Made in China Easton RS sticks--anybody used/seen these?

[AIREAYE 248]

I'll ask my friend about it who's a manager at another local Chek.

[gocanada72 3]

Thanks!

[Chadd 916]

It's also not fair or accurate to call them crappy or overpriced when you're paying $100-$150 for a $300 stick...

Ok, what about using an older high end name and graphics package on a stick that is made to different specs? They have done this a few times in the past with their SMU product. That fuse point pic is a great indicator that they are not what they appear to be.

[AIREAYE 248]

Fair point on a separate but related argument. I'll reserve judgement until I know exactly their process on it. What we all know is that it's definitely not the same RS that was originally released, but I didn't think it was fair to call them crappy or overpriced; relatively speaking.

Even when I used to work for that group, some of those SMUs were just plain odd. A couple years ago, there was a closeout on EQ30 sticks. The 100 flexes felt like 85s and the 85s all felt like 100s.

[boo10 323]

What you probably saw was NOT "E3 Liles" but rather "E3 | Lie 5.5 |" that you misread.

You are indeed correct, I misread the label.

We're getting kind of OT here, but the 16Ks should be $399.99 everywhere, not $249.

Went back to the store and verified that the 16K's can be had for $249.99.

[AIREAYE 248]

That's odd.

http://qc.hockeyexperts.ca/en/skates/player/reebok-16k-pump-3729

http://qc.hockeyexperts.ca/en/skates/player/reebok-14k-pump-3995

But

http://www.prohockeylife.com/hockey-skates-junior-hockey-skates-c-1_249/reebok-16k-pump-jr-hockey-skates-p-7169

http://www.prohockeylife.com/hockey-skates-senior-hockey-skates-c-1_12/reebok-16k-pump-sr-hockey-skates-p-7168

You sure it was SR 16K skates for $250? That's a good deal.

[boo10 323]

That's odd.

http://qc.hockeyexperts.ca/en/skates/player/reebok-16k-pump-3729

http://qc.hockeyexperts.ca/en/skates/player/reebok-14k-pump-3995

But

http://www.prohockeylife.com/hockey-skates-junior-hockey-skates-c-1_249/reebok-16k-pump-jr-hockey-skates-p-7169

http://www.prohockeylife.com/hockey-skates-senior-hockey-skates-c-1_12/reebok-16k-pump-sr-hockey-skates-p-7168

You sure it was SR 16K skates for $250? That's a good deal.

Yep. Even took a pic with my phone because it seemed like a great deal. I'm not in retail so unfamiliar with the minimum price rules, but noticed that the 16K isn't on that particular retailer's website. Is it true that the minimum price only applies to online or advertised prices? I get the feeling that the 16K isn't moving well. I think I am going to try them on and if they fit well I will pick up a pair. Seems like excellent value at that price.

[Mario123 2]

I asked a guy about the SMU RS's they have at Sport Chek, and he said they are just as good as the original RS'. However, he is the salesperson. Lol

[Oggie Grip 0]

As said, been using easton product for years now, and typically their high end sticks have that textured feel--not sure if it's the kevlar for sure, but I do know their low end sticks are all smooth fiberglass/kevlar combination. The RS2 has that textured feel and convex shaft, it is even marketed as a convex shaft--I see no reason why they would change this for a few months, then go back. The seam at the hosel I find is really strange...I see it on all the 75s's, which makes me feel like I paid good money for low end product with high end graphics.

Just as an FYI, a great way to tell if a stick has Kevlar (or a similar impact resistant fabric) is to cut a very small piece at the end of the shaft. If you see a yellow colored fabric sandwiched in the black layers, it more than likely has a Kevlar layer. Also, when you cut, if those layers appear to frayed after cutting, then this is another indicator. Unfortunately, this does not work in all instances, as some manufacturers only apply Kevlar in strategic areas such as a slash guard.

Always amazes me at the level of detail many of the Modsquaders pick up on so many different areas of the equipment.