If you are like me, you wouldn't read the description before ordering, and will be surprised by the finishing (surface) of the stick. It is not lacquered, meaning the surface is more gritty. I would anticipate that it would provide much better grip when playing, BUT might as well cause a bit of callus on your palms if you're not careful.
Thomann, folks, perhaps it's worth specifying "Raw" in the product title? :)