I am going to add my two cents to this discussion. First of all, I am reluctant to contradict Desert Cool because he is supportive, has offered some great tips, and I would be willing to bet that he is far more accomplished in cardistry than myself. However, he did invite us to offer an opinion that might differ from any of those he gave. So here goes. I think that the deck that is used matters greatly. Cards are essentially pieces of paper. They are fragile and absorbent. Some are much better than others from a quality and handling standpoint. Over time, they will bend, warp, crease, get dirty and gritty, absorb oils from the hands and get greasy. Friction will be reduced and they will stick together and clump. This prevents or greatly diminishes the effectiveness and look of many flourishes and cardistry moves, such as fans, giant fans, springs, dribbles, table spreads and turnovers, the spread flourish, waterfall shuffles, faro shuffles, one-handed riffle shuffles, and more.
So my recommendation is to use the best deck best you can afford - Bicycles and Bees are of consistently good quality, and are just fine if your budget is limited. Then, once you notice that with age and use the cards are sticking and/or clumping, and not allowing your flourishes and cardistry moves to be smoothly executed and to look beautiful, well, it's time to get a new deck.