
Vaughn markets the ION Pro's thicker high-density internal foam for active rebounds. The published specification does not supply a rebound-speed comparison between these two models, so it cannot establish which sends a puck farther.
For a fitting, the cuff opening and finger-protection layout are more actionable than that marketing claim. Check wrist movement with the stick in hand and how the side protection sits around the index finger; a listed feature does not settle how either blocker fits an individual hand.
