I would like to find out if Astrox 99 Taiwan coded are made differently? I won 2 Astrox 99 from a competition. Taiwan coded. My serial: 0305983 (shaft code) 120782TW (cone code) It passes the code check and also the hologram check. But when compared to a AS coded one. Grip on the AS coded seems bigger(both were 4ug5). Grommets are fine. But when I take out a couple of grommets next to each other from the TW coded, its hollow. I can put through a string from one grommet and slide into the frame and it goes through to the other side. With the AS coded I did the same but was unable to slide it through as there were foam blocking it. Was wandering if it's how TW racquets are made or is it a good fake?
Interesting. Post some close up photos of cone code and butt cap. Cone code and shaft code tell you nothing today (except some cheapy low end fakes). Personally I do not think Yonex Japan makes different variant of rackets for different country.
From this distance, I would call both are genuine. Close up means this close as the photo attached. Use macro function on digital camera or a high power magnifier over mobile phone camera lens. You can check yourself base on the indentation marks in the photo attached.
I took a picture of this racket before holytoa. Also a friend. 2 pictures of shaft n cone AS n TW. Also the handle of both racket. The next to the pen is the AS you racket. Hope is help. I don’t have the racket to take more pictures. As far as I know. All high end yonex racket made in Japan has foam injections on the head of the frame. Yonex made in TW are mid range and CH are low range. Sorry if I interrupt Holytoa. Also try help. Thank
Both racket are 4ug5. Pls look at the plastic wrapping. If you zoom in on the AS one. You see yonex. Where I circle it. TW one look like cheap plastic. Correct me if I am wrong. Thank
so far, base on whatever given, from the distance of the photo taken, all AS and TW coded rackets are genuine, serial, cone code, code fonts all looks legit. I can't explain the obvious difference between the two. If holytoa can get some good close up photo on cone code and butt cap maybe we can find some clue. The last thing to do to verify the rackets is to remove the original factory grip to see what is on the wooden handle.
All the photos on these thread are the same racquet so far other than the AU coded one. Me and sengsong are asking for the same customer. I believe with the astrox series original grip are done very tough/sticky. Once we ripped it it will tear off that little sticker underneath the original grip.
Base on what i see on the butt cap, the 2As on the JAPAN shows it is a fake. Finally we have verdict. It is a scary truth that today's top end Yonex fakes have correct cone codes, cone fonts, laser engrave, and even correct serial number, welcome to the new era of counterfeit battle. Refer to the authentic AX99 butt cap and cone codes below you would be able to see the difference. What cheap competition are you into that give away fake Yonex?
Thank Carbonex 7. Can also verify if the AX99 TW code have foam injection on the head frame. This how I can tell if the racket is fake. Because it the hardest part for fake copy to do. Thank Again for your help.