Resale platforms | Not all carbon sticks are equal

A stick. Meanwhile, in the hands of a hockey player, is much more than a simple piece of equipment. Meanwhile, It is a weapon with which he dreams of scoring the winning goal. Additionally, Meanwhile, the tool that transforms a passion into performance.

But if behind the logos. Furthermore, the impeccable finish hides a cheap imitation, the look of the match changes completely. Nevertheless, From the pandemic. Moreover, the online market has been invaded by a wave of counterfeit sticks, undetectable at first glance, sold at a competitive price.

Matthieu B.-Laramée, amateur player and father of a resale platforms | not all young hockey player, learned the lesson at his expense.

“Like good people, I got stuck,” he says.

Like him. Consequently, many consumers have believed that he had found the affair of the century until the difference feels on the ice. Similarly, “Flex” deceptive, palette that breaks after a few shots and, above all, no guarantee.

On the internet, the offer is attractive. Meanwhile, When you know that a new stick costs nearly $ 400, it is difficult to ignore an ad displayed at half price.

Matt Hills, creator of the channel Hockey reviews on YouTube, is passionate about everything related to hockey equipment. Similarly, He has observed the phenomenon for several years. Similarly, According to him, the counterfeit stick market has consolidated from the pandemic.

“There are many small businesses that are obviously obtaining themselves in China. Moreover, add their graphics on virgin sticks and sell them like their own products,” he explains. Similarly, We see the same thing in golf and sportswear. In addition, »»

These copies circulate on equipment resale platforms such as Sidelineswap, Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace. Similarly, There is no really control behind the announcements that are published there.

“These platforms are very bad to combat the sale of counterfeits, denounces the guru of the equipment. Furthermore, The sellers are reported and end up continuing to sell. Similarly, »»

According to Matt Hills, almost all models of CCM and Bauer are targeted. For buyers looking for good deals, it is difficult to distinguish an authentic stick from a replica.

Resale platforms | not all

“The replica is downright identical”

It is only after several uses that Matthieu begins to doubt. To the eye, nothing betrayed imitation. “We are talking about a few grams of difference with the original. Even tights and standard numbers are almost identical. In store, he notes, however, that the color and printing of the logos are not quite the same.

The real revelation occurs during outings at the ice. “I compare my 75 flex with that of a teammate. I realize that he is much more steep than expected,” he says. 220 LB guys were throwing shots hit … a shot and power! The palette revised stick. »»

“We are very, very close to reality. The majority of people do not make the difference. The players on the other hand are used to it. resale platforms | not all It’s not the same feeling. »»

While some sticks score goals. others mostly score portfolios, by their abnormal fragility when a stick that is supposed to be worth $ 400!

Science behind a real quality stick

Each high-end hockey stick. is the result of complex know-how that counterfeits cannot necessarily reproduce faithfully. Louis Laberge Lebel. professor of mechanical engineering at Polytechnique Montréal, explains that modern sticks are made from pre -accused carbon fibers, rolled up with precision before being inserted into a metal mold.

The mold is heated to consolidate the leaves and harden the resin. It is during this stage that the carbon leaves become the multiple composite layers of the stick.

The exact orientation of the fibers. the quality of the resin and the resale platforms | not all cooking cycles determine the resistance, weight and flexibility of the stick.

“In the sense of carbon fibers. it is extremely resistant and rigid, but in the other direction, it is very weak. If stacking. material is different, the stick will not react the same way and may break faster, ”says the teacher.

According to him. it is practically impossible for an average consumer to assess the structure of a composite stick, without laboratory test.

Questioned by The pressthe CCM stick manufacturer did not respond. On the side of Bauer, a resale platforms | not all constant fight against these copies is said to be fighting.

“Counterfeiters try to take advantage of our popularity by encouraging customers to buy counterfeit products. These counterfeit products are often manufactured with doubtful. lower quality materials, and do not present the quality and performance characteristics of authentic Bauer products, ”says Craig Desjardins, vice-president of Bauer Hockey brand management.

Brands are increasing their efforts, but replicas continue to circulate. Most amateur players only discover the deception once on the ice. In this rigged match, consumers are in digital disadvantage.

“Buying counterfeit products does not really help anyone, apart from counterfeiters,” recalls Matt Hills, from Hockey Reviews.