Pablo's Skate Build Diary: Bauer Vapor II Custom Quad Roller Skates with Pilot Falcon Plates

Some skate conversions just work.

This Bauer Vapor II build is a perfect example of how a quality hockey boot can be transformed into a high-performance quad skate while retaining the comfort, support and responsiveness that made the original boot so popular.

For this project, we paired a set of Bauer Vapor II hockey skates with Pilot Falcon plates to create a lightweight and agile setup designed for skaters who want precision and performance.

Why Convert Bauer Vapor II Hockey Skates?

Bauer Vapor skates have long been a favourite among ice hockey players thanks to their comfortable fit, excellent heel lock and responsive design.

These same characteristics make them an excellent candidate for quad skate conversions.

Benefits of converting Bauer Vapor boots include:

• Excellent ankle support

• Lightweight construction

• Comfortable fit

• Strong boot structure

• Great responsiveness for rhythm, rink and outdoor skating

Many skaters find that converted hockey skates offer a unique feel that is difficult to replicate with traditional quad boots.

Why Choose Pilot Falcon Plates?

The Pilot Falcon is a lightweight aluminium plate designed to offer excellent performance while keeping overall skate weight low.

Popular with experienced skaters, Falcon plates provide:

• Lightweight aircraft-grade aluminium construction

• Responsive handling

• Strong power transfer

• Durable design

• Adjustable plate positioning during mounting

For skaters looking to upgrade from entry-level nylon plates, the Falcon can provide a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and control.

The Conversion Process

Every conversion starts with careful preparation.

The original ice blade holder is removed from the boot, allowing the sole to be inspected and prepared for mounting.

The Falcon plates are then carefully positioned to ensure proper alignment, balance and performance. Accurate mounting is critical, as even small positioning changes can affect how a skate handles.

Once mounted, the hardware is fitted, adjusted and checked before the final setup is completed.

The result is a custom-built pair of quad skates that combines the comfort of Bauer hockey boots with the performance of a premium quad plate.

Why Convert Instead of Buying New?

Many skaters choose conversions because they offer:

• Better value for money

• Superior boot quality

• Unique custom setups

• The ability to reuse existing skates

• A more personalised skating experience

Converting hockey skates also gives older boots a second life, helping reduce waste while creating something genuinely unique.

Built by Pabloskates

At Pabloskates, we specialise in converting ice hockey and figure skates into fully functional quad roller skates.

Whether you're looking to convert a pair of Bauer Vapors, Nike Bauers, CCMs or another favourite boot, we can help create a setup tailored to your skating style and budget.

Every build is completed by hand in our Derby workshop and shipped throughout the UK.

Thinking About a Custom Conversion?

If you have a pair of hockey skates gathering dust or you're looking for something different from an off-the-shelf quad skate, a custom conversion could be the perfect solution.

Get in touch to discuss your project and we'll help you build a pair of skates that are truly your own.