Which Is The Fake And How To Tell?

Manufacturers face a constant dilemma: They want to let consumers know what to look for so they don't get ripped off, but in an effort to catch counterfeiters, they don't want to tip how they spot a fake. Although manufacturers contacted for this article would not reveal many visual means of detecting counterfeits, they did provide other advice that may prevent you from becoming a victim.

• If a club lacks a serial number, there is a good chance it could be fake. But if it does have a serial number, do not assume it is legitimate. Some counterfeiters simply copy serial numbers from legitimate products and put them on the bogus clubs.

• Look for the egregious error. There have been instances where counterfeiters have misspelled a word. Although rare, it is a dead giveaway.

• Beware brand-new clubs for sale on an Internet auction site. While some stories of "just won in a raffle" or "got as a gift" are true, some aren't.

• If you are buying an entire set of clubs, including bag and travel bag -- at anything resembling a good deal -- the probability is fairly high the products are counterfeits.

• If the club you are evaluating claims to be titanium and a magnet clings to it, it is a fake. Magnets will not cling to titanium.

• If the club purports to have a graphite crown, tap a quarter on the top of the head. Counterfeiters are known to substitute metal and paint it to resemble graphite. A fake clubhead will ring louder (somewhat like a bell) than the real thing. This method is how we determined the FT-i on the left in the above photo was a counterfeit.

• Finally, if you suspect a product might be counterfeit, contact the manufacturer whose name appears on the club. Although they are not responsible for the product, they will tell you if it is a fake -- and if it is, likely will be able to shut down the seller.

In short, you'll be doing everyone a favor.