If you're at the point where a riffle shuffle is a challenge, I recommend sticking with inexpensive decks like Bicycle Standards.
Here's the thing about custom decks - The vast majority are printed by the USPCC. That means, despite what the Kickstarter campaigns and such may say, they're all pretty much the same. There just isn't that much variation in what they will print. Most of them are either the standard Air Cushion finish, and casino grade stock. So what you're paying for is the art work.
To that end, look at the designs on offer and see if you're willing to pay what they are asking for.
There are exceptions, of course. Legends Playing Cards (I think that's the right name) have a different stock and finish to them. They almost feel oily to me when they are new. But they are workhorse decks (I have some of the Gnostic deck by Stuart Palm). There's also the Fournier decks, which are I believe varnished, and I am told feel totally different to USPCC cards.
But as I said - when you're at the point you're at, you're going to be destroying decks just by practicing. Unless you're making money from magic or flourishing, or just have that much disposable income, I personally would avoid using expensive decks.
Here's the thing about custom decks - The vast majority are printed by the USPCC. That means, despite what the Kickstarter campaigns and such may say, they're all pretty much the same. There just isn't that much variation in what they will print. Most of them are either the standard Air Cushion finish, and casino grade stock. So what you're paying for is the art work.
To that end, look at the designs on offer and see if you're willing to pay what they are asking for.
There are exceptions, of course. Legends Playing Cards (I think that's the right name) have a different stock and finish to them. They almost feel oily to me when they are new. But they are workhorse decks (I have some of the Gnostic deck by Stuart Palm). There's also the Fournier decks, which are I believe varnished, and I am told feel totally different to USPCC cards.
But as I said - when you're at the point you're at, you're going to be destroying decks just by practicing. Unless you're making money from magic or flourishing, or just have that much disposable income, I personally would avoid using expensive decks.
Wallgreens sells a deck call Studs. These are cheaper than Bicycle cards but handle just about as well.
One big problem with beginners is that they are inclined to get a cheap deck that is poorly made. IT doesn't seem like it would make a big difference but it does. If it isn't a new deck from the USPCC it probably wont even fan right.
One big problem with beginners is that they are inclined to get a cheap deck that is poorly made. IT doesn't seem like it would make a big difference but it does. If it isn't a new deck from the USPCC it probably wont even fan right.
Like Christopher said just stick the regular bikes. Most cards are pretty much the same but the artwork. If you have a Costco or a Sams club I recommend going there and buying a brick of bikes as that should last you a good while. It's a great deal as each bike deck is about $2-$3 and yiu get the brick which is 12 decks for $15. If you really want something else I highly recommend getting tally ho playing cards which are also pretty cheap in price and you can find a brick of those for like $30 on eBay. Unless you want the decks for a collection I recommend you stay away from custom cards for the time being.
Personally, I recommend getting Black Lions Seconds ($5) on David Blaine's shop. It's just the same deck as the Black Lions with just a slight misalignment on one of the Kings. You only use one deck at a time so make sense to buy as you go, while you develop your skills. Unless, you're doing signed cards, torn and restore routines.
I'd love to have a few decks of Black Lions, thanks for sharing.
I don't these would be the best if you are learning, you drop the deck a lot and bend them in ways that will make you burn through them quickly.
I would also recommend rotating through your decks. Have 2 or 3 that you are using at any one time. I have a theory that the decks last longer if they can rest after heavy practice.
Oh! Yes, this. I totally forgot about that.
Also - if you want to be really well rounded, practice with decks in a variety of levels of use. I used to keep old decks around and work with them occasionally just in case someone handed me a nasty deck from their junk drawer (Which has never, ever happened to me).
Use Bikes but get another deck of something for comparison purposes. Bees, Tally Hos and Aristocrats are all less expensive than premium decks, can be readily purchased here on Theory 11 and are decidedly not all the same as each other and Bikes. Personally I like Aristocrats as a balance between premium decks and the inexpensive ones.
You can get a brick of those for $30 here on Theory 11.
You can get a brick of those for $30 here on Theory 11.