Pablo's Skate Build Diary: Bauer Nexus N5000 Conversion on Sure-Grip Avanti Magnesium Plates

Every now and then a pair of skates lands on the workbench that reminds you just how good some of Bauer's older recreational boots really were. This build featured a pair of Bauer Nexus N5000 hockey skates converted onto white Sure-Grip Avanti Magnesium plates, creating a lightweight, responsive setup built for years of skating.

The Boots

The Bauer Nexus N5000 was introduced as one of Bauer's entry-level Nexus recreational hockey skates. Designed with comfort rather than elite-level stiffness in mind, the N5000 features a lightweight technical mesh quarter, comfortable foam ankle padding and a forgiving flex that makes it an excellent candidate for quad skate conversions. Although long discontinued, they remain a great option if you can find a clean second-hand pair.

Unlike many modern high-end hockey boots that can be excessively stiff for recreational quad skating, the N5000 offers a much more natural flex. That makes them comfortable straight away while still providing plenty of ankle support.

Why the Avanti Magnesium?

For this build we paired the boots with white Sure-Grip Avanti Magnesium plates.

The Avanti Mag has become one of my favourite premium 10-degree plates for good reason.

• Extremely lightweight magnesium construction.

• Superb strength and rigidity.

• Excellent energy transfer.

• Adjustable pivot pins for precise setup.

• Compatible with standard 5/8" adjustable toe stops.

The result is a skate that feels noticeably lighter than aluminium alternatives while remaining incredibly durable.

The Conversion Process

As with every build that leaves the Pabloskates workshop, the conversion starts by carefully removing the original ice blade before preparing the outsole for mounting.

The plate is positioned to suit the skater rather than simply following factory mounting holes. Correct plate placement has a huge influence on stability, edge control and overall skating feel.

Once aligned, the Avanti Magnesium plates are securely mounted using quality hardware before the entire setup is checked, adjusted and fully tested.

Every build receives the same attention to detail regardless of whether it's an entry-level skate or a premium custom conversion.

Finished Result

The finished skate combines the comfort of the Bauer Nexus N5000 with one of the best magnesium roller skate plates available today.

It's a fantastic all-round setup suitable for:

• Indoor rink skating

• Outdoor cruising

• Rhythm skating

• General recreational skating

The lightweight boots and magnesium plates complement each other perfectly, creating a skate that's responsive without feeling overly aggressive.

Thinking About Converting Your Own Hockey Skates?

The Bauer Nexus N5000 is another reminder that you don't always need the most expensive hockey boots to build an outstanding pair of quad skates.

In fact, many recreational Bauer models convert better than high-end professional boots thanks to their more forgiving flex and comfortable fit.

If you've found a pair of Nexus skates and you're wondering whether they'll make a good conversion, feel free to get in touch. I'm always happy to advise before you buy.

Browse our latest converted skates or get in touch to discuss your dream setup only at Pabloskates.com.