Playmaker vs Avanti Magnesium Plates: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

If you're currently skating on Playmaker plates and wondering whether upgrading to Sure-Grip Avanti Magnesium plates is worth the investment, you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions we get here at Pabloskates.

In this build, we upgraded a pair of skates from Playmaker plates to Avanti Magnesium plates and documented the process from start to finish. The result? A lighter, stiffer and more responsive setup that's built to handle everything from rink skating to outdoor cruising and roller derby.

Why Upgrade from Playmaker Plates?

Playmaker plates have earned their reputation as one of the most popular entry-level quad skate plates available. They're affordable, reliable and perfectly capable of getting people rolling.

However, as skaters progress, many start looking for something that offers:

• Increased responsiveness

• Greater durability

• Reduced flex under load

• Better power transfer

• Improved handling at higher speeds

That's where the Avanti Magnesium plate comes in.

The Avanti Magnesium Advantage

The Sure-Grip Avanti Magnesium is a premium 10-degree plate designed for skaters who want maximum performance without excessive weight.

Compared to nylon plates, the magnesium construction offers significantly greater rigidity. This means less energy is lost through plate flex and more of your effort is transferred directly into the wheels.

Benefits include:

• Lightweight magnesium construction

• Increased strength and durability

• Improved stability

• More precise edge control

• Better response during turns and transitions

• Adjustable pivot system for fine tuning

For skaters who are starting to push their equipment harder, the difference can be immediately noticeable.

Size and Weight Comparison

Playmaker Plates

Plate Size	Overall Length	Axle Distance	Weight	EU Size	UK Size
8"	203.2mm	103.2mm	240g	33-34	13Y-1
8 1/2"	210.0mm	110.0mm	245g	34-36	2-3
9 1/4"	234.9mm	134.9mm	253g	37-38	4-5
9 7/8"	250.8mm	150.8mm	260g	39-41	6-7
10 1/2"	266.7mm	166.7mm	270g	42-43	8-9
11"	279.4mm	179.4mm	277g	45-46	10-11
11 1/2"	292.1mm	192.1mm	285g	46-47	12

Sure Grip Avanti Aluminium/Magnesium

Plate Size	Overall Length	Axle Distance	Weight (Mag/Alu)	EU Size	UK Size
Size 1	220mm	118mm	238g / 330g	35-36	1-2
Size 2	230mm	128mm	243g /  337.5g	37	3
Size 3	240mm	138mm	248g / 345g	38	4
Size 4	250mm	148mm	253g / 352.5g	39-40	5-6
Size 5	260mm	158mm	258g / 360g	41-42	7
Size 6	270mm	168mm	263g / 367.5g	43-44	8-9
Size 7	280mm	178mm	268g / 375g	45	10
Size 8	290mm	188mm	273g / 382.5g	46	11
Size 9	300mm	198mm	278g / 390g	47-49	12-13

*Weights are as one (1) plate with Kingpins, pivot inserts and toe stop screws. Weights and wheelbases may very due to inherent variability in the manufacturing process. Sizes to be used as a guide only when ordering plates to fit a desired boot.

The Upgrade Process

For this build, the original Playmaker plates were removed from the boots.

The Avanti Magnesium plates were then carefully sized and aligned. Conveniently, the mounting pattern lined up closely with the original setup, meaning only minimal additional drilling was required.

Once positioned correctly, the plates were mounted using new hardware before being fully assembled with cushions, trucks and wheels.

The finished result retained the comfort and feel of the original boots while significantly upgrading the performance underneath.

Is It Worth the Money?

The honest answer is that it depends on your skating goals.

If you're a casual skater who only skates occasionally, Playmaker plates may continue to serve you perfectly well.

However, if you:

• Skate regularly

• Want more precision and control

• Are building a premium setup

• Skate derby, artistic, rhythm or speed

• Want a plate that will last for years

Then the Avanti Magnesium is one of the best upgrades you can make.

Many skaters spend money chasing improvements through wheels and bearings while overlooking the component that connects everything together. The plate has a huge influence on how a skate feels and performs.

Can Existing Skates Be Upgraded?

Absolutely.

One of the services we regularly provide at Pabloskates is upgrading existing skates with new plates.

Whether you're currently skating on Playmakers, Rocks, Thrusts or another plate entirely, we can assess your setup and advise whether an upgrade would be beneficial.

Thinking About Upgrading?

If you're considering upgrading your skates to Sure-Grip Avanti Magnesium plates, get in touch.

We can advise on sizing, compatibility and whether the upgrade is likely to suit your style of skating.

You can also watch the full build video to see exactly what's involved in the conversion process.

At Pabloskates, we're always happy to help skaters get the most from their equipment.