[Matthew]

Manufacturer: Unknown – Made in the USA
Retailer(s): H&H Innovations
Average Price: $14.95 + shipping or $12.95 + shipping
Material: Acrylic
Member Review by: Matthew

The Chip Tree is a unique product that is designed to sit on a table and display chip values for nondenominational chips, much like a display at a casino table game letting players know the minimum bet. It will eliminate the common questions like “how much is the pink chip worth again?” It serves the same purpose as a printed sheet or poster, but is flexible in that the values and chip colors can be quickly changed and adapted for a variety of games. Additionally, the Chip Tree can simply be used to proudly display sample sets or casino chip collections.

Images from H&H Innovations site.

Price

There is currently one size Chip Tree and it is available in versions with and without reference chips. The six reference chips are white “suited” 11.5 gram chips with hot stamped values ranging from 5¢ to $500 (twelve denominations total). The price with reference chips is $14.95 each plus shipping. Eliminate the reference value chips and the Chip Tree price is $12.95 each plus shipping.

Capacity

The Chip Tree display area measures 4” wide and is 9.5” tall. It will hold 10 chips up to 41 mm in diameter in two vertical columns of 5. Once column will hold the chips in play and the other will hold the reference chips with the corresponding values. The base or “footprint” of the Chip Tree measures 3” x 4” so it would stand on a 3” wide shelf.

Looks / Construction

The entire Chip Tree is made of clear acrylic. The base is 5/32” thick and has the ten 41 mm diameter holes in it to house the chips. The holes are actually countersunk the thickness of a chip or approximately 1.5 mm with a 29 mm through hole. The through hole allows the chips to be rotated back to proper orientation if they accidentally move. The chips are held in place by the clear cover that is easily and quickly removed with 4 nylon thumbscrews.

Durability

While I have not drop tested the Chip Tree, I imagine that a fall to hard surface and landing on a corner could chip or crack the acrylic. However, with routine handling the Chip Tree should last forever. The only true weakness I can see are with the nylon screws. With repeated disassembly of the front cover, to change the chips around, the threads may strip over time. The screws could be easily broken with over tightening during re-assembly. Again, with some care, this should not be an issue. While handling the cover I did manage to get fingerprints all over it. I cleaned it with a damp cloth and dried it with a hand towel. Household cleaners with any “grit” should be avoided to prevent scratches on the acrylic.

Reviewer’s Comments

I like the Chip Tree, it’s actually a really good idea and I just wish I thought of it. For positives, it has a small footprint as to not take up much table real estate and seems like a handy tool to remind everyone how the chips are valued. However, the six value chips supplied with the chip tree are somewhat limited with the 12 selected denominations. The 5¢ and $5 denominations are paired on the same chip. The 10¢ and $10 are on the same chip, 25¢ with $25, 50¢ with $50, $1 with $100 and $2 with $500. While it is unlikely that any of the denominations common to a single value chip would be in play at the same time; they are still somewhat limited in their flexibility.

The Chip Tree has a very clean look with no frame, matting or background to take away form the chips on display. Lining several Chip Trees up gives display capabilities in multiples of ten. The front cover will protect the fronts of chips, however, the back side will be exposed. I have framed several sample sets of fantasy chips, but will most likely use the Chip Tree to display my growing collection of casino chips.

Thank you to Rick at H&H Innovations for providing the Chip Tree in order for me to write this review.

Pictures