KEM: acetate?

[gmason]

hi, great forum, really like it

i've been learning about cards and looking to get some nice ones, i have a limited choice because i livein the UK but to start with i just have this question:

i have read that the modiano platinum acetate cards are pretty much the best cards you can get because they use acetate instead of plastic and they don't chip as easily as the dal negro acetate cards and that these are supposed to be better than the other modiano's like the poker index and cristallo etc and are supposed to be better than normal 100% plastic cards like copag etc.

my question is that when i look at kem cards, the box says "100% plastic-cellulose acetate", so are kems acetate like the platinum modiano's and of equal quality or are they not quite as good, which are better?

many thanks, i appreciate all the great info i have got from this forum and any help anyone can give me here, i'm looking forward to getting my first set of quality cards.

[William]

KEMs were once considered the best cards out there, but since the takeover by USPC quality control has been a bit off.

Also KEMs have a tendency to bow if left out in the open. Not sure if Modianos do that too.

If you can get any Pre-USPC KEMs you probably have the best cards on the market. Some stores still carry them, but you'll pay the premium for them.

[Milo]

There are two types of "acetate" used in manufacturing cards (to my knowledge).  There is the Cellulose Acetate you mentioned, and there is PVC Acetate as well.  I believe the Modianos are the PVC Acetate, but I am too lazy to go upstairs and open my card box. 

Also, William is right.  Pre-USPC Kems are still the nicest cards you will find, but you will pay for the privilege.  It's worth it, though.  Should you not wish to spend the extra $$$ for them, you cannot go wrong with Modianos Platinums.

[gmason]

thank you very much for your advice

in my research i have found the kem cards to be the most beautiful with regards to typeface and picture cards. i really like the ace of spades too but don't like the idea of buying expensive cards to have them bow

i would like some bridge sized arrows one day if i can acquire them cheaply enough though

other cards that i find very attractive are the dal negro torcello/grand slam, i like the dal negro ace of spades very much, particularly when it's large and i very much like 4 pips (i have some dal negro regular index 4 pip cards that are not plastic i think but still very nicely produced cards and i don't really like jumbo indexes) . i don't like the shape of the hearts and spades as much and the picture cards are not as beautiful as the kem cards but the typeface is very nice.

i would also like the modiano poker index cards

[Jambine]

.......but don't like the idea of buying expensive cards to have them bow.......

Copag

[gmason]

.......but don't like the idea of buying expensive cards to have them bow.......

Copag

i may well end up buying copag cards, (maybe the 4 colour ones) but every time i think i will go for copag the blocky typeface, uninspired pictures with blue outline and boring ace of spades makes me not want to. not pretty cards

[holdemholmes]

.......but don't like the idea of buying expensive cards to have them bow.......

Copag

i may well end up buying copag cards, (maybe the 4 colour ones) but every time i think i will go for copag the blocky typeface, uninspired pictures with blue outline and boring ace of spades makes me not want to. not pretty cards

I think the Copags are sexy....and the fact that they're inexpensive helps too...

[K ALL IN 9]

You can get a set of OFFICIAL 2010 WSOP tournament cards for a $20 bill.

http://www.gamblersgeneralstore.com/products/2010_wsop_tournament_card_set___/2876.php?page_id=1

[William]

.......but don't like the idea of buying expensive cards to have them bow.......

Copag

KEMs bow when left out in the open. If you put them back in the box immediately after use they will last a long time though. Putting something on the cards helps too, just make sure they are completely covered, else the corners could curl up.

Copags are great value for money. They last forever, and are relatively cheap. I personally find them too slick, but others think that's the best feature. Comes down to personal preference.

I also really like Fourniers. Also very durable, won't bow, and aren't as slick as the Copags. If you're looking for a different design in the court cards, try the PartyPoker cards .

[gmason]

.......but don't like the idea of buying expensive cards to have them bow.......

Copag

i may well end up buying copag cards, (maybe the 4 colour ones) but every time i think i will go for copag the blocky typeface, uninspired pictures with blue outline and boring ace of spades makes me not want to. not pretty cards

I think the Copags are sexy....and the fact that they're inexpensive helps too...

they're pretty expensive here in the UK, like all cards and all things are

there are no bargains here. i have another thread asking about piatnik cards, could anybody advise me on these? i would appreciate it thanks guys