Saoirse Downs
Choosing the right badminton racket is a very personal decision. Weight, balance, string tension, and grip all influence how a racket feels in your hand. When it comes to rackets, Yonex is a well-known brand, but it's also a brand that's frequently knocked off. To ensure you've purchased a genuine Yonex racket, look for the hologram sticker, which is difficult to remove. You can also peel back the grip to check for a laser-engraved production code, which will include the date and location of manufacture. If you're still unsure, contact your country's main Yonex distributor for help.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight | Personal choice |
| Balance point | Personal choice |
| String tension | Personal choice |
| Hand grip | Personal choice |
| Hologram sticker | Hard to remove, not peeling |
| Production codes | Laser engraved, not printed |
| Rigidity | Stiff |
| Country code | "UK" for the United Kingdom, "SP" for the South East Asian or South Pacific region, "JP" for Japan, "CH" for China |
| Barcode sticker | Found on the wooden handle under the original grip |
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What You'll Learn
Check for a hologram sticker
Checking for a hologram sticker is a widely recommended method for authenticating badminton rackets. Yonex, the most popular brand of badminton rackets, is often targeted by counterfeiters, and hologram stickers are one of the key ways to tell a genuine Yonex racket from a fake.
Every Yonex racket has a hologram sticker that is hard to remove and will not easily peel off. If you are able to peel off the hologram sticker with your nail, it is likely that the racket is a counterfeit. One source notes that the holographic sticker on their genuine Yonex racket peeled off after two or three towel grip changes, but this appears to be an anomaly. If you are still unsure, you can take your racket to an authorised Yonex retailer, who will have a Yonex Hologram Examinator that can be used to check the authenticity of the sticker.
If your racket is distributed by Sunrise Sports Malaysia, you may find a silver sticker with a code that you can check on their website. Similarly, Yonex Sunrise rackets distributed in the South Pacific region have a scratch area that reveals a code that can be inputted on the Sunrise Group website to quickly check the authenticity of the racket.
It is worth noting that counterfeiters are constantly improving, and some counterfeit rackets now feature hologram stickers. However, there are other ways to tell if a racket is fake, which I can outline if you wish.
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Check the grip for a barcode
When purchasing a badminton racket, it is important to ensure that you are buying a genuine product. There are several ways to do this, one of which is to check the grip for a barcode.
The presence of a barcode on a badminton racket is an indicator of authenticity. Under the factory grip of a badminton racket, there should be a product barcode. This barcode should display the racket model code, weight, and grip size. If the barcode is removed carefully, it should remain intact and visible. Therefore, if you are purchasing a new racket, you can check for this barcode to ensure the racket is genuine.
It is important to note that not all genuine rackets will have a barcode. For example, some premium Yonex rackets are manufactured in Japan and may have laser-engraved codes as a hallmark of authenticity instead of a barcode. However, checking for a barcode is a good starting point when trying to identify a counterfeit product.
If the barcode is present, you can also verify the information it provides. The barcode should match the model, weight, and grip size of the racket. If any of this information is inconsistent, this may indicate that the racket is a counterfeit.
In addition to checking the barcode, you can also look for other indicators of authenticity. For example, Yonex rackets have two serial numbers—one on the shaft and one on the cone—and a hologram sticker that is difficult to remove. If you are unsure about the authenticity of a racket, you can contact the brand's distributor in your country or purchase from an official badminton store to ensure you are getting a genuine product.
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Check the cone for a production code
Checking the cone for a production code is a crucial step in verifying the authenticity and origin of a badminton racket. The cone, located just above the handle, typically features a laser-engraved production code on genuine rackets, while counterfeits often have printed codes. This code provides essential information about the racket's production date and country of origin.
To interpret the production code, examine the first five digits, which indicate the date the racket was produced. The first two digits represent the manufacturing day, followed by the next two digits for the month, and the fifth digit for the year. For instance, the code '12064' translates to June 4, 2012. It's worth noting that some newer rackets may have different coding formats, so researching the specific model can help validate the authenticity of the serial number and production date.
The sixth digit of the production code is typically a manufacturing code. Finally, the last digit or digits indicate the country of manufacture. Country codes vary, but some common ones include "'UK'" for the United Kingdom, "'SP'" for the South Pacific or South East Asian region, "'JP'" for Japan, "'CH'" for China, and "'KR'" for Korea. It's worth noting that country codes may not always be present, especially in newer racket models.
In addition to checking the production code on the cone, it's important to cross-reference the serial number found on the shaft above the cone. This serial number should correspond with the cone's numbers, ensuring they match perfectly. Any discrepancies in the serial numbers or irregularities in the production code may indicate a counterfeit product.
By carefully examining the production code on the cone and verifying the serial number, you can confidently assess the authenticity and origin of your badminton racket.
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Check the stiffness
The stiffness of a badminton racket is an important factor in determining its performance. It is also a highly subjective specification, as it depends on the player's skill level and playing style. Here are some ways to check and understand the stiffness of a badminton racket:
Firstly, the shaft length affects the stiffness of the racket. A longer shaft will generally be stiffer than a shorter one. The shaft flex, or the amount of bend in the shaft, is another key indicator of stiffness. Flexible shafts allow more movement in the head, which can generate power, especially for beginners. On the other hand, stiffer shafts provide more accuracy in shuttle placement and are preferred by advanced players who hit hard and require a fast response.
To objectively measure stiffness, a method suggested by Badminton Guide involves fixing the racket handle to a table, hanging a 1kg weight from the racket head, and measuring the resulting deflection. This test provides a representation of a static cantilever beam, and the deflection value indicates the stiffness of the racket.
When choosing a badminton racket, it is essential to consider your playing style and skill level. If you are a beginner, a flexible or medium-stiff racket may be more suitable as they are easier to play with and more forgiving. Advanced players with technique and power typically prefer stiffer rackets that provide better control and faster recovery after each hit.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the specifications provided by manufacturers may not always be accurate due to production deviations or differing brand standards. Therefore, it is recommended to test and compare rackets to find the stiffness that suits your needs.
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Check the grommets and paint job
When checking a badminton racket, it is important to inspect the grommets and paint job.
Grommets
Grommets are an important feature of a badminton racket as they protect the strings from pressing against the frame. Over time, grommets can become worn and may need to be replaced. This is more common in older rackets, where the grommets can wear on the outside of the frame. Worn grommets can lead to string damage and breakage. Therefore, it is important to regularly inspect the grommets for any signs of wear and tear. If the string is resting on the outside of the frame, there may be increased pressure on the grommet hole, which can lead to erosion and weaken the frame. Replacing worn grommets can prolong the life of the string and the frame.
There are different types of grommets, including single and double string grommets, and U-grommets, which are somewhat universal. The type of grommet required will depend on the racquet model and brand. For high-tension stringing, it may be necessary to add extra U-grommets to prolong the strengthening of the racket.
Paint Job
Paint chips on a badminton racket are usually caused by moisture, sweat, or heat. While paint chips do not affect the performance of the racket, they can be unsightly. To avoid paint chips, it is recommended to store the racket in a dry, cool place, away from direct or indirect heat. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the racket can also help prolong its life.
If paint chips do occur, there is no need to worry as they do not impact the functionality of the racket. However, if desired, you can apply nail polish to prevent further chipping or take the racket to a shop to see if it can be repaired or repainted.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to check the authenticity of a Yonex racket. Firstly, all genuine rackets have a hologram sticker that is hard to remove and won't peel off easily. Secondly, you can check the cone above the handle for a laser-engraved production code; counterfeit rackets usually have printed codes. Thirdly, genuine Yonex rackets have a barcode sticker on the wooden handle underneath the original grip. Lastly, genuine Yonex rackets tend to be stiffer and have a better paint job.
The production code is laser-engraved on the cone above the handle of a genuine Yonex racket. The first five digits refer to the date the racket was produced: the first two digits are the day, the next two the month, and the fifth digit is the year. The sixth digit is a manufacturing code, and the last two letters are the country code. For example, "UK" stands for the United Kingdom, and "SP" refers to the South Pacific region.
Yes, counterfeit Yonex products may differ in specifications and performance, be of inferior quality, and pose risks of injury or accidents. Additionally, they are not covered under any Yonex warranty, and Yonex does not guarantee their quality, safety, or performance.
To ensure the authenticity, quality, and safety of your purchase, it is recommended to buy Yonex products only from authorized retailers or distributors. You can also check with your country's main distributor for Yonex to verify if a particular retailer is authorized.
