Is the Bauer X-LP a good first skate for a young beginner?

Yes. The soft boot and simple build make it one of the easier youth skates to start in. It suits learn-to-skate and first-season recreational play.

How does the X-LP compare with the Bauer X-LS?

The X-LS is a step up with a stiffer boot and better support. The X-LP is softer and simpler, which suits lighter, less experienced skaters.

Owners often report it runs small. Measure your child's foot and consider going up a size, and try them on before skating if you can.

They are entry-level skates. Stronger or faster skaters will want a stiffer boot and better steel from Bauer's Vapor or Supreme youth lines.

The basic steel dulls faster than higher-end blades. Check the edges every few sessions and sharpen when they start slipping.

A pair of Bauer X-LP youth skates. They come with factory-sharpened steel, so check the edges before the first skate.

At Hockeywolf, for $49.99, 17% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 128 ratings.

9 stores we checked sell it, including SidelineSwap, eBay, Hockeywolf, Pure Hockey, Scheels.

$49.99at HockeywolfChecked Nov 7

17% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 9 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.