Pablo's Skate Build Diary: Bauer React Conversion on Sure-Grip Rock Plates

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Another rare pair of Bauer ice hockey boots given a completely new purpose in the Pabloskates workshop. For this build, we started with a pair of Bauer React ice hockey boots and converted them into custom quad roller skates using Sure-Grip Rock plates.

The Very Rare Bauer React Boot

The Bauer React is a very rare hockey boot, particularly when compared with many of the more familiar Bauer models we regularly see in the workshop.

These boots were specifically aimed towards women, with Bauer giving the React a noticeably more elegant appearance than its traditional hockey boot ranges.

It's the small premium details that really make these boots stand out. The Bauer logos are hand stitched into the boots, while the elegant graphics running along the sides give the React a distinctive look that is completely different from the aggressive styling normally associated with hockey skates.

For anyone who appreciates unusual or hard-to-find Bauer boots, the React is a particularly interesting model. They're also another example of the older style of hockey boot that can work particularly well for quad skate conversions. Unlike many modern high-performance hockey boots, which can be extremely stiff and heavily structured, these older Bauer boots offer a little more flexibility through the boot. For many recreational and session skaters, that can make them feel far more natural when used as quad roller skates. As always with older boots, condition is important. Before any conversion work begins, the soles, structure and general condition of the boots need to be checked to make sure they are suitable for mounting.

Converting the Bauer React to Quad Roller Skates

The original ice blade holders were removed before the soles were cleaned and prepared for their new plates. Accurate plate positioning is an important part of any conversion. The centre lines of the boots were marked and the plate position carefully considered before drilling. Plate mounting isn't simply about making the plates look centred underneath the boots. Axle position, boot length and the intended use of the skates all need to be considered. For this build, the Sure-Grip Rock plates were positioned and mounted to create a practical, balanced recreational skate.

Sure-Grip Rock Plates

The Sure-Grip Rock is a lightweight nylon roller skate plate with a traditional 10-degree kingpin angle and adjustable toe stop compatibility. We use Rock plates regularly in the Pabloskates workshop because they offer a good balance between weight, simplicity and cost. For skaters looking for a straightforward recreational setup without moving into more expensive aluminium or magnesium plates, the Rock is a very capable option. Their adjustable toe stop compatibility also gives skaters far more choice when selecting and setting up toe stops compared with plates using fixed bolt-on stops.

The Finished Bauer React Quad Conversion

The finished result is a particularly rare pair of Bauer React boots transformed into a completely different type of skate. The elegant side graphics and hand-stitched Bauer detailing already make these boots stand out, but converting them to quad roller skates gives them an entirely new purpose. Combined with the lightweight Sure-Grip Rock plates, the Bauer React makes for a practical and distinctive recreational quad skate that you're unlikely to see many other skaters wearing. It's also another example of why rare and unusual older hockey boots shouldn't automatically be overlooked. With the right boot, the right plate and careful mounting, they can make excellent custom quad roller skates.

Every skate conversion completed at Pabloskates is individually assessed and mounted in our Derby workshop.

If you have a pair of ice hockey boots you'd like converting to quad roller skates, take a look at our skate conversion and plate mounting services or get in touch to discuss your build.

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