Did I just purchase a fake Aeropro Drive?

Question

I've recently just purchased a Babolat Aeropro Drive from ebay (not cortex). When I recieved it, it looked and felt very fake. Yes the paper on the racquet does indeed say "Aeropro Control" on the front and "Aero Strike" on the back. I've uploaded some pictures for you guys to look at yourself so please help me determine whether this racquet is fake or not. Thank you.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/2352/cimg0649qb5.jpg

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/5193/cimg0650gv8.jpg

http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/7619/cimg0651ev1.jpg

http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/9804/cimg0652hl6.jpg

http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/5520/cimg0654ev0.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/1827/cimg0655ue1.jpg

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/5061/cimg0657bi4.jpg

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/8743/cimg0661ko6.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/1096/cimg0670lh6.jpg

Answer 1

I don't really know if it is fake or not. I'm mostly a Head person but the easiest way to check a fake is put it to the scale and weigh it. Most fakes don't weigh anywhere near the real ones and also check the balance point. But, the QC of racquet manufacturers is also not a thing to boast about. Also, check the print on the strings and find the name out. Also, did you buy it from someone in China ? that's where most of the fakes come from. Also, check the hologram and if there is a number on it, Call Babolat(their number is on their site) and ask them about it.

http://www.babolat.com/english/divers/ma...

Lastly, not sure, but most of the fakes come in 4 1/4 grip.

Answer 2

I like to try to be positive about things, and have a "real until proven fake" mentality.  But, man, I'm having a hard time believing it's real.

It's understandable for the company to accidentally have the wrong cardboard piece on the wrong racquet.  I've seen that a few times.  But it says that it's two different things.  And, that racquet should be 11.3 oz, not 9.8.  The 9.8 seems to be for the Aero Strike, not the drive.

I also don't trust the Babloat on the grip.  There should be more to it than that, like a blue or orange band on the end.

I'm also seeing what looks like an unusual amount of dings and scratches in the paint for a "brand new" racquet.  

There's two ways to know for sure.  1. Take it into a licensed racquet technician (basically, any stringer at a sporting goods store or pro shop).  Have them check it out.  They should be able to tell rather quickly if it's fake.  2.  Find a place where you can demo a known real version of the racquet (maybe you know somebody with one?).  Check it out for yourself.  If it's a bad faking job, you'll know just by picking both up.  If it's a decent job (which I don't think it is), you might have to hit with both to tell the difference.

Not to mention that babolats are notorious for being faked, along with wilsons.

Good luck.  If it is fake, I hope you didn't pay much for it. You'll be lucky to be able to get your money back.  Most ebay sales are "at your own risk".

Answer 3

Yes sorry that is a fake. I used to have this racket (Real one) and you can just tell the difference in quality. Ebay and especially aero pro drives are notorioulsy fake. You should email the seller and return it.

Answer 4

it looks fake  for how much you bought it

Answer 5

I didn't look at any of your images, but I'm guessing that it was a fake.  I have a friend that bought 3 Aeropro Drives in China, and while they look okay, they're made very poorly.  One of the racquets became warped after he restrung it.  The grommets didn't look right either.  They're cheap imitations.  The ebay seller you bought from probably has very little feedback, I'd bet.   Or he/she is based in China or some other foreign country.  I buy  most of my racquets on ebay too, but I am very careful about who I buy from, and where they are based.  Report it to ebay.  I'd consider it a crime (if it is indeed an imitation, and the seller misrepresented the item). Heck, if you paid through paypal, you might even be able to get your money back.

Answer 6

i'm not a pro on racquets, but i've also been trying out different racquets at the private tennis club that i belong to, and i had beeen considering the AeroPro Drive as well and i do know that it did not look like the one you purchased.  so i think you should go along w/ the other answers and try to contact eBay or the seller and get them to repay your money.  Sorry, but maybe you'll find a more reliable seller next time, wo won't sell you the wrong racquet!! Hope this helped!!