Who makes the best custom ceramics? ASSISTANCE PLEASE

tonypap · #1 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 02:21 PM

Up to this point, I've only been collecting casino-retired chips. I've been considering having a set of custom ceramics made. (I think it's about time) I was wondering what your (CT as a group) opinion was on who makes the best quality ceramics? I'm aware that NJ, ABC, PALM, CHIPCO and many other sites make custom ceramics - are the actual chips they use the same? What's the difference? Which are the closest to ceramics used in casinos? I really want to make the best decision here and I'm in no way in a rush. I'm looking forward to your comments...

thanks!

checkm8r · #2 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 02:29 PM

Chipcos are the best ceramics by a wide margin, IMO. If you want to duplicate the looks of a clay chip, however, Chipcos don't score well in this category. You'll want one of the ceramic lines from ABC, PI, etc., that allow for aligned edgespots. I don't hold this against Chipco, namely as if I want a chip with clay-looking edgespots, I'll get clays, not ceramics.

joshuadalton · #3 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 02:36 PM

Mine will be on Chipco's. I actually like the white ring, and the blanks they use are much nicer, IMO.

palmimports · #4 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonypap

Up to this point, I've only been collecting casino-retired chips. I've been considering having a set of custom ceramics made. (I think it's about time) I was wondering what your (CT as a group) opinion was on who makes the best quality ceramics? I'm aware that NJ, ABC, PALM, CHIPCO and many other sites make custom ceramics - are the actual chips they use the same? What's the difference? Which are the closest to ceramics used in casinos? I really want to make the best decision here and I'm in no way in a rush. I'm looking forward to your comments...

thanks!

Order samples from everyone prior to making your decision.

For the best blanks ( IMO) stay with equinox series III no spin- these are now available with a hi gloss edgestripe and look stunning.

Considered superior then chipco's blank ( many casino's opinions ) its the blank to get.

In 10 days or so we will be in full production as our joint venture/merger with Br Pro is complete- Steve was here for a few days and has joined our company- so look for good things to be happening in addition to our new hybrid ceramic/inlay mold.

Our capabilities will be: aligned edges, text on edge, smooth or gloss blanks including 2 inch dealer button and soon to be released 43mm chip.

With our new equipment we will make a bold statement- our printing/quality control will be on par with Chipco.

Not that my spiel is done- Jim at Nevada Jacks and Gene at ABC all produce a very hi end ceramic chip- so ya sort of have to look at everyone ( trying now to be as unbiased as I can LOL)

I know us and NJ manufacture for casinos- not sure who else is- but this is the place to gather pertinent information.

All the sponsers here are highly reputable and i doubt no matter whom you choose- you will not be disappointed.

We offer a prototype service that is fully refundable on 1000+ ceramic orders-- for the cost of this investment in chips we feel this is a must for anyone ordering a decent quantity of chips

Hope this helps somewhat

Johnny5 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palmimports

For the best blanks ( IMO) stay with equinox series III no spin- these are now available with a hi gloss edgestripe and look stunning.

Considered superior then chipco's blank ( many casino's opinions ) its the blank to get.

Joe, which casinos use the blanks you're referring to?

palmimports · #6 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny5

Joe, which casinos use the blanks you're referring to?

I have to read our contracts to make sure release of manufacturer information is permissable-
weve manufactured for 2 US casinos and are awaiting bid approval for a 3rd not in the USA. THe out of country one definately prohibits this in addition to all of them not allowing release of specs or artwork.

I think there's also something in our wareohuse bond/insurance regarding this I need to review-- I'll see what we can mention in the next few days
JOe

jamby · #7 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 02:57 PM

I'm going with Chipcos for my first custom set. It was a difficult decision though. Lots of options out there with something for every taste.

-jamby

kmalsom · #8 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 02:57 PM

Using the blanks printed by you?

Go Joe!!!
(that's just fun to say

)

tonypap · #9 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palmimports

For the best blanks (IMO) stay with equinox series III no spin- these are now available with a hi gloss edgestripe and look stunning.

Considered superior then chipco's blank ( many casino's opinions ) its the blank to get.

Is there any way I can get a sample of your new ceramics?

the3rd · #10 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 06:43 PM

I'm in the minority on this site when I say I prefer ceramics. Like Joe said, Chipco has more contracts with casinos, so if it is all about bragging rights; "my chips are used in more casinos than any other," go with them. Get samples. Haven't heard that one before, have you. Since I have samples of everthing and have played with full sets of most out there, here's my 2 cents.

Blanks. There are 4 I know of for the home market. The best blank is the Sunfly. No sharp edges anywhere. Small, smooth injection molding mark. Superior flatness. B&G is better IMO, but unavailable. Sorry Joe. Next best, IMO is Chipco due to its texture, followed by ABC then CasinoTek. I think NJ is reserving their old blanks for re-orders by previous customers.

Texture is more subjective. I and most prefer the Chipco texture. ABC is doing away with textured chips. Original NJ are too rough and ruins the image quality. Some think smooth varieties are too "toy-like." They are mostly diehard clay people.

Print quality is only as good as the art file. But apples-to-apples, ABC is every bit as good as Chipco and they are better than Sunfly, NJ and CasinoTek. I suspect BR Pro's printing on a Sunfly blank is going to knock my socks off. Don't get me wrong, I'm not slamming anyone. All wil produce a chip you will be probably be more than happy with, but when it comes to hair-splitting I give the edge to Chipco, ABC and BR Pro. I can't find the post, but after doing your art in a vector program, converting the final image to a raster format may result in a better chip. I think it was Joe at PI or Gene at ABC who said this. Please don't read too much into this, I may have been hallucinating.

Options. Chipco can't do aligned edgespots. I think this is a moot point. If you want aligned edgespots get clays.

Search for and read my other posts regarding ceramics. There are many which may be helpful. I WILL be getting a custom set eventually. It stinks being at the mercy of artistic friends with Adobe software.