AfterTheFact
4 of a Kind
My NL doesn’t come close to yours. (1000’s and 500’s gone now) I’ve definitely had some nice TRK’s in the past but down to the NL and Mapes sets now. @gopherblue and @JWC are on top of the TRK game now.
Last edited:
Buying these TRKs was a terrible mistake... (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter tulkas
- Start date
My NL doesn’t come close to yours. (1000’s and 500’s gone now) I’ve definitely had some nice TRK’s in the past but down to the NL and Mapes sets now. @gopherblue and @JWC are on top of the TRK game now.
gopherblue
Straight Flush
#Insight
Seeking Alpha Social Club
4 of a Kind
@BNM
+1 this ^^^
Some TRKs are very light in weight, less than 9 ounces, and they feel crappy when you shuffle them. Almost plastic like. This often happens with hot stamped TRKs with initials on them (i.e., privately made chips.).
I never heard anyone mention this --- & kept it to myself for a long time
i noticed this with real old & worn chips (i could not believe they were even were real TRK's)
if you had those as chip samples you would never buy a new set
was the lead on the outer layers ? that crossed my mind long back
(but I got to be over-thinking)
Last edited:
gopherblue
Straight Flush
I think it may have to do with certain color formulations and/or variations or changes in the underlying recipe of ingredients (like the percentage of lead powder used). It could even simply be that due to quality control error /oversight or lack of availability of a specific ingredient due to supply chain issues, that a batch of base material was made differently. Or a different supplier’s ingredient was formulated differently, resulting in a different-feeling end product. Remember, this was a mom & pop business.
For example, my solid red Riverside 25¢ chips feel totally different (more plasticky) than all the other Riversides, and weight significantly less too. Yet they were made during the same period.
For example, my solid red Riverside 25¢ chips feel totally different (more plasticky) than all the other Riversides, and weight significantly less too. Yet they were made during the same period.
Seeking Alpha Social Club
4 of a Kind
It's a well kept secret...shhhh...don't tell anybody.
I don't know for sure, but I think some of the home game chips with initials on them were not leaded. I have had some minty fresh chips that only weight 8.5ish ounces, so I don't think it had anything to do with being worn out. They sucked.
I first noticed it when I was building a red/white/blue set. Bought a boat load of them, but was WAY less than satisfied with them. Now...they all undergo the weight test before I buy
gopherblue
Straight Flush
There may be merit to this. It is quite possible that TRK had two formulations of the substrate: casino and non-casino. The leaded version may have been the premium formulation, designed to feel heavier and last longer/wear better in a casino environment. The other formulation may have been cheaper, as well. That might explain why the Riverside “fracs”—which are labeled 25¢ but also labeled “no cash value”—are lighter. They weren’t actually cash chips...rather they were most likely “match play” chips that could be used to bet with but could not themselves be redeemed. Thus, the casino didn’t invest in the premium formulation for these chips since they were only for promo/comp purposes.It's a well kept secret...shhhh...don't tell anybody.
I don't know for sure, but I think some of the home game chips with initials on them were not leaded. I have had some minty fresh chips that only weight 8.5ish ounces, so I don't think it had anything to do with being worn out. They sucked.
I first noticed it when I was building a red/white/blue set. Bought a boat load of them, but was WAY less than satisfied with them. Now...they all undergo the weight test before I buy
Seeking Alpha Social Club
4 of a Kind
Yeah...I have these BEAUTIFUL olive green chips that rarely get into play due to their weight. They just feel inferior to my other mixed TRK chips.
Jeevansluck
Royal Flush
I don't even know where to post this kind of stuff...it felt awfully "cloak and dagger" . I am in LOVE with TRKs. They feel and sound like NOTHING else. Period.
But, I met up with my great friend and fellow PCFer today to buy some chips of course.
But for the first time, we did some sampling in the car. I mean, it was well worth it, since my mind was just blown from handling these amazing TRK chips. I can see myself selling some of my sets to get these.
But, I met up with my great friend and fellow PCFer today to buy some chips of course.
But for the first time, we did some sampling in the car. I mean, it was well worth it, since my mind was just blown from handling these amazing TRK chips. I can see myself selling some of my sets to get these.
Attachments
RichMahogany
Straight Flush
heisman
Two Pair
Love it, sampling and transacting poker chips in a car. Imagine having to explain this to an officer if you guys got pulled over
Ben8257
Royal Flush
We have bought many singles of older casino used TRKs... most of the Hot stamp fracs are the gross light plastic feeling chips... they are beautiful but feel terrible! My leaded Pick Hobsons are my absolute favorite feeling chips ever!! Definitely a line drawn in the sand between the leaded older casino chips and the lighter ones... a really really bad line drawn in the sand! I agree with @Seeking Alpha Social Club like Kevin said ask to see a barrel or even a single on the scale! Over 10 gs go for it! Under 9 gs definitely think about it before pulling that trigger!! Fellow Chipper Ben
RocAFella1
Royal Flush
If you buy those chips it can help pay for his car!
Ben8257
Royal Flush
A splash in the pot compared to most of you guys... but I'm still in my first year collecting! Proud of what I have put together in a short period of time! Every single chip hand washed and oiled!! Just need to find $1 nevada lodge and some more of those dang yellow fracs! Huge shout out to @JWC , @hoosierdonny, @coolcustomer123, and @Lil Tuna for helping me turn this dream into reality!!! Its a work in progress but getting there!!
Last edited:
Ben8257
Royal Flush
Thank you Mel!! Any compliments coming from the absolute Queen of TRKs I will gladly accept! I spent hours cleaning them up and bringing them back to life!! With out John selling me almost all of those I wouldn't be anywhere near as far along as I am!! Super grateful for everyone's help! I honestly didn't think this would become a reality of a complete set!!!
Great looking set my friend. Congratulations on the accomplishment. Pick Hobson’s are the TRKs that got me on that journey.
Ben8257
Royal Flush
Your fantastic sample set that you sent me with 2 of the insanely rare fracs when you barely knew me really got me in gear of building my set! Giving me insight of whom may own the chips I need was priceless info!I know for a fact we will be very good friends for years my brother, but I will never forget that act of kindness!!!Great looking set my friend. Congratulations on the accomplishment. Pick Hobson’s are the TRKs that got me on that journey.
There may be merit to this. It is quite possible that TRK had two formulations of the substrate: casino and non-casino. The leaded version may have been the premium formulation, designed to feel heavier and last longer/wear better in a casino environment. The other formulation may have been cheaper, as well. That might explain why the Riverside “fracs”—which are labeled 25¢ but also labeled “no cash value”—are lighter. They weren’t actually cash chips...rather they were most likely “match play” chips that could be used to bet with but could not themselves be redeemed. Thus, the casino didn’t invest in the premium formulation for these chips since they were only for promo/comp purposes.
[/
I’m pretty sure your assessment is accurate. I have a rack of Don French’s Bonanza $1s that are labeled “non negotiable,” they weigh in at 8.6 grams each.
I wasn’t sure if they were real at first being their light weight and “plastic” type feel.
I did some research and was reassured by David Spragg that these chips were completely authentic.
Was also told the casinos didn’t invest the money in these type of chips because of the same reason you mentioned.
Great information to know especially being more new to the TRK collecting market.
RichMahogany
Straight Flush
I do love those Don French Bonanza $1s, even with the overstamp!
I need to stop browsing around the forum so much. Every time I think I'm almost "done" with chipping I find some other rabbit hole to go down.
What's a good weight for a TRK chip? 8.8, 9.1, 9.4?
What's a good weight for a TRK chip? 8.8, 9.1, 9.4?
RichMahogany
Straight Flush
Good weight is the same as any other compression molded clay chip, 10 grams+.
Create an account or login to comment
You must be a member in order to leave a comment
Create account
Create an account and join our community. It's easy!
Log in
Already have an account? Log in here.
