sinjin7 wrote:PrincessTrouble wrote:Everything is great except for the USPCC part.
I want to start by saying I respect everyone's opinions, even this one. But I honestly don't see the appeal for EPCC/LPCC decks anymore. The biggest draw was they were supposed to be a less expensive alternative to the USPCC, and we clearly see its not anymore since most designers now charge the same for the Asian manufactured custom decks as USPCC custom decks. EPCC/LPCC was supposed to be faster, but that isn't true since they've become so busy and you have to endure that one month boat trip for the decks to arrive on U.S. shores. EPCC/LPCC used to have "perfect" registration, and now we're seeing an increasing rate of errors in registration. Finally, we're seeing that they are still changing and tweaking the formulation of their finish in their attempt to catch up to the USPCC (and admittedly they have improved in this area with the slip and consistency of their finish). But their latest and greatest finish has calendering that leaves the dimples so shallow in the finish that it almost feels like a smooth finish instead of a linen/Air Cushion type finish and EPCC/LPCC decks feel even more plastic-y than ever. Again, I understand everyone has their unique tastes, but I'm at a loss to see any remaining preference for EPCC, especially if you're strictly a collector (ie, non-cardist/magician/card mechanic).
Regarding the price of the deck, I am sure there are a few factors come in play which makes the price/deck to be higher than what it is used to be (I am referring to LPCC
NOT EPCC). If I recall this correctly the cards tend to be cheaper (for us international backer anyway) when the deck is printed by LPCC and being fulfilled by LPCC as well in Hong Kong (recently moved to Taiwan ~ please correct me if I am wrong). EPCC on the other hand is different, I tend to find EPCC deck to be about the same price as USPCC deck due to the fact that it is being fulfilled in US, and as mentioned by Sinjin the trip from Taiwan to US is about 1 month by boat. Whereas shipping from Taiwan to Hong Kong takes about 1 week (2 weeks max) and even less if LPCC is fulfilling from Taiwan.
Regarding the Registration, I still believe LPCC and EPCC is better than USPCC, hands down no doubt about it. Especially if we are talking about thin borders on the back design.
Yes, I had read issues that you had with EPCC foiling alignments and yes I had read about the tuck boxes as well but even all that it was mostly EPCC decks. I personally have yet to see any issue with LPCC deck to date.
and lastly talking about the finish, yes it feels plastic-y but that doesn't apply to all the different finishes offered by LPCC and EPCC. Diamond or Master finish offered by LPCC and EPCC respectively, is the strongest and most durable finish (EPCC has another stock that is stronger than Master finish but it is not announced yet).
They do feels more like plastic and a lot stiffer compared to USPCC decks, but I am happy to have Diamond or Master finish because I don't have to worry about the cards absorbing moisture from my hands after being used for magic tricks or simply poker games. Even after being exposed to water these Diamond or Master finish didn't show any black edges. I did a comparison test Twice now, using Diamond finish and compared that to USPCC deck with Magic Finish. The test was to drop the card into a fish tank and let it sink all the way to the bottom before being removed (approximately 40 inches deep ~ 55G tank. The card was in the tank for approximately 7 seconds). I don't think I can say much for the Magic finish card, because as soon as I removed it from the tank I can see all the edges and the stock had absorbed a lot of water. As for the diamond finish card, it didn't show any black edges and no evidence of water being absorbed. I dry it the same way using dry cloth, and I did noticed some of the coating coming off but the card was still holding very well. the card is slightly warped and thats about all. I personally prefer the classic finish offered by LPCC (draconians, mirage, soundboard) and EPCC (Classic Twins, Classic Black) they don't feel as plastic-y and as durable but they still handle better in long terms.
Again that is just my own opinion, I too respect everyone else opinion and I was only sharing my own experience. *So sorry I think I am off the topic.
BUT if you choose to have it Printed by USPCC, yes I agree with Sinjin. Casino grade bee stock with Magic Finish will be the best.
