I've been playing cards for many years and decided to switch from Bicycles and Bees to cellulose acetate plastic; ie: KEM and COPAG. I purchased one set each of KEM arrows and COPAGs; both are poker (regular) size. I received the cards a few weeks ago and have had some time to play with my poker group and gauge opinions. Interestingly, our group voted 50/50 KEM vs COPAG. What I can offer is specific differences between the cards which you may find helpful. I've also included the specs of a Bicycle deck for comparison.
KEM
.014" card thickness
.700" deck thickness, w/o jokers
2.5"W x 3.5"L deck dimensions
8.75" surface area
COPAG
.012" card thickness
.625" deck thickness, w/o jokers
2.483"W x 3.465"L deck dimensions
8.604" surface area
BICYCLE
.011" card thickness
.580" deck thickness, w/o jokers
2.48"W x 3.475"L deck dimensions
8.618" surface area
As you can see, the KEM deck is almost 12% thicker and 1.7% larger surface area than the COPAG deck, and 21% thicker and 1.6% larger surface area than a Bicycle deck. 21% thicker than a Bicycle deck is a big deal if you're a smaller-handed dealer!
Here are my personal thoughts;
The COPAG's feel slightly better when shuffling as the deck is slightly smaller, less weight and easier to handle for short fingers (like mine). The KEM's numbering is smaller and much less blocky, and appear more like a traditional deck. The COPAG's have larger (not Jumbo) lettering which is blocky. Both decks have visually pleasing and symmetrical backing designs. Both slide easily on felt and are very easy to riffle/shuffle. The COPAG's have an attractive blue border around each face card picture, unlike the KEM's black border. However, the red ink used on the KEM's hearts and diamonds appear darker and a little higher quality than the COPAG's. My cut cards more than fit the bottom of my COPAG deck. The opposite is true of the KEM deck, as the cut card is just a hair smaller than the deck. Also, the COPAG's will fit inside any paper deck box, like Bicycle or Bee. The KEM's will definitely NOT fit in a standard deck box.
If you're switching from a paper plastic-coat deck like Bicycles, Bees or Motors, you'll find the most physical similarities with the COPAG deck. Alternatively, you'll find the most visual similarities with the KEM deck. The KEM deck has a well-known image on the ace of spades and is probably the most recognizable deck around (ie; Rounders).
Cost wise, I spent a few dollars more on my KEMs than I did the COPAGs. If I were to choose only one based on price, feel and aesthetics, I'd probably go for the COPAG deck.
Oh, I asked my wife which she liked better (as an uninformed observer) and she couldn't really tell the difference between the KEM and COPAG decks. She did like the feel compared to a paper deck though. Then she beat my flopped straight by sucking out on the river with a low flush (I love you dear).
Bottom line, choose either one and you'll be super happy you upgraded from the popular paper brands. I hope this helps in your decision!
This deck is somewhat over hyped by the reviewers. Yes the print is nice and the black and gold looks very professional, but their is less quality in the cut. The decks are plastic but lightly pressed and the weight of the card is comparable to a standard Bicycle deck, which actually feels heavier. The cards are not heavy enough to snap and shuffling corner-to-corner (casino required shuffling for dealers) is more difficult than it should be for plastic cards. Also, if you're looking at these for poker playing BEWARE. When dealing from the corner spot on a poker table the cards aren't heavy enough to slide on the felt across the table and at times flip up (because they are to light). The design of the card is the only reason to get these. Functionally there's nothing special about them.
Buy Copag Poker Size Regular Index 1546 Playing Cards (Black Gold Setup) Now
These cards are nearly casino quality plastic cards. They don't bend, crease or lose their shape in any way. Shuffle after shuffle (and I bridge my shuffles) the cards remain flat and smooth. Very slippery. Excellent for sliding across a poker table when dealing.
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Great set of cards. Very high quality and reasonably priced. Even after several games, they still look brand new.
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Bought plastic cards because I wanted a deck that my daughter would not be able to destroy and these seem very durable.However, I have trouble shuffling and dealing as they are slippery and slide around a bit too easily.Perhaps I can adjust my technique to compensate.Otherwise they are very nice quality.
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I bought this net for a ping pong table that I'm building; I couldn't be more satisfied.The clamps are very large and do what they're suppose to. The net itself is indeed high quality. If you're looking for a beautifully crafted net that doesn't cost a fortune, look no further.
