ABC Custom Poker Chips Sample Sets Now Available!

[H4tfan]

My test was focused on the possible wear-n-tear over time. I wanted to have an idea of how long these chips could last before I made a purchase. My theory is: 99% of the chip's wear is from other chips. So I test 'em;

TEST #1;
- I put the sample set into an empty oil filter box, sealed it and juggled for 1/2 hour.
- Looking at the chips: Rolling ends are fine, Edges are fine, Faces show some wear. The only noticeable markings are on the faces of the smooth chips. When looking directly at the face I don't see it, but when looking from a hard angle I can see 'slide marks'(I see these marks on my used casino Chipco's). No big deal.

After Test #1 if feel the textured chip is the way to go. I decide to take this a step further;

Test #2;
- Back into the oil filter box. This time I play handball with it. I pounded the box from hand to hand and then to the floor. I'd slam it up and as it fell I'd slam it to the floor - over and over. I don't know how long I did this my focus was on breaking the chips.
- Looking at the chips: When I emptied the box I saw some particles(small ones, very few). No breaks, A few chipped corners, Color transfer(only the white faces), Dents(only the textured faces), Scratches(on the faces), The rolling ends are fine.

After Test #2 if feel the smooth chip is the way to go.

As I'm typing this I'm thinking I should post a reveiw with pictures. -I will. I performed 2 more tests for strength and they faired well. Textured vs. Smooth: I choose smooth because they did not dent. The chips aren't Chipco's, but do I feel the ABC chip is a very good alternative.

[Jambine]

Originally Posted by H4tfan

My test was focused on the possible wear-n-tear over time. I wanted to have an idea of how long these chips could last before I made a purchase. My theory is: 99% of the chip's wear is from other chips......

I'm sure that must be true. Thanks for the review. Looking forward to pics

[abcgiftsandawards]

And yet another selling point...if you aren't feeling like playing poker, start up a game of oil filter box handball! I better not tell my kids about this one, because they'll surely want to play. I think I better let my 5 year old (the blue tongued one in the samples) stick to playing "smoosh the empty box". You should see his eyes light up when I tell him I have a box that I don't need!

Thanks for the info H4tfan, and for the rigorous testing!

Thanks,
Gene

Originally Posted by H4tfan

My test was focused on the possible wear-n-tear over time. I wanted to have an idea of how long these chips could last before I made a purchase. My theory is: 99% of the chip's wear is from other chips. So I test 'em;

TEST #1;
- I put the sample set into an empty oil filter box, sealed it and juggled for 1/2 hour.
- Looking at the chips: Rolling ends are fine, Edges are fine, Faces show some wear. The only noticeable markings are on the faces of the smooth chips. When looking directly at the face I don't see it, but when looking from a hard angle I can see 'slide marks'(I see these marks on my used casino Chipco's). No big deal.

After Test #1 if feel the textured chip is the way to go. I decide to take this a step further;

Test #2;
- Back into the oil filter box. This time I play handball with it. I pounded the box from hand to hand and then to the floor. I'd slam it up and as it fell I'd slam it to the floor - over and over. I don't know how long I did this my focus was on breaking the chips.
- Looking at the chips: When I emptied the box I saw some particles(small ones, very few). No breaks, A few chipped corners, Color transfer(only the white faces), Dents(only the textured faces), Scratches(on the faces), The rolling ends are fine.

After Test #2 if feel the smooth chip is the way to go.

As I'm typing this I'm thinking I should post a reveiw with pictures. -I will. I performed 2 more tests for strength and they faired well. Textured vs. Smooth: I choose smooth because they did not dent. The chips aren't Chipco's, but do I feel the ABC chip is a very good alternative.

[Spaceman Spiff]

OK, my quick measurements. My scale only has resolution to 1g, so it will have to do, but I think it's good enough.

My ABC sample set of 10: 99g
10 $1 Chipco Egyptians: 106g

So there is a difference, but I honestly don't believe I could pick a half a gram for one or probably even 7g for a stack of 10 if I were to test them blind.

As far as chip thickness, by eye they look identical and the stacks of 10 are essentially dead even as far as I can tell.

The sound is a little different. There almost seems to be more of a clay type "clack" instead of the "clink" of Chipcos. Maybe not a good description as you're not going to mistake them for Paulsons, but it does seem to be a lower pitch. But without measurement ability, this could just be my mind filling in differences again like it did with the weight.

I really like the ABCs, graphics are top notch, but that rolling edge has me still a little hesitant. Some of them look really good, but some of my samples look very glossy and plasticy. And all of them have the lip as the rolling edge crosses the face that the Chipcos don't have. It's just one of those things that's bugging me and I'm not sure why because in play I doubt you'd ever notice it. All in all though, for the price and the customization options, I think these are a great deal. As much as I do like the Chipcos better, I don't know if I like them THAT much better to justify a much higher price.

EDIT: I had a few more samples nearby including some NJs and they have that kind of hanging lip as well. Taking a closer look at the edges of the ABCs and the Chipcos, I wonder if it might be more edge shape that I'm feeling. The ABCs are very square while the Chipcos have a more rounded edge. I'm not sure if that's from wear or just from design, but I wonder if this lip I'm feeling on the ABCs wouldn't mellow out with some wear.

[jello-broom]

Originally Posted by Spaceman Spiff

The ABCs are very square while the Chipcos have a more rounded edge. I'm not sure if that's from wear or just from design

Not all Chipcos are the same ... SOME Chipcos have squared off edges, while others have more pronounced rounded corners ... regardless of the amount of usage on the chip (different batches ... and dependent on the type of face finish I guess).

[Spaceman Spiff]

Originally Posted by jello-broom

Not all Chipcos are the same ... SOME Chipcos have squared off edges, while others have more pronounced rounded corners ... regardless of the amount of usage on the chip (different batches ... and dependent on the type of face finish I guess).

Cool, I wasn't aware of that. Other than a few samples here and there, the Egyptians are the only Chipcos I've used. They definitely have pronounced rounded corners.

[Matthew]

Sample set arrived today - Thanks Gene.

[abcgiftsandawards]

You're welcome!

Thanks,
Gene

Originally Posted by Matthew

Sample set arrived today - Thanks Gene.

[JManHH]

I would like to order a sample set but I live in Germany and I see that the international shipping options on your page only include UK/Australia. I can't image Germany would cost more than Australia. Would you be willing to ship a sample set here?

Jason

[str8edg]

Just got my samples yesterday... in a word.. WOW.

To anyone who has not seen Gene's chips yet, you should. And now that you can get the World Player's club chips.. it was cool to see them in person. Thanks Gene for getting them to all the way up here in the arctic!!