Opinions on Copag vs Faded spade for Poker Nights? (1 Viewer)

[JokerPoker]

I’ve been using Copag 1546 cards lately and love them, but I keep hearing about Faded spade as well.
Anyone here tried both? If looking at models copag 1546 and faded spade fsx or 3.0, Which one do you think holds up better in long sessions?
Durability matters to me, but so does that smooth glide during dealing.

 

[Eriks]

They’re on opposite sides of the spectra. Copags are soft and flexible whereas FS cards are really stiff. If you like Copags chances are you won’t like FS very much. Only one way to find out though.

 

[Kam]

Agreed with @Eriks

In general, copags are known to fade, like the numbers or face ink. However they are also considerably cheaper than faded spade, so you could replace a couple of times at least vs 1 set of FS.

For ‘smooth glide’ I messed around on a newer felt, and found that the FS almost stuck to the surface and I had to put in a bit more effort to pitch them vs the copags which were more like air hockey pucks that floated and bounced off the rail with the same effort:

One last thought is FS feel much thicker/stiffer than the copags.

Despite the above, I still love the FS face design and crisp white background, so I’ve got a handful of setups.

Recommend you buy just one FS setup and try it out, but Copags are probably the way to go if the ‘glide’ and feel is more important vs the design aesthetic.

GL!

 

[donkSTRIKER]

Am I crazy for thinking that Copags used to be amazing and the quality really went down?
I found myself burning through copags and switched back to KEM.

 

[SameOldThing]

We tried using faded spades the other night and ended up having to switch. The cards kept picking up crumbs and hairs. They kept exploding in hands and were too slick and stiff for anyone to shuffle comfortably. We didn’t switch to Copag but we were all happier after switching to a dal negro deck.

 

[davefr]

Am I crazy for thinking that Copags used to be amazing and the quality really went down?
I found myself burning through copags and switched back to KEM.

No, you're not crazy. Copag has nailed marketing and worldwide distribution but quality is poor. There's no other brand that looses ink at the rate of Copag. Try Marion Pro, Desjgn, Gemaco Superflex, Fournier, Bicycle Prestige, Angel Acetate. I've never observed the slightest ink loss with KEM but I have seem them warp and their current pricing is just insane.

 

[surfik]

Fournier, Dal Negro or NTP

 

[Phyffe]

I agree with the opinions that these cards are on the opposite ends of the spectrum.

I find the standard Copags to be too easily damaged by inadvertent marking and their inks run too soon (specifically the reds, if memory serves). They feel and shuffle very nice but are a little slippery.

On the other hand, my experience with Faded Spade is that they are very durable but are stiff. After some breaking in they become a little more acceptable. I don't know if you just get used to it or the PVC breaking in.

As alternatives, I would suggest COPAG Elites, which have better thickness and texture, though I won't be able to make any comments on durability for another couple of weeks.

A very good alternative to Faded Spade would be Desjgn, which offer superior feel, though perhaps slightly less durability.

One thing COPAGs have going for them is ease of purchase. They are readily available on Amazon. Desjgn has an eBay portal so if youre in the US that should be OK too, though last time I checked both Desjgn and Faded Spade had stocking issues.

I imagine if and when tariffs finally kick in COPAGS would gain in attractiveness, as I think tariffs on Brazilian products are significantly less than products made in Europe or China.

I shudder to think what will happen to chip and deck prices when they fully kick in.