What are Knockoffs and Counterfeits?

The knockoff / counterfeit golf business now exceeds $1 billion (US). As with reputable club heads and shafts, most originate in Taiwan and China and are normally the result of moulds stolen from reputable club casting factories. "Knockoffs" generally violate the trademark, trade dress, patents, colour scheme and logo of the original and bear a different name. "Counterfeits" bear the name and logo of the name brand club or shaft that it is impersonating. Where the difference between the knockoffs and counterfeit clubs is in the performance. A major club supplier recently carried out tests on clubs recently and found that a stated 9.5 degree driver was actually 16 degrees; the weight was 40 grams higher; the shaft stiffness was 30% greater; the balance point 2" off; the lie off by 4 degrees; and the swing weight off by 5 points. In general, knockoffs and counterfeits have the same basic problems: weights differ; wall thicknesses differ; face angles differ; shaft weights differ; and ...