Purchasing First Set - Buyer's Remorse (1 Viewer)

[Jbeany2727]

Hi all,

I am a new member and just discovered PCF several days ago. I have been playing poker online pretty frequently over the past few months due to COVID, but have played home games for many years. I was looking to purchase my first set of chips and wanted some advice, but I wish I had discovered this forum sooner.

I ended up buying a 500 chip set of the Desert Heat (I believe from Claysmith), but I realize now I should have bought some samples and done more research before just pulling the trigger. I didn't know there was so much good info out there and differences in quality. Moreover, because I am going to be using these primarily for home cash games (5-8 players, $10-20 buy ins) I probably shouldn't have wasted money on a set with denominations that are not going to be frequently used (e.g. 1000, 5000, etc.).

If anyone has recently purchased a desert heat set or similar (e.g. showdown, bluff canyon), can you let me know if they are fine as a budget option for frequent use? How is the edging and weight in hand? What would you recommend moving forward as a step up in quality that wouldn't break the bank like some Paulson's?

Excited to be a member and looking forward to feedback!

 

[BGinGA]

If you can return them, it's probably worth the restocking fee (you'll take a bigger loss trying to resell them). Then you can focus on getting advice (and samples) before buying a properly sized set of chips (with denominations that will actually see use) that are within your budget range.

 

[detroitdad]

If you can return them, it's probably worth the restocking fee (you'll take a bigger loss trying to resell them). Then you can focus on getting advice (and samples) before buying a set of chips with denominations that will actually see use and are within your budget range.

This ^^^^^

 

[mummel]

Welcome! You’ll need:

100x5c
200x25c
200x $1
20x$5 for rebuys for a $25 game (I’d get 50 for future proofing).

So yeah, the 5c chip alone limits your set options.

 

[CrazyEddie]

If anyone has recently purchased a desert heat set or similar (e.g. showdown, bluff canyon), can you let me know if they are fine as a budget option for frequent use?

Only one person can answer that, and it's you. Any chip is fine if you're satisfied with them. The only way to know that is to put your own hands on them and see if you like how they feel. Every type of chip feels different, and in general most people prefer the way that the more expensive chips feel. But if you're looking for a budget option, you may find you're perfectly satisfied with a budget chip.

I personally would never recommend the Claysmith line because the samples I've gotten have rough flashing around the edges; I absolutely don't like the way they feel because of that. Apache says that the Monte Carlo and Casino Royale chips they sell for about the same price don't have those rough edges; I trust them but I can't vouch for that myself.

@BGinGA 's advice is good. Once you've gotten a better idea of what kinds of chips are out there and how much they cost and what they look like, invest at least a little bit of time and money into getting samples so you can feel them for yourself and decide how much you like them. You may or may not be as particular as some other PCF members. I have a lot of samples across a wide range, and while there are definitely some that I like more than others, in general I like them all and would be happy playing poker with nearly any of them.

What would you recommend moving forward as a step up in quality that wouldn't break the bank like some Paulson's?

Among the sets readily available through retailers, probably the modern China clays such as Majestics, Milanos, Royals, and The Bank would be an excellent choice, as would any of the stock or semi-custom designs on ceramics from ABC Gifts / BRPro Poker. They're more expensive than the Claysmiths, but not hugely more expensive, and are generally well-regarded. But get sample sets and decide for yourself.

For older and harder to obtain options, keep an eye on the PCF classified section and read through some of the old posts. Most of what goes through there is high-end Paulsons and TR Kings, but you will sometimes find a variety of low-priced chips (meaning a dollar per chip or less, sometimes much less) that are still quite a bit nicer than you'll find at retailers - again, assuming that you like them. These might be older China clays that aren't made any more, or Bud Jones plastics that aren't sold to the public, or group buys from Matsui or Sun-Fly that someone is getting rid of for a good price. Or vintage clay chips (probably made by Burt Co or ASM) that someone found in an attic or garage sale, which might be hotstamped monogrammed solids and thus not as fancy-looking but will have the very same feel as high-end casino chips.

Welcome aboard, and enjoy the ride!

 

[CrazyEddie]

A great way to learn what types of chips are available is to check out the Hobbyphilic YouTube channel . He reviews many, many chips and gives you some idea of what they're like, with the main focus on chips that are reasonably easy to obtain through retailers, covering a good range from low-end to high-end.

 

[Papasatyr]

Desert Heats are pretty nice for a plastic chip.

--They look nice.
--They stack like bricks; better than many, many true clays I have come across.
--They feel acceptably "chalky" and not so plasticky.

The rub: 14g does feel too heavy (casino chips weigh around 8.5-10g). Their sound, while muffled by softer plastic, still rings with a metal insert.

They are a fine value for 15c/chip.

The real question: does their heavier weight, and resultant sound, bother you? If not, it sounds like you have a pretty nice entry level set of chips.

PS Don't buy denominations you won't use in the next year unless you're investing in a serious set of clays or ceramics.

 

[BSteck]

There's some great advice in this thread. Get samples... only you can decide... etc. I'll also add, that your cheap entry set will give you a chance to figure out which denominations you'll really use without making huge financial mistake.

My first set were Claysmith Mints and I still have a bit of a soft spot for them. They were cheap, denominated, brightly colored and definitely a step up from the typical Walmart dice chips. I agree with what others have said about the flashing on the edges. I found that a little bit of rubbing with one of those green dishwashing scrubbie pads took off the ridge nicely. But in the end, the clanky metal insert and 14g weight pushed me to the next level of chips (China clays for me).

You'll find a little bit of selection bias on this site. We're all still hanging around here because we really like poker chips. Most of us have developed an expensive taste for the good stuff. So lots of advice will be to steer people towards the nicer and nicer chips. But it's entirely possible to find inexpensive chips you like, log off this site and move on with your life. It's also possible you'll fall down the rabbit hole like so many of us have.

Here's a good resource to get you started down the rabbit hole. It's a bit dated and could use an update but most of it is still valid:
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/resources/poker-chips-available-stock-designs-by-chip-type.49/

 

[Ben8257]

There's some great advice in this thread. Get samples... only you can decide... etc. I'll also add, that your cheap entry set will give you a chance to figure out which denominations you'll really use without making huge financial mistake.

My first set were Claysmith Mints and I still have a bit of a soft spot for them. They were cheap, denominated, brightly colored and definitely a step up from the typical Walmart dice chips. I agree with what others have said about the flashing on the edges. I found that a little bit of rubbing with one of those green dishwashing scrubbie pads took off the ridge nicely. But in the end, the clanky metal insert and 14g weight pushed me to the next level of chips (China clays for me).

You'll find a little bit of selection bias on this site. We're all still hanging around here because we really like poker chips. Most of us have developed an expensive taste for the good stuff. So lots of advice will be to steer people towards the nicer and nicer chips. But it's entirely possible to find inexpensive chips you like, log off this site and move on with your life. It's also possible you'll fall down the rabbit hole like so many of us have.

Here's a good resource to get you started down the rabbit hole. It's a bit dated and could use an update but most of it is still valid:
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/resources/poker-chips-available-stock-designs-by-chip-type.49/

Well freaking said Brian!! I would also like to add that in the low end market samples are easily found. Once you start stepping into the Paulson and real clay world, many of these sets were never offered in sample sets. What people sometimes mean is if you are leaning towards a RHC or THC Paulson. to find a barrel on that mold and try them out. They may no be the exact chips you are trying to go for... but you will get an idea (ruin you for life once you touch leaded chips) of what to expect when you do decide to make the bug purchase.

Man low/mid grade CC and slugged mass produced chips are available in sample sets. Our site vendor here @Apache really does cater to the entry level chipper and tries to always offer something for everyone and always tries to make sample sets available before you move on to the big buy!!

For the record the 43mm China Clay Royals on Apachepoker were way above my expectations... for the price this would be and easy choice for me. But I probably would have never given them a chance if it wasn't for the availability of sample sets.

Take your time, find the right chips for you and your group!! Hey you have a playable set now, you can get the gang together and play cards and discuss new chip ideas with them. After all its probably not going to be these guys playing in your game!! Find the right chips and the right budget that works for you!!!

Oh and great advice @BSteck log off this site and forget it exists while the bank account still has a few zeros infront of the decimal point!! LMAO I wish I could have screen shot my checking account last week... all my crazy buying over the weekend doesn't post until Monday morning.. I had $1.58 left... not joking!! Damn Chips!!

Fellow Chipper Ben

 

[BSteck]

I think that beginner's sample pack is still being done...
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/beginners-sample-pack.26301/

 

[pharaohone]

For plastic chips, the Desert Heats sure are cool looking.

I took the plunge with China Clay Pharaoh’s as my first set myself. Didn’t have them long before I bought a half barrel of Paulson’s from someone on this site. And man, I was hooked.

you can always use multipliers on buy in and chips to make your denoms work. So if you can’t return them and don’t want to blow a ton of money on chipping, don’t sweat it! Those chips will already be cooler than 90% of home game hosts. And they can be plenty functional.

if you fall in love with playing games with a nicer chip and/or pick up the chipping hobby, you can definitely have some fun here. It’s a great ride.

And I 2nd those that recommended Hobby Philic YouTube, Apache as a vendor site for samples, and just posting WTB ads for samples and/or lurking on classifieds.

enjoy your chips (or your future chips!)

 

[Jbeany2727]

I really appreciate all the great advice and recommendations. This is an awesome forum. The desert heat set just came in yesterday and they actually feel decent! The colors / design is nice for what I was expecting. Flashing is annoying as some of you mentioned on the edges, but hopefully it can rub down with a sponge pad or something.

 

[allforcharity]

I really appreciate all the great advice and recommendations. This is an awesome forum. The desert heat set just came in yesterday and they actually feel decent! The colors / design is nice for what I was expecting. Flashing is annoying as some of you mentioned on the edges, but hopefully it can rub down with a sponge pad or something.

Small metal hobby file should work.

 

[DeeVee8]

Hi all,

I am a new member and just discovered PCF several days ago. I have been playing poker online pretty frequently over the past few months due to COVID, but have played home games for many years. I was looking to purchase my first set of chips and wanted some advice, but I wish I had discovered this forum sooner.

I ended up buying a 500 chip set of the Desert Heat (I believe from Claysmith), but I realize now I should have bought some samples and done more research before just pulling the trigger. I didn't know there was so much good info out there and differences in quality. Moreover, because I am going to be using these primarily for home cash games (5-8 players, $10-20 buy ins) I probably shouldn't have wasted money on a set with denominations that are not going to be frequently used (e.g. 1000, 5000, etc.).

If anyone has recently purchased a desert heat set or similar (e.g. showdown, bluff canyon), can you let me know if they are fine as a budget option for frequent use? How is the edging and weight in hand? What would you recommend moving forward as a step up in quality that wouldn't break the bank like some Paulson's?

Excited to be a member and looking forward to feedback!

My buddy has some, which I upgraded for him, thanks to the Dunes giveaway (thanks again, @M11). Desert Heat aren't horrible, and on the bright side, you're only out like $75. I'd hang on to them and use them for an occasional tournament.

I've owned CC Pharaohs and Dunes. Loved them both. Both have great cash game denoms. I also have a set of Royals from Apache that I re-labeled for a heads-up set, those are awesome as well. Those all hold their colors well and won't break the bank like Paulsons. The main problem is if you're worried about someone sneaking foreign chips into your game, its pretty easy with these.

My main tournament set is a custom ceramic set from @ABC Gifts and Awards. A little more expensive, but I love doing artwork that can use the entire face of the chip.

Like the saying goes, get samples baby.

 

[moordb]

As someone who has gone through several sets (CC Pharaohs, ASM Nevada Jacks, CPC KGBs, and finally an HSI Paulson set) nothing feels or sounds like Paulson chips in your hand. Every set I used that wasn't Paulson just left me wanting. If you can swing one of the HSI sets in The Chip Room Black Friday Sale:

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/black-friday-sale.64636/

You will be hard pressed to find Paulson chips cheaper and you won't find yourself with buyers remorse two months down the road.

 

[ovo]

Don't stress on making a bad purchase. There will be plenty more in your life. Learn and move forward. I've bought plenty of chips I wish I didn't buy

 

[TwoHomie]

If it matters, the Texas Card House (big poker rooms in Texas) all use custom labeled claysmith chips, so they’re definitely a usable chip.

I used a claysmith set for a cheap custom label project, and unfortunately the chips I recieved did have flashing. Some medium grit sand paper and a few hours of Netflix completely got rid of that issue though, so there is a work around.

around the same price point, the Poker Knights or the Showdown chips are a nice chip and the samples I received didn’t have any flashing issues. Nexgens are also a good option, but are a bit harder to find now.

Line up of a few options in the <$.50 per chip category

 

[Jake14mw]

I really appreciate all the great advice and recommendations. This is an awesome forum. The desert heat set just came in yesterday and they actually feel decent! The colors / design is nice for what I was expecting. Flashing is annoying as some of you mentioned on the edges, but hopefully it can rub down with a sponge pad or something.

That's great news. Don't feel pressured to buy "better" chips. If you like them, and they work for your game, enjoy them!

 

[Pgheddie]

I bought the wife a Desert Heat set. I live in Pittsburgh but travel to Philly nearly every month for work. If you want to unload some of the higher denomination chips, I might be able to work them into her set.

PS, I like the ceramic chips by far the best, and then maybe the Milano, but the Desert Heat are very nice in my opinion for half the price of the Milanos. Probably one of the best in that price range (I bought samples of almost every chip on the market from the Nevada Jack Skulls price point on down).

I also think the labels on those sets (Desert Heat, Bluff Canyon, Gold Rush) are among the nicest of the more budget-friendly chips.

 

[TwoHomie]

I bought the wife a Desert Heat set. I live in Pittsburgh but travel to Philly nearly every month for work. If you want to unload some of the higher denomination chips, I might be able to work them into her set.

PS, I like the ceramic chips by far the best, and then maybe the Milano, but the Desert Heat are very nice in my opinion for half the price of the Milanos. Probably one of the best in that price range (I bought samples of almost every chip on the market from the Nevada Jack Skulls price point on down).

I also think the labels on those sets (Desert Heat, Bluff Canyon, Gold Rush) are among the nicest of the more budget-friendly chips.

Agree that the desert heat chips are way underrated. The colors really pop, and the label design is really nice and clean. Have always wanted to pick up a set to have as a travel set