Which is the best Paulson design/set to start a set NOW (1 Viewer)

[kk405]

Obviously most will have a different opinion on this, but if you were to start buying/collecting a new set from scratch, what set would you go after and where would you start? Only interested in cash set (of higher denominations - $5 chips and higher).

PNY?
Le Paulson Noir?
Pharaoh's?

Question 2, and yes, I am new to this, so please be gentle... Is there a significant difference between the casino made Paulsons (i.e., Cleveland and Cincinnati Horseshoes) vs. Le Paulson Noir and Pharaoh's for example.

 

[ovo]

go after what ever is fresh off the boat, in this case horseshoe chips. There are plenty at great prices. As supply dwindles, prices will go up and chips will disappear .

 

[ssanel54]

I don't think there is any difference in material between casino or home sets, but Mold makes a huge difference.

 

[upNdown]

Find something YOU like, and go for it. Personally, I wouldn't go for the PNY's because I don't like the giant inlays, and I wouldn't go for the Pharoh's or Noir's because I'm not a fan of fantasy sets in general, and specifically Paulson fantasy sets tend to have colors and spot patterns that repeat across sets. But all three of those sets mentioned sell for a lot of money, because everybody has their own opinions.
Also, what @ovo said.

 

[kk405]

Thanks guys. My goal in 2016 is to build a 1200ish custom CPC set and acquire a similar size set in Paulsons. Just have to figure out which set do I want to go after. Hard to decide, given the options you mentioned and the logic behind them.

@upNdown, the one I REALLY like seems to be the one I am least likely to buy due to cost and especially given I haven't seen enough available via classifieds/eBay to try to build a reasonable cash game set.

 

[ovo]

Thanks guys. My goal in 2016 is to build a 1200ish custom CPC set and acquire a similar size set in Paulsons. Just have to figure out which set do I want to go after. Hard to decide, given the options you mentioned and the logic behind them.

@upNdown, the one I REALLY like seems to be the one I am least likely to buy due to cost and especially given I haven't seen enough available via classifieds/eBay to try to build a reasonable cash game set.

That point is key ...."I haven't seen enough available via classifieds/eBay..." . You can spend years trying to build a hard to find set.

 

[upNdown]

You can spend years trying to build a hard to find set.

And a lot of people enjoy that kind of quest.

 

[Marius L]

Even though you haven't seen any of the chips you are looking for for sale in the classifieds doesn't mean they aren't out there. They could of course be hard to find, but with some luck there are people out there sitting on some and that are willing to sell. You should at least try to make a wanted ad.

 

[kk405]

Even though you haven't seen any of the chips you are looking for for sale in the classifieds doesn't mean they aren't out there. They could of course be hard to find, but with some luck there are people out there sitting on some and that are willing to sell. You should at least try to make a wanted ad.

Good point. and yet I am still very conflicted about which set should I go after. There are 4-5 sets that I like, was hoping some people can chime in with pros and cons, similar to what @upNdown said about his opinion of PNYs and fantasy sets (I know, his personal opinion, but I asked for it )

 

[Marius L]

I got a set of horseshoe cle primaries because of the availability and price from Jim's sales. I think you can still get these at a good price, so if price is an issue for you they are a solid bet. They are used though, and it depends on your personal taste, but I really like them. Of the paulson home sets I really like wthc and noirs. Both have great looking spots and inlays IMO.

Pnys look great on pics but I haven't handled them so I don't know how I would feel about the giant inlays. No doubt a lot of people dislike it in general, but I think they are well made anyways, and at least the 25s are available all the time.

If time /money is not that much of an issue maybe look for the secondary PCAs. They look extremely cool. All of the 5,25, 100 and 500 is some of my favorites. Since you are looking for denoms 5+ this might be a good option, though probably a bit hard to come by.

 

[rowlin]

If you are not in a yuuge rush, I suggest obtaining samples.

None of the sets you listed are super common these days, but they do pop up from time to time.

 

[Irish]

IMHO, it depends on what your ultimate goal is for the set and some of your general preferences. Some questions to ask :

1A - How quickly do I need to put this together? You mentioned you're getting a set of CPCs as well, will the Paulson set be redundant and give you some time to build the set you *really* want? Or do you need this set to be complete yesterday to get a game going? Or is it somewhere in between - i.e. you don't need it tomorrow but would like to have it assembled in say 6 months. As others have stated above, some sets like the Cleveland/Cincy horseshoes are available ASAP. Others will probably take a few months to piece together - others will take years (or $$$$$$$$$ to pry them away from their current owners).

1B - What's your budget, in general? This one is probably obvious, but different sets garner different premiums. A lot of the fantasy sets are going for $2-$3 per chip nowadays, but the price is fairly consistent between denominations (though there are often a few scarce denoms in a given set that will demand a premium). Prices for casino sets will almost always vary by denomination - $1/$5/$25 will be cheaper, the higher denominations will be much more pricey (often 10 to 100x more $). Also, you mentioned you wanted a 1200 chips set - do you really need that many, or could you get by with less chips?

1C - Do you want a complete set from one fantasy collection / casino or are you open to a mixed set from different casinos? OCD drives a lot of folks away from mixed sets, but that option opens the door to a lot of flexibility - and the option of building an inexpensive set quickly and upgrading it down the road.

2 - You should find that the answers to 1A & 1B will probably put you into one of several buckets of options. If you need them quick and don't want to spend thousands of dollars, you'll be limited to a few different readily available casino used sets. If you're more flexible on time (and money), I would highly recommend getting your hands on a few different molds in different conditions to find out what you like. Casino used chips have a much different feel than mint casino chips. Top hat & cane chips are different from reverse hat & cane chips. The various paulson fantasy molds (paulson mold, suits, noirs) are even different. If you have the time, find out what you like, samples pop up in the classifieds all the time.

Any of the chips in the OP would be very nice (again IMHO). PNYs are a very polarizing set - many love them (mint casino paulsons, neat design), many despise them (giant inlays, terrible design). Most of the denominations you're looking for ($5/$25/$100) are somewhat available, they'll run anywhere from $1 to $3. $500s/$1000s will be tough to find and cost $10-$40 a chip. The Noirs and Pharoahs will likely be tougher to find right away, but a quick WTB in the classifieds wouldn't hurt.

 

[David O]

This is hard to say. The set I sought for when I started is nowhere close to where I am now. You will find that your wants might change based off of holding one single chip that catches your attention and then the journey begins....again.

When I started I had to have very single GV chips I could get me hands on at a fair price. Now I collect mainly racks of Las Vegas Casino Chips.

I guess as it has been said, "what is your ultimate goal" and how long are you willing to take to collect your set?

Good luck with your "journey".

David O

 

[liftapint]

Yes, an idea of your budget and desired set breakdown would really be helpful to answer your question, and whether you are OK with casino used versus uncirculated chips.

I have a few sets in mind, but really depends on budget and condition desired. It actually might help that you don't need $1 (thinking Dunes).

 

[Poker Zombie]

Personally, I couldn't see buying any casino sets unless they were related to a casino from which I have fond memories. One of our French chippers built a great (and most enviable) Bellagio chip set. As you can imagine, face value for chips is quite the outlay of funds. However, $1 mint chips are hard to come by, so live casino singles are a great way to start a set.

Basically, chipping isn't a "Hey, can I get some chips" activity. It's about the journey.

 

[links_slayer]

just buy a set from your favorite vegas casino. it'll probably cost you a ton but at least you can get your money back (provided you redeem them before they become obsolete - you should have plenty of notice though).

 

[David O]

Yes, an idea of your budget and desired set breakdown would really be helpful to answer your question, and whether you are OK with casino used versus uncirculated chips.

I have a few sets in mind, but really depends on budget and condition desired. It actually might help that you don't need $1 (thinking Dunes).

Yes, Dunes $1's would be a tough one. I only have one of those in almost perfect condition and that is probably the only one I will be able to get my hands on!

 

[justsomedude]

...what set would you go after and where would you start?

That's like asking a guy, do you prefer blondes, brunettes, or redheads... and why?

(y) :thumbsup:

 

[Poker Zombie]

That's like asking a guy, do you prefer blondes, brunettes, or redheads... and why?

(y) :thumbsup:

Redheads. Because I'm a glutton for punishment.

Because I'm a glutton for punishment.

Also why I play poker.

 

[GoStumpy]

I will one day own a decent size PCA set

 

[detroitdad]

I wouldn't go for the PNY's because I don't like the giant inlays

If you don't like giant inlays stay away for sure. Damn do I love them Not only do they look sexy. They feel/sound awesome.

Customs is definitely the way to go

I mainly just wanted to post to get some poker chip pictures in a thread about poker chips

Also, get samples. Something you see online might not look as good to you in person.

 

[BGinGA]

Is there a significant difference between the casino made Paulsons (i.e., Cleveland and Cincinnati Horseshoes) vs. Le Paulson Noir and Pharaoh's for example.

There are three distinct differences -- mold, material, and inlay. All three make a huge difference in how chips look, sound, feel, and handle.

First is the mold -- casino Paulson chips typically use either the RHC or THC mold, while fantasy Paulson chips typically use the card pip (suits) or PAULSON CHIPS mold. One exception is the older Paulson fantasy/home sets (pre-2000) which were produced on the RHC and THC molds. The THC mold provides more clay-to-clay contact, it has a deeper and richer sound, and the design includes an outer ring which tends to protect the mold features from chipping. It is generally considered by most to be Paulson's best mold.

Second difference is the materials. Older Paulson chips (both fantasy and casino) were made with a formula that contained quite a large amount of lead. Advantages of doing so included a slightly softer material, a more even wearing pattern (less edge chipping), heavier weight, and slightly deeper sound. Lead was systematically removed from all color formulas from 1999 through 2007 All modern GPI/Paulson chips (2007 and later) use a different formula which is a bit harder, with different sound/feel/wear characteristics than the original formula. Some colors of chips produced from 1999-2007 also use the new lead-free formulas.

Third difference is the inlay, both physical size and material. Chips with larger inlays (RHC, usually with Grand or Giant size inlays) have less clay-to-clay surface area, and are more slippery than chips with Standard 7/8" inlays. In addition, RHC and fantasy/home chips use glossy-finish inlays (vs textured). All of these affect how chips look, sound, and feel.


My personal preference is older (leaded, pre-1999) THC mold chips with textured standard size inlay (preferably shaped) from a real casino in new/mint/near-mint condition with varying spot patterns and relatively vibrant colors. Thus it's no surprise that two of my favorites are the secondary sets of President Casino on the Admiral (PCA) and Casino Aztar Caruthersville, both of which meets all of those preferences. There is one chip in each set that does not (PCA $1 and Aztar $5), and I don't own any of either.

On the other hand, none of your cited examples (Cleveland Horseshoe Casino, Cincinnati Horseshoe Casino, Le Paulson Noir, Pharaoh's Club) meet ANY of those criteria. No surprise that I don't own any of those either (other than a few barrels of oversize 43mm Cleveland chips).

if you were to start buying/collecting a new set from scratch, what set would you go after and where would you start?

Easy answer -- I'd go after a set that matches up with my personal preferences for chip sets.

My suggestion to you is that you get samples -- lots of samples -- before you commit a large sum of money on a specific set of chips. How many? You need enough samples to be able to make an educated decision on what you like and dislike. Only then will you be able to determine which sets meet your own criteria.

 

[upNdown]

There are three distinct differences -- mold, material, and inlay. All three make a huge difference in how chips look, sound, feel, and handle.

First is the mold -- casino Paulson chips typically use either the RHC or THC mold, while fantasy Paulson chips typically use the card pip (suits) or PAULSON CHIPS mold. One exception is the older Paulson fantasy/home sets (pre-2000) which were produced on the RHC and THC molds. The THC mold provides more clay-to-clay contact, it has a deeper and richer sound, and the design includes an outer ring which tends to protect the mold features from chipping. It is generally considered by most to be Paulson's best mold.

Second difference is the materials. Older Paulson chips (both fantasy and casino) were made with a formula that contained quite a large amount of lead. Advantages of doing so included a slightly softer material, a more even wearing pattern (less edge chipping), heavier weight, and slightly deeper sound. Lead was systematically removed from all color formulas from 1999 through 2007 All modern GPI/Paulson chips (2007 and later) use a different formula which is a bit harder, with different sound/feel/wear characteristics than the original formula. Some colors of chips produced from 1999-2007 also use the new lead-free formulas.

Third difference is the inlay, both physical size and material. Chips with larger inlays (RHC, usually with Grand or Giant size inlays) have less clay-to-clay surface area, and are more slippery than chips with Standard 7/8" inlays. In addition, RHC and fantasy/home chips use glossy-finish inlays (vs textured). All of these affect how chips look, sound, and feel.


My personal preference is older (leaded, pre-1999) THC mold chips with textured standard size inlay (preferably shaped) from a real casino in new/mint/near-mint condition with varying spot patterns and relatively vibrant colors. Thus it's no surprise that two of my favorites are the secondary sets of President Casino on the Admiral (PCA) and Casino Aztar Caruthersville, both of which meets all of those preferences. There is one chip in each set that does not (PCA $1 and Aztar $5), and I don't own any of either.

On the other hand, none of your cited examples (Cleveland Horseshoe Casino, Cincinnati Horseshoe Casino, Le Paulson Noir, Pharaoh's Club) meet ANY of those criteria. No surprise that I don't own any of those either (other than a few barrels of oversize 43mm Cleveland chips).



Easy answer -- I'd go after a set that matches up with my personal preferences for chip sets.

My suggestion to you is that you get samples -- lots of samples -- before you commit a large sum of money on a specific set of chips. How many? You need enough samples to be able to make an educated decision on what you like and dislike. Only then will you be able to determine which sets meet your own criteria.

Nice introduction to Paulson chips. This should be pinned as mandatory reading for beginners.

 

[pltrgyst]

Personally, I couldn't see buying any casino sets unless they were related to a casino from which I have fond memories....

Exactly. Vegas, yes. Paris, certainly, California, of course.

But Ohio? Half of the interminable driving black hole between Pennsylvania and Chicago? The state that owns "THE" most idiotically pompous, athletically pretentious university in the country (behind only Notre Dame)? The state that inflicted upon me my first wife?

I fart in Ohio's general direction.
.
.
.
.

(And yeah, my best friend is from Toledo. Go figure.)

 

[DJ Mack]

Exactly. Vegas, yes. Paris, certainly, California, of course.

But Ohio? Half of the interminable driving black hole between Pennsylvania and Chicago? The state that owns "THE" most idiotically pompous, athletically pretentious university in the country (behind only Notre Dame)? The state that inflicted upon me my first wife?

I fart in Ohio's general direction.

Hey. At least we're not California or Illinois. And look me in the eye and tell me that the Ohio Turnpike is not hands down better than the Indiana Toll Road or Penna Turnpike. Very well maintained roads, three lanes for a substantial portion of the drive, top notch snow removal during the winter, modern clean, bright and safe rest areas with decent dining options...and we don't charge seven bucks to enter our state as Pennsylvania does. Incidentally I have nothing going for THE OSU either. I must concede your first wife, however.

And a lot of people enjoy that kind of quest.

Nothing wrong with that but that usually comes after one has at least one or two playable sets. Unless of course they don't actually play cards. Knowing what I know now there's just no way I could ever be like "Hang in there guys, we'll keep using these dice chips until I can perfect my dream set. Just another two..maybe three years..." Actually it would be more me telling myself that because if I said that to my crew they'd look at me like a dog does when hearing a new sound. Or put differently, when I called for a 10 minute break at 2:55 PM on New Years Day to go buy something (my Cinti 39mm samples) I was asked for specifics and then told "damn dude, have you considered therapy?"

 

[Poker Zombie]

Nothing wrong with that but that usually comes after one has at least one or two playable sets. Unless of course they don't actually play cards. Knowing what I know now there's just no way I could ever be like "Hang in there guys, we'll keep using these dice chips until I can perfect my dream set. Just another two..maybe three years..." Actually it would be more me telling myself that because if I said that to my crew they'd look at me like a dog does when hearing a new sound. Or put differently, when I called for a 10 minute break at 2:55 PM on New Years Day to go buy something (my Cinti 39mm samples) I was asked for specifics and then told "damn dude, have you considered therapy?"

Right. Common path: Buy dice chips. See if anyone wants to play. People play. Buy China Clay. Keep playing. Hunt down personal grail set.

That said, I bought customs. Tried to find players. Game folded. Found new players. Bought more customs. Bought/relabeled China clays. Bought casino chips. relabeled them and added on with custom plaques. Bought 2 more casino sets. Somewhere in there I bought 2 other sets. Oops, just got a PM, so that may actually be 3 other sets now.

Get chips to play, and work toward what you want. When you are done, you'll want more.

 

[MacGrad]

The state that owns "THE" most idiotically pompous, athletically pretentious university in the country (behind only Notre Dame)?

I don't know... if you're talking about college basketball, then the state of North Carolina has a number of contenders for this title.

 

[pltrgyst]

.... And look me in the eye and tell me that the Ohio Turnpike is not hands down better than the Indiana Toll Road or Penna Turnpike.

It was better back in the 60s and early 70s, when the speed limit signs just said "Drive Accordingly". Seriously.

I must concede your first wife, however.

Oh, sure, now you come up with the sound advice. Where were you in 1972, when I needed it?
:

 

[kk405]

There are three distinct differences -- mold, material, and inlay. All three make a huge difference in how chips look, sound, feel, and handle.

First is the mold -- casino Paulson chips typically use either the RHC or THC mold, while fantasy Paulson chips typically use the card pip (suits) or PAULSON CHIPS mold. One exception is the older Paulson fantasy/home sets (pre-2000) which were produced on the RHC and THC molds. The THC mold provides more clay-to-clay contact, it has a deeper and richer sound, and the design includes an outer ring which tends to protect the mold features from chipping. It is generally considered by most to be Paulson's best mold.

Second difference is the materials. Older Paulson chips (both fantasy and casino) were made with a formula that contained quite a large amount of lead. Advantages of doing so included a slightly softer material, a more even wearing pattern (less edge chipping), heavier weight, and slightly deeper sound. Lead was systematically removed from all color formulas from 1999 through 2007 All modern GPI/Paulson chips (2007 and later) use a different formula which is a bit harder, with different sound/feel/wear characteristics than the original formula. Some colors of chips produced from 1999-2007 also use the new lead-free formulas.

Third difference is the inlay, both physical size and material. Chips with larger inlays (RHC, usually with Grand or Giant size inlays) have less clay-to-clay surface area, and are more slippery than chips with Standard 7/8" inlays. In addition, RHC and fantasy/home chips use glossy-finish inlays (vs textured). All of these affect how chips look, sound, and feel.


My personal preference is older (leaded, pre-1999) THC mold chips with textured standard size inlay (preferably shaped) from a real casino in new/mint/near-mint condition with varying spot patterns and relatively vibrant colors. Thus it's no surprise that two of my favorites are the secondary sets of President Casino on the Admiral (PCA) and Casino Aztar Caruthersville, both of which meets all of those preferences. There is one chip in each set that does not (PCA $1 and Aztar $5), and I don't own any of either.

On the other hand, none of your cited examples (Cleveland Horseshoe Casino, Cincinnati Horseshoe Casino, Le Paulson Noir, Pharaoh's Club) meet ANY of those criteria. No surprise that I don't own any of those either (other than a few barrels of oversize 43mm Cleveland chips).

Thank you for the very detailed answer...very much appreciated.

 

[kk405]

Easy answer -- I'd go after a set that matches up with my personal preferences for chip sets.

My suggestion to you is that you get samples -- lots of samples -- before you commit a large sum of money on a specific set of chips. How many? You need enough samples to be able to make an educated decision on what you like and dislike. Only then will you be able to determine which sets meet your own criteria.

This is a great advice and I have done that for lower priced chips, but not sure why I haven't started buying some of the more expensive samples to see which Paulson chip do I ultimately want to ultimately collect. I guess that's the plan now