Value for money (2 Viewers)

[Dane]

Where do you guys think the best value for money is? Maybe a post for newer chippers who haven't yet burned a hole in their wallets. Don't get me wrong, I now play exclusively with costum ceramics or Paulsons. They are my clear favourites. But in the journey from sluggos to Paulsons, I have possibly experienced the biggest jump in value from sluggos to plastic/nexgen style chips due to denoms and edgespots and texture for very little extra money per chip. More so than from plastic to CC or CC to Paulsons...

Cheers

 

[Quicksilver-75]

Depends what game you play. If your group plays cash games, easily the best value is harvesting good chips from a casino. Vegas usually has a pretty good carousel of new chips floating about. If you slap the cashiers a twenty, they will often times put a rack together for you on the downlow. And paying $300 for 300 $1's can't be beat. $1500 for five racks of ones and two racks of fives ain't a bad deal. And here, it'll be worth more than you paid.
The whole CPC/Sunfly/Matsui/ custom route is more just prestige. They're great products but you'll lose value on them. I think the best bang for buck will vary greatly from person to person. China clays or good ceramics are probably the way to go if BFB is your primary concern. But CPCs for me, are the best BFB. I get almost exactly what my heart desires, my players love them, and they hold a bit of value for when I get a new idea...

 

[philhut]

This is hands down the most economical set that I have. As for best value/dollar I'd say this is my best value set. Bought from Straitpokersupplies.ca in Canada they sell for ~$4/roll of 25chips. The denominations are large and easy to read plus the lack of dollar signs gives them multi role possibilities (like a swiss army knife, not the best but good enough). The material is nicer than typical cheap chips and result in great stacking for slugged chips. As cash/tourney or board game chips they work great. The drawbacks are potential dirty stacks of 1 & 10 chips as they are literally the reverse colour edges, and face edge say "texas hold'em". The chips may be an issue to clean with the applied label but at $4/roll you could just throw them away and buy new ones for less than the cost of your time to clean.

 

[Labrat]

I have to say currently the best value right now are Tina chips. ABC and BRPro are the next level based on budget, but after that you're looking for good deals on used casino chips. And not a single word in that phrase belongs together it seems lately.

 

[LeLe]

I think most people here buy poker chips as a hobbyist so we are buying chips that we like or want to try, value for money is not top of consideration

 

[MeridianFC]

Tina are the best value for money.

 

[elemeno]

If customization has value to you, Tina, otherwise the cheapest denominated sluggo set online has probably the most value.

 

[allforcharity]

The upcoming Sun-Fly GB has very good potential. High end plastic offering at a significant discount compared to Abbiati and Matsui.

 

[BGinGA]

Depends on how one defines 'value'...

For some, 'value' means 'lowest initial cost outlay for something that works reasonably well'. Buying used slugged chips or used ceramics is probably the best 'value' using that definition, even though those spent funds are gone forever, with little resale value when finished using the chips.

For others, 'value' means 'best experience possible for minimum overall cost'. In this case, buying pricey high-end chips that retain their market value provides the best 'value', since you get to play with the very nicest stuff essentially for free (once you resell when done playing, at initial cost or even perhaps at a small profit).

For me personally, the latter is a no-brainer.

 

[elemeno]

For some, 'value' means 'lowest initial cost outlay for something that works reasonably well'. Buying used slugged chips or used ceramics is probably the best 'value' using that definition, even though those spent funds are gone forever, with little resale value when finished using the chips.

Some napkin math that definitely oversimplifies the situation:

3% inflation on a $300 set of Tina chips is $9 a year, so $45 for 5 years. I also think people can easily sell Tina chips for 50% of initial cost if it’s not a one-of-one custom set. So the 5-year cost is $150 + $45 = $195.

For others, 'value' means 'best experience possible for minimum overall cost'. In this case, buying pricey high-end chips that retain their market value provides the best 'value', since you get to play with the very nicest stuff essentially for free (once you resell when done playing, at initial cost or even perhaps at a small profit).

3% inflation on a $3000 set is $90 a year, or $450 for 5 years. Let’s assume you breakeven in nominal terms after shipping and fees. The cost is $450.

Factor in opportunity cost, let’s say a conservative 5% return, and the true cost of Tina versus high-end chips becomes $270 vs $1200 for 5 years (and this ignores compounding).

Lastly, I’m not sure high-end chips retain their value as well as perceived. https://www.pokerchipforum.com/search/1879667/?q=Below+my+cost&o=relevance


Edit: I’m not trying to convince anyone what has better value - that’s a personal choice - but rather challenge the notion that recouping your initial cost means something is “essentially free”

 

[raynmanas]

View attachment 1296471

This is hands down the most economical set that I have. As for best value/dollar I'd say this is my best value set. Bought from Straitpokersupplies.ca in Canada they sell for ~$4/roll of 25chips. The denominations are large and easy to read plus the lack of dollar signs gives them multi role possibilities (like a swiss army knife, not the best but good enough). The material is nicer than typical cheap chips and result in great stacking for slugged chips. As cash/tourney or board game chips they work great. The drawbacks are potential dirty stacks of 1 & 10 chips as they are literally the reverse colour edges, and face edge say "texas hold'em". The chips may be an issue to clean with the applied label but at $4/roll you could just throw them away and buy new ones for less than the cost of your time to clean.

this set is lacking in blue & white chips!

 

[upNdown]

Lastly, I’m not sure high-end chips retain their value as well as perceived.

Oh they absolutely do. But there are factors - 1) they have to be on the higher end of high end. For example, leaded THCs with edges will not only retain their value, but they will likely increase in value like the real estate market. They’re not the only ones, but they’re a good example.
And 2) know the market. In other words, don’t pay dummy bubble prices. Anybody who paid market prices from like the middle of 2020 to the end of 2022 got screwed. And I don’t think you’ll see many people who’d been into chipping for a couple of years before that, who actually fell victim.

I supppse you have a fair point about the cost of having your money tied up in an expensive set for years. But that gets back to the more subjective side of value. If you’re proud of your tuna chips and you’re thrilled to felt them, you’re getting value out of that. If you’re somebody who would just as soon felt used Chipcos as new Tina’s, then I’m not sure there’s any value there at all, no matter how little money you’ve committed.

 

[quintooo]

Factor in opportunity cost, let’s say a conservative 5% return, and the true cost of Tina versus high-end chips becomes $270 vs $1200 for 5 years (and this ignores compounding).

idk, I'd gladly pay the $1000 difference over 5 years to play with clay chips lol. That's $200 a year, about the cost of netflix.

also, I believe high end chips absolutely retain value. NAGB, maybe not. But leaded trks, thcs I'm sure retain or go up.

 

[elemeno]

Anybody who paid market prices from like the middle of 2020 to the end of 2022 got screwed. And I don’t think you’ll see many people who’d been into chipping for a couple of years before that, who actually fell victim.

What do you think about market prices now? Are prices still trending lower or have we found a bottom?

also, I believe high end chips absolutely retain value. NAGB, maybe not. But leaded trks, thcs I'm sure retain or go up.

But these are so rarely transacted and at a much higher price point than $3k. Let’s say $10k. Using the same assumptions above, the cost of ownership rises to $4k (not accounting for appreciation, which may or may not be correct).

 

[RichMahogany]

But these are so rarely transacted and at a much higher price point than $3k. Let’s say $10k. Using the same assumptions above, the cost of ownership rises to $4k.

Rarely transacted openly and still definitely worth it IMO to play with gorgeous, heavy, leaded chips.

Now if I only had $4k…

 

[DirtyTIVA]

Where do you guys think the best value for money is? Maybe a post for newer chippers who haven't yet burned a hole in their wallets. Don't get me wrong, I now play exclusively with costum ceramics or Paulsons. They are my clear favourites. But in the journey from sluggos to Paulsons, I have possibly experienced the biggest jump in value from sluggos to plastic/nexgen style chips due to denoms and edgespots and texture for very little extra money per chip. More so than from plastic to CC or CC to Paulsons...

View attachment 1296470

Cheers

The best value for money is to not own any chips yourself but mooch off your friends who have sets.

 

[tabletalker7]

I needed a BIG tournament set for the union hall. I found this here on PCF a few years ago

IMG_20210414_160346189.jpg

• tabletalker7
• May 15, 2021

25 cents a chip for a set that handles 60 players. Hard to beat that

 

[upNdown]

What do you think about market prices now? Are prices still trending lower or have we found a bottom?

My guess is that we’ve found a bottom. But it’s hard to say. Obviously the state of the national and world economy can affect things significantly. But it’s kind of fascinating to watch the Tina chips affect the market to a degree that I wouldn’t have expected. And so quickly. I would have said the same thing about cards molds just a year ago, and now we’re seeing the newer Tina molds crush the value of cards molds.

Anyway the best advice I can give anybody is educate yourself, spend within your means and then jump in and hope for the best.

 

[TheRealTeddyKGB]

spend within your means

Where was this advice 2 years ago?!?

 

[DirtyTIVA]

My guess is that we’ve found a bottom. But it’s hard to say. Obviously the state of the national and world economy can affect things significantly. But it’s kind of fascinating to watch the Tina chips affect the market to a degree that I wouldn’t have expected. And so quickly. I would have said the same thing about cards molds just a year ago, and now we’re seeing the newer Tina molds crush the value of cards molds.

Anyway the best advice I can give anybody is educate yourself, spend within your means and then jump in and hope for the best.

I don’t think cards molds ever had any monetary value to begin with. I think Tina has crushed most RHC and CPC resale values. And I’m speaking from the perspective of someone who did more than their fair share of buying around the peak. Then again I don’t care about resale value as I almost never sell. Give away, sure.

If you want value buy Honda and Toyota. Not a lot of value driven thinking at M3 and above.

 

[quintooo]

But these are so rarely transacted and at a much higher price point than $3k. Let’s say $10k. Using the same assumptions above, the cost of ownership rises to $4k (not accounting for appreciation, which may or may not be correct).

like upndown, I don't disagree that it's financially foolish to have so much money tied up in clay discs.

op stated that they noticed a big jump in value from dice to nexgen, so they may be valuing the experience and feel of "better" chips than strictly the cost analysis. Are leaded thc's 16 times better than tina's? that's up to the eye of the beholder.

for me, the best bang for buck is brpropoker/abc. Twice the cost of tina's, but I believe they feel more than 2x better than tina's. They don't get slippery, and DDLM is the best stock-available ceramic art.

 

[tabletalker7]

like upndown, I don't disagree that it's financially foolish to have so much money tied up in clay discs.

op stated that they noticed a big jump in value from dice to nexgen, so they may be valuing the experience and feel of "better" chips than strictly the cost analysis. Are leaded thc's 16 times better than tina's? that's up to the eye of the beholder.

for me, the best bang for buck is brpropoker/abc. Twice the cost of tina's, but I believe they feel more than 2x better than tina's. They don't get slippery, and DDLM is the best stock-available ceramic art.

View attachment 1296641

To add to the benefits of BRPro vs Tina, BRPro chips are a perfect fit for chipco racks. What rack exists in mass production that doesn't leave Tina chips loose while on the rack? BRPro beats Tina.

 

[surfik]

I would say Bud Jones chips and 8002 series of Nexgen (dont judge me), also good quality ceramics

 

[elemeno]

My guess is that we’ve found a bottom. But it’s hard to say. Obviously the state of the national and world economy can affect things significantly. But it’s kind of fascinating to watch the Tina chips affect the market to a degree that I wouldn’t have expected. And so quickly. I would have said the same thing about cards molds just a year ago, and now we’re seeing the newer Tina molds crush the value of cards molds.

Anyway the best advice I can give anybody is educate yourself, spend within your means and then jump in and hope for the best.

I may be wrong, but it feels like most older members (2022 registration and prior) gravitate to Paulson/leaded/etc while most newer ones prefer Tina’s. It would be interesting to see forum activity based on registration date to guesstimate demand for chips types/price points. Not perfectly accurate because many active and more senior members hang out to chat rather than spend. I do think sets sitting longer in the for sale section is indicative, though.

like upndown, I don't disagree that it's financially foolish to have so much money tied up in clay discs.

op stated that they noticed a big jump in value from dice to nexgen, so they may be valuing the experience and feel of "better" chips than strictly the cost analysis. Are leaded thc's 16 times better than tina's? that's up to the eye of the beholder.

for me, the best bang for buck is brpropoker/abc. Twice the cost of tina's, but I believe they feel more than 2x better than tina's. They don't get slippery, and DDLM is the best stock-available ceramic art.

View attachment 1296641

I think the largest value add, full stop, is going from no denominations to denominations. Then, depending on the individual, customization, medium, and history.

 

[surfik]

Where was this advice 2 years ago?!?

second mortgage is gone?

 

[Mick]

I know my opinion will be in the minority, but every time I use my relabeled Milanos I say, "Man, I love these chips!". I just love the feel and sound of them. I have the opposite of buyer's remorse, and can't imagine that I'd prefer anything else. I'd definitely call that "Value for money".

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/looney-tunes-milano-relabel-100-diy.105795/

 

[DirtyTIVA]

I may be wrong, but it feels like most older members (2022 registration and prior) gravitate to Paulson/leaded/etc while most newer ones prefer Tina’s. It would be interesting to see forum activity based on registration date to guesstimate demand for chips types/price points. Not perfectly accurate because many active and more senior members hang out to chat rather than spend. I do think sets sitting longer in the for sale section is indicative, though.



I think the largest value add, full stop, is going from no denominations to denominations. Then, depending on the individual, customization, medium, and history.

Once you go THC you don’t go back. And once you go leaded you don’t go back. I think this applies to most (I’m sure not all) members.

Your initial observation could be influenced by the fact that it takes most people time to experience those other chip types. Currently those chips are being clutched more tightly than ever so the classifieds are dominated by ceramics, RHC, and singles. There are simply not many opportunities these days for new members to get their hands on THC or especially leaded THC.

Deals involving chips that are $1000+ a rack or even for one barrel are not promoted much publicly anymore.

 

[RichMahogany]

Once you go THC you don’t go back. And once you go leaded you don’t go back. I think this applies to most (I’m sure not all) members.

Your initial observation could be influenced by the fact that it takes most people time to experience those other chip types. Currently those chips are being clutched more tightly than ever so the classifieds are dominated by ceramics, RHC, and singles. There are simply not many opportunities these days for new members to get their hands on THC or especially leaded THC.

Deals involving chips that are $1000+ a rack or even for one barrel are not promoted much publicly anymore.

Was going to say something similar to this *thumbs up

 

[TheRealTeddyKGB]

second mortgage is gone?

 

[elemeno]

Deals involving chips that are $1000+ a rack or even for one barrel are not promoted much publicly anymore.

Seems you’re part of the inner circle. Are transactions like these occurring these days? That’s insane for me to wrap my head around unless said chips were once owned by some dignitary.