Cards review (3 Viewers)

[Toonexile]

Might not be the tease you thought it was. According to this link, Aristo Club was a trademark held by the Angel Playing Card Co Ltd in Japan from 2003 to 2012.

Confirmed by Matsui. According to their site:
"A quality card manufactured by Angel Cards of Japan, the most established card supplier in Asia."

Hmmm, that's very interesting as Hard Rock Casino London opened in Nov 2002. So these cards I have were probably ordered by the casino some time after opening (I believe the casino has been rebranded and is now G Casino but I am sure someone can verify this as it is many years since I last visited that London)

The cards I have I bought off eBay UK and they were all cello-wrapped. The seller said they were from Hard Rock London but the backs are just branded 'Hard Rock Casino' with no location. The boxes are just generic manufacturers' branded boxes. I believe there was also a HR casino in Manchester which has closed so the cards could have come from there as well (or there could have been a joint supply for both casinos).

At the time, I didn't know the brand or how good they felt but they were dirt-cheap for plastic cards, so I bought 6 decks. I now use them with my Hard Rock Albuquerque chips. It's good to know that they are connected to a superior brand, they certainly don't feel like a cheap plastic card (eg Royal).

 

[nitzilla]

So much goodness in this thread...
I got 2 setups of the Angel cards but I'm scared to put them into my monthly game......I think they worked out to ~$40 per deck........

The only deck I haven't seen here that I have was a "freebie" I got from some online site "King Solomon", and they are 100% plastic.....but I think made in China...I'll check tonight

nitzilla

 

[Trihonda]

You are correct. Okay, so I need to do one for Gemacos AND Da Vincis. Monday night.

Wheres the Superflex love...?

I was just asked by a buddy to help deal at his Casino Night party business (tonight). I asked about his cards, as I already know he uses dice chips... He admitted that his cards are not plastic, and I offered to provide my table with nice cards... He agreed. I toiled over which cards to use. Requirements are poker size jumbo index, so I'm going with the gemaco superflex setup. My fav is the modiano PA, but since I'll be dealing full time, I wanted a more flexible card, easier to shuffle. Part of me wants to break out a Copag setup, just cuz they're likely easier to deal for three hours...

 

[CdnBeerLover]

I don't own any Gemacos...feel free to post a review.

 

[Milo013]

I have them, but I have been lazy . . . After I post my chip pr0n I can do one, unless trihonda wants dibs?

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I have them, but I have been lazy . . . After I post my chip pr0n I can do one, unless trihonda wants dibs?

Copags would be easier, but only marginally so . . . The superflex are pretty supple.

 

[Trihonda]

I'll tackle a review AFTER I deal with them for THREE hours tonight I should be pretty expertized by then.

 

[Mental Nomad]

I remember that thread fondly. As a treat for the link, I present my Piatniks.

These Austrian cards have an exquisite back design, and very bright ink on their faces, despite what my cell camera says. They have a very slightly textured feel to them, and the four pip design does not look cluttered to my eye whatsoever. It is a shame that these cards are not more readily available in this market, as, next to the Modianos and Fourniers, they are probably my favourites. Sadly, I do not use them that often, as I do not want to wear them out unless I can find another set-up somewhere.

Thanks, for this. When I was a kid, I remember my parents and aunts/uncles playing bridge, and they, being European imports, played with cards that were European imports. We children were given airline cards to play with, and were not allowed to touch the "special" cards... which were always Piatniks.

 

[nitzilla]

Here are 2
King Solomon Poker room (Poker size, Jumbo): I got this in the mail randomly about 8 years ago, they are 100% plastic, Made in China.....they feel like Royals, but thicker, not bad for free I guess.

Confirmed China:

This second deck I found while in Switzerland, they are paper, but I thought the Ace-Jack "denoms" were cool, and the Club suit is neat. But again, these are PAPER....
Bridge size, 4-pip, Standard index:

Close up:

nitzilla

 

[Milo013]

Paper or no, those are damn nice graphics.

 

[Whiteside]

This year I've bought a lot of regional playing cards for playing different card games (my favourites being Briscola, Scopa, Piquet and Schnapsen). These decks vary between just 24 cards (Schnaps deck) and 48 cards (Hwatu). The Modiano regional range is superb because it's also plastic and the graphics are brilliant. I've also got a few Dal Negro regional decks but they are Triplex cardboard rather than plastic.

I own:

Modiano Napoletane Regional deck (plastic)
Modiano Romagnole Regional deck (plastic)
Modiano Trevigiane Regional deck (plastic)
Modiano Belot deck - William Tell cards (plastic)
Modiano Skat deck - German (plastic)
Modiano Schnaps Preference deck - Austrian, for Schnapsen/66 (plastic)
Dal Negro Piquet deck - French (triplex)
Dal Negro Belote deck (triplex)
ASS Tarock Schafkopf - German (paper)
Hawtu deck - Korean deck similar to Hanafuda cards (plastic)
Fournier Baraja - Spanish (paper)

 

[BGinGA]

I remember that thread fondly. As a treat for the link, I present my Piatniks.

These Austrian cards have an exquisite back design, and very bright ink on their faces, despite what my cell camera says. They have a very slightly textured feel to them, and the four pip design does not look cluttered to my eye whatsoever. It is a shame that these cards are not more readily available in this market, as, next to the Modianos and Fourniers, they are probably my favourites. Sadly, I do not use them that often, as I do not want to wear them out unless I can find another set-up somewhere.

Ah, Piatnik.... by far, my favorite cards of the many dozens of set-ups I have owned. Alas, one deck has a damaged card, and the other is worn out after many hours of use. When Trident stopped selling them, I was devastated.

Wheres the Superflex love...?

Right here. First cards I've found that got me excited since the Piatniks. Currently #1 on my rotation list. Getting harder to find these, too.

 

[bivey]

I now use J Design almost exclusively. I have an old set up of KEM that are very good as well. All the other set ups get used when the rowdy crowd comes over.

 

[Mental Nomad]

The Swiss "The Jolly Joker" deck is beautiful - paper or no.

 

[Jeff]

My preferences...Modiano Platinum, Kem, Copag. I should probably try some of these others.

 

[links_slayer]

At my game a few weeks ago I used the Fourniers HQ was selling. They are very nice. I will likely be alternating between these and my pre-USPC KEM Arrows from now on.

 

[Strike1st]

What Fourniers are the favorite?

 

[CdnBeerLover]

As far as availability goes, some decks are carried by Trident cards, and sold by them on Amazon. However, they do not ship to Canada.

In re-reviewing this thread, I have to correct this statement. It looks like Trident is now shipping to Canada from Amazon. Now if they could just get the Fournier WSOP poker size cards back in both colours...

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What Fourniers are the favorite?

Bridge size or poker size? In bridge, the Congress cards made by Fournier are a really nice card. The 2013 WSOP cards (link) are also Fournier made for those who prefer standard index. I have no idea what they are like, though.

For poker size, I have the WSOP (link) and EPT Gold (link). I like both, but I prefer the WSOP cards more.

Bicycle Prestige are made for USPCC by Fournier as well, but I don't like them as much. I just prefer the look of the Fourniers. Given that Amazon.com now ships to Canada, I may end up getting some 2800's and WPT setups. Not that I need any more cards...

 

[gf10]

Bicycle Prestige are made for USPCC by Fournier as well, but I don't like them as much. I just prefer the look of the Fourniers. Given that Amazon.com now ships to Canada, I may end up getting some 2800's and WPT setups. Not that I need any more cards...

Do they feel the same?

 

[CdnBeerLover]

Do they feel the same?

The Blue /Red standard index in the black single deck boxes feel very similar to Fournier. I'll double check the Jumbos (I think I originally reviewed those in a different thread...).

Edit: I checked when I got home.

The green/burgundy Prestige cards have a slightly more textured feel to them than my red/blue Prestige cards and my Fourniers (EPT Gold and WSOP jumbo poker-size). Of those, the jumbo Prestige are also the only setup I haven't used in a tournament due to the size of the pips on them (they are quite large), so perhaps the difference in texture is due to the "newness" of the cards. They otherwise have the same feel as my Fourniers.

 

[CdnBeerLover]

Sorry to bump an old thread, but this seemed to be the most appropriate thread for a review. Given some of the threads discussing the feel of Prestige cards, I figured I'd get another setup (red/blue jumbo) from Spain, and see if they feel different from my other Prestige cards and my Fourniers.

Bicycle Prestige (poker size / jumbo index / red & blue)

$26 CDN / two decks shipped from Europe. Not available in North America that I can find, so they will be relatively pricey. Mine were shipped from Spain, bought on Sept 28 and arrived today. That said, it's all relative...Copag's are $24 / setup +tax locally, and Kem's are $40+tax. Go figure.

It kills me that the box says " Imported into Canada..." and I can't buy the darn things here. Yeesh.

Manufacturer
USPCC, but made in Spain. Same reference number as these (http://www.nhfournier.es/en/productos/ver/bicycle-prestige) on the Fournier site.

Feel
Interestingly, they don't feel the same as my other Prestige cards or my Fournier poker-sized cards. The backs are smoother and overall, the cards are less textured than my older Prestige and Fournier cards. They are the same thickness, though. I don't have my green/burgundy cards (another host now owns them), but I'll compare them the next time we use them at their game.

Looks
These are your standard Bicycle faces, so if your players are used to Bicycle paper cards, they will feel right at home. The red used is not the darker security ink. The colours used on the backs of the cards are vibrant. The pips, however, are huge, at least to me.The card stock is quite white...not sure if that's due to the stock, or the age of my standard index Prestige cards

Durability
Since I haven't used them in a game, I have no idea. But if they are similar to other Prestige / Fournier cards, the faces will start to spot over time.

Case
These come as single decks in the standard paper box. Nothing to write home about.

Overall
Nice cards, but probably won't become my favourites. My WSOP Fourniers are still on top.

Need some pics...

Boxes

Box end

Ace of Spades

Back

Thickness compared to the blue standard index cards (jumbo on left, standard on right).

Pip comparison (Desjgn CV, Fournier WSOP Breakout 2818, Bicycle Prestige)

Alternate view of pips, same order

 

[manamongkids]

Sorry to bump an old thread, but this seemed to be the most appropriate thread for a review. Given some of the threads discussing the feel of Prestige cards, I figured I'd get another setup (red/blue jumbo) from Spain, and see if they feel different from my other Prestige cards and my Fourniers.

Bicycle Prestige (poker size / jumbo index / red & blue)

$26 CDN / two decks shipped from Europe. Not available in North America that I can find, so they will be relatively pricey. Mine were shipped from Spain, bought on Sept 28 and arrived today. That said, it's all relative...Copag's are $24 / setup +tax locally, and Kem's are $40+tax. Go figure.

It kills me that the box says " Imported into Canada..." and I can't buy the darn things here. Yeesh.

Manufacturer
USPCC, but made in Spain. Same reference number as these (http://www.nhfournier.es/en/productos/ver/bicycle-prestige) on the Fournier site.

Feel
Interestingly, they don't feel the same as my other Prestige cards or my Fournier poker-sized cards. The backs are smoother and overall, the cards are less textured than my older Prestige and Fournier cards. They are the same thickness, though. I don't have my green/burgundy cards (another host now owns them), but I'll compare them the next time we use them at their game.

Looks
These are your standard Bicycle faces, so if your players are used to Bicycle paper cards, they will feel right at home. The red used is not the darker security ink. The colours used on the backs of the cards are vibrant. The pips, however, are huge, at least to me.The card stock is quite white...not sure if that's due to the stock, or the age of my standard index Prestige cards

Durability
Since I haven't used them in a game, I have no idea. But if they are similar to other Prestige / Fournier cards, the faces will start to spot over time.

Case
These come as single decks in the standard paper box. Nothing to write home about.

Overall
Nice cards, but probably won't become my favourites. My WSOP Fourniers are still on top.

Need some pics...

Boxes
View attachment 59281

Box end
View attachment 59282

Ace of Spades
View attachment 59283

Back
View attachment 59284

Thickness compared to the blue standard index cards (jumbo on left, standard on right).
View attachment 59285


Pip comparison (Desjgn CV, Fournier WSOP Breakout 2818, Bicycle Prestige)
View attachment 59286

Alternate view of pips, same order
View attachment 59287

Jumbo plastic standard bicycle-looking cards? Wow, nice.

 

[maxim_666666]

anybody can give a reviewe Piatnik cards?

 

[Milo013]

I remember that thread fondly. As a treat for the link, I present my Piatniks.

These Austrian cards have an exquisite back design, and very bright ink on their faces, despite what my cell camera says. They have a very slightly textured feel to them, and the four pip design does not look cluttered to my eye whatsoever. It is a shame that these cards are not more readily available in this market, as, next to the Modianos and Fourniers, they are probably my favourites. Sadly, I do not use them that often, as I do not want to wear them out unless I can find another set-up somewhere.

Here is my short review of Piatniks. If you can get them, DO IT.

 

[maxim_666666]

Here is my short review of Piatniks. If you can get them, DO IT.

Austria is not so far away from me, and I see a lot of sites are selling Piatnik. mainly paper ($ 5 - deck), but there is also a plastic ($ 10-20 - deck).

http://www.padarunki.by/catalog/605

http://www.nashpoker.net/ru/cards/sortby/brand-7/


It seems that even has an official supplier in my country.... I try to give them a chance.

 

[maxim_666666]

Cards of my childhood and youth ...
they were so common that I did not even know that there are other varieties.

 

[maxim_666666]

What sweet memories ...
sometimes we were playing in the yard so long that it did not notice as the sun goes down, and the game was stopped, as we commonplace, no longer able to distinguish the suit ..

 

[CdnBeerLover]

Just received my Classic Flourish cards yesterday, so I gave them a quick look today. A few thoughts...

Desjgn Classic Flourish (poker size / standard index / red & blue)

Manufacturer
Desjgn (www.classicplayingcards.com) (USA)

Price
$15 USD / two deck setup

Feel
These feel similar in thickness and flexibility to the Copags, but are not as slick. They have some texture to them. They have a decent snap, and return to flat fairly quickly. They are one card thinner than the Classic Victorian V2 orange cards I have (CF on the left). Definitely easy to shuffle.

They are significantly thinner than my Bicycle Prestige cards (CF on the left).

Looks
Very classy. Similar to the Classic Victorian line, enough that I can see them getting mixed up if both are in play. That is unlikely, though, so it's a great addition to the line. (CF on left)

The pips are very easy to distinguish from one another. They are also slightly wider than the standard index found on Bicycle / KEM cards. Red is the not the darker security ink. I think these will be fairly easy to read across an oval. The card stock is also significantly whiter than my Prestige cards.
(CF on left)

(CF on right)

Durability
Unknown, as I've only had them a day. But if they work as well as the Classic Victorians, they will hold up well.

Case
They ship in a two-deck cardboard case, typical of Desjgn cards. While very classy-looking, I would recommend using a rubber band to secure the lid. One nice touch was the inclusion of a cut card in the setup.

Overall
Very nice cards. I personally rank them below Fournier/Fournier-made Prestige and above Cartamundi, Copag, Kem, and Modiano (I have the PA in standard index, and rarely use them),

Like the Classic Victorians, if the plastic was a bit thicker, these would be my go-to cards, bar none. While I have a soft spot for the Prestige, I may end up choosing the CF's simply due to the pip size and brightness of the card stock when I want to use a standard index.

 

[CdnBeerLover]

Received a deck of WPT Faded Spade cards today (split a red/blue combo with another host who was curious), so I gave them a quick look. Since I haven't written up one of these in a (long) while, I thought I'd write down a few thoughts.

Faded Spade WPT (poker size / jumbo index / red & blue)

Manufacturer
Faded Spade (www.fadedspade.com) (USA)

Price
$21.95 USD / two deck setup (www.shopwpt.com), 54 cards per deck (52 cards + 2 jokers). With shipping and exchange, it worked out to $25 Cdn per deck. I must be out of my mind...

Feel
Caveat: I have no idea if these are v1 or v2.

These are quite smooth...I didn't feel any texture to them compared to other cards. They are also quite thick (3 cards thicker than my Fournier EPT cards), and quite stiff, especially if you are used to Copag, Kem, or Desjgn. Much closer to Modiano in that respect. They have a decent snap, and return to flat fairly quickly.

Looks
Quite unique. Most jumbo cards have the internal pips inside a box with either a while or beige background. These do not, and resemble standard index cards. The face cards are also quite distinctive. The pips are tall but narrow. Should be easy see from the opposite end of an oval. The red was not the dark security red. Card stock is also very white, comparable to the current Desjgn Classic Victorians (orange/green/purple/brown).

Left to right: Desjgn Classic Victorian, Dal Negro, Faded Space, Fournier, Bicycle Prestige

Durability
Unknown, as I only got them this afternoon.

Case
They ship in a typical cardboard single-deck box. Nothing to write home about.

Overall
I'm on the fence on these. Quite stiff and the face cards are distinctive. I can see the appeal, but I also wonder if they will break with use. Time will tell. If nothing else, they should generate comments from our players.

 

[Phyffe]

Thanks for the review!

I checked the website and the 2 deck setup is out of stock so it will be a while till I can order my own.

If you think shipping for you is brutal, mine is like savage. Shipping to the Philippines is long and expensive.

I'm glad they dont have the internal lines for the non-face cards, by experience those are the first things that degrade in a deck of plastic cards, well before the plastic itself warps.

 

[CdnBeerLover]

Since I just received these, time for first impressions.

Desjgn Classic Victorian v3 (poker size / jumbo index / red & blue, yellow & black)

These were manufactured for Desjgn by Dal Negro. The previous version (v2) were manufactured by Modiano (if I recall correctly). See one of my first posts in the thread for a review of v1 and v2 of the Classic Victorians.

Manufacturer
Desjgn (www.classicplayingcards.com) (USA)

Price
$16.95 USD / two deck setup (pre-order price), available in Canada through Chanman Poker Tables (@T_Chan).

Each deck in the set is comprised of 55 cards (52-card deck, two jokers, and an advertising card). A custom black cut card is also included, at least with the pre-orders. It has the design from one of the Ace cards, which is a nice touch.

Feel
These are thicker than the v2 version. Side by side, they are 5 cards thicker. They are 3 cards thicker than my Fournier EPT Gold 2818 cards. They also have more texture to them than previous version. While shuffling, they are noisy when pushing them together and almost felt "gritty". They are also noticably stiffer than the v2 version...very close to the Fourniers in that respect. They have a decent snap, and return to flat fairly quickly.

Looks
Currently available in red/blue and black/yellow, which is excellent. These colour combinations are two that I've been wishing were available for a long time now.

The white portion of the card is not as bright as the previous version of the cards. It's still pretty good, and looks similar to the white used for other brands (Fournier and Bicycle are the two I compared them against...see picture below).

The pips are also slightly larger than the v2 cards, but are smaller than Fournier. I also believe they are insert further from the corner of the card, although I haven't measured it. Still a nice size for the cards that is between the regular index and jumbo on other cards. The non-face cards also have an ivory centre which give the cards a classy look. The red used is not the darker security ink. All in all, they look just like the previous version...the pip size is just slight different.

Durability
I have no idea. I'll update the post after they've been used a few times.

Case
They ship in a two-deck cardboard case. While very classy-looking, I would still recommend using a rubber band to secure the lid. Eventually it will work loose.

Overall
Very nice cards. I loved previous versions of the cards, but wished they were slightly thicker. It appears @desjgn was listening. While I still love my Fourniers, these could take the top spot. The only thing I miss is the whiter card stock from the v2.

Pictures

Side by side with the v2 Orange deck. You can see the difference in height in the second picture.

Pip and card comparison, CV v3 on the left, CV v2 on the right.

Pip comparison. CV v3, CV v2, Fournier, Bicycle Prestige