Pablo's Skate Build Diary: Nike Flexlite 7 on Sure-Grip Avenger Magnesium Plates
Another classic pair of Nike hockey boots has been transformed in the Pabloskates workshop, and this one is sitting on some seriously nice hardware.
For this build we've taken a pair of Nike Flexlite 7 hockey boots and converted them into custom quad roller skates using Sure-Grip Avenger Magnesium plates.
The combination brings together the comfort and flexibility of an older Nike hockey boot with a lightweight, highly responsive quad plate underneath.
And the finished result is a cracking pair of custom skates. 🛼🔥
The Boots: Nike Flexlite 7
The older Nike and Nike Bauer Flexlite ranges are some of our favourite hockey boots to use for quad conversions.
Modern hockey boots have generally become extremely stiff and heavily structured. That's great for their intended purpose on the ice, but maximum rigidity isn't necessarily what everyone wants from a quad roller skate.
The older Nike Flexlite 7 offers something different.
There's plenty of support around the foot and ankle, but the boot retains enough flexibility to make it comfortable and forgiving for roller skating.
Add in the unmistakable styling of the older Nike hockey range and you've got an excellent starting point for a custom quad build.
Preparing the Boots for Their New Life
Before any roller skate plate can be fitted, the original ice blade holders have to come off.
Once they're removed, we can properly clean and inspect the soles before preparing them for the new hardware.
This part of the build isn't particularly glamorous, but it's one of the most important stages of a proper hockey-to-quad conversion.
We aren't interested in simply taking the blades off, drilling some holes and bolting a plate underneath.
The finished skate needs a solid foundation.
Where required, we use custom-fitted carbon fibre strengthening plates, individually shaped to the boots and properly riveted into position.
This helps reinforce the sole after removal of the original blade holder and provides a strong base for the new quad plates.
Sure-Grip Avenger Magnesium Plates
And underneath these Flexlites we've got something special.
Sure-Grip Avenger Magnesium plates.
The Avenger Magnesium takes the distinctive, highly responsive Avenger design and combines it with a lightweight magnesium baseplate.
The Avenger uses Sure-Grip's DA45 double-action truck system, giving the plate considerably more action than a conventional 10-degree setup.
That means quick direction changes, plenty of manoeuvrability and a lively feel underneath the skater.
The Magnesium version also keeps the weight down, which is particularly useful when we're starting with a substantial hockey boot.
It's a brilliant combination.
Why the Avenger Works So Well on Hockey Boots
Hockey boots provide plenty of support, so pairing them with a responsive plate can completely change the character of the finished skate.
The Flexlite holds and supports the foot while the Avenger underneath provides the movement.
Rather than the entire setup feeling rigid, the plate allows the skater to generate much of the response through the trucks.
For skaters who like an agile setup, it's a very effective combination.
And because the Avenger Magnesium keeps unnecessary weight to a minimum, we get that responsiveness without making an already substantial hockey skate excessively heavy.
Getting the Axle Position Right
Choosing the correct plate size is only part of the job.
Where the axles sit underneath the foot is what really matters.
We don't simply select a roller skate plate because its overall length looks right underneath the boot.
Wheelbase, front axle position and the intended characteristics of the finished skate all need to be considered.
The position of the front axle relative to the ball of the foot has a significant effect on how the skate behaves.
A more forward setup can produce a particularly agile and manoeuvrable skate, while moving the plate further back generally introduces more stability.
There's no single mounting position that's perfect for every skater.
That's why our conversions are individually measured and mounted rather than relying on a generic template.
Custom Fitted Rather Than Off the Shelf
This is the part of custom skate building that often gets overlooked.
Two pairs of boots carrying the same size label aren't necessarily identical underneath, and two skaters using the same boots may want completely different things from their skates.
So we build accordingly.
The boots are prepared individually, reinforcement is fitted where required, the plate size is selected appropriately and the final mounting position is established specifically for that pair.
It's not the quickest way to build roller skates.
But we're not trying to mass produce them.
Another Nike Flexlite Conversion Complete
The finished combination works brilliantly.
We've got the classic Nike Flexlite 7 providing a comfortable and supportive foundation, paired with the lightweight and highly responsive Sure-Grip Avenger Magnesium underneath.
What started life as a pair of ice hockey skates is now something completely different.
A unique pair of custom quad roller skates, individually prepared and built in the Pabloskates workshop.
Another classic Nike boot saved from the ice and ready for its second life on eight wheels. 🛼🔥
Got a pair of Nike, Nike Bauer, 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
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Phone/WhatsApp - 07848287929
Email - mail@pabloskates.com
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