Pablo's Skate Build Diary: Bauer X-LP Quad Skate Conversion on Playmaker Plates
- Pablo
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 16
Why the X-LP Is the Ultimate DIY Conversion Boot
If you're thinking about converting hockey skates into quads yourself, the Bauer X-LP is arguably the easiest boot on the planet to work with.
The biggest reason? Its all-plastic construction.
Unlike many higher-end hockey skates that use composite materials, reinforcements or hidden structures, the X-LP's sole is incredibly easy to drill and mount plates onto. This makes the conversion process much quicker and more forgiving for beginners.
In fact, during one of our TikTok Live sessions we put this to the test with a timed conversion challenge.
Starting with a complete pair of ice skates with blades still attached, we:
Removed the blades
Positioned the plates
Marked and drilled the mounting holes
Mounted the plates
The entire conversion took just 7 minutes from start to finish.
That speed isn't just impressive, it shows just how DIY-friendly these boots really are.
The X-LP also belongs to the same family of Bauer recreational boots as the X-LS, NS, NSX and Elite models. In fact, the Elite is essentially a re-marketed NS boot.
Because of their shared construction, many of these models are equally excellent candidates for quad conversion.
If you're attempting your first DIY skate build, we'd struggle to recommend a better starting point than the Bauer X-LP.
Preparing the Conversion
The first stage of the build involved removing the original ice blade holders and preparing the sole for mounting.
Careful preparation is essential to ensure the finished skates perform correctly and remain reliable over time.
Once the soles were cleaned and inspected, measurements were taken to determine the optimal plate position.
Proper plate alignment helps create a skate that feels balanced, predictable and comfortable to use.
Why Playmaker Plates?
For this conversion, the customer opted for Playmaker plates.
Playmakers have become a popular choice for hockey skate conversions thanks to their affordability and proven reliability.
Key features include:
Lightweight nylon construction
10-degree truck geometry
Adjustable toe stops
Smooth handling characteristics
Excellent value
For recreational skating, rink sessions and general-purpose use, Playmakers continue to offer one of the best performance-to-price ratios available.
Mounting and Assembly
Once the plates were 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 X-LP conversion looked fantastic.
The combination of the modern Bauer boot and the dependable Playmaker plate created a clean, practical setup that is equally suited to indoor skating, outdoor sessions 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.
The Bauer X-LP is no exception.
Who Is This Setup For?
A Bauer X-LP on Playmaker plates makes an excellent choice for:
New skaters
Recreational skaters
Indoor rink skaters
Outdoor cruising
Anyone looking for a quality setup on a sensible budget
It's a combination that offers reliability, comfort and excellent value without compromising on performance.
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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