Spot Real or Fake RPM Reels (w/ pics)

[kimbahpnam]

I have here 4 sets of "RPM Blast." 2 I bought off Amazon which are real. 2 I bought off the great auction site which were fake and which I was later refunded.

I've listed the differences I spotted between the two reels and hopefully will help anyone out there who might have questions about the authenticity of their string. I don't know if there have been changes to the packaging of RPM over the years so there may or may not be differences from prior year's versions of RPM. I think both labels have been used over the years so it's not simply a difference of label.

1. REAL RPM - Text on string is bright white and easy to read. FAKE RPM - Text is dim and gray.

2. REAL RPM - Tape seals off the start of the string. FAKE RPM - No tape.

3. Note difference in plastic packaging. Each reel does not have the other's marking (circled below).

4. Lastly, the difference is in the feel. REAL RPM has a slick/slippery feeling. FAKE RPM is easily gripped when you slide it through pinched fingers.

 

[amoeba]

The auction seller wasn't ride.pau was it?

 

[Bender]

I know I shouldn't be surprised but I can't believe they even make fake strings now.

 

[scotus]

I know I shouldn't be surprised but I can't believe they even make fake strings now.

They've been out for a long time.

For many popular strings like Luxilon and Babs RPM, the fakes are made at the factory level with micro prints on the string and everything. It's not just some Joe sitting at home putting a Babolat sticker over some cheap reel of black string.

 

[scotus]

BTW, the fakes are sold on amazon as well with so many third-party vendors doing business there.

 

[kimbahpnam]

The fake strings came from seller "sunshine-usa"

 

[Deleted member 120290]

The fake strings came from seller "sunshine-usa"

I would send back the strings and tell them to stick the fake reels where the "sun-don't-shine-usa"

 

[kkhimji2001]

Hi all

I bought 5 sets of Alu power from ride.pau and am nervous these are fake strings, how do I spot this ? Had anyone bought from this person before ? Many thanks

 

[amoeba]

I got some RPM off him that looks identical to the right-hand reel in pictures above. I suspect fake because it notched so badly after a few hours, but was willing to put it down to being used with RPM crosses and rubbing against itself = bad. He claims 'it is genuine, but 3 years old'.

However I also bought some sets of Hurricane Tour from him, that I've used with Wilson Ripspin crosses, and its seems okay. Doesnt mean its not fake though, but it looks legit.

 

[kkhimji2001]

How would I spoke a fake? Shall I take some photos when I get home later and send on here? I want to be sure before requesting a refund on ****?

 

[kimbahpnam]

My opinion is if he's selling one fake string then he's probably selling other fake strings...