New to Poker Chips.... Best set for $500? (2 Viewers)

[Znit]

So... after nearly half a decade of playing with the standard crappy dice chips, I got a 600 PC $150 EPT ceramic set from Alibaba & instantly got hooked into chipping.

I've heard that the more spendy you get, the better the quality gets. What's the best set I can find for $500?

(I've been looking at the Apache Pharoah's, but the $25s are currently out of stock and I've heard some mixed opinions on China Clays. Any recommendations would be super helpful!)

Primarily looking to get 600 chip cash game sets for 1/3

 

[Znit]

*Including the price of the carrying case & chip racks

 

[ChrisArmyKnife]

Welcome to PCF! I’ve played with ceramics from BRPro Poker and they’re right around that price range. Plenty of options other than that to choose from though! Good luck!

 

[Labrat]

For $500 you can get a really good custom or pre-made hybrid ceramic set through Justin's group buys over on the Broken Arrow Cardroom Supply sub-forum, if you have the patience to wait 2-3 months.

Click here for the June group buy.

His chip racks are really nice, but the case you'd have to figure out yourself. Apache cases at Harbor Freight make great cases, IMO.

 

[Znit]

For $500 you can get a really good custom or pre-made hybrid ceramic set through Justin's group buys over on the Broken Arrow Cardroom Supply sub-forum, if you have the patience to wait 2-3 months.

Click here for the June group buy.

His chip racks are really nice, but the case you'd have to figure out yourself. Apache cases at Harbor Freight make great cases, IMO.

Ooh, these are neat. Do you think they'll have a group buy running around July/August?

 

[Znit]

Welcome to PCF! I’ve played with ceramics from BRPro Poker and they’re right around that price range. Plenty of options other than that to choose from though! Good luck!

I already have a ceramic set, so I want to get something clay-ish/casino-ish this time (Like the Pharoah's for instance).

Or - do you think the BRPro ceramics will be noticeably better than my $150 Chinese EPT Ceramic set?

 

[Labrat]

I think the hybrids will be immensely better than your $150 EPT Ceramic set. A lot will disagree with me, but from my point of view and the experiences I've had with China Clay chips, I would steer clear of them as I have three sets that have crumbled on me.

 

[Phoe9x]

Ooh, these are neat. Do you think they'll have a group buy running around July/August?

Those group buys happen every month, and take approx 2-3 months to get them to your door if I am correct.

 

[Moxie Mike]

Do you think the BRPro ceramics will be noticeably better than my $150 Chinese EPT Ceramic set?

Get samples and judge for yourself. IMO the ceramics from BRPRO are the best available for the home market, and are available in custom, semi-custom and stock designs. You're going to get better consistency both in terms of the discs and the print work from them vs the Chinese alternative - but they do cost considerably more.

As to the China Clays you mentioned, the 'best' IMO is probably the Apache Royals and Bank chips. at ~.50 apiece, you can assemble a playable set relatively affordably and they're easy to relabel if you want to customize them with labels from @Gear or Sticker Mule.

 

[Kam]

Agree with @Moxie Mike

For 600 chips for $500, you’re looking at ~$0.83 a chip. That’s roughly high quality ceramic BRPRO price range now, and probably the ‘best’ from a quality perspective:

https://brpropoker.com/collections/stock-chips

When I started my path into poker chip degeneracy, I bought lots of samples from BRPRO, Apache, Broken Arrow etc.

For me I wasn’t the biggest fan of the apaches pharaohs- they felt ‘plasticky’ to me and I preferred my cheaper Nexgen Pros (but those wouldn’t really be an upgrade for what you’re looking for).

Before you pull the trigger, spend $20-$30 and get 2-3 samples of a few options you’re considering. The print quality, label and tactile feel vary dramatically within the 25c-80c price range, and I prefer the textured ceramic vs smooth - but it’s all subjective.

Check some of @Hobbyphilic video’s on youtube, he’s reviewed everything in your price range.

Lastly check the marketplace/classifieds, there’s deals sometimes on actual clay casino chips, although I don’t think at your price range unfortunately.

GL!

 

[allforcharity]

Your next level is clay. It can get spendy very quickly. Budget at least $3 per chip with a minimum 500-600 chip purchase.

Better yet, check out CPC for custom clays.

 

[checkraise34]

Probably Tina group buy or BR Pro ceramics.

 

[BPTDirector]

I would agree that you will end up with clay, the only stop off would be 43mm Royals from Apache, but you will possibly grow out of them as well. If you want to take baby steps, Royals.

 

[cpiaaq]

Hope the Imperial Saipan chips are priced within your budget

Pray the chip room has a closed casino’s chips to liquidate within your timeframe

Or increase your budget

There are non-ceramic options, but you’re going to be pretty limited if trying to buy off the shelf vs resale. For example the Majestic Star casino chips are pretty affordable.

Anyway it can take time to build a clay chipset, and longer if you’re looking for bargains.

 

[Znit]

Hope the imperial Saipan chips are in your budget

Prayt

HOLY CRAP WHAT?!!

What a jumpscare - I currently live in Baltimore, but I was born and raised on Saipan.

 

[cpiaaq]

HOLY CRAP WHAT?!!

What a jumpscare - I currently live in Baltimore, but I was born and raised on Saipan.

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/imperial-pacific-saipan-ips-–-main-cash-vip-set-sales.132293/

 

[Znit]

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/imperial-pacific-saipan-ips-–-main-cash-vip-set-sales.132293/

Discovering this site is going to be worst thing that has ever happened to me

 

[detroitdad]

If ceramic chips work for you. BRPRO is amazing!

https://brpropoker.com/?gc_id=12479...GFDY3mq5atmv48DsbPQAhuAeM0IbbBWBoC3i8QAvD_BwE

@ABC Gifts and Awards

 

[Kam]

Here’s the origin story for the Saipan Vault Raiders:

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/indiana-jones-and-the-secrets-of-saipan.131311/

That sale will be this Sunday I think, pricing to be announced.

GL!

 

[Znit]

Here’s the origin story for the Saipan Vault Raiders:

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/indiana-jones-and-the-secrets-of-saipan.131311/

That sale will be this Sunday I think, pricing to be announced.

GL!

How nostalgic, Saipan is a beautiful place. It's a shame that Covid has basically taken it out

 

[bigblind]

Save a little budget money and check out CPC chips

 

[Baldeagle9]

Welcome to PCF, you came to the right place. Tons of chip experts here to guide you to your dream set. I got a designer on here, and ordered my first custom set in the upcoming June group buy! Good Luck!!

 

[duffman]

Welcome to the forum. I were new like yourself, I'd pony up a bit more cash and buy these...

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/ladder-up-affordable-paulson-set-aztar-evansville.132588/

Real Paulson casino chips for less than a buck a piece with free shipping.