Non warping cards? (1 Viewer)

[NoNamePokerGuy]

So I bought a set of KEMs a few months ago without understanding that the last time I was serious in poker, they were "original KEM" and now they are uspc KEM. In any case, they are warped as hell. I'm going to write them off, however I'm looking for a solid replacement set that won't warp. For so long it was never a question of what cards should I get because I owned a set of my grandparents KEM and they were amazing after using plain old bicycles. However, clearly after the USPC acquisition they aren't the same as before. So I need a new set that isn't warped more than the Tacoma narrows bridge right before it's collapse? Who has since carried the torch that I should be following?

 

[JMC9389]

All plastic cards, whether made of cellulose acetate as the Kem cards are, or PVC which is what most others are made of, can warp if they are left in harsh conditions. Heat, humidity, and direct sunlight all cause damage.

Do you like a more flexible, softer card like the Kems or are you looking for something a bit stiffer? I can steer you in a general direction from there.

 

[Bros]

All plastic cards, whether made of cellulose acetate as the Kem cards are, or PVC which is what most others are made of, can warp if they are left in harsh conditions. Heat, humidity, and direct sunlight all cause damage.

Do you like a more flexible, softer card like the Kems or are you looking for something a bit stiffer? I can steer you in a general direction from there.

I would like to hear about some more stiffer plastic cards such as the bullets.

 

[TheOffalo]

There's been many discussions about this topic, if I have time later I'll try to dig some up. But there are plenty of anecdotes comparing pre-/post-USPCC, with many people saying there's definitely a difference, and other saying not. There are plenty of people who have had original KEMs warp, and others who haven't had a problem with the new ones.

(I personally have had terrible luck with KEMs, having had multiple orders arrive warped and crackled while the cards were still in cellophane.)

I think the general consensus is that if you want the best shot* at not having warped cards avoid cellulose-acetate cards like KEMs and Modiano Platinums. So 100% PVC plastic cards like those made by Copag, Fournier, Dal Negro, other Modiano/Da Vinci lines, etc. Lots of manufacturers make both plastic-coated cardstock and 100% plastic (like Copag's 310 line and Fournier's 3-digit lines are not 100% plastic). So keep an eye out for ones that say 100% plastic.

If you haven't already, check out the Redneck Database https://www.pokerchipforum.com/resources/the-redneck-poker-card-database-2-0.76/ and the discussion thread https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/the-redneck-poker-card-database.52229/.

*No plastic cards are immune from warping, but 100% PVC plastic cards are definitely less sensitive to it in my opinion.

 

[NoNamePokerGuy]

Honestly, they've been stored at "room temp" for the the time I've owned them so I was really surprised when they warped as bad as my my 2007 WSOP cards, I assumed that the WSOP cards warped after I didn't look at them for ages because they were simply old. I don't know why I assumed that in hindsight because my grandparents KEMs hadn't warped despite being 3x as old. Still cards, compared to poker chips are relatively cheap, so I would like to correct my mistakes.

 

[Colquhoun]

I bought a set of new KEMs last year and they are by far the best cards I've owned. Been lucky in that they haven't warped.
My next favorite are Bicycle Prestige (which are Fourniers).

 

[NoNamePokerGuy]

I bought a set of new KEMs last year and they are by far the best cards I've owned. Been lucky in that they haven't warped.
My next favorite are Bicycle Prestige (which are Fourniers).

This just confuses me more more, like should I buy some more and take my chances or look for something else? Again, cards are cheap compared to what I've offered for a rack of 5$ samurai lately.

 

[TheOffalo]

This just confuses me more more, like should I buy some more and take my chances or look for something else? Again, cards are cheap compared to what I've offered for a rack of 5$ samurai lately.

Well he said best and hoped they don’t warp. Those aren’t mutually exclusive sentiments.

I admit I like the way KEMs handle, I just don’t like the cost, the extra maintenance, and the potential for them to crack or warp hanging over my head.

So gotta balance the risk/reward trade off.

 

[CdnBeerLover]

Cards are really down to personal preference. Some people love KEM...some hate them. Same can be said for all manufacturers.

To get an overall perspective, the Redneck database thread (listed above) and the Cards Review threads are good places to start. If you have questions on specific manufacturers, there are a number of card aficionados who would be willing to try to answer them.

 

[Rymack10]

I recently bought a few different deck sets. Modiano Platinum, Copaq, Desjgn, and Bicycle Prestige. Haven't played any games with em, but just shuffling them I like the Desjgn and Modianos the best.

The Prestige's are really heavy to me compared to the others.

I also have a set of Faded Spade's coming in. Watching some shows on Poker Go and I love the design of the cards and wanted to get a feel of what they were like. I'm basically in sample collecting mode with cards and chips right now.

 

[DMack]

KEM #1, with Desjgn a very close second. For the money; however, you can’t beat the 2012 WSOP cards that have often been discussed.

 

[LeLe]

Skip KEM, a lot of people (me included) had bad experience with them. I will'nt be so upset if they are not priced so high too.

The few brands that I owned and will recommend to use for card rotation are

-Desjgn
-Modiano
-Fourniers
-Copags

 

[surfik]

I love Kem.
Having said that they do warp from time to time. Can't say why, I do have decks used extensively that stay flat but I do also have some old KEMs still in the cellophane that show signs of warping.
Try Fournier and DalNegro. They very different in feel but do not warp.
You also may try Cartamundi casino grade but I belive they lose ink faster than cards mentioned above.
I also wholeheartedly endorse Trefl from Poland...

 

[Seeking Alpha Social Club]

Skip KEM, a lot of people (me included) had bad experience with them. I will'nt be so upset if they are not priced so high too.

The few brands that I owned and will recommend to use for card rotation are

-Desjgn
-Modiano
-Fourniers
-Copags

++1 this ^^^

Me and my peeps have been playing together since 2009, and this has been our experience. Had Kems, they warped. Re-tried Kems on a recommendation a couple years later...they warped. I made sure storage was perfect....they warped. Tossed them in the trash...problem solved.

We have been rotating all of the cards recommended on LeLe's list with no problems for years.

Also, we recently started playing with the 2012 WSOPs mentioned in a separate post. All of my players really like them, but they are a bit difficult to pull together. I'm not sure if that is due to their thickness or because they are a bit slippery. However, I recommend those as well.

 

[surfik]

2012 WSOP Fournier are great
I have them and like them

 

[Poker Zombie]

I like all plastic cards. I have Copag, Bicycle, Desjgn, Kem, Fournier, and others in my rotation. Some are better than others, but IMO only mildly so. All cards wear, so there is a cost to replacement concern.

In the end, my route was to buy a set-up of each, and use different decks on different nights. See how they wear, resist abuse, and feel. Eventually you can decide for yourself which fits your needs/pocketbook.

I do have my favorites, but it is hardly worth my time to tell you as my preferences might not be the same as yours. Like anything else on this forum - get samples.