Fake Epons

[3leggedpony]

These look so bad I think I could make a better fake out of scrap
[url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/AF-302-Iron-4-9-P-EPON-GOLF-/281113412766?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item4173aa449e"]http://www.ebay.com/...=item4173aa449e[/url]

[ukantwin]

[quote name='3leggedpony' timestamp='1369834709' post='7127004']
These look so bad I think I could make a better fake out of scrap
[url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/AF-302-Iron-4-9-P-EPON-GOLF-/281113412766?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item4173aa449e"]http://www.ebay.com/...=item4173aa449e[/url]
[/quote]

actually it looks like some1 just redid the paintfill ... looks legit to me... i have a set btw

[3leggedpony]

Me too but the chrome looks very different.
(Although I do actually quite like the paintfill on these!).

[thejuice]

[quote name='3leggedpony' timestamp='1369834709' post='7127004']
These look so bad I think I could make a better fake out of scrap
[url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/AF-302-Iron-4-9-P-EPON-GOLF-/281113412766?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item4173aa449e"]http://www.ebay.com/...=item4173aa449e[/url]
[/quote]

I don't think that's a fake. I think they are just beat to hell. That's why I use the dreaded iron covers for my forged irons. I don't want them looking like hell after a year of play.

[3leggedpony]

fair enough, apologies to seller!

[jaskanski]

I always find it laughable when someone purchases a set of clubs on ebay (presumably for the bargain cost) and then complain about their authenticity after the fact. If the product integrity is you primary concern (again I presume this is true for most people) then the only way to guarantee this is to buy from an authorized dealer. If you really must buy off ebay, do your homework and ensure the product is genuine by asking questions, looking at reputation and reading the bidding and refund policy. Common sense in other words. But then again, we are talking about JDM enthusiasts.....

[4dr.no]

[quote name='jaskanski' timestamp='1369928850' post='7135422']
I always find it laughable when someone purchases a set of clubs on ebay (presumably for the bargain cost) and then complain about their authenticity after the fact. If the product integrity is you primary concern (again I presume this is true for most people) then the only way to guarantee this is to buy from an authorized dealer. If you really must buy off ebay, do your homework and ensure the product is genuine by asking questions, looking at reputation and reading the bidding and refund policy. Common sense in other words. But then again, we are talking about JDM enthusiasts.....
[/quote]

The are exactly 12 Epon retailers in the US, so only a very few of us can visit one to try these clubs in person. I agree buyers need to do their homework, however, I think most of us in this thread agree that it's surprising fake Epons are even being produced given it's miniscule market share, even in Japan they are a boutique and hard to find.

In fact, most of the complaints about fake equipment are USDM products which are readily available in most every city in the country.

~self professed JDM enthusiast

[Spoon]

those are legit. its the angle.
also looks to have been buffed to make it look cleaner
as the set is pretty dinged up. add a custom paintfil
and it looks cosmetically different.

[idrive]

[quote name='4dr.no' timestamp='1369938765' post='7136834']
[quote name='jaskanski' timestamp='1369928850' post='7135422']
I always find it laughable when someone purchases a set of clubs on ebay (presumably for the bargain cost) and then complain about their authenticity after the fact. If the product integrity is you primary concern (again I presume this is true for most people) then the only way to guarantee this is to buy from an authorized dealer. If you really must buy off ebay, do your homework and ensure the product is genuine by asking questions, looking at reputation and reading the bidding and refund policy. Common sense in other words. But then again, we are talking about JDM enthusiasts.....
[/quote]

The are exactly 12 Epon retailers in the US, so only a very few of us can visit one to try these clubs in person. I agree buyers need to do their homework, however, I think most of us in this thread agree that it's surprising fake Epons are even being produced given it's miniscule market share, even in Japan they are a boutique and hard to find.

In fact, most of the complaints about fake equipment are USDM products which are readily available in most every city in the country.

~self professed JDM enthusiast
[/quote]

You're feeding a well known troll that jumps at every opportunity to put down anyone and everything regarding JDM.

Of course, we can all hope that some day these people will grow up and get a life of their own.

[rjklein4470]

The numbers is where you should start looking, the OP clubs the numbers were really blocky not like epon at all. I have a couple sets of Epon's, great irons. Here is the nice thing about dealing with epon dealers. If you do want to sell them, most likely they will buy them back for a good price. And the guy I work with will give you store cred, so you can get something else.

[JapanOnly]

Fake Epons are everywhere. Shops, ebay, US, Europe...name it.
When you buy new ONLY buy from an official dealer. If they're not from a dealer chances are they'll be fake.
There's a serial number, upon receiving them check with Epon. Send them a quick mail and they'll tell you.
Ebay. Only pay with paypal. You think it sucks to have to open a case complaint...count yourself lucky. Paypal will refund you. Pay through a bank...bye bye your refund.

[neilc]

[quote name='Dicky' timestamp='1315977006' post='3563105']
[quote name='drstroud' timestamp='1315973790' post='3563054']
Epons are in the specialized iron market with a very limited user profile. Clue us in what makes these fake.
[/quote]

ditto that. I was asking myself why would someone fake epons. the market share in the overall golfing scheme of things is at best tiny. I don't why they bothered, but have to be said these are very good copies. If you really want to know how to spot the differences, read the other jdm site. I now play the 302 bought from an authorized dealer new.

the counterfeit market is getting more sophisticated. These could be made in China or Thailand.

When I was in China last, I was offered 3 different grades of complete set of 14 Callaway clubs in a matching bag - Grade A (you can't tell from the real mccoy because it could be stolen from the factory that makes the real thing), Grade C (basically a lump of metal looks like a golf club with the logo on it), Grade B (somewhere between Grades A&C).
[/quote]


Endo has a huge factory in Thailand.They make Epons.

A Top clubmaker from Singapore has visited the factory and says its second to none.Total quality control from the raw billet to the finished club

doubt very much if Epons are worth faking,only golf geeks have heard of them?

[Spoon]

[quote name='neilc' timestamp='1371034396' post='7220606']
[quote name='Dicky' timestamp='1315977006' post='3563105']
[quote name='drstroud' timestamp='1315973790' post='3563054']
Epons are in the specialized iron market with a very limited user profile. Clue us in what makes these fake.
[/quote]

ditto that. I was asking myself why would someone fake epons. the market share in the overall golfing scheme of things is at best tiny. I don't why they bothered, but have to be said these are very good copies. If you really want to know how to spot the differences, read the other jdm site. I now play the 302 bought from an authorized dealer new.

the counterfeit market is getting more sophisticated. These could be made in China or Thailand.

When I was in China last, I was offered 3 different grades of complete set of 14 Callaway clubs in a matching bag - Grade A (you can't tell from the real mccoy because it could be stolen from the factory that makes the real thing), Grade C (basically a lump of metal looks like a golf club with the logo on it), Grade B (somewhere between Grades A&C).
[/quote]


Endo has a huge factory in Thailand.They make Epons.

A Top clubmaker from Singapore has visited the factory and says its second to none.Total quality control from the raw billet to the finished club

doubt very much if Epons are worth faking,only golf geeks have heard of them?
[/quote]

Epon is big time already to fake. They are quite popular and its exactly our thinking that would leave people unsuspecting and buy fakes..

[fat eel]

[quote name='Dicky' timestamp='1316840501' post='3587123']
since you mentioned it. I would add my 2 cent worth....

this guy may be genuine or fake. There are however tons of fake 502s out there. He seems to be very shy on photos. I would avoid, but if you are really interested, ask him for more photos on the clubheads, and compare them with the ones above.

in terms of price, they usually go for between $600 - $1200 in ebay. No one seems to willing to pay more than that, be it fake or real ones. The sets I've seen that went north of $1000 were ones with high end Japan shafts. There was one set of 501s with diamana thump. I almost got that until someone sniped that with 5secs left.

What conclusion can you draw from this ? If in doubt walk away. These counterfeit sellers would 1) use 100% feedback accounts that had sold a good number of items (a mix of fake and real gears); 2) price the items at market rate so you will not be suspicious.

I would however avoid this guy at all cost :

[url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/170701379414?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_1552wt_1135"]http://www.ebay.com/...#ht_1552wt_1135[/url]

For those of you reading this JDM forum, if you think this only apply to Epon, think again ! The significant of this development is that, If they went to the length & trouble in faking Epon, how safe are your Miura, PGRG, S yard, Honma ........
[/quote]

Ditto. Agree absolutely, as I came across a set of Hakusa wedge heads that are fake. The seller has 100% ebay feedback score and sold them at market price. Then when I questioned him, never reply and just told me not to bid if I'm not comfortable

[JanKo]

[quote name='fat eel' timestamp='1371109540' post='7228772']

Ditto. Agree absolutely, as I came across a set of Hakusa wedge heads that are fake. The seller has 100% ebay feedback score and sold them at market price. Then when I questioned him, never reply and just told me not to bid if I'm not comfortable
[/quote]

Without getting too much into detail, you were absolutely doing the right thing to stay away from that guy.

[backnine]

[color=#222222]Good stuff in this post. [/color]
[color=#222222][/color]
[color=#222222]I've been patiently hunting a set of gently used AF-302 (or 301's), heads only, for some time now. Found this ad on iOffer recently for AF-301 heads only: [url="http://www.ioffer.com/i/original-japan-epon-af-301-golf-irons-heads-only-3-p-538619826"][color="#0000ff"]http://www.ioffer.com/i/original-japan-epon-af-301-golf-irons-heads-only-3-p-538619826[/color][/url] [/color]
[color=#222222][/color]
[color=#222222]Not being familiar with iOffer, and intuitively suspicious of the validity of the ad and site, I sent an email to the seller asking for further information about the heads... where they come from... what grade of steel... shipping turn times, etc. Within about 15 minutes I received an email back from the "seller" stating simply that I need not worry, the heads are "real" and they came from "the factory". Well, of course they are real, even if fake, still they're real. And, of course, they also come from the factory, even if not from the Endo factory. In this case I think the images are of genuine Epon 301's, I just don't think the seller has any genuine Epons to ship once he/she receives payment. [/color]

[Spoon]

[quote name='backnine' timestamp='1371136540' post='7230528']
[color=#222222]Good stuff in this post. [/color]

[color=#222222]I've been patiently hunting a set of gently used AF-302 (or 301's), heads only, for some time now. Found this ad on iOffer recently for AF-301 heads only: [url="http://www.ioffer.com/i/original-japan-epon-af-301-golf-irons-heads-only-3-p-538619826"][color=#0000ff]http://www.ioffer.com/i/original-japan-epon-af-301-golf-irons-heads-only-3-p-538619826[/color][/url] [/color]

[color=#222222]Not being familiar with iOffer, and intuitively suspicious of the validity of the ad and site, I sent an email to the seller asking for further information about the heads... where they come from... what grade of steel... shipping turn times, etc. Within about 15 minutes I received an email back from the "seller" stating simply that I need not worry, the heads are "real" and they came from "the factory". Well, of course they are real, even if fake, still they're real. And, of course, they also come from the factory, even if not from the Endo factory. In this case I think the images are of genuine Epon 301's, I just don't think the seller has any genuine Epons to ship once he/she receives payment. [/color]
[/quote]

ioffer is a haven for everything fake from panerai replicas to prada shoes.
everything on that site is fake.

always be wary of anything too good to be true as premium items have a premium cost.
be careful and when in doubt email to verify.

[Dicky]

the classic conundrum - Epon or Miura ? couldn't quit decide which has more buttery feel ?

worry no longer ! a very neat solution from the very reputable ali express just for you !

I was giggling to myself when I saw this and my wife thought I was watching japanese porn

[JanKo]

[quote name='Dicky' timestamp='1376900795' post='7703462']
the classic conundrum - Epon or Miura ? couldn't quit decide which has more buttery feel ?

worry no longer ! a very neat solution from the very reputable ali express just for you !

I was giggling to myself when I saw this and my wife thought I was watching japanese porn
[/quote]

Hilarious

[FairwayGolfUSA.com]

There are many blogs and posts in Japan that shows many fake EPON irons.
Educate yourself so you know you are buying the real one!

[url="http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/reflexgolf/8036307.html"]http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/reflexgolf/8036307.html[/url]
*iron pic on left side is real and right side is fake

[url="http://ameblo.jp/melsa-onlinshop/entry-11270879466.html"]http://ameblo.jp/melsa-onlinshop/entry-11270879466.html[/url]
*top pic is real, bottom is fake

[url="http://ameblo.jp/perdie1/entry-11171993766.html"]http://ameblo.jp/perdie1/entry-11171993766.html[/url]
*all images are of the fake ones

EPON irons are expensive irons. Make sure you get the real ones!

JD

[Dicky]

amazing this guy is still around. he is well know for selling fakes

he said he is 70 years old though

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Epon-AF-502-4-PW-Light-Regular-Penley-IMS-/151279607593?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Epon-AF-502-4-PW-X-flex-/161232261548?nma=true&si=KTQjwvElSsi0rUiJWyLYRhXRmrc%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

[dunn]

Epon uses squarer numbers on sole....they look fake to me

[vma03]

Wow, I always thought Epon was the best kept secret for JDM clubs. I didn't realize they were so popular that fakes are being made ... absolutely crazy.

[flopshot99]

unfortunately, it will only be a matter of time until the fakes look real

[jakobv84]

Man this is making me paranoid. Have been looking at getting a used set of Epon 502s, so do these look real to you guys?

 

 

 

 

[vma03]

I have a set of 502's and they look exactly like mine, so they are either real or mine are fake ... better let the more experienced members chime in.

[Emthree]

Those are real, the finish in the cavity is usually a dead giveaway.

[vma03]

[quote name='Emthree' timestamp='1397971091' post='9129127']
Those are real, the finish in the cavity is usually a dead giveaway.
[/quote]

You are talking about jakobv84's 502 clubs right, not the OP's 302. Or are you saying that both are real?

[Emthree]

[quote name='vma03' timestamp='1398021896' post='9131547']
[quote name='Emthree' timestamp='1397971091' post='9129127']
Those are real, the finish in the cavity is usually a dead giveaway.
[/quote]

You are talking about jakobv84's 502 clubs right, not the OP's 302. Or are you saying that both are real?
[/quote]

Correct, jakobv84's pictures are of real Epons. Fakes (like the OP's) look markedly different. I can sympathise with a newer buyer though it's quite easy to get duped unless you've seen the real ones in the flesh.

[vma03]

Plus sometimes you have to worry about the bait and switch. The pictures maybe real, but what they send might not be. When I got my set used, I drove straight from FedEx to the driving range to try them out just to make sure.