Pablo's Skate Build Diary: Bauer NSX Quad Skate Conversion on Playmaker Plates
- Pablo
- Jun 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 16
The Bauer NSX has become one of our favourite boots for quad skate conversions, offering a great blend of comfort, support and value.
Originally positioned above the NS in Bauer's recreational hockey range, the NSX adds a few premium touches while retaining the same conversion-friendly construction that makes the entire range so popular with skate builders.
For this build, we paired the Bauer NSX with a set of Playmaker plates to create an affordable and dependable setup suitable for skaters of all experience levels.
Why the Bauer NSX?
If the Bauer NS is the hidden gem of the recreational range, the NSX is its slightly more refined sibling.
Like the X-LP and X-LS, the NSX benefits from a straightforward construction that makes it well suited to quad skate conversions. However, the NSX offers a few upgrades over the standard NS, most notably its extra tongue padding which provides additional comfort and support while skating.
When new, the NSX sat above the NS in Bauer's lineup and carried a slightly higher price tag to reflect its more premium feel.
The NSX is also part of the same family of Bauer recreational skates as the X-LP, X-LS and NS. Their shared design and construction have made them some of the most popular hockey skates for quad conversions.
One thing that makes the NSX particularly appealing today is that it has become a retro skate in its own right. While Bauer still manufactures the X-LP and X-LS models, both the NS and NSX have long since been discontinued.
That means skaters and collectors can often pick up a quality Bauer boot from the second-hand market and give it a new lease of life as a custom quad skate conversion.
Some of the reasons we like the NSX include:
Extra tongue padding for improved comfort
Lightweight construction
Good ankle support
Modern hockey styling
Excellent value on the second-hand market
For skaters wanting a little extra comfort without sacrificing affordability, the NSX remains an excellent choice.
Preparing the Conversion
The first stage of the conversion involved removing the original blade holders and preparing the sole for mounting.
After cleaning and inspecting the soles, measurements were taken to determine the ideal plate position.
Getting the alignment right is crucial to how a skate feels on the floor. A correctly mounted plate creates a setup that feels balanced, predictable and comfortable whether skating indoors or outdoors.
Careful preparation at this stage helps ensure the finished skates perform reliably for years to come.
Why Playmaker Plates?
For this conversion, the customer opted for Playmaker plates.
Playmakers have become a favourite among hockey skate converters thanks to their reliability, affordability and ease of setup.
Key features include:
Lightweight nylon construction
10-degree truck geometry
Adjustable toe stops
Smooth handling characteristics
Excellent value for money
Whether you're skating at the rink or cruising outdoors, Playmakers continue to offer one of the best performance-to-price ratios available.
Mounting and Assembly
Once the plates had been aligned, the mounting hardware was installed and secured.
The skates were then assembled with their remaining components, including:
Trucks
Cushions
Bearings
Wheels
Toe stops
Every component was 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.
The Finished Result
The finished Bauer NSX conversion looked fantastic.
The combination of the comfortable NSX boot and dependable Playmaker plates created a setup equally suited to rink skating, outdoor cruising and recreational use.
One of the biggest strengths of hockey skate conversions is the fit. Many skaters appreciate the secure feel and support that hockey boots provide compared to traditional quad boots.
With its additional tongue padding and comfortable design, the Bauer NSX is no exception.
Who Is This Setup For?
A Bauer NSX on Playmaker plates makes an excellent choice for:
New skaters
Recreational skaters
Indoor rink skaters
Outdoor cruisers
DIY builders
Anyone looking for comfort and value
It's a combination that offers reliability, comfort and excellent value without compromising on performance.
Looking for a complete setup instead? Browse our latest collection of custom quad roller
skates and hockey skate conversions:
We regularly stock converted Bauer, Nike Bauer and other hockey skate builds 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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