Going down the rabbit hole... Paulsons, CPC, CCs, DDLM, TIKIs - SO MANY OPTIONS, SO LITTLE FUNDS... (4 Viewers)

juankay20

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I'm starting to go down the rabbit hole with all these great options available and I'm now at a crossroads.... so I would appreciate any advice from the community here.
Originally, I was looking to do a CC set and then have a separate DDLM set, but now after seeing some beautiful AS chips and PCFers' CPCs... I may just have to pull the trigger on a set of these premium chips.

This is probably a loaded question... but what do you all think? I would REALLY not like to spend $1k+ on a chip set, but if I'm destined to end up going down that road later on... then why wait?
Royal Card Room chips with custom labels are still an appealing option - the color schemes and edge spots are in the ballpark of what I'm looking for... but I do really like those Aurora Stars...
 
Which would you use more of, and be willing to spend more for, a cash set or tourney set?

If your budget is truly $1k, then you are unlikely to get more than 2-3 racks of the clays you mentioned, I'm afraid. But there are other options.
 
Which would you use more of, and be willing to spend more for, a cash set or tourney set?

If your budget is truly $1k, then you are unlikely to get more than 2-3 racks of the clays you mentioned, I'm afraid. But there are other options.

Probably will focus on a cash set right now; we dont really do tourneys that often at the moment
 
Jim at @TheChipRoom still has lots of cash chips left from his most recent sale. All for under $2 a chip. A 500 chip cash set would be well under your $1k budget. Minty, unplayed Paulsons. There are plenty of $1 and $5 chips left, and use the $25 chips as quarters and viola, there's your cash set!
 
I'm starting to go down the rabbit hole with all these great options available and I'm now at a crossroads.... so I would appreciate any advice from the community here.
Originally, I was looking to do a CC set and then have a separate DDLM set, but now after seeing some beautiful AS chips and PCFers' CPCs... I may just have to pull the trigger on a set of these premium chips.

This is probably a loaded question... but what do you all think? I would REALLY not like to spend $1k+ on a chip set, but if I'm destined to end up going down that road later on... then why wait?
Royal Card Room chips with custom labels are still an appealing option - the color schemes and edge spots are in the ballpark of what I'm looking for... but I do really like those Aurora Stars...

First off, get samples.

Second, understand the type of chips you're looking at. CPC's are gorgeous chips but have a very high price tag, in many cases over $1 a chip with a 1000 chip minimum order. Same thing with Sunfly's. Hybrid Ceramics are pretty snazzy chips from what I'm given to understand but they do come with the price.

DDLM's are ceramics. For a home game, these are great because you can customize the ever loving crap out of them. Also they won't cost too much, about $350 for a 500 chip set. Now in time, if you keep fiddling with them and using them as much as a casino does, the images will fade and the chips will be hard to stack. This is practically guaranteed not to happen if you are running a home game, because you won't be using them nearly as much as the casino does. Ceramics are I think 4 of my 5 sets with one set of Paulsons. (also I own two beautiful sets of ceramics, Wicked Spades 39mm and Dia De Los Muertos 43mm)

China Clays are nice, they're an affordable set with a couple of caveats, and I'm not talking about Coronavirus. Some of them have an odor and some are stronger than others, also since they're CHINA Clay, you have a chance, a small one but still a chance that you may accidentally peel off the label. It's a low risk but it's a lot higher risk than the Ceramics losing their design. I like the Royals they're very nice looking but understand the risk is there. If you can live with the risk, it's a great set for the money.

You have a good eye. Skip all the super budget sets (Howdy, Cowboy, Scroll, Nile Club), the cheap china clays (Milanos), and the dice and store chips.
 
I’m not sure if the BR Pro 15% is still going on, but I love my set of semi-custom DDLM chips I just received. 1000 chips for just under $600 is hard to beat. I’d take them over any China Clay set in a heat beat.

F62885C6-B666-423A-A7A6-7676B52355C6.jpeg

And if you stick around long enough you’ll end up with something like this and get all the options you mentioned.

C5F0E2A0-3212-406E-B0C0-0D8188682821.jpeg
 
Jim at @TheChipRoom still has lots of cash chips left from his most recent sale. All for under $2 a chip. A 500 chip cash set would be well under your $1k budget. Minty, unplayed Paulsons. There are plenty of $1 and $5 chips left, and use the $25 chips as quarters and viola, there's your cash set!

@juankay20 , listen to him. I just got my first Paulson set in from him and they're beautiful. You can get 500 chips for less than $900 with the distribution:

200 $1
150 $5
100 $25
50 $100
 
Jim at @TheChipRoom still has lots of cash chips left from his most recent sale. All for under $2 a chip. A 500 chip cash set would be well under your $1k budget. Minty, unplayed Paulsons. There are plenty of $1 and $5 chips left, and use the $25 chips as quarters and viola, there's your cash set!

I'll check those out, thanks for the heads up!
 
First off, get samples.

Second, understand the type of chips you're looking at. CPC's are gorgeous chips but have a very high price tag, in many cases over $1 a chip with a 1000 chip minimum order. Same thing with Sunfly's. Hybrid Ceramics are pretty snazzy chips from what I'm given to understand but they do come with the price.

DDLM's are ceramics. For a home game, these are great because you can customize the ever loving crap out of them. Also they won't cost too much, about $350 for a 500 chip set. Now in time, if you keep fiddling with them and using them as much as a casino does, the images will fade and the chips will be hard to stack. This is practically guaranteed not to happen if you are running a home game, because you won't be using them nearly as much as the casino does. Ceramics are I think 4 of my 5 sets with one set of Paulsons. (also I own two beautiful sets of ceramics, Wicked Spades 39mm and Dia De Los Muertos 43mm)

China Clays are nice, they're an affordable set with a couple of caveats, and I'm not talking about Coronavirus. Some of them have an odor and some are stronger than others, also since they're CHINA Clay, you have a chance, a small one but still a chance that you may accidentally peel off the label. It's a low risk but it's a lot higher risk than the Ceramics losing their design. I like the Royals they're very nice looking but understand the risk is there. If you can live with the risk, it's a great set for the money.

You have a good eye. Skip all the super budget sets (Howdy, Cowboy, Scroll, Nile Club), the cheap china clays (Milanos), and the dice and store chips.


Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it! Didn't realize about CPCs minimum.. that blows...
 
I’m not sure if the BR Pro 15% is still going on, but I love my set of semi-custom DDLM chips I just received. 1000 chips for just under $600 is hard to beat. I’d take them over any China Clay set in a heat beat.

View attachment 425754
And if you stick around long enough you’ll end up with something like this and get all the options you mentioned.

View attachment 425755

Awesome collection!
 
Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it! Didn't realize about CPCs minimum.. that blows...

I'm the same way. Look into the ceramics, either 39mm (70c a chip) or 43mm (94c a chip. it's higher because a 43 is now considered a full custom), and look at also your China Clays and that Lady Luck casino set.

I'm only designing a custom chip because I really think it'll be fun to do and I want a tournament set that really pops. But yeah, you can do a lot with a $1000 budget.
 
So the potential issue with jumping directly into CPCs is that you may not know what you like. For example: You make a custom set with traditional colors and then while you're waiting you discover Cali colors, fall in love, and then have to buy a second set.

I think of Chipping as a journey, don't rush to get to the end - there is no end...

Get a bunch of samples and really figure out what you like. I've changed my mind on things 20+ times since being on this forum.
 
I have 800 set 2 table 20k stack DDLM and have a cash set on the way. Also have a Majestic set + plaques on the way. I LOVE the DDLM to the point where I commissioned custom artwork for additional all/in bounty tokens.

Best advice out there is samples samples samples. Enjoy your new addiction and ask any questions you have!

If you like the royal/majestic samples you wont be disappointed in your set & you can always resell them later and recoup most of your investment & essentially will have just 'rented' them.

Personally I prefer the feel of ceramics over Paulsons. It's like cigars, another hobby of mine, price is an indication primarily of rarity not necessarily objective quality. Decide what you like the look and feel of personally & go from there. Another hobby of mine is collecting Burbon & the motto is the best kind of whisky is the one you like to drink the way you like to drink it. Apply this to chips and you absolutely can't go wrong.
 
So the potential issue with jumping directly into CPCs is that you may not know what you like. For example: You make a custom set with traditional colors and then while you're waiting you discover Cali colors, fall in love, and then have to buy a second set.

I think of Chipping as a journey, don't rush to get to the end - there is no end...

Get a bunch of samples and really figure out what you like. I've changed my mind on things 20+ times since being on this forum.

Good advice... because chances are that I will have buyer's remorse :p haha
 
So the potential issue with jumping directly into CPCs is that you may not know what you like. For example: You make a custom set with traditional colors and then while you're waiting you discover Cali colors, fall in love, and then have to buy a second set.

I think of Chipping as a journey, don't rush to get to the end - there is no end...

Get a bunch of samples and really figure out what you like. I've changed my mind on things 20+ times since being on this forum.
And those tastes and preferences change with time. Just a short few months ago, I thought the mint Jack Detroit RHC mold chips were the nuts.

Then I discovered leaded THC molded Paulsons. Three months later and I just finished my cash set of CDI '98's :ROFL: :ROFLMAO:
 
I have 800 set 2 table 20k stack DDLM and have a cash set on the way. Also have a Majestic set + plaques on the way. I LOVE the DDLM to the point where I commissioned custom artwork for additional all/in bounty tokens.

Best advice out there is samples samples samples. Enjoy your new addiction and ask any questions you have!

If you like the royal/majestic samples you wont be disappointed in your set & you can always resell them later and recoup most of your investment & essentially will have just 'rented' them.

Personally I prefer the feel of ceramics over Paulsons. It's like cigars, another hobby of mine, price is an indication primarily of rarity not necessarily objective quality. Decide what you like the look and feel of personally & go from there. Another hobby of mine is collecting Burbon & the motto is the best kind of whisky is the one you like to drink the way you like to drink it. Apply this to chips and you absolutely can't go wrong.

Very relateable, because I'm also into bourbon! I have a few CC sample sets on the way, as well as the DDLM sample set. Getting antsy..
 
I'll give you my first chip story. I hadn't bought any chips yet. I just got samples. My sister-in-law was using dice chips stamped with Desert Palace and I was telling a couple about the different quality of poker chips. Well, I brought in my sample sets and the girlfriend fell in love with the Wicked Spades. She openly said "I can feel the difference in quality", and before the game was over, she made me promise to buy a set of wicked spades, so those were my first actual ceramic set and I love them just as much now as I did when I bought them 3 1/2 years ago.

You can't really go wrong with Wicked Spades, DDLM, or (my mom would kill me if she heard this) Tiki Kings. They're all good. In fact, here's my set of DDLM's coming in.

I haven't sampled the Royals but I do have a sample set of Majestics, I like them. I also like the GPI Monacos which I bought last year, those are mostly out of stock though, but the Elites still have tons of quarters, 1's, 5's and 25's.

https://www.apachepokerchips.com/product/paulson-elite-poker-chips/

https://www.apachepokerchips.com/product/monaco-poker-chips/

That's something to consider also.

Hinckley_BRProDDLM (2).jpg
 
Very relateable, because I'm also into bourbon! I have a few CC sample sets on the way, as well as the DDLM sample set. Getting antsy..

I just remembered, if quarter's, 1's, 5's and 25's are on your agenda, Apache still has GPI Elites and GPI Monacos you can sample and try out.

https://www.apachepokerchips.com/product/monaco-poker-chips/

I really like these chips and they were made in the same factory that makes Paulson chips.
 
Good advice... because chances are that I will have buyer's remorse :p haha
The thing with Paulson chips is that you can always sell them in the marketplace here for your cost or even a little more than what you paid for them. The rate of new members here is exceeding the supply of new chips that Jim and others are bringing to the market. When the Covid crisis is more under control, prices of Paulson chips is going to go up, I think.

Classic Poker Chips (CPC's) retain their value, but unless it's widely acknowledged as a "Hall of Fame" quality custom set with broad appeal, you'll probably end up taking a loss on selling them, but not a big one. I'd only go with CPC customs if you're certain that you're going to keep the chips.

China Clays don't at all hold their value in the secondary sale market. You'd be lucky to get half your money back.

The best advice that someone here gave me when I signed up here was to go right to the gusto and spring for the Paulson chips straight away if you can afford it. It will save you money in the long run. I wish I had followed that advice. I have a Majestic China Clay set that I still really like that I use for a "travel set" for when other's are hosting and want me to supply the chips, but they won't see play when I host.
 
I'll give you my first chip story. I hadn't bought any chips yet. I just got samples. My sister-in-law was using dice chips stamped with Desert Palace and I was telling a couple about the different quality of poker chips. Well, I brought in my sample sets and the girlfriend fell in love with the Wicked Spades. She openly said "I can feel the difference in quality", and before the game was over, she made me promise to buy a set of wicked spades, so those were my first actual ceramic set and I love them just as much now as I did when I bought them 3 1/2 years ago.

You can't really go wrong with Wicked Spades, DDLM, or (my mom would kill me if she heard this) Tiki Kings. They're all good. In fact, here's my set of DDLM's coming in.

I haven't sampled the Royals but I do have a sample set of Majestics, I like them. I also like the GPI Monacos which I bought last year, those are mostly out of stock though, but the Elites still have tons of quarters, 1's, 5's and 25's.

https://www.apachepokerchips.com/product/paulson-elite-poker-chips/

https://www.apachepokerchips.com/product/monaco-poker-chips/

That's something to consider also.

View attachment 425761

Gorgeous set!
 
The thing with Paulson chips is that you can always sell them in the marketplace here for your cost or even a little more than what you paid for them. The rate of new members here is exceeding the supply of new chips that Jim and others are bringing to the market. When the Covid crisis is more under control, prices of Paulson chips is going to go up, I think.

Classic Poker Chips (CPC's) retain their value, but unless it's widely acknowledged as a "Hall of Fame" quality custom set with broad appeal, you'll probably end up taking a loss on selling them, but not a big one. I'd only go with CPC customs if you're certain that you're going to keep the chips.

China Clays don't at all hold their value in the secondary sale market. You'd be lucky to get half your money back.

The best advice that someone here gave me when I signed up here was to go right to the gusto and spring for the Paulson chips straight away if you can afford it. It will save you money in the long run. I wish I had followed that advice. I have a Majestic China Clay set that I still really like that I use for a "travel set" for when other's are hosting and want me to supply the chips, but they won't see play when I host.

"Hall of Fame" quality - now that would be something to strive for... ;)
 
Any pics to share?

Not from me. The only ceramics I own are semi custom(Cali color) DDLMs.

You’re considering customs(CPC) and all other chip options with a $1k budget. Look into custom ceramics from @ABC Gifts and Awards or @BR Pro Poker which are the same company

Two birds as they say...

Edit: misread. You'd rather not spend $1k
 
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This is a tricky question. Why do you want the chips? Are you just looking to enhance your home game and are looking for a 'one and done' type of purchase, then I would look at how much you are willing to spend and go from there. If you are thinking that this may be a cool hobby to get into, then look at your situation and get some samples and start building a collection!

If you are just looking for an upgrade for your home game and don't want to get too invested (financially and personally) into this as a hobby, you'd likely be happy with a set of China Clays, decent quality chips and great comparative price to higher end stuff so you might want to go that route.

If you want top of the line type stuff and are just going for a one and done approach, go custom. No need to mess around with retired casino chips, custom chips would add more to your (and your players) experience than a set of chips from a place you have no connection to.

If you wanna get into an awesome hobby, start small and don't over extend yourself. Paulson chips can get pretty spendy pretty fast, but IMO are worth it. Just start acquiring what you like a bit at a time. You might even see that what you thought you liked are not really what you actually like.

Anyway, enough of my rambling. Good Luck, hope you find the best chips for you!
 
So much free advice! Welcome to the forum.

Here's my free advice, I'm a 3 month PCF member and own two cash sets already, one China Clay (800 chips) and one Paulson mixed house mold (400 chips).

I have sampled many chips. What you wind up with will be based on your preferences, which is one of the beauties of chipping. That being said, with budget being a factor, I'll outline a few choices.

#1) China Clays; they are a huge upgrade over slugged plastic chips. In fact, they are really close in look, sound and feel to some worn Paulsons. The huge benefit is the cost, a brand new 500 chip set of Milanos is $170 with a case. A used set would be about $125. Other China Clays are a bit more, as are Ceramics. Some people prefer Ceramics to CCs. My poker group loves the Dunes CCs.

#2) Used, casino worn Paulsons; they look a bit worse than CCs, but sound an feel a bit better. They will run you close to $1 each after you either find 25 cent chips or buy labels to convert higher denomination chips to fractionals. It'd be really tough to find/build a used 500 chip cash Paulson set for under $500.

#3) Excellent/Mint Pausons; kind of the entry level of the holy grail. A set of 500 will run close to $1000 if you're careful and lucky. Pride in ownership will be quite high. You might be too OCD to ever use them, meaning you'd also need a set of CCs!

Also, a note about cost/resale. Lot's of people state that you won't lose money on Paulsons, but a quick look at past and current sales and you'll see that many do sell for less than they paid. In the end, buying Paulsons under $3 per chips is reasonably safe. Buying over that price is not. Losing 1/3 of your cost on CCs is only $75. Losing even 10% of your Paulson cost is greater. Caveat emptor.

Dunes 40 buy-in.jpg
House $45 stack.jpg
 

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