Which Claysmith chips you prefer? (2 Viewers)

Which Claysmith chips you prefer?

  • Total voters
    81
Mr Winberg said:
China clay. There are at least 2 versions of the CC, one with crappy labels but sharp edges (!) and one which is on par with milanos/majestics with good labels but beveled edges. The latter is pictured. Stores usually sell both (unknowingly), so beware!

I did a write-up here with what I know here: https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/12-star-clay-chips-recomendable.58899/
Click to expand...

I remember that post; it's excellent. I'm very curious to know how much those chips weigh. Do they feel and sound like they have a metal slug in them? You can sometimes tell by a metallic ringing sound when they clink and clatter against each other or a hard table. Or you can break or melt/burn them as @BGinGA mentioned. IMHO a metal slug isn't a deal-breaker (there's plenty of slugged chips I like!) but it's an important factor to know.
 
CrazyEddie said:
I remember that post; it's excellent. I'm very curious to know how much those chips weigh. Do they feel and sound like they have a metal slug in them? You can sometimes tell by a metallic ringing sound when they clink and clatter against each other or a hard table. Or you can break or melt/burn them as @BGinGA mentioned. IMHO a metal slug isn't a deal-breaker (there's plenty of slugged chips I like!) but it's an important factor to know.
Click to expand...

They're china clay, so there's no metal slug in these. I might weigh them later today for you, I'm just not sure if my kitchen scale is working... :unsure:
 
Mr Winberg said:
China clay. There are at least 2 versions of the CC, one with crappy labels but sharp edges (!) and one which is on par with milanos/majestics with good labels but beveled edges. The latter is pictured. Stores usually sell both (unknowingly), so beware!

I did a write-up here with what I know here: https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/12-star-clay-chips-recomendable.58899/
Click to expand...
Thanks for the link and the write-up! Very good information. I'm liking those chips more and more. I'll let you all know if I can find the supplier in China and if I can get them direct and with custom labels.
 
CrazyEddie said:
I'm very curious to know how much those chips weigh.
Click to expand...
Here ya go, stacks of 20:
inCollage_20201003_232745154.jpg


Fun fact: The black milanos are also considerably lighter than the other milano denoms.
 
OK gang, I think I solved the label problem. My Avery 1 inch labels came in last week, and I finally had the chance to run a few off. HUGE improvement in centering ability over the ones from onlinelabels.com. Not perfect, but acceptable for the low cost. These are my own set of cash chips. The washed out color is due to indoor lighting. I'll try to take better pics out in the daylight tomorrow. Label designs are almost identical to my Cards mold tournament chips and were done by @timinater Thanks Tim!

About 40 PGI 8V chips down, 760 to go... ;)

Now I just need to make a decision about which chips to get for the gift sets I'm making. I've had ZERO response from the 3-4 Alibaba companies I sent inquiries to, so I guess I'll be getting the Claysmith 12 stripes. And hand labeling 2200 more chips.

New labels splash.jpg
 
Looking good! I suppose I'd want to ensure my label design has a fairly large bleed area, so as to minimize the visibility of any off-centered-ness.

Centering aside, what do you think of the in-person appearance? Are these textured? Glossy? Do the colors look good? Do they give the impression that they're "real" chips and not paste-up jobs?
 
CrazyEddie said:
Looking good! I suppose I'd want to ensure my label design has a fairly large bleed area, so as to minimize the visibility of any off-centered-ness.

Centering aside, what do you think of the in-person appearance? Are these textured? Glossy? Do the colors look good? Do they give the impression that they're "real" chips and not paste-up jobs?
Click to expand...
Yes, if you have a background color, you want some bleed. Avery's program is pretty good about showing you how much you need to extend beyond the borders. I just have a faint tan colored gradient on mine. It shows on the printed label page, but it's hard to see once the label is applied to the chip.

For what they are (inexpensive) I think they look great. In one photo below I show them next to the custom labels that are on the chips as I bought them. These were laminated, nice quality labels with some texture. They are obviously thicker, and look great. Mine are very smooth and thinner, but the print quality from my Canon ImageClass laser printer is great too. The finish is satin, in between glossy and matte. In some photos the background icons look a bit washed out. They are intentionally printed somewhat fadded because there is so much going on that I didn't want them to over-power the text and the denomination. The Texas icon is a bit more vivid and shows the ability of the label to pop when you want it to. I'm totally satisfied, although I think each page needs to be slightly calibrated before each print run. The first page (.05 & .25) were nicely centered. The second page ($20 & $5) could have used a little adjustment. The nice thing about the Avery app is that I can print just one image in the center of the page, fine tune it, then go back and print off the rest of the page.

20201015_153526.jpg


20201015_151431.jpg


20201015_151827.jpg


20201015_152142.jpg
 
I appreciate the pictures!

I just pulled the trigger on 2,900 chips to make up my first two custom sets - all of them super-cheap but exactly what I wanted. I'm now officially on the hunt for a super-cheap but acceptable-quality label solution. I'll investigate some of my options (and thanks for doing so much legwork already!) and if I think piggy-backing on your upcoming label order is the right move for me I'll get in touch to see if that's feasible.

Again, don't wait on me, but I appreciate your offer and may take you up on it in the near future if I make up my mind quickly enough.
 
TX_Golf_N_Poker said:
Yes, if you have a background color, you want some bleed. Avery's program is pretty good about showing you how much you need to extend beyond the borders. I just have a faint tan colored gradient on mine. It shows on the printed label page, but it's hard to see once the label is applied to the chip.

For what they are (inexpensive) I think they look great. In one photo below I show them next to the custom labels that are on the chips as I bought them. These were laminated, nice quality labels with some texture. They are obviously thicker, and look great. Mine are very smooth and thinner, but the print quality from my Canon ImageClass laser printer is great too. The finish is satin, in between glossy and matte. In some photos the background icons look a bit washed out. They are intentionally printed somewhat fadded because there is so much going on that I didn't want them to over-power the text and the denomination. The Texas icon is a bit more vivid and shows the ability of the label to pop when you want it to. I'm totally satisfied, although I think each page needs to be slightly calibrated before each print run. The first page (.05 & .25) were nicely centered. The second page ($20 & $5) could have used a little adjustment. The nice thing about the Avery app is that I can print just one image in the center of the page, fine tune it, then go back and print off the rest of the page.

View attachment 553239

View attachment 553240

View attachment 553242

View attachment 553243
Click to expand...
If you want to protect them get a spray bomb or two of Deft Clear Lacuer and give the whole sheet two light coats before peeling them off to apply to the chips. Really helps scratching. Dont know about moisture.
 
Deuce9 said:
If you want to protect them get a spray bomb or two of Deft Clear Lacuer and give the whole sheet two light coats before peeling them off to apply to the chips. Really helps scratching. Dont know about moisture.
Click to expand...
I don't think that's necessary with these labels. I upgraded to the waterproof ones. In fact, Avery calls them "white film for signs." They are designed to be used outside in the weather. When I printed on the previous labels that I bought from onlinelabels.com you could literally see the laser toner from the image on top of the label, and you could scratch it off with your fingernail. Not with these. The image is completely smooth on the label. I have been unable to scratch it off with my nail.
 
wolfpack said:
I just did an order of 1k custom ceramics at .21/chip, you do have to add shipping which brought my cost to around .28/chip
View attachment 533079
Click to expand...
Hi, I'm so sorry to bother you, but would you like to share the contact details of the brand or the seller of these beautiful custom chips if you're comfortable with that? I've been looking for a set like this! Thank you in advance, great set.
 
Well, I've been putting this project off, and now I'm back - only two weeks til Christmas! Maybe enough time to pull it off - maybe not...

Original plan was to go with Claysmith 12 stripes from HERE. So I loaded up the cart, and SURPRISE! Shipping was ridiculous! 5-6 cents per chip! I guess these guys have never heard of flat rate shipping from the USPS.

So new possibility. NexGen Lucky Bees from HERE. 14 cents a chip vs 14.6 cents for the 12 stripes, plus FREE shipping! So they check the budget box. Downside - less colors. (no pink or orange)

Question for anybody who has handled these and Claysmith sluggos - Any material negative differences? NexGen have always "looked" more plastic-y to me. But I've never handled any. Anybody able to give me an opinion? How do they feel, stack, sound, splash compared to the Claysmith chips?

Thanks!
 
If you are ever in the Dallas area go to The Dallas Poker Store there on the north side. He has all the Claysmith line typically in stock and several other lines. It’s in a Valero station but it’s cool. No shipping and you get to feel everything before you buy. He’s online too.
 
ekricket said:
If you are ever in the Dallas area go to The Dallas Poker Store there on the north side. He has all the Claysmith line typically in stock and several other lines. It’s in a Valero station but it’s cool. No shipping and you get to feel everything before you buy. He’s online too.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Don't get up to Dallas much. I'm familiar with the Claysmith line. Just not the NexGen. I know some people like them so I'm willing to pull the trigger sight unseen if I can just get a couple of comments. With this buy, cost is the major deciding factor, and I need them here by yesterday! LOL.
 
TX_Golf_N_Poker said:
Well, I've been putting this project off, and now I'm back - only two weeks til Christmas! Maybe enough time to pull it off - maybe not...

Original plan was to go with Claysmith 12 stripes from HERE. So I loaded up the cart, and SURPRISE! Shipping was ridiculous! 5-6 cents per chip! I guess these guys have never heard of flat rate shipping from the USPS.

So new possibility. NexGen Lucky Bees from HERE. 14 cents a chip vs 14.6 cents for the 12 stripes, plus FREE shipping! So they check the budget box. Downside - less colors. (no pink or orange)

Question for anybody who has handled these and Claysmith sluggos - Any material negative differences? NexGen have always "looked" more plastic-y to me. But I've never handled any. Anybody able to give me an opinion? How do they feel, stack, sound, splash compared to the Claysmith chips?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I now say get the Monaco Casino chips they have at Discount Poker Shop: https://www.discountpokershop.com/25pc-135g-monaco-casino-clay-poker-chips-colors-p-605.html

Love the colors, the material and feel of the chips more than any Claysmith chips. Inlay design is not the greatest but it's great for a chip tourney set. Not sure how much with shipping it would be for you but the chips are .12/per.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 72o
AnteAndy said:
I now say get the Monaco Casino chips they have at Discount Poker Shop: https://www.discountpokershop.com/25pc-135g-monaco-casino-clay-poker-chips-colors-p-605.html

Love the colors, the material and feel of the chips more than any Claysmith chips. Inlay design is not the greatest but it's great for a chip tourney set. Not sure how much with shipping it would be for you but the chips are .12/per.
Click to expand...
I like those chips, but I eliminated them for some reason. I think the center section is too small to take a 1 inch label, if memory serves me.
 
TX_Golf_N_Poker said:
Question for anybody who has handled these and Claysmith sluggos - Any material negatives?
How do they feel, stack, sound, splash compared to the Claysmith chips?
Click to expand...
Nexgen chips (all three mold versions) are 12g sluggos, made with a plastic that is slightly softer and more rubbery (think hockey puck) than most plastic chips.

They are more similar to the softer Showdowns/Poker Knights/etc. than the harder Mint/Desert Heat/etc. chips, but with edges that are not quite as sharp (and therefore won't show dents, either).

Decent low-budget chips for the price, imo.
 
ekricket said:
If you are ever in the Dallas area go to The Dallas Poker Store there on the north side. He has all the Claysmith line typically in stock and several other lines. It’s in a Valero station but it’s cool. No shipping and you get to feel everything before you buy. He’s online too.
Click to expand...

they moved out of the gas station down the road about .75 of a mile into a strip mall, and they will ship for free as well
 
TX_Golf_N_Poker said:
I like those chips, but I eliminated them for some reason. I think the center section is too small to take a 1 inch label, if memory serves me.
Click to expand...
Yup its slightly smaller than 1”. Great great chips though and highly recommend when budget dictates.
5C116A56-5BC3-4DA3-B145-8809719B01AB.jpeg


I also still have my lucky bees from like 15 years ago. They too are decent chips in that price range but the Monacos at least come with a label.
 
TX_Golf_N_Poker said:
I may have struck out on the NexGens. I think they are out of stock.
Click to expand...
That makes sense. From reading old PCF posts I get the impression that the Lucky Bee Nexgens (and the similar Nexgens of that generation) are long since "out of print" i.e. no longer manufactured, and so are probably long since sold out from retail inventory.

I've run across this a lot - old retailers that have gone out of business and haven't updated their websites in years, still showing chips for sale that you can't actually get except through lucky finds in garage sales and eBay, or occasionally here on PCF. There's a set of Lucky Bees for sale now, actually, but the asking price is outside of your budget for this project.
 
CrazyEddie said:
That makes sense. From reading old PCF posts I get the impression that the Lucky Bee Nexgens (and the similar Nexgens of that generation) are long since "out of print" i.e. no longer manufactured, and so are probably long since sold out from retail inventory.

I've run across this a lot - old retailers that have gone out of business and haven't updated their websites in years, still showing chips for sale that you can't actually get except through lucky finds in garage sales and eBay, or occasionally here on PCF. There's a set of Lucky Bees for sale now, actually, but the asking price is outside of your budget for this project.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I just wish they would take down the page then...
 
Well, unfortunately this project is off the front burner. Not gonna get done by Christmas. I was unable to obtain satisfactory chips within my bargain basement budget. One seller was out of stock and the other wanted $125 for shipping. Uh-uh. I'll continue my cheap-ass chip hunt after the first of the year. May also try Alibaba again.
 
TX_Golf_N_Poker said:
Well, unfortunately this project is off the front burner. Not gonna get done by Christmas. I was unable to obtain satisfactory chips within my bargain basement budget. One seller was out of stock and the other wanted $125 for shipping. Uh-uh. I'll continue my cheap-ass chip hunt after the first of the year. May also try Alibaba again.
Click to expand...
Maybe work on a deal with this guy (he would need to cut his price in half prolly to be worth it for ya)?
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/thre...nada-toronto-area-can-300.65584/#post-1320518
 

Create an account or login to comment

You must be a member in order to leave a comment

Create account

Create an account and join our community. It's easy!

Register

Log in

Already have an account? Log in here.

Similar threads

T
What drives the price of chips?
2
Replies
32
Views
1K
Moxie Mike
Moxie Mike
MrSonOfABeech
What's hot in 2024?
Replies
14
Views
868
apchipper
A
A
New member from Canada, looking for poker chip and denomination suggestions
Replies
19
Views
424
DesiBoyz
D
L
Which would you rather, Milano or 12 Stripe?
Replies
10
Views
453
Nanook
Nanook
Carnth
Materials and metals used to increase chip weight
Replies
1
Views
106
BGinGA
BGinGA
Back
Top Bottom