Comprehensive Poker Chip (Brand) Rank List? (1 Viewer)

[jcmalas]

Besides my personal introduction, this is my first post. As far as I can tell, it doesn't seem redundant, but if it is, apologies in advance.

I'm looking for a comprehensive list of poker chips (by brand not denomination) that are ranked by someone who knows what they're talking about. I was surprised that I could find something like this on a google search (maybe I didn't ask google correctly).

Any help pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated.

 

[Tonysquander]

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Besides my personal introduction, this is my first post. As far as I can tell, it doesn't seem redundant, but if it is, apologies in advance.

I'm looking for a comprehensive list of poker chips (by brand not denomination) that are ranked by someone who knows what they're talking about. I was surprised that I could find something like this on a google search (maybe I didn't ask google correctly).

Any help pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated.

We spend every day arguing this, you won't find a ranked list that everyone agrees on, lots of preference and price points come into play. Get some samples then come argue with us.

example:
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/cpc-atlantic-club-unimpressed.118968/

 

[jamesjkim]

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/controversial-chip-poker-opinions.83207/

 

[upNdown]

There are only two companies presently making compressed clay chips: Paulson (owned by Angel Group) and CPC (classic poker chips.) One sells to the public and the other doesn't.
Rumor has it there are other types of poker chips beyond compressed clay, but I try to ignore the rumors.

 

[jcmalas]

We spend every day arguing this, you won't find a ranked list that everyone agrees on, lots of preference and price points come into play. Get some samples then come argue with us.

example:
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/cpc-atlantic-club-unimpressed.118968/

Thanks for the quick response!

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/controversial-chip-poker-opinions.83207/

Thank you for this!

 

[KHarp1]

I'll jump in and start the ruckus...

1. TR King
2. TR King
3. Paulson
4. CPC
5. Chipco
6. BR Pro
7. SunFly
8. Abiatti
9. Bud Jones
10. Matsui
11. Tina
12. Everything else

TR Kings are no longer in production, same for Bud Jones, BCC and a slew of others. Some of these older brands made great chips, but, for a multitude of reasons no longer make chips. Some merged with other companies and then went under, some just retired. Many of the great older companies were small family businesses.

As a mentioned get samples and decide for yourself. TR King are what I consider the GREAT chip, you may not think so. I thought their colors were deeper and richer than others, their true reds and yellows can't be touched, in my opinion. They held up better than most, IMO. They are a rabbit hole amongst rabbit holes around here. There may be more niche rabbit holes, but, you can still amass a nice set of TRK's, but, be prepared to pay dearly. If only I had known back in the CT days!

The above list is by no means an authoritative one, and, or represents the most widely available around here. There are the old Nexgen slugged chips that were a good bargain back in the day. They are experiencing a bit of a comeback in some folks minds. They are some China clays (CC's) that are a good buy for the money, but, like most chips, they have their bad points.

Get samples, do some research here and come to your own conclusions.

Good luck!

 

[BGinGA]

a comprehensive list of poker chips (by brand) that are ranked

Such a thing does not exist. Also, define "brand" and define "rank".

Part of the problem is that certain 'brands' as you refer to them may offer (or did offer, if now defunct) more than just a single (and thus a different) product. Another issue is that any specific chip may rate higher/lower in a certain category than another, depending on the ranking criteria used. Also not to be minimized, a lot of the 'ranking categories' are totally subjective and open to preference/opinion, vs being objective as determined by scientific fact.

Your quest for knowledge has just begun, and it cannot be that easily answered.

 

[upNdown]

Sometimes these questions go over our heads. We tend to focus on minutiae and history and the top 5% of chips in the world - that sort of thing.
If you’re looking for a list of brands available for retail purchase today, you won’t find a lot of that sort of discussion here. Because most of the people here are here because they want something better. You might do better with the reviews at Amazon, if you’re interested in cheap chips.

But if you are interested in the good stuff, it really is a quest. There’s no poker chips for dummies book. You’ve stumbled about the best resource for poker chips, all you have to do is read everything that’s posted here every day, search for answers to things you don’t understand, and ask specific questions.

 

[LZM]

Objectively, if you could gather all forum data and ask an AI for this information, it probably would be like:

S-Tier
Paulson

A-Tier
Bud Jones
TR King
Classic Poker Chips

B-Tier
Matsui
Abiatti
BR Pro

C-Tier
Chipco
Sunfly

D-Tier
Tina
China Clays (from Apache)

F-Tier
Icon

Out of curiosity I have asked ChatGPT 4o to do a comprehensive read of the forum and rank brands based on compliments:

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Objectively, if you could gather all forum data and ask an AI for this information, it probably would be like:

"Objectively" is an odd thing to throw before a "probably" list you came up with lol

 

[LZM]

"Objectively" is an odd thing to throw before a "probably" list you came up with lol

Just trying to be objective for the OP who asked a very straightforward question and only received a bunch of disclaimers in response (I'm not criticizing).

It’s obvious that it is possible to get a general idea of ranking from the history of conversations on the forum, although, of course, this list does not represent a unanimous consensus among everyone.

As always, get samples.

 

[Taghkanic]

One of these days, someone is going to find a way to repopularize some of the classic. Intage chips which are widely available for dirt cheap on eBay.

Thinking out loud here… If you hotstamp a Bakelite poker chip, would the heat release toxins?

 

[Taghkanic]

One of these days, someone is going to find a way to repopularize some of the classic vintage chips which are widely available for dirt cheap on eBay.

Thinking out loud here… If you hotstamp a Bakelite poker chip, would the heat release toxins?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186416828749

 

[Highli99]

One of these days, someone is going to find a way to repopularize some of the classic vintage chips which are widely available for dirt cheap on eBay.

Thinking out loud here… If you hotstamp a Bakelite poker chip, would the heat release toxins?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186416828749

Toxins? Such as……………..lead?

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Toxins? Such as……………..lead?

Or formaldehyde from my Google-Fu, but Im completely clueless when it comes to chemistry. We need our lead expert @LowerBama1714

 

[LowerBama1714]

Or formaldehyde from my Google-Fu, but Im completely clueless when it comes to chemistry. We need our lead expert @LowerBama1714

Short answer…I wouldn’t huff that shit all day. But 1-2 sniffs shouldn’t kill you.

I think Bakelite is ABS (not sure) so you might have short chain acrylics and styrene in your lungs….no forever chemicals (I don’t think).

Use a respirator….good to go.

 

[Taghkanic]

Toxins? Such as……………..lead?

Phenols… Formaldehyde… Asbestos…

 

[Machine]

1. TR King
2. TR King
3. Paulson
4. CPC
5. Chipco
6. BR Pro
7. SunFly
8. Abiatti
9. Bud Jones
10. Matsui
11. Tina
12. Everything else

Disagree

Objectively, if you could gather all forum data and ask an AI for this information, it probably would be like:

S-Tier
Paulson

A-Tier
Bud Jones
TR King
Classic Poker Chips

B-Tier
Matsui
Abiatti
BR Pro

C-Tier
Chipco
Sunfly

D-Tier
Tina
China Clays (from Apache)

F-Tier
Icon

better but needs work

This tier list doesn't exist because it doesn't work like that. The best poker chips are a journey, and its different for everyone. While I enjoy my Paulson's its just for the elitism of it, sure I enjoy them, but I don't table them often, I need them to retain some value. As for CPCs, I'm working on my second set, and I think its much improved but I won't really know until I get them and put them on the table how I feel about them.

This is a journey you'll have to travel alone.

If you're a data guy and you were able to crowd source this info, there would still be enough diversion / disagreement to end up where you started. A lot of the members are value seekers, while others are quality driven.

Welcome to the matrix, please enjoy your stay.

 

[KHarp1]

I disagree with your disagreement

 

[Machine]

I disagree with your disagreement

NO!

 

[BGinGA]

Disagree

I disagree with your disagreement

I understand that this topic is totally subjective and opinion based, but you're both wrong.

 

[CHP TD]

How to really get controversial in a first post.

Here lies the issue with your question. Its subjective.

But if you really want the right answer.

1 Paulson
2 CPC
3 there is no 3.

 

[KHarp1]

Here’s some more pictures.

I understand that this topic is totally subjective and opinion based, but you're both wrong.

I'm ok with that as long as he's a little more wrong than me. I don't want to be stuck having to quarter the pot with him!

 

[Tonysquander]

Short answer…I wouldn’t huff that shit all day. But 1-2 sniffs shouldn’t kill you.

I think Bakelite is ABS (not sure) so you might have short chain acrylics and styrene in your lungs….no forever chemicals (I don’t think).

Use a respirator….good to go.

They are 85% cotton...totally safe.

 

[ekricket]

Objectively, if you could gather all forum data and ask an AI for this information, it probably would be like:

S-Tier
Paulson

A-Tier
Bud Jones
TR King
Classic Poker Chips

B-Tier
Matsui
Abiatti
BR Pro

C-Tier
Chipco
Sunfly

D-Tier
Tina
China Clays (from Apache)

F-Tier
Icon

Out of curiosity I have asked ChatGPT 4o to do a comprehensive read of the forum and rank brands based on compliments:

View attachment 1332457

I’m surprised at this list, considering that about 99%of the conversation on here are showcasing those 4 chip manufacturers.

Really, what did you expect? It’s like going to a Ford Mustang site and asking for a list of best cars to buy based on responses there.
I bet mustangs would top the list.

 

[LZM]

It would indeed make sense a change to Paulson Chip Forum!

 

[Fishman]

Interesting, these ranks show BRPro on par with Matsui, Abiatti or Bud Jones? Higher than Chipco?

Clearly I have more research to do. I'm between BRP and the latter right now for my next set.

Although I should simply jump straight to Paulson or CPC...

 

[KHarp1]

I posted what I did based on my preferences, and only my preferences. The are many here that don't like Chipco, but, they used them when I started playing at the only casino near me years ago, and, they have a special place in my heart. I use to hate "clay" chips, preferring the full chip printing of ceramics. Not so much these days...I love Paulson and the colors they have. I think TR King have the richest reds and yellows of all the chips, especially their yellows. To me, that's the benchmark by which all chip colors should be judged. These are just my opinions, and, my posting was just to start the discussion. But the chips you like and play the heck out of them.

 

[allforcharity]

Although I should simply jump straight to Paulson or CPC...

If you are going to jump as far as possible I recommend taking 6-12 months to design and order custom CPC. A lot of us end up there eventually.