Apache CC vs Tina Group Buy (4 Viewers)

[SandBaggins]

Hey guys,

I am new here and took the advice of getting some samples. Am I correct in assuming that Majestic, Pharaoh’s, Dunes and Royal chips are all made from the exact same materials? Each listing description says things like “these are the most like Paulson”, “staff favorite”, “our best yet”. But aren’t they all the same?

Also, is there a difference between Apache CC and group buys I see people buying from “Tina”? I saw someone say that Tina’s were ceramics.

On a side note, I was surprised how similar these CC were to these Jumier’s. The Jumier’s must be pretty worn down and smooth. They are more matte or chalky than the CCs, but definitely not worth the extra $$$ IMHO.

Thanks,

Sandbaggins

 

[Labrat]

The group buys of Tina chips are ceramic chips. Ceramic is a misnomer however. They are a dense plastic that are printed via dye sublimation allowing high-customization for a relatively low cost.

If you’re looking for a casino clay feel, they may not be for you, but if you’re looking for an incredible value with incredible customization, I would suggest looking into the web mold hybrids offered by Justin’s monthly group buys

 

[allforcharity]

I would choose almost any ceramic over China Clay almost anytime.

 

[Chanceman]

Hey guys,

I am new here and took the advice of getting some samples. Am I correct in assuming that Majestic, Pharaoh’s, Dunes and Royal chips are all made from the exact same materials? Each listing description says things like “these are the most like Paulson”, “staff favorite”, “our best yet”. But aren’t they all the same?

Also, is there a difference between Apache CC and group buys I see people buying from “Tina”? I saw someone say that Tina’s were ceramics.

On a side note, I was surprised how similar these CC were to these Jumier’s. The Jumier’s must be pretty worn down and smooth. They are more matte or chalky than the CCs, but definitely not worth the extra $$$ IMHO.

Thanks,

Sandbaggins

This is a good question as they are so close in price. I own a set of Royals and a set of Tina's. I like the Royals better for the size and feel and yet I plan to make some custom Tina's. Get samples of them both and let your heart be your guide.

 

[SpaceMonkey420]

I would choose almost any ceramic over China Clay almost anytime.

Same.

 

[Grimalkin]

I went with the royals for my first decent set, I’m not regretting it at all.

Although I’m probably going to seek out 43mm Tina hybrid samples to see how I like them, and also likely to design a set. But I am anticipating I’ll like the feel/sound of the royals, but the customization of the Tina…

 

[Colquhoun]

I went with the royals for my first decent set, I’m not regretting it at all.

Although I’m probably going to seek out 43mm Tina hybrid samples to see how I like them, and also likely to design a set. But I am anticipating I’ll like the feel/sound of the royals, but the customization of the Tina…

Tina's hybrids may surprise you regarding sound. To me, they sound more like a clay chip than a standard ceramic.

 

[Grimalkin]

Tina's hybrids may surprise you regarding sound. To me, they sound more like a clay chip than a standard ceramic.

Yes I’m looking forward to seeing/hearing them actually, I’ve also started preliminary designs on what I want for edge spots and base colours…. Hasn’t even been 4 months since I told my wife the royals would be the last set I ever buy :/

 

[Labrat]

Tina's hybrids may surprise you regarding sound. To me, they sound more like a clay chip than a standard ceramic.

Agree 100%. Although I love my cards mold for what they are, can't wait on putting in an order for some Pioneer Club web molds.

 

[upNdown]

A lot of people are confusing China clay with Tina ceramics, apparently because Tina ceramics are also from China. But they’re totally different kinds of chips.
Ceramics are made from a hard plastic (something close to polysester, I’ve read,) named because they feel closer to ceramic than plastic. But they really don’t. Ceramic chips are used in many casinos and cardrooms, though if your higher end casinos are using them, it’s usually just as tournament chips. So in that regard, they could be said to be casino quality, or at least closer to it.

China clay chips aren’t clay and I’ve never heard of a casino using them. They’re made from some sort of plastic composite, but nobody really knows what they’re made from. They tend to have a distinctive smell.
No, all China clays aren’t made from the same materials. Some feel very plasticky (like the majestics, from what I’ve experience) and some reportedly feel closer to clay, (like the Royals, from what I’ve read.). In the past, some China clays have crumbled after a few years. I think they’ve worked that defect out of their various formulas. But the point is that China clays are notoriously inconsistent from brand to brand, and there have even been inconsistencies within the same braid in terms of stack height and roundness.

As for you thinking the China clays feel close to the Jumers, that’s kind of a rookie mistake. Years ago, when I got my first samples, I thought the China Clay Milanos and the Paulson leaded THC Casino de Mexicos felt very similar, though I had a slight preference for the Milanos. On the one hand, that’s a silly evaluation. On the other hand, if you don’t dive in to the world of chips and obsess about every minutiae, then there’s no harm in going with your first impressions.
(I’ll add that when Paulson chips made from their modern, unleaded clay on the RHC mold get heavy use in a casino, they do start feeling plasticky in their worn down condition, so your impressions on the Jumers aren’t far off, but that’s not a fair evaluation of all Paulsons, just casino-used RHCs).

Anyway, I’d go with the Tina ceramics over the China clays. I’ve handled the cards molds and they’re fine chips, though not great. I haven’t handled the Tina hybrids yet, though I believe other PCFers who report that they’re even better.

 

[Postoakpoker]

Your choice depends on what you value the most. If speed of receipt and knowing you have "clay chips" is most important, the China Clays could be a good fit. Know that some have reported China clays to degrade over time. Clay chips also require a bit of maintenance/upkeep (namely an initial oiling).

If you aren't in a rush and would prefer customization, the web mold Tina's (or other molds or even no molds) may be a good fit. Please note that there is not only the delay between ordering and receiving, but if you plan to customize the chips it can lead to a bit of paralysis due to the overwhelming amount of flexibility in design choices. With that said, it's better to take the time to design and know that you love the finished product, rather than rushing and having buyer's remorse.

There are many threads where experienced chippers have voiced their opinions on the respective options. I would recommend spending a few hours researching on this site, rather than relying on sales verbiage on an external website. Good luck!

 

[upNdown]

Your choice depends on what you value the most. If speed of receipt and knowing you have "clay chips" is most important, the China Clays could be a good fit. Know that some have reported China clays to degrade over time. Clay chips also require a bit of maintenance/upkeep (namely an initial oiling).

They’re not clay. They’re an injection molded plastic chip. They’re called China clay because marketing is lies. Just like every other fifteen-cent “composite clay” chip on the market is injection molded plastic. Granted some China clays feel closer to clay to some people. But referring to them as clay on PCF is a big mistake.

 

[Postoakpoker]

They’re not clay. They’re an injection molded plastic chip. They’re called China clay because marketing is lies. Just like every other fifteen-cent “composite clay” chip on the market is injection molded plastic. Granted some China clays feel closer to clay to some people. But referring to them as clay on PCF is a big mistake.

You're right, my mistake in not making that distinction.

 

[SandBaggins]

I would choose almost any ceramic over China Clay almost anytime.

I appreciate your input. Ceramic > CC seems to be the general consensus. I've got more research to do!

 

[SandBaggins]

A lot of people are confusing China clay with Tina ceramics, apparently because Tina ceramics are also from China. But they’re totally different kinds of chips.
Ceramics are made from a hard plastic (something close to polysester, I’ve read,) named because they feel closer to ceramic than plastic. But they really don’t. Ceramic chips are used in many casinos and cardrooms, though if your higher end casinos are using them, it’s usually just as tournament chips. So in that regard, they could be said to be casino quality, or at least closer to it.

China clay chips aren’t clay and I’ve never heard of a casino using them. They’re made from some sort of plastic composite, but nobody really knows what they’re made from. They tend to have a distinctive smell.
No, all China clays aren’t made from the same materials. Some feel very plasticky (like the majestics, from what I’ve experience) and some reportedly feel closer to clay, (like the Royals, from what I’ve read.). In the past, some China clays have crumbled after a few years. I think they’ve worked that defect out of their various formulas. But the point is that China clays are notoriously inconsistent from brand to brand, and there have even been inconsistencies within the same braid in terms of stack height and roundness.

As for you thinking the China clays feel close to the Jumers, that’s kind of a rookie mistake. Years ago, when I got my first samples, I thought the China Clay Milanos and the Paulson leaded THC Casino de Mexicos felt very similar, though I had a slight preference for the Milanos. On the one hand, that’s a silly evaluation. On the other hand, if you don’t dive in to the world of chips and obsess about every minutiae, then there’s no harm in going with your first impressions.
(I’ll add that when Paulson chips made from their modern, unleaded clay on the RHC mold get heavy use in a casino, they do start feeling plasticky in their worn down condition, so your impressions on the Jumers aren’t far off, but that’s not a fair evaluation of all Paulsons, just casino-used RHCs).

Anyway, I’d go with the Tina ceramics over the China clays. I’ve handled the cards molds and they’re fine chips, though not great. I haven’t handled the Tina hybrids yet, though I believe other PCFers who report that they’re even better.

I really appreciate you taking the time to write this up.

Yes, I think these Jumer's are very worn down when I compare their appearance to hi-res photos of near mint Paulson sets.

The hybrid Tina's I think will be the next samples I get I think. I wasn't planning on getting a custom set, but with the group buy price point, why not? Deeper into the poker chip rabbit hole...

Thanks again!

 

[Colquhoun]

I think the hybrids are quite a step up from the cards mold chips. The sound and feel are superior, and the quality of the printing on the hybrid labels is sharper than many clay chip inlays.

 

[Tronicity]

I got a sample of Royals vs Tina's and much preferred the Royals. I got both Greek and card molds and they weren't my cup of tea but they are customizable.