Neophyte Chips Any Good?

[Mad Genius1]

Some of my friends recently started playing poker and I figured I would start a weekly home game at my place to get them more into the game. Right now, I only have a crappy 300pc set of the 11.5g chips that I bought a while ago. I really don't like the quality of these chips and am looking for something a little better that isn't too pricey.

Looking at a few websites, the casino-quality chips retail at $1+ per chip, which I don't really need for my game. I found the Neophytes to be a cheap alternative at www.buypokerchips.com. (http://www.buypokerchips.com.) I can get a set of 600 for only $175 with free s+h which seems like a good deal. Are these much of an upgrade over the 11.5g, or am I better off spending more money and getting a better set?

I also looked at the Desert Sands from NJ. I like the design and the price isn't too bad at $300 for a set of 500. Any comments/reviews on people who have played with these?

And if anyone has other recommendations I would like to hear them too. Keep in mind I don't want to spend more than $250-300 for a set of 500-600 chips so the real high-end stuff is out of quesiton. At least for now.

Thanks

[Verebrant]

Hi,

I recently received a sample pack from bpc.com containing the Neophytes, Archetypes and Modern Clays.

The Archetypes are nice, while the Modern Clays seems too light (compared to samples af TR Kings)and I really don't like the mold....it seems toyish?! And finally the Neophytes...I opened the package, took them out...and put them away again...I'd actually prefer the 11.5 Dice chips I already have! They feel weird (sticky, heavy, dense...) and the finishing was, in my opinion, not good. But hey that may just be me /images/graemlins/wink.gif

I am considering a set of ASM clays from pokerchips.com - but is a bit stuck on whether to order a blank, edgespot set now at .5/chip or wait until I have decided on the perfect inlay and get them with inlay at .95/chip.

These chips might actually be a bit over-the-top for the homegame I am running...but I WANT THEM!

On the cheap side - I've read a lot of good things about the Faux Clay available at .06/chip - which weighs in at 10g and apparently feel/handle very much like clays....

BR,
Michael

[jojobinks]

neophyte review. you'll have to scroll past the modern clay and archetype reviews, though. is this a long caption for a link? (http://www.homepokertourney.com/reviews/poker_chip_review_buypokerchips.htm#modern%20clay)

[smoore]

If you're going to drop more than $200 on some chips you should definitely get samples. Samples are great because you can compare the chips side by side for a minimal investment. I managed to sell my old samples on ebay so total "shopping" costs were only $10 or so (plus my ebay time).

If security is an issue then you need something distinctive, preferably custom. The cheapest way to get a set of clay "custom" chips is to get pokerchips.com edge spot chips for $0.50 each. People would be able to duplicate them but it would be a pain in the butt.

I used to use the 9g diamond chips and never really liked them. I've solved the problem (haven't had anyone slip a big chip in but I wouldn't put it past some of the people I play with) by purchasing the "nexgens" from 5stardeal.com (0.20 each) and having Jason make me some custom labels. Even if someone buys a stack of nexgens they would still have to counterfit my label and none of the label designers I know of will sell someone else your design. Total price for my 700 chipset, labels and Elite700 case shipped to my door was under $250.

If security isn't an issue then the "10g faux clay" on 5stardeal.com work fine to mark the exchange of money. They feel adequate, stack well and sound good... all at $0.06 each.

Of course, if you have the money for nicer chips and don't have to worry much about security all of the nevadajacks chips seem really cool. If you want chipcos the "suits" and "egyptians" are available, I think on holdempokerchips.com

On a side note, I went to a $100 NLHE game last night that the organizer rakes... it sucked, 5 people and each one of us put over $40 in the rake over 4 hours. But the guy is using f'in heavy diamond chips! Hell, I have a stack of red ones in my closet right now and there's not much to keep me from slipping $100 into that game over a couple sessions. I'm not going to do it because I don't cheat but what a maroon.

[Fins]

[ QUOTE ]
On a side note, I went to a $100 NLHE game last night that the organizer rakes... it sucked, 5 people and each one of us put over $40 in the rake over 4 hours. But the guy is using f'in heavy diamond chips! Hell, I have a stack of red ones in my closet right now and there's not much to keep me from slipping $100 into that game over a couple sessions. I'm not going to do it because I don't cheat but what a maroon.

[/ QUOTE ]
Next time you're short handed ask for a rake break /images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Homegame rakes suck & from the sound of it that one especially! Was there a dealer or drinks provided?

- Fins

[smoore]

Both beer and a dealer were provided. Some pretty good chili too but I don't think I'll be going back to that one.

[hachkc]

I have some of these chips and they are not bad. I haven't played with them much but I would say that they are a good first set. If I were upgrading from another set though, I might look for something better. I like the feel, colors and they fact that they stack much better than most of the other plastic chips. The design not bad but its mostly a matter of preference. I would say that these chips fall near the top of entry level chip market. You can also get them without the denoms or stickers from Ace High Supply (http://www.acehighsupply.com) for cheaper than BPC.

For $250-300, the custom edge spots from pokerchips.com would be a pretty good set. Somebody the other day was saying that they were able to get the Horsehead mold within 2-3 weeks instead of the normal 10-12 weeks. Look for the post here somewhere.

[Mad Genius1]

This seems like a good alternative. Now, I'm ignorant when it comes to chips...so can someone explain what edge spots are?