Upgrades on a budget (9 Viewers)

[dizzyChipper]

Uhh have you not gone to harbor freight and bought an Apache 3800 when they are on sale for like $25?

I love the 3800 and wish I picked up more during last sale ($22). But they take some racks and time to become a fully realized solution.

For $35 delivered the ABS versa is great. But with shipping to me it's $49. Kind of kills it.

My budget solution would be 5 justin racks and rubber bands in a small tool style duffel bag.

This is < $4 now at HF.

 

[ItsMiller]

I sent a sampler set of 10 different inexpensive chips in the hands of a guy in Texas (arrived today! hey @ItsMiller ) and it could be sent to you next once he's figured out what he wants. Just asking folks to cover $10 shipping in a small flat rate USPS box. Description of chips below the image.

View attachment 1503982

Ceramic from BR Pro "Tiki Kings" -- Ceramic "Turbo" (available at a few sites)
Ceramic from Spinetti's used CardPlayer cruise ship -- Ceramic/Hybrid TINA* available on PCF from Justin Carothers
China Clay from Apache "Majestic" -- China Clay available many sites "Milano"
Plastic no-slug "NexGen Pro" available many places - Casino-grade plastic made by Gemaco, Casino-used "Trop"
Slugged Plastic from Apache "Casino Royale" -- Slugged Plastic SlowPlay brand from Amazon

The NexGens don't have a metal core and are a step up from slugged dice chips. IMO the others you listed are just more cheap slugged plastic. Totally fine to play with, having a great game is way more important, but I wouldn't want to upgrade to chips in the same league as what you've got. If you were playing with crinkle/interlocking featherweight plastic that'd be a different story.

Yes thanks again Gus. I can vouch, Gus was great to communicate with and very fast and helpful.

 

[ngmcs8203]

I love the 3800 and wish I picked up more during last sale ($22). But they take some racks and time to become a fully realized solution.

For $35 delivered the ABS versa is great. But with shipping to me it's $49. Kind of kills it.

My budget solution would be 5 justin racks and rubber bands in a small tool style duffel bag.

This is < $4 now at HF.

You don't need racks:

https://www.reddit.com/r/poker/comments/1e92vfc/apache_2800_diy_poker_case

 

[bigblind]

Take your time and find the best set you like. Save up some budget money and then splurge,
Spend once and cry once. But you will have a awesome set for keeps.

 

[ekricket]

I think it will be interesting to see how much more they go up in price with tariffs on the table now.

I think it will be more interesting to see nothing change.

 

[dizzyChipper]

You don't need racks:

https://www.reddit.com/r/poker/comments/1e92vfc/apache_2800_diy_poker_case

Great point!!! I've never trusted the foam alone. This is the way.

Inspired by this I'll still be stacking Justin racks as I was but will leave my top rack of starting stacks "top less" only held in place by top foam so I can grab without any stack removal. This still allows me to use less foam, that is, fit more chips, but I get some convenience back.

 

[ngmcs8203]

Great point!!! I've never trusted the foam alone. This is the way.

Inspired by this I'll still be stacking Justin racks as I was but will leave my top rack of starting stacks "top less" only held in place by top foam so I can grab without any stack removal. This still allows me to use less foam, that is, fit more chips, but I get some convenience back.

Ideally, you splurge and get the custom inserts that others have bought here. I forgot the vendor but they were pretty great. The foam doesn't last long that comes with it.