Metalic Inks -- So What?

[jriffel]

I'm sorry, I just don't see what is so special about metalic inks. I don't see any difference! The colors are the same, and the clarity hasn't improved. The handling doesn't change due to inks. IMO, it's simply a marketing gimick to charge more money for the same product. I don't doubt that there is metal mixed into the inks before they are printed into the pasteboard, I just don't see any real improvement. I don't see it.

[Gunshy1]

I agree  with your whole post! the only decks that i can tell they used metallic ink are they aristocrats and fantastique decks. I guess they use the inks just because they can.

[loldudex2]

I think they look nicer while performing.

[dmbaggs]

I think the titanium decks (especially the bees and tally hos) look amazing! The metallic ink gives them a great shine and they are a whole step above the standard cards.

I can understand how it seems pointless in decks where it only is used a little, but with the titanium editions and the fantastique deck I think there is a noticeable difference.

[Evan]

They really look much nicer. I do agree that when people see metallic ink, they want it, but in my opinion it really looks nicer!

[xela]

It costs more so obviously if you throw them on you have to charge more for the deck.

That's why I am partial to the Kickstarter system wherein the price for the Vortex is set in stone, and if we make profits, those profits go to adding little things like metallic inks which make the deck look better. Even if it's 1% better for you, your price stays the same.

What I think is hilarious is when "metallic ink" is hyped as a core feature. Look at the Artifice, and tell me when did you see their marketing department smear "metallic" all over your faces? I was personally surprised to see my Artifice have silver metallic ink. It's a subtle yet cool change.

Metallic ink can be a huge downfall (Gargoyles) or it can be absolutely sweet.

tl;dr:

Don't use metallic inks in your decision making process of whether or not to buy a deck. If you decide to buy the cards, enjoy the metallic ink as an added bonus to make you a tiny bit happier.

[Evan]

It costs more so obviously if you throw them on you have to charge more for the deck.

That's why I am partial to the Kickstarter system wherein the price for the Vortex is set in stone, and if we make profits, those profits go to adding little things like metallic inks which make the deck look better. Even if it's 1% better for you, your price stays the same.

What I think is hilarious is when "metallic ink" is hyped as a core feature. Look at the Artifice, and tell me when did you see their marketing department smear "metallic" all over your faces? I was personally surprised to see my Artifice have silver metallic ink. It's a subtle yet cool change.

Metallic ink can be a huge downfall (Gargoyles) or it can be absolutely sweet.

tl;dr:

Don't use metallic inks in your decision making process of whether or not to buy a deck. If you decide to buy the cards, enjoy the metallic ink as an added bonus to make you a tiny bit happier.

What was wrong with the metallic ink on the Gargoyles? I don't have the deck so idk

[Kanped]

It makes the pips completely invisible at some angles.

[loldudex2]

The  titanium editions last a long time too. Does that have to do with the ink?

[Evan]

The  titanium editions last a long time too. Does that have to do with the ink?

The Titanium Bikes last just as long as a regular bike for me... but the Tally ho titaniums last a while

[loldudex2]

The Titanium Bikes last just as long as a regular bike for me... but the Tally ho titaniums last a while

Do you think it's due to the inks?

[Evan]

Do you think it's due to the inks?

I could be wrong but I don't think so... its probably just the stock and finish of the cards

[Kanped]

Do you think it's due to the inks?

Think about it.  If you haven't reached the answer 'no', think some more.

[loldudex2]

Think about it.  If you haven't reached the answer 'no', think some more.

Sorry, I wasn't sure if somehow the metal in the inks made the decks somehow last longer having to due with the ink saturation or some other factor.

[phantom1412]

Sorry, I wasn't sure if somehow the metal in the inks made the decks somehow last longer having to due with the ink saturation or some other factor.

May be that might caused by the quality control more than the metalic ink.
The titanium tally ho is printed way less than the normal tally.

[MrLukeCarroll]

They look nicer, and its our job to do the best performance we can for spectators (If we are magicians) so it can't hurt if they handle the same but look better

[Don Boyer]

It was indeed the finish and card stock that helped the Titaniums last longer.  Though I have heard that some people find them harder for doing cardistry with after only a little use.  Just a rumor, could be false.

I personally think metallics are great in some designs.  I thought the Bikes were a little underwhelming, though I don't hate them.  Gargoyles are beautiful, but in the right light the silver ink practically becomes impossible to see.  I personally LOVED the job done on the Bicycle Premier Back designed by BMPokerWorld; it doesn't slam you over the head, nor does it look barely noticeable.  They're practically graceful, and using gold for black was a nice touch - I never liked that Titanium black cards had nothing metallic on the faces except for the court cards.  It looks almost like a mismatch.  I recommend Premiers if you don't already have them.

[jriffel]

I have these decks, I just don't see that the amount of metal in the ink produces any "pop" or makes any difference above any ink of the same color.  I don't see it.  And, I know what your are thinking, I am not blind !

[Marcus]

While we gladly mention the metallic ink in the decks we print using it, it'll never be a standalone reason for what makes a deck. The Artifice colors wouldn't have the nice pop it does without it, but the design itself kicks ass in my highly personal opinion, and the same goes for the Infinity deck.


Printing a deck with metallic ink just to be able to sell it as a deck with metallic ink - makes no sense to me. There's no purpose to it then.

[Don Boyer]

While we gladly mention the metallic ink in the decks we print using it, it'll never be a standalone reason for what makes a deck. The Artifice colors wouldn't have the nice pop it does without it, but the design itself kicks ass in my highly personal opinion, and the same goes for the Infinity deck.


Printing a deck with metallic ink just to be able to sell it as a deck with metallic ink - makes no sense to me. There's no purpose to it then.

I did like the Titaniums, but I tend to like variations like that.  It's true they aren't the most creative idea to come out - nothing like Arcanes or Artifices.  While I own and like the T11 designs, the only truly ambitious design they did was the Sentinels.  For me, however, ambitious is cool, but not always necessary - it's more a case of what strikes my fancy.  Some really original, intricate and ambitious works (like Bicycle Alchemy 1977) aren't as cool to me as something simple and elegant like Artifices, S&M v4-6 and even Bicycle Premier.

[Marcus]

To be clear, I wasn't taking shots at t11 with my previous post.

[Kanped]

To be clear, I wasn't taking shots at t11 with my previous post.

Well, I wasn't thinking that.

I am now, though

[Don Boyer]

To be clear, I wasn't taking shots at t11 with my previous post.

I certainly didn't think you were.  You were speaking in general terms.

Now, if you were knocking second editions that have nothing new but the box...