Poker Chip Sets - Compare the 3 Types Before You Buy

There are three main types of poker chip sets: ABS, clay, and composite. You can also choose from a variety of sizes, including sets that contain 100 to 1000 chips. There are also many designs. You might be considering buying your own set poker chips, but are unsure which ones are best for you. We'll be discussing each type and their benefits and drawbacks.

First, I'll exclude the cheap plastic poker chips from department stores. These chips are probably familiar to you and you are looking for something more professional. These are made from thin plastic and have little grooves at the edges to help them stick together. They come in three colors: red, white, or blue.

Chips used in real poker chips sets are thicker and heavier than the ones that are cheaper. There are many poker-themed designs, including Double Royal Flush, 4-aces and High Roller. They feature images of everything, from dice to decks of cards, and are intricately detailed. Some of the graphics are simple and have only impressed designs or different colors printed around the edges. These are called "edge spots"

Many poker chips sets include additional accessories such as dice or dealer buttons. They can be purchased in aluminum or hardwood cases. Aluminum cases were not always suitable due to the heavy weight of the chips. They weighed in at around 20 pounds and had difficulty breaking handles and hinges. Today's cases are stronger and more durable than the ones that were available in the early days.

Let's now talk about the poker chips included in these sets. So, you can make an informed purchase, here are the three types of materials used to make the chips.

ABS chips: This is a hard plastic that can withstand a lot of abuse. These sets of chips are often the most affordable, but also the most colorful. They can be hot stamped to personalize or printed directly on the hard plastic. This chip has no labels to place a graphic image. However, they may scratch or peel over time. A metal insert is embedded into the chip to give them the heavier weight poker players like. These chips weigh approximately 11.5 grams and are made in USA.

• Advantages: Chips can be printed directly on the chip for maximum durability and cost-effectiveness. These chips are ideal for customizing.

• They don't stack well because of their slippery plastic. When you place a stack of chips on the table, they can tip over. They don't sound like casino chips because they have a metallic sound to them when they strike one another. They have a plastic feel and bounce more when they hit the table.

• Uses: This set makes a great starter poker chips set, or a cool gift. It is also very attractive to look at. They are also great for charity events and large tournaments that require a lot of chips.

Buy now: ABS Poker Chips

Composite chips: To reduce the negative effects of ABS chips, a mixture of clay and plastic is used. Manufacturers do not disclose the clay content. Although they are more plastic than clay, these are still more expensive than ABS. The labels are attached to each chip and usually include the graphic images. To give them their heavier weight, they also have a metal insert. They are generally 11.5g in weight and made from USA.

• Advantages: They stack better than ABS chips, but they are not as slick as clay chips. These chips have attractive and colorful labels that are attached to them.

• There are some disadvantages. The labels can become brittle if they are exposed to water or used frequently. They may also become scratched with time. The metal insert makes the same sound as the ABS.

• Uses: These make a great starting poker chip set, particularly since they are not as expensive as the dice or the suited designs, which don't have labels but only edge designs.

Clay Poker Chips This is generally true for poker chips sets that have a higher percentage of clay to plastic ratio. A pure clay chip is impossible as it would be extremely fragile. These chips also come with a metal insert, labeled or unlabeled designs at the edges, and a metal insert. These chips weigh between 13.5 to 14 grams and are often made in USA.

• Advantages: The clay content gives them a better stacking ability than ABS or composites. You can still find the same amazing designs on non-labeled chips, such as the tricolored ones.

• Advantages - The cost is often higher due to the label designs but also due to the clay content. These chips are still more slick than the "real clay" chips, which we will discuss next. Labels are the same problem as before. Chips that are made of clay are less durable.

• Uses - These poker chips sets are a great upgrade to ABS or composites. Ideal for playing poker at home.

Buy Now: Clay Poker chips

Chips made from real clay These chips are known by many names, depending on where they are located. They can be called "All Clay" or "Pure Clay", but they have the highest clay content. These chips have a rougher texture which gives them a sticky feel and stack extremely well. These chips could be called "Casino Grade", as they are identical to the casino chips. Some chips are actually made by US companies. These chips are quite expensive. Some cost over $1 per chip. These chips are lighter than real casino poker chips, at approximately 7-10 grams.

• Advantages: They sound and feel just like real casino chips. They stack well and can be slid across tables without them spilling over. The sound is authentic because they don't have any metal inserts. They don't come with stick-on labels that can be removed or scratched.

• Advantages - Not as durable and expensive as other chips that we have covered.

• Uses - These can be used at home to play small games with friends. A set of these would be a great gift for any serious poker player.

This article should have helped you to sort through the myriad of poker chip designs and sets, and help you decide which ones you would like to explore. Nothing beats playing with real poker chips.