New Chip Set Up - Thoughts? (1 Viewer)

Joined
Jun 9, 2020
Messages
57
Reaction score
40
Location
San Diego, CA
Hi Chippers,


Newbie here enjoying my readings on the forum immensely so far. I am looking/shopping around for a solid mid-level, if you will, starter set of chips for tourney style play specifically. I have a super standard set of CC “The Mint” series poker chips I currently use but would like to upgrade without breaking the bank. I am leaning towards ceramics (i.e. NexGen Pro’s, Tiki Kings, or fake European Poker Tour’s) as it sounds like they are the middle ground between CC’s and high-end Clays. This being said, I'm really open to anything and know a limited amount about this world. Overall, I'm just looking for a fun setup that will play nicely, have some awesome aesthetics/feel and last a decent while. In any event, I plan to buy samples of whichever chips I am strongly considering.


I am open to any and all suggestions and want to hear from the experts. What do you all think would be a good chip and why? Would also love to hear what chip(s) you are all using currently. I’ve included a picture (see below) of my current table a buddy and I built to offer some visual aid for what my future chips will be playing on!


Thank you in advance for your feedback/input. Great to be a part of the forum!


20180525_135530.jpeg
 
I have a super standard set of CC “The Mint” series poker chips I currently use but would like to upgrade without breaking the bank. I am leaning towards ceramics (i.e. NexGen Pro’s, Tiki Kings, or fake European Poker Tour’s) as it sounds like they are the middle ground between CC’s and high-end Clays.
The Mint chips are not china clay, and the NexGen Pro chips are not ceramic -- both are injection-molded plastic. The Mint chips have a metal slug insert, while the NexGen Pro chips do not. Both chips (and those of similar design) are typically priced well below the cost of china clays.

I'm really open to anything and know a limited amount about this world.
Here are a few previous posts you may find helpful:
material/quality costs:
  • Cheap slugged injection-molded plastic chips cost about 15c to 20c each.
  • Low-budget plastics and cheap ceramic chips run about 25c to 30c per chip.
  • Injection-molded china clays (mostly plastic with additives) cost around 35c to 50c per chip.
  • Printed ceramic chips typically cost between 55c to 85c per chip, depending on quantity, chip diameter, chip type, and customization.
  • Budget (common, sometimes used) compression-molded clay chips generally cost between $1 and $2 per chip.
  • Custom clay sets and popular clay casino sets (both compression-molded) can run anywhere from $2 to $10 per chip (or higher).
With few exceptions, there are three types of chips used in casinos:
  • compression-molded clay chips (Paulson, CPC/ASM, BCC, TRK, etc.) -- typical cost is $1 to $3 per chip, although aftermarket prices for high-end sets can get astronomical.
  • high-end injection-molded plastic chips (Bud Jones, B&G, Matsui, Abbiati, etc.) -- typical cost is roughly $1 to $2+ per chip for new chips.
  • dye-sublimation printed ceramic chips (ABC, Sun-Fly, Chipco, etc.) -- typical cost is 50c to $1 per chip for new chips, with most in the 75c-80c range.
Several of the manufacturers listed above who currently produce chips for casinos do not sell to the general public (Paulson, Bud Jones, B&G). Those companies that do offer custom-designed chip options (CPC, Matsui, Abbiati, ABC, Sun-Fly), and some also offer existing stock items to buyers (CPC, ABC, Sun-Fly).

Other types of chips that are typically NOT used in casinos include low-cost (15c-25c) injection-molded plastic chips (with or without metal slugs) made in China, and a budget-priced (30c-50c) variation of those called 'china clays' (which have additives to emulate the characteristics of compression-molded clays).
High-end plastics (Abbiati, Matsui, Bud Jones, B&G) are definitely a step up from the mass-produced plastic stuff typically produced in China.

High-end plastic chips are made with better raw materials using more closely controlled processes, are made to much more exacting dimensional tolerances, and are finished after manufacturing (typically machined to exact size and polished).

All of those things make them much nicer than run-of-the-mill plastic chips, and it also makes them many, many times more expensive.

But at the end of the day, they are still plastic chips, often with metal slugs, and sharing many of the traits and characteristics -- both negative and positive -- that are inherent to the material itself.
Chip types, 2020 definitions:
  • compression-molded
  • injection-molded
    • plain
    • hot-stamped
    • screen printed (face only)
    • recess w/label
      • faux clay
      • 100% plastic, no insert
      • 100% plastic w/metal insert
    • dye-sublimation printed
      • full-face and edge printing
      • face/edge printing with recess/label
That should cover it. All plastic, just varying types and with different degrees of contamination (er, other materials).

To correlate with previous terms:
  • clays = compression-molded
  • ceramics/hybrids = dye-sublimation printed
  • china clays = injection-molded recess w/label faux clay
  • plastic = everything else


I'm just looking for a fun setup that will play nicely, have some awesome aesthetics/feel and last a decent while. In any event, I plan to buy samples of whichever chips I am strongly considering.
Getting samples is the single most important step you can take. Only you can decide what type of available chip is best to you from an aethetic/feel perspective.

For me personally, I find slightly broken-in compression-molded clay chips made by Paulson using the Top Hat & Cane mold to 'flip my switch'. I also like 43mm IHC mold Paulsons, and for lesser expense, I find the 43mm Polyinno hybrid ceramic chips from Sun-Fly to be one of the best chip values in the market today.

Lastly:
I typically advise new forum members looking to buy chips to:
  • learn to use the search tool
  • read as much as possible
  • ask questions regarding chip values and set breakdowns
  • get samples before you buy anything
  • buy the best chips you can afford, in the correct amounts that work for your needs
All of those will help newbies avoid costly mistakes, make informed decisions, and end up with sets that better match their expectations.

The last item is a partial nod towards chip enjoyment, and also a partial nod towards overall financial expenditure including resale value. Playing with better chips (and equipment) produces a more enjoyable gaming environment, while sets with better breakdowns sell easier and for more $$, and better quality chips typically hold value better than cheaper ones.
 
Yes, well done - that’s a super professional looking build! My wonky pencil case and mug tree projects from school wood working class many years ago let me know I have few natural talents in that department!
 
The Mint chips are not china clay, and the NexGen Pro chips are not ceramic -- both are injection-molded plastic. The Mint chips have a metal slug insert, while the NexGen Pro chips do not. Both chips (and those of similar design) are typically priced well below the cost of china clays.


Here are a few previous posts you may find helpful:







Getting samples is the single most important step you can take. Only you can decide what type of available chip is best to you from an aethetic/feel perspective.

For me personally, I find slightly broken-in compression-molded clay chips made by Paulson using the Top Hat & Cane mold to 'flip my switch'. I also like 43mm IHC mold Paulsons, and for lesser expense, I find the 43mm Polyinno hybrid ceramic chips from Sun-Fly to be one of the best chip values in the market today.

Lastly:

@BGinGA Thank you for the wealth of information. I appreciate you taking the time to offer the educational background. I will be continuing my research with your points in mind.
 
Last edited:
I am pretty sure there is a traveling sample of Sunfly hybrids that you can get on the mailing list and check those out! Very durable and many go with the 43mm oversized option! Very nice chips,

Also I haven't seen it mentioned but @Apache sells the true CC Royals which are 43mm on their site! They do offer samples and I would suggest grabbing a couple of those samples for a shuffle stack! For the price I was very impressed with those chips, nice vibrant colors, great chip weight and wont break the bank!! Definitely something worth looking into and many members here own these chips and can attest to their quality! Best of luck woth the chip hunt!!

Fellow Chipper Ben
 
The Mint chips are not china clay, and the NexGen Pro chips are not ceramic -- both are injection-molded plastic. The Mint chips have a metal slug insert, while the NexGen Pro chips do not. Both chips (and those of similar design) are typically priced well below the cost of china clays.


Here are a few previous posts you may find helpful:







Getting samples is the single most important step you can take. Only you can decide what type of available chip is best to you from an aethetic/feel perspective.

For me personally, I find slightly broken-in compression-molded clay chips made by Paulson using the Top Hat & Cane mold to 'flip my switch'. I also like 43mm IHC mold Paulsons, and for lesser expense, I find the 43mm Polyinno hybrid ceramic chips from Sun-Fly to be one of the best chip values in the market today.

Lastly:
/thread

:)
 
Glad this thread came back up; I am weighing the same or similar options at the moment. Not crazy about most ceramics I see, but the EPTs just pop.
 
Do you have any pictures of your replicas EPT chips? Be cool to see some in play. I really like their colors and design graphics.
I don't have any pics of the whole set laid out or anything handy, but I do keep a few small stacks for shuffling near my desk. So, this is the best that I can do on short notice:

ept-1.jpg
ept-2.jpg
 

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.

Back
Top Bottom