Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what size conversion I need?

Generally, the boot size stays the same as your ice skate size, but quad plate setup can affect stance and ride comfort. We provide guidance on sizing and plate setup during booking.

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How should I choose wheel size and hardness?

Wheel choice depends on intended use. Larger, softer outdoor wheels are better for pavement and street skating; smaller, harder wheels suit smooth indoor surfaces. We can recommend specific wheels based on your skating style and location. If doing both a common set up is to have wheels for each. Or, a pair of skates for each.

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Can we customise skates?

Absolutely! We specialize in custom quad skate designs. Share your vision with us, and we'll create a unique pair just for you.

 

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Can you reinforce weak boot soles?

Yes. Older boots, especially some Nike & Nike Bauer models with less rigid sole construction, are reinforced internally with carbon fibre or similar materials to support the quad plate and improve durability.

 

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Do you convert ice skates to roller skates?

Yes! Converting ice skates into roller skates is our speciality. If you have a pair of boots you’d like converted, just get in touch and we’ll talk you through the options.

 

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Can ice hockey or figure skates be converted into quad roller skates?

Yes. We professionally remove the original ice blades and mount a quad skate plate so your boots function like traditional quad roller skates. This gave rise to the urban hockey conversion trend seen in UK street skating.

 

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What brands of ice skates can be converted?

We commonly convert Bauer, Nike Bauer, CCM and similar quality ice hockey and figure skate boots. Not all models are suitable; we will assess boot condition and structure before conversion.

 

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How long does a conversion take?

Standard conversions typically take 2 working days from the time your skates arrive with us.

 

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What is included in our conversion process?

Every conversion includes de-blading, sole reinforcement if required, plate mounting with accurate wheelbase alignment, wheel and bearing installation, safety-checked hardware, and test rolling before dispatch.

 

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Are your skates new or used?

We stock both new and used skates. Both are clearly marked both in the summary and description in the shop. All used skates are fully checked, cleaned, and graded (A+ to D) so you know exactly what condition to expect before you buy. We try to picture our pre-loved skates from all angles but if you require further pictures then please do ask us!

 

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How are our skates eco-friendly?

We convert quality used ice skates into custom quad roller skates, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Join our eco-conscious skating community today.

 

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Do you sell spare parts (wheels, toe stops, laces, etc.)?

Absolutely. We carry a range of wheels, bearings, toe stops, laces, and other parts so you can keep your skates looking good and rolling smoothly.

 

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Are all items shown on the website in stock?

Some items are held in stock, while others are custom ordered or built to order. Where an item is not in stock, this will be clearly stated on the product page along with the estimated lead time.

 

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What does “custom order” or “built to order” mean?

Custom order items are sourced or built specifically for your order. This may include plates, wheels, or full skate builds. These items may take additional time before dispatch and cannot usually be cancelled once work has started.

 

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Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?

Orders for in-stock items may be changed or cancelled before dispatch. Custom builds and conversion orders cannot be cancelled or changed once the build process has begun.

 

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Do you offer advice before I buy?

Yes. If you are unsure about sizing, plate options, wheel choice, or suitability of a boot for conversion, please contact us before ordering. We are happy to advise before purchase.

 

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How do I know if my ice skates are suitable for conversion?

Most quality ice hockey and figure skates can be converted, but not all models are suitable. Factors such as sole construction, boot condition, and previous mounting holes all matter. If unsure, contact us with photos before ordering.

 

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What payment methods do you accept?

We accept standard online payment methods shown at checkout. Payment must be completed in full before any work begins and/or orders are dispatched.

 

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Do you offer refunds on custom or conversion orders?

Due to the nature of custom builds and conversion work, refunds are not available once work has started. Please ensure all details are confirmed before placing your order.

 

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Are prices shown inclusive of VAT?

Prices are shown as listed on the website. Any applicable taxes or shipping costs are calculated at checkout.

 

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Can I supply my own parts?

In some cases, customers may supply their own boots for conversion. For other parts, please contact us in advance to confirm compatibility and suitability.

 

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Do you offer discounts?

We do run promotions and seasonal discounts — keep an eye on our website for items with the "SALE" tag on them or follow us on social media to catch the latest offers.

 

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Do you ship anywhere in the UK?

Yes. We offer UK shipping within the UK

 

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Do you ship anywhere in the world?

Whilst we do offer international shipping we do not ship to all countries. Please check shipping destinations at checkout.
 

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How long does shipping take?

Dispatch times depend on the item ordered. In-stock items usually ship within 1 to 2 working days. Custom builds and conversions are dispatched after the build process is complete. Estimated build times are stated on the product page.

 

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How are complete roller skate orders shipped?

 

Roller skate orders are shipped fully assembled and ready to skate. Skates are securely packaged to protect the boots, plates, and hardware during transit.

 

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Can I send my own skates to you for conversion?

Yes. Customers sending skates to us for conversion will be sent a shipping label included within the conversion service. We will ship the completed conversion back to you once the work is finished.

 

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Which courier do you use?

We use tracked courier services for all shipments. Tracking information is provided once your order has been dispatched.

 

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What happens if my parcel is delayed or lost?

Once an order has been dispatched, delivery is handled by the courier. If a parcel is delayed or appears to be lost, we will assist by raising an enquiry with the courier using the tracking information provided.

 

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Can I collect my order in person?

Local collection is available by prior arrangement only. Please contact us before ordering if you wish to discuss collection options.

 

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Do you combine shipping on multiple items?

Where possible, multiple items ordered together will be shipped in a single parcel. If items are ordered separately or include custom work with different lead times, they may ship separately.

 

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Are shipping costs refundable?

Shipping costs are non-refundable once an order has been dispatched, unless the item is faulty or an error has been made with the order.

 

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How long does shipping take?

We offer several courier services at checkout which range from, Guaranteed Next Day, 24hr and 48hr. Our standard shipping within the UK (48Hr) typically takes between 3-5 business days. International shipping times vary, so please check our shipping policy for details.

 

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What payment methods do we accept?

We accept credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Tap to Pay. Choose the method that suits you best for a smooth checkout experience.

 

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Can I return my skates if they don’t fit?

Yes, returns are accepted provided the skates are unused and in the same condition you received them. Please see our Returns Policy Page

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What does Bauer X-LS , X-LP , NS and NSX mean and what are the differences?

The Bauer NS, NSX, X-LS and X-LP are all entry-level recreational hockey skates aimed at beginners and casual players.

Bauer never clearly explained what the NS and NSX names stood for. Some sources suggest meanings such as New Series, Nova Series or Novice Skates, but Bauer never officially confirmed these definitions. The newer X-Series names are a little easier to understand:

• X-LS = Learn to (Ice) Skate

• X-LP = Learn to Play (Ice Hockey)

The older NS and NSX models followed a very similar structure. Both NS and NSX models were discontinued in 2021 and replaced by the current X-LS and X-LP ranges.

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Bauer NS

The NS was Bauer's most basic recreational skate. It was designed primarily for people learning to skate and casual public skating sessions. The boot is lightweight and made almost entirely of plastic. It is comfortable and offers plenty of flexibility. The NS range comes in black with red accents.

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Bauer NSX

The NSX sat above the NS in Bauer's range. It shared the same basic shell and construction as the NS but featured additional padding, a more supportive tongue and improved comfort, making it more suitable for beginner hockey players as well as recreational skating. These boots also come in black with red accents.

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Bauer X-LS

The X-LS is the modern replacement for the NS. It is based on a very similar boot mould and again, is almost entirely plastic. As the name suggests, it is aimed at people learning to skate and focuses on comfort, ease of use and affordability. The X-LS range comes in black with bright green accents. As of June 2026, Bauer still manufactures the X-LS, meaning they remain widely available brand new.

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Bauer X-LP

The X-LP is the modern replacement for the NSX. The "LP" stands for Learn to Play. Like the NSX before it, the X-LP features additional padding and comfort features aimed at beginner hockey players. The boot itself is otherwise very similar to the X-LS and comes with blue accents instead of green. Like the X-LS, the X-LP remains widely available brand new.

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Model         Intended User             Support Level

Bauer NS   Learn to Skate            Basic

Bauer NSX Learn to Play Hockey Moderate

Bauer X-LS Learn to Skate           Basic

Bauer X-LP Learn to Play Hockey Moderate

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Which is best for quad skate conversions?

Many of the higher-end Bauer hockey skates are significantly stiffer than the NS, NSX, X-LS and X-LP. This is one of the main reasons these recreational models have become so popular for quad skate conversions. Their more flexible and forgiving design often translates better to roller skating, making them particularly popular for indoor and outdoor recreational skating. As a result, all four models make excellent quad skate conversion boots and are commonly seen throughout the London skate scene, where they have become a favourite choice among car park chop skaters.

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One thing worth noting is that the additional padding found in the "Learn to Play" models (NSX and X-LP) was designed to provide extra comfort and protection for beginner ice hockey players. Once converted to quad skates, that extra padding offers very little practical benefit for roller skating. For most quad skaters, the choice between an NS and NSX, or an X-LS and X-LP, comes down more to availability, price and which colour accents they prefer than any significant difference in skating performance.

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One criticism occasionally raised is that some skaters find the toe box a little narrow or restrictive around the toes. However, fit is highly subjective and what feels uncomfortable to one skater may feel perfectly fine to another. Many skaters wear these boots for years without issue.

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The Bauer NS, NSX, X-LS and X-LP are commonly converted into quad roller skates using plates such as the Playmaker, Sure-Grip Rock, Sure-Grip Avanti and Sure-Grip Avenger.

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On the whole, there is a reason the Bauer NS, NSX, X-LS and X-LP have become some of the most popular hockey boots for quad skate conversions. They offer a great balance of comfort, support, durability and value, making them an excellent choice for both new and experienced quad skaters.

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So when choosing between them, don't overthink it. For quad skating, the differences are surprisingly small. Most skaters would struggle to notice any significant performance difference between an NS and NSX, or an X-LS and X-LP once converted. In reality, your decision often comes down to availability, price and whether you prefer the blue, green or red accents!

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At Pabloskates, the Bauer NS, NSX, X-LS and X-LP are among the most commonly converted boots due to their comfort, durability and suitability for roller skating.
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