Counterfeit / Fake Denso Iridium Plugs

[2009FX50S]

Hi All,
Long time since I've posted here but I wanted to get everyone's opinion. I started having some misfiring issues (P0302) with my FX50 and I started thinking maybe its a bad coil pack. I picked up a new one just in case and then I went and pulled the plug from #2. I replaced the plugs around 20k miles ago and it appears that the iridium electrode is gone. Now I'm wondering if these plugs are counterfits even though they seem to pass all the tests I can find. Measuring the electrode does seem to be larger than it should be and I dont see the bluing from the weld. And yes the packaging is very sketchy. See pics....

Thanks

edit: Purchased from eBay

 

[gmgagne]

Your instincts are right. What did you pay for the eBay plugs?

 

[2009FX50S]

They were around $8 each. The original listing is gone but I found an email where I asked the seller why the plugs were wrapped in plastic and taped around the top.
Response from seller (up-parts): Dear buyer, Thank you for your purchase.Your product has been packaged. For convenience of transportation, the LOGO on the product and package is taped with black tape.Tear off the black tape when you use it.Thanks for your understand.
Have a good day

That makes no sense to me. The only reason I can imagine for covering the logo is if they are fake.

 

[Dzionasi]

Fake for sure.

 

[DesertAP1]

Ive heard a few stories of ppl unknowingly buying fake spark plugs off ebay. stick to a reputable source.