Aristocrat Banknote Playing Cards - Deck Review

Dec 31, 2015
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In this video, I review the Aristocrat Banknote deck of playing cards and cover everything from how the deck handles to the appearance of the cards to the minimal embossing on the tuck case.

 
Dec 31, 2015
236
193
Durability vs. Bicycle standard?
I'd say the Aristocrats won't last quite as long as the Bicycle Standard as the stock seems slightly softer. However, it's still a very durable deck, so I'll leave it to you to decide if a slightly lower durability is a good trade for a deck that automatically includes a blank face card, two identical jokers, and a more familiar feel for spectators.
 
Dec 31, 2015
236
193
Y

You know, for fans an such.
Oh the finish. The finish of the deck will last for as short or as long as the user allows it to. If you care for the cards properly (don't drop them on oily surfaces, don't use them when your hand aren't clean, etc.) the finish will last just as long as any other deck with an embossed finish would last you. I typically don't address how long the finish will last since that always depends on how clean the deck stays and for how long. Those elements are up to the user.
 
Jan 26, 2017
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I'd say the Aristocrats won't last quite as long as the Bicycle Standard as the stock seems slightly softer. However, it's still a very durable deck, so I'll leave it to you to decide if a slightly lower durability is a good trade for a deck that automatically includes a blank face card, two identical jokers, and a more familiar feel for spectators.
I have found that Aristocrat stock is softer, but is ridiculously durable. I have bought some aristocrats from the dollar store (Casinos cut the corners and sell them for $1) and they are super durable. They will probably last you longer than a bike.
 
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DavidL11229

Elite Member
Jul 25, 2015
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These slide way better than standard bikes. If I want to do runs or culls with a deck that costs less than eight bucks I reach for Aristocrats. I find them more durable than bikes for magic, I would assume that is the case for cardistry. I find Aristocrats to be an excellent balance between price an performance.
 
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Jan 26, 2017
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These slide way better than standard bikes. If I want to do runs or culls with a deck that costs less than eight bucks I reach for Aristocrats. I find them more durable than bikes for magic, I would assume that is the case for cardistry. I find Aristocrats to be an excellent balance between price an performance.
Yup. Their Linen finish feels like a step up from the Air-Cushioned one, though that might just be placebo.
 
Dec 1, 2012
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Yea, Linen finish and Air-cushion as just corporate jargon for the same thing. It's not really a finish at all. It's the waffle embossing you see on the cards when you hold them up to the light.

The only thing you might "feel" is the various thickness of the cards or the Q1 cut

Sadly yes... it's all in your mind. Chris Ramsay proved that in a blind feel test where he handled an off the shelf bike deck blind folded and swore up and down he was holding a designer deck.
 
Jan 26, 2017
2,173
1,338
23
Virginia
Yea, Linen finish and Air-cushion as just corporate jargon for the same thing. It's not really a finish at all. It's the waffle embossing you see on the cards when you hold them up to the light.

The only thing you might "feel" is the various thickness of the cards or the Q1 cut

Sadly yes... it's all in your mind. Chris Ramsay proved that in a blind feel test where he handled an off the shelf bike deck blind folded and swore up and down he was holding a designer deck.
Probably something to do with the Q1 & The stock all working together. I know I have felt out of box Tally's and Bikes and noticed a difference. The only difference between them is that Tallys are Q1
 
May 3, 2016
102
22
I haven't tried tally's, but I have tried Bicycle revision 1 cards which were made with Q1, and they wear much more smoothly and slowly. I don't know what's different, but it does make a difference.
 
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