What would you guys recommend, the kem wsop cards or the prestige? I think I'm going to put in an order for some table supplies soon.
Well, it all depends on what you like to use, as they are quite different.
Kem WSOP cards
- KEM-made cellulose acetate plastic cards with Bicycle faces
- bridge size (3.5" h x 2.25" w)
- standard index
- two decks. Both have a white back...one has red accents, the other has black accents. They are very distinguishable if you have two decks in use.
- fairly smooth and flexible. Similar in feel to Copags.
- I haven't used mine yet, so I can't say how durable they are.
- card case is a two deck cardboard container.
Bicycle Prestige
- Fournier-made PVC plastic cards with Bicycle faces
- poker size (3.5" h x 2.5" w)
- standard index
- one deck per case. The special is for one red deck and one blue deck together.
- Have a more "gritty" feel to them, and are a thicker card. Stiffer than Kem's or Copag cards.
- The ink on the faces tends to wear off in small dots over time, but it isn't that bad IMHO.
- The case for each deck is a black cardboard box, and one of the nicest card boxes I've seen.
As to which ones are better, it all depends on what you are used to and what you like. If you are used to playing in a casino poker room, then you might prefer the Kem WSOP cards, as my understanding is that bridge-size Kems are normal in many casinos (note: my in-laws buy used paper decks from Casino Windsor, and they are poker-sized...but they probably were used at blackjack tables). If you are used to playing with poker size Bicycle paper playing cards, then the Prestige cards might be more your speed.
For the money, you can get one set of each right now for the price of one setup of Copags, and much cheaper than one set of normal Kems @ $33/setup. If you are not sure, buy both, especially if you are having them shipped to you. Gotta justify the $$$ for shipping ($12).
When we bought cards for our group, we started with the Prestiges as most people were used to poker-sized paper Bicycles, and there was a 10-deck sale at SPS. It was an easy transition for our players...that was two years ago.
No matter which one you buy, be advised that players will mention that any plastic deck will feel "slippery" if they are used to paper cards. They do take some time to get used to, but last much longer. And if someone spills a drink on them, just rinse them off.
Just be warned...once you start buying plastic cards and checking reviews, you'll start to wonder "Is there another style/brand I like more?". It's a very slippery slope...I still keep meaning to sell some of my setups, but for some reason, I just can't seem to get around to it.
Dave
(Hmmm...do we need a review section for cards?)