I have to give props to YAT as well. I have samples of all of their fabrics. I'll share my opinions.
Suited speed cloth: In short, I hate it. it feels like Codura used for backpacks, but cards slide across it great. If you have a designated dealer he or she will hate you. It has no stretch and is very thin and light, but incredibly durable.
Ultra-soft velveteen: Very popular. Like the name says, its very soft. Thin and light. (When I say thin, I'm talking about the "nap.") It stretches a fair amount in one direction. This was the least durable in my informal rub tests.
Encore velour: It feels like an '80 track suit. This was the thckest of my samples, but by no means is thick. It stretches a tiny bit in one direction. It has a glittery effect under certain lighting angles that may be distracting. Medium durability.
Nylon velvet: Very soft. Medium thickness. No stretch. Medium durability. This fabric has a "grain." It won't interfere with the cards, but you will feel a difference as you rub your hand across it. This was my personal favorite of the four fabrics.
Card action wil be about equal among the velvets and velours. Which is to say not as good as suited cloth or gaming suede, but way better than craft felt. None of these fabrics will "pill" like craft felt commonly used on folding octogon table toppers.
Your last option is dye-sublimation printed gaming suede. This is what most casinos really use. Lots of vendors claim that more casinos are using suited cloth. It's equivilent to the 11.5G official chip weight. I visited every poker room in LV and a few others in Henderson in Oct. The Sahara was the only place using suited cloth and it looked like crap. No place in AC uses it. Gaming suede isn't cheap, but it will impress the hell out of anyone that sees it. As soon as my friend gets around to finishing my design,
my order will go in to Custom Poker Cloths.
I hope this helps. Just like with chips, if you have any uncertainty, get samples.
