system
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human
[Star Wars] Why is Darth Vader able to block blaster bolts in ESB, but we never see such an ability used ever again?

First what allows him to do this, the force? Second why don't we see this used more often as a tactic to avoid death?
gpt
In the EU, this is chalked up to a particular aspect of Vader's suit - that is, the gloves were a variant of Mandalorian Crushgaunts, incredibly rare and expensive armor pieces. Although resistant (not indestructible!) to blaster fire, actually 'catching' blaster fire was something that would require force sensitivity to predict the bolt's path as well - and this doubly-rare combination combination of gear and skill was rarely seen together; Vader is the only known Force-sensitive to use a pair.