Pablo's Skate Build Diary: Bauer NS Quad Skate Conversion on Playmaker Plates
- Pablo
- Jun 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 16
The Bauer NS has earned a reputation as one of the best value hockey skates for quad conversions.
Originally designed as an entry-level ice hockey skate, the NS offers a comfortable fit, supportive boot and lightweight construction that translates exceptionally well to quad skating.
For this build, we paired the Bauer NS with a set of Playmaker plates to create an affordable, reliable setup suitable for everything from rink sessions to outdoor cruising.
Why the Bauer NS?
Sometimes the best conversion boots aren't the most expensive ones.
The Bauer NS proves exactly that.
Featuring a lightweight boot and easy-to-work-with construction, the NS has become a firm favourite among skate builders looking for a dependable conversion platform without spending a fortune.
One interesting fact about the NS is that the later Bauer Elite models are, for all intents and purposes, essentially NS boots with updated branding and graphics. That means you're getting a design that Bauer themselves saw fit to continue developing.
The NS is also part of the same family of recreational Bauer skates as the X-LP, X-LS and NSX. Their shared construction and straightforward design make them some of the most conversion-friendly hockey skates on the market.
Some of the reasons we like the NS include:
Comfortable fit straight out of the box
Lightweight construction
Good ankle support
Modern hockey styling
Excellent value for money
For skaters seeking a budget-friendly route into custom quad skates, the Bauer NS remains one of the strongest options available.
One thing that makes the Bauer NS particularly interesting today is that it has quietly become something of a retro skate.
While Bauer still continues to manufacture the X-LP and X-LS ranges, the NS and NSX models have long since been discontinued. That instantly gives them a certain appeal among collectors and skaters looking for something a little different.
The good news for quad skate builders is that plenty of NS and NSX boots can still be found on the second-hand market, often at very reasonable prices.
That means you can pick up a discontinued Bauer boot with proven conversion credentials and give it a new lease of life as a set of custom quad skates.
In a world where modern skates are constantly being replaced, converting an NS or NSX into quads is a great way to keep a classic Bauer boot rolling for years to come.
Preparing the Conversion
The conversion process began by removing the original ice blade holders and preparing the sole for mounting.
Once the soles had been cleaned and inspected, careful measurements were taken to determine the ideal plate position.
Correct plate alignment is crucial to how a skate feels on the floor. Taking the time to mount plates accurately helps create a setup that feels balanced, responsive and predictable while skating.
A little extra care during this stage goes a long way towards producing a skate that's built to last.
Why Playmaker Plates?
For this build, the customer opted for Playmaker plates.
Over the years, Playmakers have become one of the most popular choices for hockey skate conversions thanks to their proven reliability and excellent value.
Key features include:
Lightweight nylon construction
10-degree truck geometry
Adjustable toe stops
Smooth handling characteristics
Excellent performance for the price
Whether you're heading to the rink or skating outdoors, Playmakers offer a dependable and versatile setup suitable for a wide range of skating styles.
Mounting and Assembly
Once the plates were positioned and aligned, the mounting hardware was installed and secured.
The skates were then assembled with their remaining components, including:
Trucks
Cushions
Bearings
Wheels
Toe stops
Each component was carefully checked and adjusted before the skates underwent a final inspection.
Attention to detail during assembly helps ensure every pair leaves the workshop ready to skate from day one.
The Finished Result
The finished Bauer NS conversion looked fantastic.
Combined with Playmaker plates, the NS creates a practical and capable setup suitable for indoor skating, outdoor use and general recreational skating.
One of the major advantages of hockey skate conversions is the fit. Many skaters prefer the secure heel lock and supportive feel of hockey boots when compared with traditional quad skates.
The Bauer NS is no exception, offering a comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride that suits skaters of all experience levels.
Who Is This Setup For?
A Bauer NS on Playmaker plates makes an excellent choice for:
New skaters
Recreational skaters
Indoor rink skaters
Outdoor cruisers
DIY builders
Anyone looking for a quality setup on a sensible budget
It's a setup that combines comfort, reliability and excellent value without compromising on performance.
If you're inspired by this build but would prefer a ready-to-skate setup, be sure to browse our latest custom quad skate conversions and complete skates:
We regularly stock converted Bauer, Nike Bauer and other hockey skate builds, with setups to suit all budgets and skating styles.
Thinking About Building Your Own Conversion?
Fancy converting a pair of hockey skates into quads yourself?
Whether you're tackling your first DIY build or you're an experienced skate builder, having the right parts and tools can make all the difference.
At Pabloskates, we stock everything you need for a successful skate conversion at some of the UK's most competitive prices.
From plates and mounting hardware to specialist tools and custom accessories, we've got you covered, including:
Skate plates
Mounting bolts
Nuts and washers
Custom colour skate heels
Bearings
Bearing tools
Skate mounting tools
General skate tools and accessories
Browse our full range of conversion parts here:
Whether you're building your first set of quads or upgrading an existing setup, we're proud to support the growing DIY skate conversion community with affordable parts, expert advice and years of hands-on experience.
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