I haven't used them so I don't know if they work. When I buy something and have concerns I about the purchase generally don't use the item until concerns have been resolved... makes returns, resolutions tricky.

Do Kool Stops work better than generic pads? Many people seem to think so. Do Kool Stops command a price premium to generic brands? Yes. So, if these are not Kool Stops (1) I paid more than I should have and (2) got a product that according to many does not work as well. I think it is reasonable to expect to receive the item that was advertised and paid for... not a substitute.

The seller's actions also seem to suggest that he thinks it is important. If not he would not have felt that need to mention the Kool Stop name in the listing title and body.