What are the best plastic cards money can buy? (2 Viewers)

[JamesOwnz]

I'm looking to host a game soon and while I can't afford a set of Paulsons yet I figure I can get some nice cards.

Lately I've been playing with some broken arrows and they are fine but man they get dirty quick.

 

[MC_CPA]

The most expensive ones (not what your asking but might suit your needs) are flat Kem setups. Dont get the gold ones though.

 

[JamesOwnz]

The most expensive ones (not what your asking but might suit your needs) are flat Kem setups. Dont get the gold ones though.

Those are used in most poker rooms right?

 

[JMC9389]

The link below is a fantastic start. Fournier is the "ol reliable" of high end plastic cards. Modiano's cards are also good, but fuck them. Their quality control has been shoddy for at least the past 8 years and they declined to reimburse a highly respected card vendor when they were presented with obvious printing issues, leaving the aforementioned vendor to reprint the cards on different stock out of his own pocket.

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/ept-2826-fournier-more-options-group-buy-2.133267/

Other unobtanium cards that are very nice if you can find them are Piatnik, Cartamundi Belgium, and Angel.

Dal Negro are also relatively easy to acquire and are very nice as well.

@AHPC has a kickstarter going in which he is having custom plastic poker size decks being made that are looking really nice.

@desjgn is going to be launching a new kickstarter soon as well, cards printed on Fournier stock (same stock as linked above)

I would avoid Kem (high cost and warping issues) and Faded Spade (high cost and quality control issues with previous runs, their new FSX line seems fine though)

 

[RocAFella1]

Is your table dirty?

 

[Colquhoun]

The best cards are still KEMs imo. However, they are certainly not the best value…because of possible warping issues and the expense.
I enjoy the flat KEMs I own, but would likely not purchase more.

 

[JamesOwnz]

The best cards are still KEMs imo. However, they are certainly not the best value…because of possible warping issues and the expense.
I enjoy the flat KEMs I own, but would likely not purchase more.

What are the flat kems?

 

[Klobberer]

I know Modianos are polarizing, but they are perfect. DaVincis are also fantastic.

 

[Colquhoun]

What are the flat kems?

Flat KEMs are the KEMs you buy and are lucky enough when they stay that way. Unfortunately, there’s many examples of them being warped right out of the shrink wrap, or warping after some play. It’s hard to determine the percentage of problem decks, but the question is…are you willing to pay a premium price for something that may be an issue?
The good KEMs are the best, the bad ones are trash.

 

[davefr]

Angel Poker Acetate from amazon.jp. They are very similar in handling to Kem but without Kem's problems. They are also way cheaper then KEM if you buy several setups which spreads out the high shipping cost from Japan.

 

[buckeye09076]

There is a lot of personal preference in this question … poker/bridge size, jumbo/standard index, smooth/textured, amount of flex, art/design on backs and on faces, font, design/clarity of suit (particularly if clubs/spades are easily distinguishable). I find it interesting that some of the cards are brighter white vs slightly yellow on some. I don’t love when the suit sits really low on the card which makes you have to bend it more to see it.

As a poker/jumbo/smooth card fan I think Fournier EPT are the best. Gemaco Superflex are very similar for me, but I haven’t found in jumbo index.

The pics below are from some of the many decks I bought to try out … before I got the EPT’s.

 

[dizzyChipper]

Get broken arrow pros and save money for paulsons. Ok I honestly can't comment on kem. Copaqs are the standard in ask the private games I play and I've converted 4 to BA.

 

[drdr]

I know Modianos are polarizing, but they are perfect. DaVincis are also fantastic.

I do like my DaVinci setups. Good quality bang for buck. Very pretty too. But I'm retiring them after two years (monthly game) as their ink is rubbing off. I'm now trying cheaper brands. If they last two years they're saving me cash.

 

[KHarp1]

My suggestion is buy as many different brands as you possibly can, then, figure out for yourself the ones that you like best. I have many decks of Kem, with the ones from the 40's being my favorite. I have new Kem, but, they don't impress me, and, they're expensive.

All cards have their tradeoffs, IMO. My favorites are Cartimundi Belgium, Modiano Platinum and Gemaco Superflex, but, these can mostly be hard to get. The Broken Arrow are nice, but, they have drawbacks, too. I recently did some measurements and the BA are on the thicker side, and, thereby a bit stiffer. The finish on the edges are rough, and, can feel like they're scratching your palms after extended dealing. I've mitigated that, somewhat, by sanding the edges with some 1500g sandpaper. For $8.75 a setup I'm willing to do that. I don't get that feeling from most other decks.

 

[Kam]

Agree with all of the above, grab a setup or two of Fournier/EPT:

The link below is a fantastic start. Fournier is the "ol reliable" of high end plastic cards.

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/ept-2826-fournier-more-options-group-buy-2.133267/

Faded Spade aren’t a popular choice here, however I’m a fan of the crisp white color and face designs, although much stiffer than most - when you rotate dealer and everyone shuffles it doesn’t bother me. If you want to try a polarized range, grab a new setup of Faded as well to try (issues with older versions, so avoid those).

I tried to get one setup of each of the more common / ‘better’ cards in US & Europe. Will take me a while to get through and try ‘em all. Once I find one I love, will likely stock up on that one:

Also agree to avoid KEMs, price is ridonculous.

GL!

 

[TAG_Cowboys]

Don't think Trefl has been mentioned here yet.
Nice looking durable cards, they get alot of love at my games

 

[TricycleClub]

The best is Piatnik in my opinion but rare and hard to find.

My next top 3:

Faded spade
Angel
CoPag

 

[GeeOhVee]

Agree with all of the above, grab a setup or two of Fournier/EPT:



Faded Spade aren’t a popular choice here, however I’m a fan of the crisp white color and face designs, although much stiffer than most - when you rotate dealer and everyone shuffles it doesn’t bother me. If you want to try a polarized range, grab a new setup of Faded as well to try (issues with older versions, so avoid those).

I tried to get one setup of each of the more common / ‘better’ cards in US & Europe. Will take me a while to get through and try ‘em all. Once I find one I love, will likely stock up on that one:

View attachment 1525661
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Also agree to avoid KEMs, price is ridonculous.

GL!

What are the red and blue decks in the bottom left of your pic?

 

[davefr]

You could also try Marion Pro. They're "sleepers" and don't get mentioned much here but they are made with Kua Kau's premium card stock. They do everything well and I'd put them in the same league as Fournier EPT (Bicycle Prestige), Angel Acetate and Gemaco Superflex. You can buy them on Amazon. (about the same price as Copag but far superior IMHO).

https://www.amazon.com/Marion-Roses-100-Plastic-Cards/dp/B000VUM6HO/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3KOA47X7N8MCD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DCfAcSwwstpQRqBnzPVPNGnQtiiJD_SjTkvdf0AysJ3f0YykA84pYz0j7JxwFm5fykAwGZ7DPqHdFuB75bRph6KypnMh-ZQ7yDWdMqd6bSOBQcTqtbeYWYUCjG4iSah-pUqOgxGYbDIyDAA4dVXNznf_Na0kIcKXuDm15wetdZS7BVhwrg7tXHb94ecTEjhhesUtJd-pwgwa2Hml7_8xDwvc6bd2-AQQKzBLICqa0oZtvHDN9tgkMmA9QLdzvtmwNnuGm7Rksd1IOCl1oxoq3413jds-csLtSq_p-Fp6EPM.2R3NM9J_bv2eY8xc0aW80UFw9eTtBdrfVp9_Ot0f2jQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=marion+pro&qid=1750691628&sprefix=marion+p,aps,841&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/Marion-Clove...d2-9700-04d95d3398c2&pd_rd_i=B000VUPAHC&psc=1

 

[upNdown]

What are the red and blue decks in the bottom left of your pic?

Believe those are Trefls. Beautiful cards. Too stiff for my tastes, but still playable.

 

[Kam]

What are the red and blue decks in the bottom left of your pic?

Yep, keen eye by @upNdown, these are Trefls I bought from @surfik, pics here:

View attachment 1449473
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Yep - received mine

I bought a brick and sold 5 setups, kept one for me - not put them into play yet since I’ve bought too many setups…

If you’re interested, I would recommend @surfik as a seller, good comms/packaging etc.

 

[surfik]

The best is Piatnik in my opinion but rare and hard to find.

My next top 3:

Faded spade
Angel
CoPag

Funny how the personal perception works,

Always considered Piatnik plastics as one of if not the worst plastic cards (I do love paper Piatnik at the same time), way below Copags

Cant wait for new Desjgns, perfect index size and Fournier stock combined...

 

[KHarp1]

+1 on @surfik and Trefl. They are just slightly on the stiffer side, though not nearly as stiff as Broken Arrow or Faded Spade. Without putting a caliper on them the flat surface eyeball test shows the BA to be about 2-3 cards thicker than the Tref, FS about 4-5 cards thicker.

The Trefl appeared to be the same thickness as Modiano Platinum's.

I'm working on building a system that allows me to put consistent pressure on each deck allowing me to get a caliper measurement.

 

[upNdown]

+1 on @surfik and Trefl. They are just slightly on the stiffer side, though not nearly as stiff as Broken Arrow or Faded Spade. Without putting a caliper on them the flat surface eyeball test shows the BA to be about 2-3 cards thicker than the Tref, FS about 4-5 cards thicker.

I'm working on building a system that allows me to put consistent pressure on each deck allowing me to get a caliper measurement.

Good ole Dix used to have separate ratings for thickness and stiffness - I’m not certain those numbers are as correlated as people think. His database is/was an invaluable resource.

 

[SwissChip]

I would rate Trefl more on the softer side of plastic cards.
After a few games i found one small issue.
They tend to get marked easier than other brands. Just visible in the right angle, but still visible.
Otherwise perfect poker sized cards!
Edit:
Best cards i use are Platinum/Guild.
They got all you want!
Best buy Broken Arrow

 

[surfik]

+1 on @surfik and Trefl. They are just slightly on the stiffer side, though not nearly as stiff as Broken Arrow or Faded Spade. Without putting a caliper on them the flat surface eyeball test shows the BA to be about 2-3 cards thicker than the Tref, FS about 4-5 cards thicker.

The Trefl appeared to be the same thickness as Modiano Platinum's.

I'm working on building a system that allows me to put consistent pressure on each deck allowing me to get a caliper measurement.

You need to get aquainted with @Dix reserch on the matter inclouding flexibility measurment......I miss @Dix and his insight on cards quality

 

[surfik]

Good ole Dix used to have separate ratings for thickness and stiffness - I’m not certain those numbers are as correlated as people think. His database is/was an invaluable resource.

you and me buddy....

 

[surfik]

Good ole Dix used to have separate ratings for thickness and stiffness - I’m not certain those numbers are as correlated as people think. His database is/was an invaluable resource.

All Hail @Dix!!!!

 

[surfik]

Personal perception is everything.......

SwissChip says about Trefl "I would rate Trefl more on the softer side of plastic cards.
KHarp1 on the same cards "They are just slightly on the stiffer side, though not nearly as stiff as Broken Arrow or Faded Spade"

I belive we need same instruments Dix have procured to make objective measurments....

For me its an obvious, my percepion of cards is biased....love bridge and Kem but

If you look at Fourniers IMHO bridge cards have perfect combination of flex and snap, the same stock in poker size is too flimsy like Copags...
and Piatniks, for me worst plastic cards, make them rare and hardly avaliable and they become talk of the town
Angels? never had any but apart from stock they look perfect in jumbo bridge when watching Aussie Millions

Right now can't wait for new Desjgn in bridge, blackjack index and made by Fournier

 

[davefr]

Right now can't wait for new Desjgn in bridge, blackjack index and made by Fournier

Is Desjgn switching from Dal Negro to Fournier? I preferred the early version Desjgn Victorians over their current Dal Negro stock. If they switch to Fournier they'll be just about perfect IMHO.