How to Verify Authentic DHS & Butterfly Blades (Step-by-Step)

Counterfeits are one of the biggest problems in table tennis equipment today. Fake blades and rubbers flood online marketplaces — and some of them look convincing enough to fool experienced players. Whether you just bought a new blade or you're considering a purchase, knowing how to verify authenticity is essential.

This guide gives you step-by-step instructions to verify DHS and Butterfly equipment yourself, explains the different code systems, and shows you the red flags that reveal a fake before you even open the packaging.

Why Counterfeits Are a Real Problem

Table tennis equipment is expensive, lightweight, and easy to ship — which makes it an attractive target for counterfeiters. The most commonly faked products are DHS Hurricane rubbers, DHS blades (especially the W968 and Hurricane Long 5), and Butterfly's most popular blades like the Viscaria, Timo Boll ALC, and Fan Zhendong ALC.

A counterfeit blade doesn't just perform poorly — it can actively damage your game. Fake rubbers lose tackiness within days. Fake blades have inconsistent weight, wrong ply construction, and cheap glue that delaminates after a few sessions. And because the packaging is increasingly well-copied, many players don't realize they've been scammed until it's too late.

The good news: both DHS and Butterfly have built verification systems into their products. If you know where to look, you can confirm authenticity in minutes.

Part 1: How to Verify DHS Equipment

DHS has one of the most robust verification systems in table tennis. Every authentic DHS product — blades, rubbers, and accessories — carries a unique serial code that can be checked directly on the DHS website.

Step 1: Find the Serial Code

Every DHS product has a sticker with a unique code. On blades, it's usually on the handle or on the blade face under a protective film. On rubbers, it's on the back of the sponge or on the packaging. The sticker includes:

— A serial number (unique to each individual product)

— A QR code (scannable with any phone camera)

— Sometimes a scratch-off area revealing a hidden verification code

Step 2: Go to the DHS Verification Website

Visit the official DHS anti-counterfeiting page. You can access it by:

— Scanning the QR code directly with your phone camera — it will take you to the verification page automatically

— Or going to the DHS website manually and navigating to their product verification section

Step 3: Enter the Code and Check the Result

Type in your serial number and submit. The DHS system will return one of three results:

Important: If the verification says "already verified" and you're checking for the first time, ask the seller for an explanation. Legitimate sellers will have a clear answer — they may have verified it themselves before shipping to confirm authenticity. If the seller can't explain, proceed with caution.

Understanding DHS Code Types (Blades)

DHS blades carry different code formats depending on their grade. Understanding the code system helps you confirm not just authenticity, but also which version of the blade you actually have:

If someone sells you a "national version" W968 but the code starts with HL5, it's actually a provincial version — still excellent, but not what was advertised. If there's no code at all, be very suspicious.

For a full breakdown of the W968 version hierarchy, read our in-depth guide: DHS W968 Complete Guide: Every Version Explained.

Part 2: How to Verify Butterfly Equipment

Butterfly uses a different system than DHS. Instead of a verification website, Butterfly relies on physical authentication markers built into the product itself — most importantly, the gold tag and hologram system.

The Butterfly Gold Tag

Every genuine Butterfly blade sold through authorized channels carries a gold holographic tag on the handle or packaging. This tag is extremely difficult to replicate accurately. Here's what to look for:

— Holographic effect: Tilt the tag under light. A genuine gold tag shifts colors smoothly and shows the Butterfly logo in 3D. Fakes often have a flat, dull gold sticker that doesn't change with angle.

— Unique serial number: Each gold tag has its own code printed on it. No two genuine blades should share the same number.

— Placement: The tag should be firmly attached, not loosely glued or peeling at the edges.

— Print quality: On genuine tags, all text is sharp and clean. Fakes often have blurry or misaligned text.

The Double Code System (Pro Personal Blades)

Butterfly "double code" blades — the ones produced for sponsored professional players — carry two serial codes instead of one:

— Code 1: The standard retail serial code (same format as commercial blades)

— Code 2: An additional internal code that identifies the blade as part of the pro distribution channel

If someone claims to sell you a "double code" blade but it only has one code, it's a standard commercial version. Both codes should be clearly visible and legible.

For a full explanation of the double-code system, see our guide: Commercial vs Pro Personal Blades: What's Really Different?

Other Butterfly Authenticity Markers

— Packaging quality: Genuine Butterfly products come in high-quality boxes with sharp printing, correct colors, and proper Japanese text. Fakes often have slightly off colors, blurry logos, or grammatical errors.

— "Made in Japan" label: All genuine Butterfly blades are manufactured in Japan. If the product says "Made in China" or has no origin marking, it's not authentic.

— Weight consistency: Butterfly has tight manufacturing tolerances. If the blade weight is significantly different from the official specs (more than 3-4g), investigate further.

— Handle finish: Genuine Butterfly handles have a smooth, consistent lacquer finish. Fakes often feel rougher, with visible imperfections or uneven coating.

Part 3: Red Flags When Buying Online

Before you even receive a product, several warning signs can help you avoid counterfeit equipment. Here are the biggest red flags:

1. Price Too Good to Be True

This is the number one indicator. A genuine Butterfly Viscaria retails for $120-180. If someone offers it for $40, it's fake — no exceptions. Brands like DHS and Butterfly have minimum pricing agreements with authorized dealers. A price significantly below the market average almost always means a counterfeit.

2. Generic or Stock Photos

Legitimate specialized sellers photograph their actual products. If the listing only shows manufacturer stock images or photos that look like they were copied from another website, be cautious. Ask the seller to send real photos of the specific item — including the serial code.

3. No Serial Code Visible

If the product listing doesn't mention serial codes, verification, or authenticity at all, the seller likely doesn't want you to check. A seller who stocks genuine equipment will always mention the serial code — it's a selling point, not something to hide.

4. Seller Has No Specialization

Be wary of general sports stores or marketplace sellers who stock everything from yoga mats to table tennis blades. Specialized table tennis stores have direct relationships with brands and have more to lose from selling fakes. They stake their reputation on authenticity.

5. Shipping from Unexpected Locations

While many legitimate DHS products are manufactured in China, be cautious of random marketplace sellers shipping from unverified locations with no return policy. Authorized dealers will always have clear shipping and return information.

Part 4: Quick Authenticity Checklist

Use this checklist every time you buy or receive table tennis equipment:

Why Buying from a Specialized Dealer Matters

The simplest way to guarantee authenticity is to buy from a specialized, reputable table tennis store. Generalist marketplaces are flooded with counterfeits because there's no accountability — a seller can list a fake, get a few sales, disappear, and reappear under a new name.

Specialized stores build their business on trust. They have direct relationships with DHS, Butterfly, and other brands. They photograph each product individually with serial codes visible. They answer technical questions because they actually use the equipment themselves. And they stand behind every sale with their reputation.

At Ping Pong 3T, every product comes with its original serial code, individual photos, and can be verified by the customer. If you ever have doubts about a product's authenticity — whether you bought it from us or elsewhere — feel free to contact us. We're happy to help you check.

Conclusion

Verifying your table tennis equipment doesn't take long, but it can save you from wasting money on a product that will damage your game. For DHS, use the serial code and the official verification website. For Butterfly, inspect the gold tag, check the hologram, and confirm the "Made in Japan" marking.

And remember: if the price seems too good to be true, it always is. The best equipment is only valuable when it's real.

Play with confidence. Play with genuine equipment.