Pablo's Skate Build Diary: Bauer Flexlite 44 on Sure-Grip Avenger Plates
Another pair of classic Bauer hockey boots has made the transformation from ice to wheels in the Pabloskates workshop.
This time we've got a pair of Bauer Flexlite 44 hockey boots, converted into custom quad roller skates and paired with Sure-Grip Avenger plates.
The Flexlite range has become a firm favourite of ours for quad conversions, and builds like this show exactly why.
The Boots: Bauer Flexlite 44
We're big fans of the older Bauer Flexlite range at Pabloskates.
Compared with many of today's extremely stiff hockey boots, the Flexlite range offers a great combination of support, comfort and flexibility. That makes them particularly well suited to quad skating, where having some movement through the boot can make for a much more comfortable and natural skating experience.
The Bauer Flexlite 44 continues that formula.
It's a solid, supportive hockey boot without being excessively rigid, making it an excellent starting point for a custom quad conversion.
And once those ice blade holders come off, the transformation can begin.
Preparing the Flexlite 44 for Quad Skating
Converting hockey skates into quads properly involves considerably more than simply removing the blades and drilling some new holes.
Once the original blade holders are removed, the soles need to be cleaned, inspected and properly prepared for the new roller skate hardware.
The structure of the boot also needs to be considered.
Where reinforcement is required, we can install custom-fitted carbon fibre strengthening plates inside the boots. These are individually shaped to suit the sole of the particular boot rather than using a generic off-the-shelf insert.
Our carbon plates are also properly riveted into place, helping them conform to the contour of the boot and creating a strong foundation for the roller skate plates underneath.
The parts you can't see are just as important as the ones you can.
Sure-Grip Avenger Plates
Underneath these Flexlite 44s we've fitted a set of Sure-Grip Avenger plates.
The Avenger is an interesting choice for a hockey boot conversion because it behaves very differently from a conventional roller skate plate.
Its DA45 double-action truck system provides plenty of movement and response, producing an agile setup that reacts quickly to the skater's input.
The design also features adjustable pivots and 8mm axles, making it a highly configurable plate and a popular choice for skaters who want something more responsive underneath their boots.
Combined with the supportive Flexlite 44, it makes for a seriously capable custom setup.
Plate Size Isn't About Overall Length
Choosing the right roller skate plate isn't simply a case of finding one that's roughly the same length as the bottom of the boot.
In fact, that's often the wrong way to approach it.
For our custom conversions, we're far more interested in wheelbase and axle position.
In particular, the relationship between the front axle and the ball of the skater's foot has a major influence on the behaviour of the finished skate.
Move the setup forward and you can create a more agile and responsive skate. Move things further back and you generally introduce more stability.
Neither is automatically right or wrong.
The correct position depends on the boot, the plate, the skater and what they want from their finished setup.
That's why we individually measure and position our plates rather than relying on a generic mounting template.
Built to Fit the Boots
Once the Flexlite 44s had been prepared and the correct plate position established, the Avenger plates could be mounted.
This is where a custom conversion really starts coming together.
Rather than trying to make the boots fit the plates, we're fitting the plates to the boots.
The mounting position is established specifically for that particular combination, giving us control over where the axles sit underneath the skater's feet and how the finished skate will behave.
It's one of the biggest advantages of having a pair of skates individually converted rather than buying something mass produced.
A Classic Bauer Boot With a Completely New Purpose
The finished result brings together two very different pieces of skating equipment.
On top, we've got the supportive and comfortable Bauer Flexlite 44 hockey boot.
Underneath, we've got the agile and responsive Sure-Grip Avenger quad plate.
Together they create a completely unique pair of custom quad roller skates and give another great pair of Bauer hockey boots a new life away from the ice.
That's what these conversions are all about.
Taking a good quality hockey boot and building something specifically around it rather than settling for an off-the-shelf skate.
Another Flexlite conversion complete and another pair ready to roll out of the Pabloskates workshop. 🛼🔥
Got a pair of Bauer, Nike Bauer or other suitable hockey skates you'd like converted into quads? Get in touch with Pabloskates and let's see what we can build.
Every skate featured in our Build Diary is individually hand-built in the Pabloskates workshop. Since we use pre-owned hockey boots, each pair is unique and no two builds are ever exactly the same.
Browse our latest converted skates or get in touch to discuss your dream setup only at Pabloskates.com.
Pre-Built Retro Skates - https://www.pabloskates.com/skates
Custom Build Enquiries - https://www.pabloskates.com/services
Phone/WhatsApp - 07848287929
Email - mail@pabloskates.com
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