How to Identify Fake Tennis Racquets

Despite our ongoing warnings about counterfeit tennis racquets on eBay, customers continue to fall victim to sophisticated fakes. This comprehensive guide will help you identify the key differences between genuine and counterfeit racquets, using a fake HEAD Flexpoint Radical Tour as our example.

The racquet shown below was purchased on eBay and appears genuine at first glance. However, this is actually a counterfeit – demonstrating just how convincing these fakes can be.

The Challenge of Online Shopping

Identifying fakes from online photos is particularly difficult since many sellers use stock images from manufacturer websites rather than photos of the actual racquet being sold. This makes it nearly impossible to spot telltale signs of counterfeiting before purchase.

Side-by-Side Comparison

The image below shows the counterfeit racquet (bottom) next to a genuine HEAD Flexpoint Radical Tour (top). Even when compared directly, the differences are subtle.

Key Identification Points

1. Grip Quality and Color

The most obvious difference is the grip. The counterfeit features a different color and noticeably inferior quality compared to the genuine racquet's grip.

2. Frame Color and Branding

Upon closer inspection, the frame colors differ significantly. Additionally, the fake is missing the "Flexpoint" text that should appear on the side of the genuine racquet.

3. Head Size Discrepancy

The counterfeit racquet has an incorrect head size – closer to a Radical Oversize rather than the 100 square inch specification of the genuine Radical Tour.

4. Flexpoint Technology Issues

The plastic center of the Flexpoint technology is poorly aligned on the fake – neither centered nor flush with the frame, unlike the precise positioning on the genuine racquet.

5. String Pattern Error

Tennis enthusiasts will recognize that the Flexpoint Radical Tour should have 16 main strings for an open string pattern that enhances spin. This counterfeit incorrectly features 18 main strings.

6. Poor Text Alignment

The text inside the racquet's throat is crooked and poorly aligned, indicating substandard manufacturing quality.

The Most Important Difference: Performance

The most significant issue with counterfeit racquets cannot be captured in photographs – their terrible playing characteristics. This particular fake has a balance point 14 points head-heavy, creating an unwieldy feel with no weight in the handle. Players describe it as feeling like "swinging a hammer."

We keep this counterfeit in our store for customers to examine and feel the difference firsthand – simply ask our staff to see it.

Protecting Yourself from Counterfeits

Counterfeit quality varies dramatically. Some fakes are so sophisticated that even experts struggle to identify them, while others have obvious flaws that any consumer would notice.

To avoid purchasing counterfeit equipment:

• Buy only from authorized dealers – Contact the manufacturer to verify dealer authorization
• Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true
• Purchase from reputable retailers with return policies
• Feel free to contact us for manufacturer contact information if needed

Beyond Racquets

Counterfeiting extends beyond racquets to popular string brands like Signum Pro and Luxilon, which are frequently copied due to their success and premium pricing.