The problem is real#
Counterfeit tennis rackets are a growing issue, especially in the 100-200 euro price bracket where the fakes are good enough to fool casual buyers. A fake Babolat Pure Aero or Wilson Clash looks right at first glance. It even plays okay for the first few sessions. Then the frame cracks, the balance feels wrong, or the paint starts peeling after a month.
The issue isn't just wasted money. A fake frame can genuinely hurt you. Counterfeit carbon layups are inconsistent, meaning unpredictable flex patterns and potential frame failure at impact. Your arm and your wallet both lose.
On EpicRackets, every seller has a profile history and buyer protection covers you if a racket isn't as described. But whether you're buying from us or anywhere else, knowing what to look for matters.
The seven-point check#
1. Weight and balance
This is the fastest catch. Genuine rackets are manufactured to tight tolerances. A real Babolat Pure Drive unstrung weighs 300g, plus or minus 5g. Fakes are often 15-30g off spec because the carbon layup and foam densities are wrong.
If you can handle the racket before buying, hold it and compare the feel to a known genuine version. If buying online, ask the seller for an unstrung weight.
2. Serial number and QR code
Most major brands now print serial numbers and QR codes on the frame or inside the throat. Scan the QR. If it leads nowhere, or to a generic page that doesn't match the specific model, it's suspect.
Some fakes copy real serial numbers. Cross-reference: if you see the same serial number on multiple listings, at least one is fake.
3. Paint quality and finish
Hold the racket at an angle under good light. Genuine rackets have consistent paint depth, clean edges between colours, and no bubbling or rough patches. Fakes often have:
- Slightly misaligned decals or logos
- Paint that feels rough or uneven to the touch
- Colour shades that don't quite match the brand's published images
- Bumper guard fit that's loose or uneven
4. String grommets
This is the detail counterfeiters consistently get wrong. Genuine grommets are smooth, uniformly sized, and sit flush with the frame. Fake grommets are often rough-edged, slightly different sizes, or have visible mould lines.
Run your finger along the grommet strip. If it catches, that's a flag.
5. Grip and end cap
The end cap (butt cap) on a genuine racket has a crisp brand logo, often with the grip size printed cleanly. Fakes have blurry logos, incorrect fonts, or missing grip size markings entirely.
Peel back the grip slightly at the base. Genuine rackets have a clean foam or pallet underneath. Fakes sometimes have rough, unfinished wood or plastic.
6. Packaging and accessories
If the racket comes with a branded cover or bag, check the zip quality, stitching, and logo printing. Counterfeit accessories are usually the weakest link in the fake. Bad zips, crooked logos, and thin fabric are common tells.
No packaging isn't a red flag on its own (many legitimate sellers don't keep the original bag). But if the bag looks wrong, the racket deserves extra scrutiny.
7. Price that's too good
A brand new current-season Babolat Pure Aero retails for 200-250 euros. If someone is selling an "unused, sealed" one for 80 euros, something is wrong. Pre-owned at 120-150? Plausible. Sealed and new at 40% of retail? Walk away.
| Scenario | Risk level |
|---|---|
| Pre-owned, honest condition notes, fair price | Low |
| "Brand new sealed" at 50%+ discount | High |
| No box, no tags, seller has 200 identical listings | Very high |
| Single seller, clear photos, responds to questions | Low |
What to do if you suspect a fake#
If you've already bought and suspect a counterfeit:
- Document everything with photos (weight, serial number, paint issues, grommet quality)
- Contact the platform's buyer protection (on EpicRackets, that's built into every transaction)
- Leave an honest review so other buyers are warned
- Report the listing
If you're buying pre-owned, the best protection is buying from platforms with escrow and buyer protection rather than direct cash transactions where you have no recourse.
The environmental argument for pre-owned gear is strong, but only when the gear is genuine. A fake racket that breaks in three months is worse for the planet than buying new from a legitimate source.
