I am looking for a sturdy, top-notch bird cage (5 Viewers)

[jstyle]

Hi folks,

I'm searching for a top-notch, sturdy bird cage that can hold 10 racks of Paulson chips (39mm).

In quite a few threads on here, the bird cages from BankSupplies are considered among the best options available. There are two versions, both designed for 1000 chips:

The cheaper option ($80): https://banksupplies.com/large-bird-cage-style-10-tray-acrylic-chip-carrier-840-87815
This one has a black 'partition wall' and a black base plate, is made of acrylic, and has -- insofar as my research in old threads is correct -- two screws underneath (see this post).

The more expensive option ($150): https://banksupplies.com/large-10-tray-casino-chip-carrier-840-87820
This one has a transparent 'partition wall' and a transparent base plate, is made of polycarbonate, and has no screws underneath but is (supposedly) made in one piece (see this post). However, on the website it says it has "2 countersunk screws in the handle/base for additional support". Maybe they changed something here?

(It is possible that this overview is incorrect or no longer up to date, I believe the design of the cages has changed a little over the years.)

I assume the praise for the BankSupplies bird cages refers mainly to the second, more expensive, option, since it is better built then the 'standard' bird cages? Is the 'glue problem' (see this post) still a thing with the more expensive option?

Or maybe there is, as of today, an even better bird cage on the market?

Any help/advice is appreciated -- thank you!

 

[doublebooyah85]

Do you need it to be acrylic see thru? Or is it for transportation?

If it’s for transportation, you should get a versa. Those are the best. But still are too heavy and can flip over in a car, so be careful.

 

[jstyle]

Yes, it should be transparent, as it’s meant primarily for display rather than for transport.

 

[Budha]

 

[jstyle]

Maybe they changed something

I've done a little research: It seems to me that they recently introduced the new model 840-87820 (which replaced the old model 840-87810). This new model appears to have two screws on the bottom (as can be seen in this picture), which probably the old model did not have (I’m not 100% sure, though).

Has anybody recently purchased the new model (840-87820)? Is it still a good-quality option?

 

[JustDave]

I can't recommend the 6 rack carriers enough over the 10. I use a number of the 4 rack carriers actually and it's VASTLY better than the 10 racks.

Think about moving them around. A 10 rack carrier full of chips is VERY heavy. I'm a big dude and it's heavy. Like enough that you want something on the other side to counter the weight. What are you going to do, carry 2? I could, it would suck and I'd be miserable. Also, think about what you are carrying and how you are thinking about it. You are probably going to want to carry the 10 in the birdcage and holding the bottom.

I've been so much happier with smaller birdcages and they still display well. I have a pyramid of them stacked like bricks on top of each other.

 

[jstyle]

@JustDave, I like this idea!

Are you referring specifically to the BankSupplies 6 rack carrier, or would you recommend a different model?

 

[jstyle]

The BankSupplies bird cage for 600 chips looks sturdy and clean. But with six racks, the lid doesn’t seem to reach the bottom of the case - too bad! (see post below)

Well, unfortunately I've gotta say that the Bank Supplies 6 tray birdcage was a nope for me. I'm returning them.

To their credit, the birdcages were very sturdy and looked great...but they had a major flaw in them that was a deal breaker for me. I put 6 chipco racks with 39mm Jack Cincy Paulsons in it and the cover of the birdcage rested on the top row of chips because it wasn't tall enough to reach the base.

I reported the issue to Bank Supplies and they basically told me their customer's like a snug fit on top, most don't fill the birdcage up all the way, I was only the 2nd complaint they'd received, and they weren't going to change the design because the current construction allowed them to more efficiently use the sheets of polycarb in manufacturing. I totally understand all that reasoning...but none of it does anything towards resolving my reported issue so I took them up on their return offer. Note: 36mm tourney Paulsons in Chipco racks fit into the birdcage just fine.

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[Ghostwheel]

The BankSupplies bird cage for 600 chips looks sturdy and clean. But with six racks, the lid doesn’t seem to reach the bottom of the case - too bad! (see post below)

I saw this post and was almost deterred but I saw that their listing had height to top of lid in it, measured my racks, and saw that there was a quarter inch of give and pulled the trigger. This was less than a month ago.

Long story short, this fits 3 racks of Key West CPC chips with the racks Dennis sent me comfortably. They advertise 5 3/4 inch to the top of the lid but I measured just now, and that is essentially accurate and if anything an underestimate. It's just a little under 15 cm inside.

Your mileage may vary but either something changed on their end or chipco racks are bigger than mine. Measure your setup and go for it if it works.

 

[jstyle]

Thank you for the update. That's good news!

 

[onerand]

I was also imterested in the bank supplies one and reached out.

10 rack has the screws in handle: “This changed years ago to strengthen the construction of the handle. Not only is the vertical 1/2" thick handle solvent welded to the base but screwed as the previous design was breaking.”

6 rack has no screws, due to lighter load: “The base is made of two pieces that are adhered together with a plastics solvent.”

Best,

R