I have decided to write reviews for all of the regularly discussed playing cards, and post them here. This way, when somebody is looking for a review of a deck of playing cards, they can just come here.

Bicycle Playing Cards

These are considered the magic industry standard of playing cards. They are one of the most common playing cards seen being used by magicians.

Back Design

The back design on these cards are very common, and very well known. Nothing to flashy, but still look pretty cool when working with them.

Quality

Bicycle Playing Cards are made very well. These cards are definately meant to take a beating. The amazing Air-Flow finish allows these cards to shuffle, spread, and fan extremely well. Plastic coated playing cards can't even compare to these. It is said that blue backed Bicycles last longer, and I have found this to be true.


Bee Playing Cards

Bee Playing Cards are made by the same company as Bicycle, The USPPC, but are less commonly seen in the magic community. They are more often used with gambling and con routines.

Back Design

Bee's back design are very simple. Just a bunch of lines criss-crossing each other. However, this unique design makes it amazingly easy to perform sleights with.

Quality

Bee Playing Cards were made to last. They feel almost exactly like Bicycles, but have a little thicker stock. The finish isn't as great as Bicycle's, making it a little harder to fan and spread. However, these cards are simply amazing for practicing manipulation. They hold together when they need to, and are relatively easy to handle.


Tally Ho Playing Cards

Tally Ho's are seen much less these days. However, even though they are a little more expensive than some would prefer, these are very nice cards, and definately worth the money.

Back Design

Tally Ho Playing Cards actually have two different back designs: Circle Back and Fan Back. I personally prefer the Fan Back, because it is more artistic and visual, while the Circle Back is more simple.

Quality

Tally Ho's have a thicker stock than Bicycle's and Bee's. They have a smooth air flow finish, which allows them to fan, spread, and shuffle very nicely. These cards are amazing to use, and it just feels great to be able to handle these cards. E makes a more expensive version of the Tally Ho Playing Cards called Vipers, which I have been told are quite high quality.

Jerry's Nugget Playing Cards

I do not personally own this deck, but I can tell you what I've researched. These playing cards are very high quality, and you certainly have to pay the price for it. We're talking serious money here. However, you do get what you pay for, and if you are lucky enough to own one of these, you should be proud to call something like these your own. Dan and Dave Buck are famous for using these.

Back Design

The Jerry's Nugget Playing Card back design is relatively simple. It is a simple drawing of the Jerry's Nugget Tower, which landmarked the casino before it was tore down. These look great when being manipulated.

Quality

As mentioned before, these cards very high quality. They hold together and spread apart when they need to. The finish on the card is one of a kind, also. It is said that these cards can last for an EXTREMELY long time, because if they get dirty, you can easily clean them off, and they will be as good as new. Like I said earlier, you definately get what you pay for.


Added Bonus
Joe Porper Card Clip

Joe Porper really knows his stuff. This clip is amazing! (Please excuse my shortage of adjectives.) It will nearly TRIPLE the life span of your cards. Not to mention it looks quite professional too. It's a little price for a card clip, but it will save you a ton of money on buy packs of cards. You definately get what you pay for.


Well that's my review. If you have any suggestions or comments go ahead and post them here. I would really like to help people out when looking for the right deck. If you would like to add a review to the list, go ahead and post it here too, and I'll edit the post and add it.

Best,
Adam

people dont understand that jerry's arent the best cards around.
if they were, how come not all that much of the older magicians have them?
people liked them back when they were 1 dollar for a deck, because its really cheap.
ive handled jerry's once, they were different... not THE BEST cards ive ever touched, they were way too stiff.
theyre just hyped because the bucks used them in the system and you cant find these cards anywhere now.
paying so much for a deck of cards is ridicolous(sp?)

great review, i've never seen a review about this topic, good job man