You do not need an expert. Memorize these five dead giveaways.
A serial number won’t make you play like Kento Momota. But a fake racket will destroy your elbow, your bank account, and your game.
The serial number is not just a code; it’s a conversation between you and a factory in Japan (or a shed in Shenzhen). Learn to listen to what the laser etching tells you.
Happy hunting, and may your smashes be steep and your rackets be true.
To check a racket's serial number, you must locate two distinct codes: a seven-digit serial number on the shaft and a production code
on the cone (cap) above the handle. On genuine rackets, these codes are always laser-engraved , never just printed on the surface. Badminton Corner 1. Decoding the Cone Production Code The code on the cone follows a specific format that details when and where the racket was made: errbadmintonrestring.my DD (Date):
The first two digits represent the day of the month (e.g., "13"). MM (Month):
The next two digits represent the month (e.g., "09" for September). how to check yonex racket serial number
The fifth digit represents the year of manufacture (e.g., "3" for 2013 or 2023). X (Revision):
The sixth digit is an internal Yonex revision or manufacturing line code. CC (Country Code): The final letters indicate the distribution region. South Pacific (Singapore/South East Asia) United Kingdom
Note: In early 2024, Yonex updated this system for some models to an 8-digit numerical-only format, often removing the two-letter country code. 2. Physical Inspection for Authenticity Laser Engraving:
Run your fingernail over the numbers. Genuine codes are etched into the material and feel slightly recessed, whereas fakes often use flat, printed ink. Font Consistency:
Authentic Yonex fonts are sharp and specific. On counterfeit rackets, the font may look "wonky," blurred, or inconsistent between the shaft and the cone. The "O" Test:
Check the "O" in the "YONEX" logo on the cone. On genuine rackets, it is narrow; on fakes, it is often wide and round with a large internal space.
5 easy ways to check if your Yonex Racket is genuine or fake! You do not need an expert
To check your Yonex racket serial number, look for two distinct codes: a 7-digit number on the shaft and an 8-character date code on the cone. Genuine serial numbers are laser-engraved into the surface, meaning you should be able to feel the indentations with your fingernail. 🔍 Step 1: Locate the Serial Numbers
Every authentic Yonex racket features two specific sets of numbers:
Shaft Code (7 Digits): A unique production number that increases with every racket made.
Cone Code (8 Characters): A date-of-manufacture code located on the cone (the plastic part just above the handle). 📅 Step 2: Decipher the Date Code The cone code typically follows the format DDMMYXCC: DD: Day of manufacture (e.g., 15). MM: Month of manufacture (e.g., 06 for June). Y: The last digit of the year (e.g., 4 for 2024). X: Production line or revision code.
CC: Country/Region code (e.g., JP for Japan, SP for Singapore/South Pacific, UK for United Kingdom).
💡 Verification Tip: If you have an "Arcsaber" racket with a year code of 0 (2010), but that model wasn't released until later, it is likely a counterfeit. ✅ Step 3: Verify Authenticity
Check the Engraving: Authentic codes are laser-etched, never just printed flat on the surface. If your racket has no serial numbers at
Sunrise Online Verification: If your racket has a gold Sunrise hologram sticker on the cone, you can enter the hidden 12-digit scratch-off code on the Sunrise Verification Portal.
Hologram Sticker: Genuine Yonex hologram stickers are extremely difficult to peel off and will not come off in one piece if forced.
Butt Cap Color: Authentic rackets typically have a very specific shade of emerald green on the bottom cap; fakes often use a brighter or duller green. If you'd like, I can help you further if you share:
The model name of your racket (e.g., Astrox 88D, Nanoflare 1000Z). The exact serial numbers you see on the shaft and cone.
Where you purchased it (authorized dealer vs. online marketplace).
I can then tell you if the date code matches the production history of that specific model. How to Check Real or Fake Yonex Badminton Rackets | ERR JB
REPORT: Guide to Checking and Verifying Yonex Racket Serial Numbers
Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Identification, Location, and Verification of Yonex Racquet Serial Numbers Target Audience: Consumers, Retailers, and Badminton/Tennis Enthusiasts
If your racket has no serial numbers at all, here is the reality check: