News

Composites are High Performing in Consumer Recreation

Both traditional and advanced composites have played a role in enhancing the lightweight and high-performance capabilities of consumer recreation products and sports equipment. As people seek increased recreational activities, especially in the outdoors, the need for lightweight, high-performance composite materials in sports products and consumer goods is expected to increase.

According to market research conducted by Lucintel in June 2020, the use of composite materials in the global sporting goods industry is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.2 percent from 2018 to 2023. Further, the National Marine Manufacturers Association reported in October 2020 that the sales of powerboats, pontoons, freshwater fishing boats, saltwater fishing boats, towboats, cruisers, and yachts had all increased in sales as compared to sales in 2019. And the RV Industry Association reported in September 2020 that shipments of RVs saw a 4.5 percent increase over 2019 and expected continued growth in.

Quality and precision

The clear demand for consumer recreation products paves the way for composites to play a larger role in creating parts with increased quality, precision, aesthetic appeal, and experience for consumers.

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites and glass fiber composites are especially viable in the consumer recreation market. They offer quality, precision, sustainability, and customizability that is useful in meeting consumer expectations in many outdoor sports and recreational products, including:

  • Surfboards
  • Skis
  • Snowboards
  • Bicycles
  • Rackets
  • Golf clubs
  • Hockey sticks
  • Fishing rods
  • Recreational marine
  • Recreation vehicles, i.e., RVs.

Bicycles are an especially high-profile market for carbon fiber composites use because bicycle manufacturers can produce parts that are lightweight with increased strength and stiffness that can help create a more comfortable riding experience with enhanced aesthetic options.

As opportunities for composites grow in the consumer recreation market, you can count on Composites One to stay at the forefront of traditional and advanced composites that will further propel the market. Learn more about our solutions for the consumer recreation market.