Review finds Waterproof Playing Cards are not all the same

My review of waterproof playing cards found there were similarities and differences between 4 brands of cards. Overall they are all waterproof cards, it will be the look and fine feel that determine whether they suit the user.

Disadvantages of standard coated playing cards

Liquid plus laminated paper playing cards do not mix well. Playing cards with friends at a card table with a glass of wine, or perhaps poolside while on holidays is one of the great joys of my life. However as soon as there is a spill or splash and it can be game over, the cards destroyed by even a small volume of water! Coffee, red cordial or red wine can also be the enemy. Once wet, by any liquid, the wrong deck of cards will be only fit for a rubbish bin. The corners will swell and curl. The cards will discolor even if the liquid was clear. You furiously try to dry then with cloth or paper towel but the damage is done. Your deck of cards, no matter how loved, will never be the same again. Loss of dollars, and even the loss of memories of games passed. Frustration! Perhaps sadness.

Good news, there is a simple solution to that! Simply get yourself waterproof playing cards! There will no longer be a need for your playing cards’ constant replacement simply because waterproof playing cards are reliable!

Advantages of Plastic, Waterproof Playing Cards

When I first moved from laminated paper cards I really disliked the feel of plastic cards. Too sticky, too slippery, too thin, too thick. I am now a complete fan. Using cards that are washable is the benefit that I like the best, but there are other advantages. I have also discovered that there are different types of waterproof cards. Here are 4 that have caught my eye. I have included an at-a-glance table, an expanded version and summary. All these cards are between $10.00-$30.00.

At-a-Glance Table of Waterproof Playing Cards

Brand	Name	Image	Made from	The Manufacturer Says	Product Dimension	My Comments
Bicycle	Prestige Plastic Playing Cards, 2 Deck		100% Plastic	Unmatched durability, paper-like feel	4.3 x 3.6 x 2.2 inches 10.5 x 9 x 5.5 cm	Flexible and durable . Good for community or tournament games
SLOWPLAY	100% Plastic Playing Cards, Jumbo Index, 2 Deck		Flexible PVC	Exceptional Handling, washable, Bold indexes	5.1 x 3.7 x 0.87 inches 13 x 9.5 x 2 cm	2 decks, slightly textured back for better dealing, shuffling, clear indexes
Acelion	Acelion Waterproof Plastic Playing Cards		High grade flexible plastic	Don’t worry about smudges, washable, lifetime customer service	3.66 x 2.68 x 0.94 inches 9 x 6 x 2 cm	This black poker card is very elegant
Ritz	Waterproof Playing Cards, 2 Deck		100% Plastic4.5	Poker Size, great for outdoor play	Card size: 2.5 x 3.5 inches 6 x 9 cm	2 decks in Plastic case. Cards made in Taiwan,Large Index, Smooth back

How to Choose the Best Waterproof Playing Cards

How easily can the cards be read? Do they have large index (bigger or bolder numbers)
Do you like the design?
Is the card for your use or a gift?
Consider where the cards will be played – beach, pool, or at the bar
Do your regular cards become dirty and need to be washable?

Top 4 Waterproof Playing Cards

1. Bicycle Prestige Plastic Playing Cards

If you are already used to plastic cards you won’t be disappointed with the iconic Bicycle Playing Cards. They are durable and have nice flexibility for both handling and shuffling. If you are playing on a hard rather than cloth surface, they can be a little difficult to pick up. Sliding the card to the edge of the table solves this. There is no doubt that these cards are waterproof, there will never be the need to fear an accidental spilling of water or your favorite drinks while playing a game. If you are new to plastic cards, the Bicycle Prestige Plastic Playing Cards are different to paper cards but certainly worth persevering with for the durability and waterproof features.

I do like the 2 deck offer, one blue and 1 red. My patience game needs to packs and having a matching pair makes it more difficult for me to cheat.

2. SLOWPLAY 100% Plastic Playing Cards

The SLOWPLAY 100% Plastic Playing Cards come in a 2 deck pack, one blue and on red and I am told they are great for Texas Hold’em. ( I don’t play Texas Hold’em). They have a simple and elegant design which will add to professional feel of your next gard game. They are waterproof, washable and very durable. Deliberate mishandling will damage any card, but with normal enthusiastic and repeated use these cards are ideal for prolonged use. The SLOWPLAY cards have a slightly textured back to make then easier to shuffle and handle.

Although marketed to indoor Poker players, these waterproof cards can be used for most card games,whether you are going for a picnic, camping, the pool, or the beach. The Bold Indexes on two corners make them easier to read from a distance – this is particularly helpful at the beach when players tend to be further apart. Outdoor lovers will love these cards! Water, kids – no problem!

3. ACELION Waterproof Playing Cards (Gift Pack)

I decided to include this very elegant black poker card. For your own use or to gift to a friend or colleague, the Acelion Waterproof Playing Card with its luxurious front is a bit special. Nothing beats the flexibility of Acelion Waterproof Plastic Playing Cards! They have a very smooth surface which won’t suit everyone but they do feel really nice and they are certainly durable. The Deck in comprised of 52 playing cards plus 2 Jokers. The Black Spade of these cards makes them unique, distinctive, and easily recognizable. I would describe these cards as “feel-good”.

The icing on the cake for the ACELION cards is the Lifetime Customer Service. That is impressive!

4. Ritz 100% Plastic Waterproof Playing Cards

The Ritz 100% Plastic Waterproof Playing Cards are made in Taiwan. Card playing is Asia is huge, so it is not surprising that this product has been manufactured with quality materials and attention to detail. The cards are Poker Size (2.5 x 3.5 inches) with large and clear Index. Waterproof and washable, of course, and very thin. For people who don’t want textured paper-feel cards, the Ritz cards are glossy on both sides.

The other thing I like is the 2 Deck plastic storage case. When I finish playing I can put the cards safely way, on a shelf, in a games box or in a drawer, knowing that the cards will be just as I left them when I next want to play. Interestingly, these quality cards are the least expensive of the 4 Decks I have reviewed. I think they are worth considering.

Waterproof Playing Cards Summary

Water, your favorite drinks, and a little downpour should not stop you from having fun at the beach, bar, or pool. In as much as a Waterproof playing card is a solution to the problem, you need to select the bests. A good Waterproof Playing Cards should offer you resistance to wear, moisture, and wind. Also, it should provide long term durability and must be easy to read!

In conclusion, the choice is yours to make now! Put all these properties and reviews into use and make a smart choice! Once you have your new waterproof cards take a spend a little time on Basic Card Care. Have fun.