Hello everyone!
I just realized that I'm down to my last few decks of Bicycle Elites, which have been my every day carry deck for the past couple years.
Normally, I'd just order a new deck but for whatever reason, I've been considering getting a brick of Phoenixes instead. I have owned several Phoenix decks and I really like them. I've considered switching to them on a handful of occasions but never really did.
I've listed out the pros and cons to help me decide.
Elites
Phoenix
I know it's ultimately up to me and that this is a really minor issue that has absolutely no bearing on anyone's lives but my own. I know I could also easily get a brick of normal Bikes at Costco for like $12 but I like being picky and getting specialized decks lol.
Let me know what you think and why!
Thanks guys!
I just realized that I'm down to my last few decks of Bicycle Elites, which have been my every day carry deck for the past couple years.
Normally, I'd just order a new deck but for whatever reason, I've been considering getting a brick of Phoenixes instead. I have owned several Phoenix decks and I really like them. I've considered switching to them on a handful of occasions but never really did.
I've listed out the pros and cons to help me decide.
Elites
| Pros | Cons |
| Cheaper ($4 per deck, $40 for a brick) | Two different people in the group that I jam with ordered bricks of Blue Bicycle Elites and it gets confusing when we're all using the same deck. I refuse to use red decks. |
| Printed on Penguin's super thin "Elite" Stock and feel great out of the box. | The cards Wear out quickly due to thin stock |
| Familiar Back Design | The Marked Elite decks are printed on Maiden backs and thus don't match the standard Bikes. This isn't a huge deal as they're very similar I just thought it was worth pointing out. |
| The box is inspired by the classic Bicycle box design rather than the newer ones you'd see in most stores. | You can often find very poorly cut decks, similar to a standard deck of Bikes you'd get at most stores. This is another minor issue I understand that they do this to keep the costs of the deck down but I thought it's worth mentioning. |
| Duplicate Jokers | |
| Blank Card | |
| Double Backer | |
| Most gaffs and gimmicks that I use and that are on the market use Bicycle backs | |
| Traditionally Cut |
Phoenix
| Pros | Cons |
| A thicker stock means they're more durable and, from my experience, tend to last longer | Take a long time to break in |
| Box is inspired by the classic Bicycle boxes | Slightly more expensive ($5 per deck, $42 for a brick) |
| Near duplicate jokers (For sandwich tricks, the Phoenixes will either face their card or face away from it which is a near visual) | Unfamiliar back design |
| Blank Card | No Double Backer |
| There are some great and unique gaffs for this deck such as the double decker deck and the PRISM deck, the latter of which I own. | There are far fewer gaffs and gimmicks available for this deck. |
| Larger Aces means that they stand out more in tricks involving these cards | The large aces might make certain moves more obvious such as during a face up Elmsley count. |
| The marked deck looks nearly identical to the standard deck. | |
| Includes several useful secret features such as a subtle OW design, a crib for both mn******* and ar****, and a third secret feature of the 10th anniversary edition that I don't think I'm allowed to elaborate on | |
| I won't get my cards confused with anyone else in my group. | |
| Traditionally Cut | |
| The cut is more consistent and centered from my experience. |
I know it's ultimately up to me and that this is a really minor issue that has absolutely no bearing on anyone's lives but my own. I know I could also easily get a brick of normal Bikes at Costco for like $12 but I like being picky and getting specialized decks lol.
Let me know what you think and why!
Thanks guys!
