Composite Laminates for Sporting Goods

Carbon Fiber Parts for the Sporting Goods Industry:

At Current Composites, we specialize in supplying high-performance laminated tubing, sheets, rods, spacers, standoffs, and precision-fabricated components engineered specifically for the sporting goods industry. Our materials deliver the strength-to-weight balance, durability, and consistency required for modern performance equipment.

We offer custom colors, textures, thicknesses, and fiber constructions that go far beyond standard specifications, giving sporting-goods manufacturers the freedom to optimize both aesthetics and performance. All materials meet strict industry standards for mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and environmental resistance.

Our precision craftsmanship ensures that every component enhances the feel, responsiveness, and durability of your sporting goods products.

Sporting Goods Applications:

Archery components — bow limbs, riser plates, stabilizer rods

Fishing equipment — rod blanks, reel seat inserts, gimbal components

Cycling and e-bike components — lightweight tubes, brackets, battery-mount panels

Hiking and backpacking gear — ultralight frame stays, support rods, tent pole components

Skiing and snowboarding — binding plates, structural inserts, vibration damping laminates

Hockey and lacrosse — stick shafts, blade inserts, protective gear components

Baseball and softball — bat handles, vibration-dampening sleeves

Golf equipment — shaft inserts, alignment rods, structural spacers

Water sports — paddle shafts, fin plates, board reinforcement panels

Skate and action sports — deck reinforcement layers, truck spacers, ramp panels

Recreational vehicles and outdoor equipment — kayak parts, ATV accessories, ultralight support structures

Performance grips and handles — tool free ergonomic handles for bats, paddles, sticks

Precision instrument components — archery sights, scope housings, alignment tools

Consistency and Precision Accuracy for High Performance Equipment

Sporting-goods manufacturers depend on materials that maintain uniform thickness, density, and mechanical behavior across large production runs. Laminates engineered for dimensional stability ensure that components such as paddle cores, bow limbs, ski plates, and rod blanks fit precisely into high-tolerance assemblies.

This consistency:

Reduces rework
Supports automated machining
Improves yield rates
Ensures identical performance from unit to unit

Stable laminates also maintain alignment in multi-material assemblies, which is needed for equipment where precision affects accuracy, feel, and safety.

Surface Quality and Aesthetic Versatility

Sporting goods must perform well and look premium. Our laminates offer:

Controlled surface finishes
Uniform color distribution
Predictable texture characteristics

These qualities are ideal for paddles, fishing rods, bow risers, ski components, and high-end grips, where appearance influences perceived quality and brand value.

Materials that accept polishing, engraving, texturing, or custom graphics allow designers to create distinctive finishes without sacrificing structural performance.

Mechanical Strength for Lightweight Performance

Athletes and outdoor enthusiasts demand equipment that is strong, responsive, and lightweight. Reinforced laminates provide:

High tensile and flexural strength
Excellent fatigue resistance
Impact and vibration tolerance

This makes them great for:

Fishing rods
Backpack frames
Paddle shafts
Archery components
Ski and snowboard structures

The strength-to-weight ratio also benefits e-bike components, RC aircraft, and precision sporting instruments.

Compatibility With Modern Sporting Goods Manufacturing

Sporting-goods production often involves:

CNC machining
Bonding and lamination
Forming and thermo-processing
Surface finishing and coating

Our laminates machine cleanly, maintain edge integrity, and bond reliably with adhesives and fasteners. This compatibility supports efficient fabrication of:

• Custom paddle shapes
• Precision rod tapers
• Lightweight structural tubes
• Ergonomic handle designs

Manufacturers producing varied product lines benefit from materials that integrate seamlessly into multiple fabrication workflows.

Environmental and Wear Resistance for Outdoor Use

Sporting goods must withstand:

Moisture
UV exposure
Abrasion
Temperature swings
Repeated impact

Our laminates are engineered for low moisture absorption, chemical resistance, and long-term durability, ensuring that equipment maintains its performance and appearance through heavy use in outdoor environments.

This reduces warranty claims and enhances customer satisfaction.

Your Partner in High-Performance Sporting Goods

Current Composites has been a family-owned and operated business since 1962, delivering reliable materials and responsive customer service. Whether you’re manufacturing archery equipment, fishing gear, paddle sports products, cycling components, or outdoor recreation equipment, we can help you elevate performance and durability.

Always a free quote – send us your specs or blueprints. Call 203-469-1337, fax 203-467-8435, or email us for more information!

START YOUR ORDER FOR THE SPORTING GOODS INDUSTRY

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Industrial Laminates for the Knife Handle Industry

From hobbyist to industry leader, from knife grips to guns grips, Current Composites provides consistent quality material built specifically for our dedicated customers. All of Current’s material is produced in the US, and we are proud to have always kept our manufacturing here in America. Our material is known for its durability and low weight, while still keeping its aesthetically appealing look that handle makers have come to expect.

Composite sheets and tubes were originally used for electrical applications but have since found themselves in a wide swath of other industries. Due to their adaptive ability to be produced in different colors, patterns and exterior textures, while still being resistant to wear and tear, composites have proven to be an essential facet in the knife handle industry.

G10/FR4 Knife Handle Material Colors Available

G10/FR4 Knife Handle Material Colors Available

Blue

Tiffany Blue

Yellow

Orange

Current Red

Red

Pink

Day Glow

Neon / Lime

OD Green

Forest Green

Digi Camo

Earth Brown

Coyote

Tan

Ivory

White

Battleship Grey

Cool Grey

Black

Purple

Liberty Wood Material Colors Available

Liberty Wood Material Colors Available

Aqua Blue

Charcoal

Cocobolo

Fuchsia

Indigo Royal

Lemon

Olive Green

Prisma

Rosewood / Burgundy

Tahitian

Tropical Passion

Walnut

Current Composites is always producing new and exciting patterns led by the needs of customers that surpass the creative limitations of our competitors. We are not afraid to step out of our comfort zone to provide our customers with the materials that are going to help them showcase their best work. Current Composites is always looking to collaborate with our customers and help build a solution that meets the need of our partners and their clients; whether it’s a new burl pattern, or a timeless classic, we’re here to build the product you need.

You can’t have your bread and butter without knives; our bread and butter in the knife industry is the basic composites that we have been manufacturing for 60+ years. Phenolic Canvas, Linen, Paper, and Burlap material are considered the pioneer material of knife handles. After decades of consistent production, our Phenolic material is trusted by the biggest names in the handle industry to provide durable and reliable material that stands the test of time. Our competitors are too large to work intimately with you on your projects, and this is an industry where minute details are the difference between a beautiful set and ruined material. By putting your trust in Current Composites you are not just trusting our products, but you are trusting the expertise and tenor that can only be sourced from the true experts who have been thriving in the composite material market for the last 60+ years.

While Phenolics are considered our bread and butter, it’s our G10/FR4 that gets the most attention. All our knife material is hand-laid with trusted quality glass fiber and epoxy resin, built specifically to produce a wear resistant, comfortable, and custom handle for you and your customers. You can expect more than 20 different vibrant colors, layered patterns, colored liners, and we will work with you to build a layer or color pattern special to you.* Other materials we manufacture that are seen in the knife industry include::

Carbon fiber
- Marble Carbon Fiber
- 6 Different Weaves of Carbon to choose from
- Fine metal infused
  - Copper
  - Aluminum
Copper Clad G10
- Popularly used in liners
Custom Designs

Current, Inc.’s Sales Team – OEMs and Sporting Goods is here to help! Don’t see what you’re looking for? Email, Call, fill out a webform, or find us on our social media pages and we’ll be happy to help guide the process of finding a thermoset laminate solution for your grip needs.

Current Composites options for your material do not just stop at the end of the production line. We offer customers the option to have their materials sanded, have an exterior texture added, or be cut to size for whatever dimensions your product calls for!

Thicknesses are available from 0.008” all the way up to 3.00”*

*If you are looking for thicker than 3.00” send us an email with your required dimensions. *Special patterns or colors are based on the raw good inventory and marketability of patterns.

Dimensional Stability for Precision Handle Shaping

Knife makers rely on materials that maintain consistent dimensions during machining, sanding, and finishing. Composite laminates engineered for low movement under heat and pressure help ensure that scales, guards, and full tang handles maintain uniform thickness and alignment. Stable laminates reduce the risk of warping during shaping or contouring, supporting clean fitment against tang surfaces and liners. This stability is especially important for high precision builds, multi material assemblies, and custom handle geometries that require repeatable accuracy.

Surface Integrity and Edge Retention During Machining

Knife handle materials must withstand aggressive machining processes without chipping, tearing, or delaminating. Reinforced laminates with controlled resin distribution and consistent fiber orientation allow makers to achieve crisp edges, smooth contours, and detailed texturing. These characteristics support advanced finishing techniques such as sculpted grips, ergonomic shaping, and high polish surfaces. Materials that maintain surface integrity also reduce tool wear and minimize rework, improving efficiency for both small batch makers and high volume production shops.

Environmental Resistance for Long Term Durability

Knife handles are exposed to moisture, oils, temperature changes, and repeated mechanical contact. Laminates engineered for low moisture absorption and chemical resistance help maintain structural performance in both indoor and outdoor environments. Reinforced composites resist swelling, fading, and surface degradation, supporting long term durability in everyday carry knives, outdoor tools, and specialty blades. This environmental resilience ensures that handles retain their appearance and mechanical properties over extended use.

Grip Performance and Ergonomic Adaptability

Beyond aesthetics, handle materials must support secure grip performance. Laminates with controlled surface friction, layered construction, or textured finishes help makers tailor grip characteristics to the intended use of the knife. Whether the application requires a smooth, polished finish for display pieces or a high traction surface for field knives, composite laminates provide the versatility needed to achieve the desired ergonomic profile. This adaptability supports both functional and decorative handle designs.

Customization Potential for Distinctive Builds

Knife makers often require materials that support unique visual effects, layered color transitions, or custom patterns. Laminates engineered for consistent layering and predictable color separation allow makers to create distinctive handle sets with repeatable results. This customization potential is valuable for OEMs, boutique makers, and artisans who rely on signature aesthetics to differentiate their products. Materials that accept sanding, sculpting, and finishing without color distortion further expand creative possibilities.

FR4

Natural
OD Green
Forest Green
Lime
DayGlow
Yellow
Orange
Red

Current Red
Black
White
Ivory
Cool Grey
Battleship Grey
Purple
Pink

Tan
Coyote
Earth Brown
DigiCamo
Tiffany Blue
Blue
Metal infused
Burl

Liberty Wood

Aqua Blue
Charcoal
Cocobolo
Fuchsia

Indigo Royal
Lemon
Olive Green
Prisma

Rosewood / Burgundy
Tahitian
Tropical Passion
Walnut

G11

Natural
Black

Double Black

Canvas

Natural
Black
Burgundy
Green

Orange
Double black

Linen

Natural
Black
Red
Green

Bone

Paper

Black
Natural
Red

Burlap

Black
Natural
Brown
Burgundy

Green

Carbon

Marble
Plain Weave
Satin Weave
Twill Weave

Basket Weave
Metal Infused
Blue Twill
Silver Twill

Gold Twill
Red Carbon

FAQS

Is all G-10 used in handles and grips FR4?

Yes, using FR4 (MIL-I-24768/27) is more cost effective for the manufacturer and the customer, and it just as strong as G-10 (MIL-I-24768/2). FR4 materials have many color options and patterns available, making them ideal for decorative handles and grips. G-10 is only available in its natural green color.

How do I machine G-10?

G-10 has high machinability, stability, and moisture resistance properties. This material can be machined by CNC or laser cutting. It can be finished to specifics by circular or band sawing, shearing, turning, milling, drilling, threading, buffing, and tapping. You cannot machine G-10 the same way as metal in terms of tools and speed, as it will result in delamination. Diamond coated or tungsten-carbide bits work best as the material is very strong and durable. Be careful to always wear personal protection equipment to protect from the dust that is created by machining.

Where can I find properties about your laminates?

We manufacture high quality, NEMA grade laminates. To find specific properties as per National Electrical Manufacturers Association standards, check out our laminate sheet properties page.

What new patterns are available?

We are always working on innovative and creative patterns. Keep up to date with our newest products on our What’s New page.

START YOUR CARBON FIBER, INDUSTRIAL, & ELECTRICAL LAMINATE ORDER FOR THE KNIFE HANDLE INDUSTRY