If I was looking for non-premium chips to start I'd definitely go with a cards mold set. They are inexpensove, colourful and there are a lot of cool pre-made sets that come up for sale often.
I replaced my loaner/camp set of Milanos with some and am very happy.
Cards Mold. There is plenty of information to search out.
I also replaced all my “China Clay” with Cards Mold, same as GrantC. I’m still working on sourcing another Cards Mold set, and have design plans for up to 3 additional sets. They are that good, IMHO. It’s all subjective to one’s tastes of course. My set has been put to use, 3 times, and you wouldn’t know it. Still feels the same as it did when I first got it.
If you can spend a bit extra, but not $20/chip etc etc….I’d start with
CPC. Still my most valuable set in all of my collection. For the $$$, they offer great feel and looks. They are also very durable, as mine have hit the laminate deck, and not a mark to show. I’ve felted my
CPC set a dozen times. For the $$$, nothing beats them when going off the per chip prices, IMHO.
Of course, the BR Pro and Sunfly recommendations are stellar options. I personally never liked them so I can’t make the suggestion. To each their own. I’ve sampled everything.