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Monday, November 3, 2008

Making Sense out of Poker Chip Choices

By Matthew Sagehouse

In today's market you have many different choices when it comes to poker chips. There are many different grades and qualities of chips. There are clay chips, clay composite chips, plastic chips, chips with metal inserts, etc. There are also many different designs and options for customization.

You've probably heard of the clay poker chip. This is the one that causes the most excitement in the world of poker chips. Many enthusiasts will settle for nothing less because all clay poker chips are considered to be the best. You will find that this type of chip is the most expensive among your options. Many people like the sound and the soft feel that are unique to clay poker chips. These chips make really nice gifts for that special poker player in you life.

Another option is the clay composite chip. There are a wide variety of chips available in this type. These chips still have a good weight, providing a casino like feel, and they are usually good quality. These chips are available in a variety of weights, such as; 8.5gram, 10 gram, 11.5 gram, 12.2gram, 13gram, 14 gram and 15 gram. Some of these chips have a metal insert, making them more durable while still maintaining the feel and sound of a real clay poker chip.

If the feel and sound of clay are not all that important to you, or you simply don't want to spend as much money, then there is another great option for you. Composite resin poker chips are very high quality and very durable. They also cost less than clay or clay composite chips. Composite resin poker chips give you the most choices in design and customization options.

In each category of poker chip mentioned above you have multiple choices of design to choose from. Some of them may be simple with a pattern around the edge, such as the different suits in a deck of cards, or very fancy with full color designs printed on them, with or without dollar amounts. You should be able to find a design that is just right for you.

One of the most popular ways to customize poker chips is hot stamping. This is the process of using a hot stamping press to literally melt a foil design into a chip, providing a permanent impression. You can choose to have various denominations, wording or initials stamped on your poker chips. Another option is to have custom dies made for hot stamping your chips. The possibilities are almost endless. Remember, that there is usually a delay when you choose to hot stamp chips, because they are custom made to order.

Another way to customize your poker chips is with labels, also known as vinyl inlays. This allows you to customize your chips with full color designs. The possibilities of the designs that can be created are only limited by your imagination. These vinyl inlays are attached using technology that makes them a permanent part of the chip. You don't have to worry about them peeling off and, because they are vinyl, they are water resistant.

The process of choosing poker chips can become overwhelming simply because there are so many choices. If break it down into a few simple choices, you will find that your selection becomes much easier. After you have determined what type of poker chips you would like then you can begin to choose a design and how you might like to customize your poker chips. Soon you will find yourself with the perfect set of poker chips to suit your own preferences, or perhaps, the preferences of someone special in your life.

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