Upgrades on a budget (1 Viewer)

[ExtremelyEasy]

Hello everyone,

I understand that what I am about to ask may be somewhat blasphemous to most, but I genuinely want to hear some thoughts from those willing to share.

I have a strict budget of about 150$ to upgrade from the generic dice chips my buddies and I use in in our current home game. It's important to me that the set includes a case, hence why I feel an option like this is easiest.

On Amazon, I have found a couple different sets around this price range and am curious as to what ya'll would pick if you had to pick one of them.

So far, I'm stuck between:
Outlaw
Monte Carlo
Slowplay Nash Clay

Any tips or insights are much appreciated.

 

[MC_CPA]

14g is heavy for no reason. What denominations do you require (is it tournament or a cash game)?

 

[ExtremelyEasy]

14g is heavy for no reason. What denominations do you require (is it tournament or a cash game)?

14g does seem heavy, yeah. We run mostly cash games with buy-ins ranging from 20$-100$. I’ve admittedly not done much research on denom’s. I know I would likely purchase a barrel of 0.25c denoms regardless of the set I get as we usually run 0.25/0.25. The extent of my denom knowledge is that 10$ chips are useless.

 

[ParrotHeadPA]

If you’re playing small cash games and not tournaments, you’ll likely only need: $0.25, $1.00, and $5.00 chips. Consider buying individual chips from Apache Poker Chips, instead of sets on Amazon. Then worry about a case later.

 

[ExtremelyEasy]

If you’re playing small cash games and not tournaments, you’ll likely only need: $0.25, $1.00, and $5.00 chips. Consider buying individual chips from Apache Poker Chips, instead of sets on Amazon. Then worry about a case later.

Any specific recommendations from Apache?

 

[BKisback]

If the buyins are up to $100 and you can only afford a $150 set, something seems off. Anyway, Monte Carlo and Casino Royale are .25 apiece there. Their next lines are .49 apiece.

 

[ExtremelyEasy]

If the buyins are up to $100 and you can only afford a $150 set, something seems off. Anyway, Monte Carlo and Casino Royale are .25 apiece there. Their next lines are .49 apiece.

I guess my thought process is to start out with something more basic and upgrade later on should we see fit... but I can see where you're coming from.

The main goal is to get out of the dice chips and get squared away with a solid set and denoms relevant to our play.

 

[BKisback]

I think you need 300 minimum, but that's smallish for a full table. Do you play with 5-6, 7-8, or 9-10? That would affect the number of chips you can buy and, in turn, what you can get for your budget.

 

[JM_Flop]

I would first check out the poker chip calculator in the resource section just to check out what denominations and chips you need for a decent bank for all players. If you have a strict budget I would check out discount poker shop and the poker store.

I would just buy some poker chips racks instead of a case if you playing at your place. Many people will tell you Amazon won't guarantee you any quality in your chips and they are probably right! lol

 

[MeridianFC]

Maybe you want to hold up for a second before pissing away your $150. I hate to see you drop that money on something that will quickly prove useless to you.

A frequently said axiom here is buy once cry once.

They’re frankly is no better place on the Internet to explore all the parameters for gaming tokens then this here place. I’d strongly encourage you to at least spend a week here reading through some of the informational threads, certainly those for beginners.

 

[BigGrizz]

Out of the 3 you posted, I 100% suggest Outlaws. Go to discountpokershop and pick your denominations.

 

[Beakertwang]

I'm one of the few here who will happily recommend *some* of the inexpensive sets. However, those pre-assemblesd sets always have terrible breakdowns. There's no reason to have 1's and 1000's in a set. There are plenty of sites that allow you to order your own quantities, including
https://www.apachepokerchips.com
https://www.thepokerstore.com
https://www.discountpokershop.com.

Lots of options for decent, inexpensive chips. You should be able to get up to 800 chips within your budget.

I like the Outlaws, but I prefer the Monacos from Discount Poker Shop. They seem to be the same material, I just prefer the appearance. YMMV. My local host uses the Crown Casino chips. They're nice, but no quarters, unfortunately. The Monte Carlo chips are similar to those. The Slowplay chips look like they would be nearly impossible to differentiate between denominations in a live setting.

Assuming you play .25/.50 games, a good breakdown would be:
25¢ x 100-150
$1 x 200-300
$5 x 200-300
$25 x 50-100

Happy hunting, and welcome to the forum! If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[ExtremelyEasy]

I think you need 300 minimum, but that's smallish for a full table. Do you play with 5-6, 7-8, or 9-10? That would affect the number of chips you can buy and, in turn, what you can get for your budget.

It varies. I'd say we have anywhere from 6-10 player on any given night.

I'm one of the few here who will happily recommend *some* of the inexpensive sets. However, those pre-assemblesd sets always have terrible breakdowns. There's no reason to have 1's and 1000's in a set. There are plenty of sites that allow you to order your own quantities, including https://www.apachepokerchips.com/,https://www.thepokerstore.com/, and https://www.discountpokershop.com/. Lots of decent options for decent inexpensive chips. You should be able to get up to 800 chips within your budget.

I like the Outlaws, but I prefer the Monacos from Discount Poker Shop. They seem to be the same material, I just prefer the appearance. YMMV. My local host uses the Crown Casino chips. They're nice, but no quarters, unfortunately. The Monte Carlo chips are similar to those. The Slowplay chips look like they would be nearly impossible to differentiate between denominations in a live setting.

Assuming you play .25/.50 games, a good breakdown would be:
25¢ x 100-150
$1 x 200-300
$5 x 200-300
$25 x 50-100

Happy hunting, and welcome to the forum! If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

Really appreciate this! I will be checking out Apache. I definitely need some quarter chips, and these pre-assembled sets do not include them as you mentioned. I actually really like the look of the Outlaws and the demographic of guys I play with will appreciate them too.

Maybe you want to hold up for a second before pissing away your $150. I hate to see you drop that money on something that will quickly prove useless to you.

A frequently said axiom here is buy once cry once.

They’re frankly is no better place on the Internet to explore all the parameters for gaming tokens then this here place. I’d strongly encourage you to at least spend a week here reading through some of the informational threads, certainly those for beginners.

I totally agree with the buy once cry once mantra. However, I'm just not sure how fancy I want to get with everything. That's partially what brought me to this forum, and I look forward to learning more about the do's and don'ts!

 

[Beakertwang]

Really appreciate this! I will be checking out Apache. I definitely need some quarter chips, and these pre-assembled sets do not include them as you mentioned. I actually really like the look of the Outlaws and the demographic of guys I play with will appreciate them too.

And the Outlaws (and the Monacos I mentioned) both have a softer, less slippery feel than some of the other cheapies I've handled.

 

[Kam]

Of your listed options:

1. Outlaws
2. Monte Carlo
3. Avoid slow play

I’d recommend you check out

$90 case
https://www.thepokerstore.com/colle...00-black-empty-heavy-duty-aluminum-poker-case

$120 Nexgen Remix
https://www.thepokerstore.com/products/500-nexgen-pro-classic-9-gram-poker-chips-bulk

$210 all in, nexgens are ~9/10 gram. You can also get a $10 sample set

But then for a little bit more you’re getting into Tina Hybrid territory at 50c a chip…

GL!

 

[BigGrizz]

I wouldn't get a case from the poker store. Get the black case off discount poker. Its a great case and there is no sense in blowing half your budget on a case.

https://www.discountpokershop.com/versa-games-500pc-abs-poker-chip-case-black.html

 

[Kam]

I wouldn't get a case from the poker store. Get the black case off discount poker. Its a great case and there is no sense in blowing half your budget on a case.

https://www.discountpokershop.com/versa-games-500pc-abs-poker-chip-case-black.html

Actually, yes - much better suggestion and Versa’s are good quality

 

[BigGrizz]

Yup. I have one and for $35 its basically unbeatable at the price point.

 

[Gus]

I sent a sampler set of 10 different inexpensive chips in the hands of a guy in Texas (arrived today! hey @ItsMiller ) and it could be sent to you next once he's figured out what he wants. Just asking folks to cover $10 shipping in a small flat rate USPS box. Description of chips below the image.

Ceramic from BR Pro "Tiki Kings" -- Ceramic "Turbo" (available at a few sites)
Ceramic from Spinetti's used CardPlayer cruise ship -- Ceramic/Hybrid TINA* available on PCF from Justin Carothers
China Clay from Apache "Majestic" -- China Clay available many sites "Milano"
Plastic no-slug "NexGen Pro" available many places - Casino-grade plastic made by Gemaco, Casino-used "Trop"
Slugged Plastic from Apache "Casino Royale" -- Slugged Plastic SlowPlay brand from Amazon

The NexGens don't have a metal core and are a step up from slugged dice chips. IMO the others you listed are just more cheap slugged plastic. Totally fine to play with, having a great game is way more important, but I wouldn't want to upgrade to chips in the same league as what you've got. If you were playing with crinkle/interlocking featherweight plastic that'd be a different story.

 

[ExtremelyEasy]

I sent a sampler set of 10 different inexpensive chips in the hands of a guy in Texas (arrived today! hey @ItsMiller ) and it could be sent to you next once he's figured out what he wants. Just asking folks to cover $10 shipping in a small flat rate USPS box. Description of chips below the image.

View attachment 1503982

Ceramic from BR Pro "Tiki Kings" -- Ceramic "Turbo" (available at a few sites)
Ceramic from Spinetti's used CardPlayer cruise ship -- Ceramic/Hybrid TINA* available on PCF from Justin Carothers
China Clay from Apache "Majestic" -- China Clay available many sites "Milano"
Plastic no-slug "NexGen Pro" available many places - Casino-grade plastic made by Gemaco, Casino-used "Trop"
Slugged Plastic from Apache "Casino Royale" -- Slugged Plastic SlowPlay brand from Amazon

The NexGens don't have a metal core and are a step up from slugged dice chips. IMO the others you listed are just more cheap slugged plastic. Totally fine to play with, having a great game is way more important, but I wouldn't want to upgrade to chips in the same league as what you've got. If you were playing with crinkle/interlocking featherweight plastic that'd be a different story.

I think I’ve joined the dark side and will be participating in the next group buy for Tina hybrids. May God have mercy on my wallet.

 

[Gus]

I think I’ve joined the dark side and will be participating in the next group buy for Tina hybrids. May God have mercy on my wallet.

That’s the path I’d recommend for sure, only question is whether Tariffs will nuke the cheap price

There were a bunch of TINA sets listed in the classifieds recently here. Also a Phoenix China Clay set for like $180 that looked good for a budget set

 

[MPMc]

I sent a sampler set of 10 different inexpensive chips in the hands of a guy in Texas (arrived today! hey @ItsMiller ) and it could be sent to you next once he's figured out what he wants. Just asking folks to cover $10 shipping in a small flat rate USPS box. Description of chips below the image.

View attachment 1503982

Ceramic from BR Pro "Tiki Kings" -- Ceramic "Turbo" (available at a few sites)
Ceramic from Spinetti's used CardPlayer cruise ship -- Ceramic/Hybrid TINA* available on PCF from Justin Carothers
China Clay from Apache "Majestic" -- China Clay available many sites "Milano"
Plastic no-slug "NexGen Pro" available many places - Casino-grade plastic made by Gemaco, Casino-used "Trop"
Slugged Plastic from Apache "Casino Royale" -- Slugged Plastic SlowPlay brand from Amazon

The NexGens don't have a metal core and are a step up from slugged dice chips. IMO the others you listed are just more cheap slugged plastic. Totally fine to play with, having a great game is way more important, but I wouldn't want to upgrade to chips in the same league as what you've got. If you were playing with crinkle/interlocking featherweight plastic that'd be a different story.

I am in the same boat, and this is excellent advice....thanks.

 

[Gus]

I am in the same boat, and this is excellent advice....thanks.

Would you like to get the loaner sampler pack?

 

[MPMc]

Would you like to get the loaner sampler pack?

No thanks, I have about 6 sample sets on the way......! But a super idea for us newbies.

 

[dizzyChipper]

Whats great is that your playing and can "demo" a breakdown in your next game sounds as to not spend more than you need to (or spend a little extra on higher denoms to support bigger blinds).

.25 - .25 is probably self dealt and no rake meaning no chips leave the table.

If you are playing NLHE then a "tight", by PCF standards but definitely worth trying in your next game would be:

100 x $0.25
125 x $1
125 x $5
100 x $25

That's a *very* playable 450 chip set and a bank of $3,275 - plenty for .25-.25.

If it feels like enough stop there and save money or add $50x$100 so you can play bigger and not have to revisit.

---

[In related news I *way* overbought my small and workhorse denoms in my first Tina order and regret it. I have 300 each. I've played with a full barrel each person and it was too much. I pulled 3 barrels of chips off the table through the night and it was totally fine. Changing starting tack breakdowns for next week.]

 

[Colquhoun]

I think I’ve joined the dark side and will be participating in the next group buy for Tina hybrids. May God have mercy on my wallet.

If it makes you more at ease, if you find that you don't like the chips or need the cash, you could always post them for sale in the classifieds. You might take a small hit, but you may even break even. That is, unless your chips are customs with "Bubba's Grease Pit" printed on them.
Hmmm, you might just find a buyer for those too.

 

[ngmcs8203]

Yup. I have one and for $35 its basically unbeatable at the price point.

Uhh have you not gone to harbor freight and bought an Apache 3800 when they are on sale for like $25?

 

[wickedwonka121]

I skipped all the comments. So sorry if this is a repeat. You'll get your best value at that budget with Tina's. Find the group buy from @justincarothers

You will not be disappointed.

 

[ngmcs8203]

I skipped all the comments. So sorry if this is a repeat. You'll get your best value at that budget with Tina's. Find the group buy from @justincarothers

You will not be disappointed.

I think it will be interesting to see how much more they go up in price with tariffs on the table now.

 

[dizzyChipper]

Next GB already up.