Image courtesy of TCGdex.net
Spotting a counterfeit Crobat VMAX: a collector’s guide to the real from the fake
Crobat VMAX stands out in any binder, not just for its dramatic 300 HP and the sweeping silhouette of a VMAX evolution, but for the aura it carries as a rare holo from the Shining Fates line. This card—SwSh4.5-45, illustrated by PLANETA Tsuji—belongs to the Expanded ecosystem, where it remains a legal option even as Standard formats rotate. For anyone chasing a pristine Crobat VMAX, counterfeiters are always sniffing around the edges, hoping to slip a convincing fake past an unwatchful collector. With the right eye for detail, you can separate the high-gloss truth from the cheap imitations ⚡🔥.
Let’s ground our discussion in the card’s authentic DNA. Crobat VMAX is a Darkness-type Pokémon with 300 HP, evolving from Crobat V. It’s a holo rare VMAX in the Shining Fates set (SWSh4.5), a line distinguished by its vibrant holo patterns and a formal set symbol. The illustration credits go to PLANETA Tsuji, a well-known name whose work appears across many official releases. The card’s evolutive lineage—Crobat V to Crobat VMAX—gives it tactical potential in the Expanded format, where trainers lean into heavy-hitting attacks and status-inducing effects. The two attacks—Stealth Poison and Max Cutter—define its on-table identity and, frankly, its counterfeiters’ headaches: 70 damage with a painful poison effect, followed by a steroidal 180-damage finisher. Understanding these details helps you spot misprints and miswordings that counterfeiters rely on to catch unwary buyers.
- Card data snapshot: Crobat VMAX, HP 300, Darkness type, evolves from Crobat V, stage VMAX, attacker costs and names: Stealth Poison (Darkness + Colorless, 70) with the effect “Your opponent's Active Pokémon is now Poisoned. Switch this Pokémon with 1 of your Benched Pokémon.”; Max Cutter (Darkness + Darkness + Colorless, 180);
- Weakness: Fighting ×2; Retreat: 1; Regulation Mark: D; Set: Shining Fates (SWSh4.5); Official rarity: Holo Rare VMAX; Illustrator: PLANETA Tsuji
- Card number reference: 45/72 in the SwSh4.5 lineup; Legal in Expanded, not Standard
- Pricing snapshot (as of 2025): CardMarket avg ~1.50 EUR with swings; TCGPlayer holofoil Low ~$0.99, Mid ~$2, High ~$19.99
- Visual hallmarks: holo pattern consistent with Shining Fates, a precise font for the Attack names, and the correct set symbol and regulation mark
“Authenticity isn’t just about a pretty image; it’s about the card’s verifiable mechanics, print quality, and how it behaves in a real battle.” — a collector who knows the difference between real holo gleam and counterfeit glare. 💎
When you’re evaluating Crobat VMAX in person or online, start with the basics: is the card right for Expanded, does it bear the D regulation mark, and is the artwork and text faithful to official references? Counterfeiters often misrepresent the fluctuation in HP or misstate the card’s evolution, especially for high-profile VMAX cards. A fake might copy the name and HP but quietly alter the attack costs or the effect text, turning Stealth Poison into something else, or misprint the “Poisoned” effect to avoid a signature mechanic. The attention to detail in the authentic Crobat VMAX—down to the exact wording of Stealth Poison and the alignment of the holo foil—acts as a strong filter against low-quality knockoffs.
For collectors, the market context matters just as much as the artwork. The Crobat VMAX’s price can reflect its rarity and popularity in Expanded decks. CardMarket shows a mean around 1.50 EUR with a range that can dip as low as 0.45 EUR, while trends can spike depending on condition and demand. On TCGPlayer, holofoils report a low around $0.99 and a high that can approach $19.99 for near-mint copies. This volatility—paired with the card’s status in Expanded but not Standard—means counterfeiters exploit both price confusion and format ambiguity. A genuine Crobat VMAX is a gateway to a balanced strategy deck, a centerpiece for display, and a conversation starter for show-floor conversations. 🔥
As you sharpen your detection skills, use a few reliable authenticity checks that consistently separate truth from trickery. Here’s a practical, real-world checklist you can apply in minutes:
- Inspect the front face for font and text accuracy. Compare the Stealth Poison and Max Cutter text to official references. Any deviation in wording, punctuation, or alignment is a red flag. The Stealth Poison description should clearly state the poisoning effect and the bench swap action; a counterfeit may botch either the effect or the damage value.
- Validate the attack costs and damage values. The two attacks must align with the card’s type and evolution. A misprinted or slightly off-cost—especially in the final color-print around the symbols—often signals a counterfeit surface.
- Check the set symbol, logo, and regulation mark. Shining Fates uses a specific symbol and a D regulation mark. Fakes frequently misplace or miscolor these identifiers, or show an altered symbol that doesn’t match the official logo URL: https://assets.tcgdex.net/en/swsh/swsh4.5/logo.
- Examine the holofoil pattern and card stock. Real Crobat VMAX cards exhibit a consistent holo texture and edge alignment. Off-center prints, bobbling holo, or dull sheen often reveal a counterfeit.
- Cross-check the b side: back design and weight. The back should match official prints in color and shade, and the card’s weight and thickness should feel in line with other SwSh4.5 rares. Large deviations can indicate a counterfeit insert or altered stock.
- Verify the illustrator and evolution text. PLANETA Tsuji’s signature presence on authentic Crobat VMAX is a strong trust signal. It also evolves from Crobat V, so ensure that the card’s evolution line is correct for the VMAX stage in Shining Fates.
- Review market data and card numbers. Confirm the card number 45/72 and the expanded-legal status in current formats. Inconsistent card numbers or format legality can be a signal that a fake is in play.
For players who want a quick play-through note: Crobat VMAX’s two-pronged offense—Stealth Poison’s reliable Poison with bench disruption and Max Cutter’s devastating 180 damage—makes it a menace in widened matches where disruption and raw power collide. However, its Expanded legality means it sits in a space with many other powerful cards, so authentic copies are a boon to decks that want a confident late-game closer. The card’s resistance to standard rotation also means it remains a go-to choice for long-term collectors who cherish 2020s era print runs with a crisp holo aesthetic. 🎴⚡
In a hobby where a single counterfeit can erode trust, arming yourself with the Crobat VMAX’s official details helps you navigate the market with confidence. The right Crobat VMAX is not just a card; it’s a piece of the Shining Fates chapter—one that carries PLANETA Tsuji’s artistry, a dramatic 300 HP, and a lineage that connects Crobat V to a fearsome VMAX finish. When you hold an authentic specimen, you’re holding a moment in time where strategy, art, and collectability align in one gleaming package. 💎🎨
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