Entry level carrying case for your chips that usually is not lockable and provides a simple method of storing and carrying you gaming chips. Lowest cost and shortest life of the specialized chip cases. Lack of security requires constant vigilance of your chips during the game.
The vinyl case is a step above the plastic listed above and provides greater protection for your poker chipset. The case is usually constructed from woos or plastic covered with a vinyl material. The case may be lockable but don’t assume it to be since many are not. Ask the seller if in doubt. Our experience with vinyl cases has not always been positive. The weight of a 500 chipset of 11.5 gram poker chips is close to twenty pounds and places considerable stress on the carrying case and handle. The failure mode for most vinyl cases is separation of the handle from the case due to the weight. We have had vinyl cases that are well constructed from heavy materials with keyed locks, quality metal hinges and gusseting for years of use but they are rare and may cost more than a metal case.
The most common and popular poker chip carrying case. Most metal cases are constructed from structural aluminum in a wide range of styles and price ranges. The quality of metal cases varies considerably so keep in mind that metal is not synonymous with desirability. Some metal cases are not all metal and may have plastic panels and parts in their construction so if in doubt ask the seller. Some are not lockable. Others have sharp corners. Exceptionally lightweight metal sheets will not last long. The features we look for in a quality case is medium weight all metal (aluminum preferred) construction with added reinforcement in the critical stress areas. Keyed locks to keep our chips secure. The style we prefer is beveled construction with round corners and edges. The carrying handle (most likely failure point) should be heavy and double riveted directly to the frame. The overall appearance of the case should be well fitted grooved lid, uniform seams and finish. No sharp edges or ill-fitting parts. The interior of the case should be flocked trays that fit the chips in a snug fashion and have card and accessory trays. When closed the chips should be held firmly in place. The finest all metal case we have seen was constructed from aircraft quality aluminum with removable flocked chip trays, high security barrel locks, machined from solid stock handle fittings and hinges. The entire case was anodized in a high gloss black finish. Not only did this case represent the top-of-the-line in metal cases it also represented the top price in chip cases.
Our favorite poker chip case is the quality wood case with custom brass fittings. Wood cases are available in many styles and price ranges form the low end pine models to the “you can’t afford it” carved exotic wood with inlayed precious metals handmade by a master cabinet maker. Most affordable wood cases are constructed from pine, mahogany, oak and other hard woods. Look for the same features we listed in the metal case description. Quality construction and finish, heavy duty handles and hinges, keyed locks and well fitting removable chip trays. In general, you should expect to pay more for a good quality wood case but you can expect to receive years of use. Remember that all wood cases are not of an acceptable quality so, as always, ask the seller. If you cannot locate a wood case to fill your needs and price is not a major consideration then you should check with your local cabinet makers for a custom made premium case but expect to pay a premium price.
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