Its been a while since I've posted here. I recently got back into collecting and am trying to display my collection better (bought a display case off ebay).
I've been at it for a while and MOST times I buy a pack because of the cards inside, not caring as much about the tuck. Lately, I've been leaning towards getting decks that have a beautiful tuck and being much more lenient towards the actual cards inside. These are decks that I will probably keep sealed and keep just for display.

In general, some of my favorite tucks include the Ogma deck, black Whispering Imps, and the Virts decks.

Anyone want to share their favorite playing card tuck cases?

For an UNOPENED deck, I know you can look at the type of government tax stamp (pre 1965), type of USPCC sticker (whether it is stamp like, sticker like, blue or black) and whether a deck of Bicycle playing cards has a bar code on the bottom as a means of finding out when it was produced.

What about the little sliver of clear plastic that has the bicycle logo on it?

I've noticed on some newer decks, the sliver is clear (pictured on the right) and on some older decks (pictured on the left) the pull tab lining is milky white. Does anyone know how long they've used this style strip?

The reason I ask is I recently purchased some Bicycle decks (not pictured) that have the white strip instead of the clear strip but everything else is reminiscent of any normal recently produced Ohio made Bicycle deck. When the decks I purchased arrive, I'll open one and use the manufacturer code on the ace of spades to date it but in the mean time I thought I'd ask if anyone already used this detail to date bicycle decks.

Please excuse my terrible camera.

Sold.

Everyone knows the standard go-to deck for magicians and card handlers is the Bicycle Standard or Aviator and these decks can be purchased for, in general where I live in NY, for $3 or a little higher. I wonder if there are lesser known decks, sold cheaper, that don't handle terribly, that would be good for practice and to have in ones collection without shame.

I've actually found a few. First is the well known Play Right deck that succeeded the Stud decks. These I think are either $2 in Walgreens or $2.50 and handle + look great no question and most of you probably have some.

However, next to that Play Right in Walgreens is a 99 cent red Walgreens deck. I've handled this smooth finish deck and I must say I was greatly impressed. It handles great and fans well. The tradeoff is, as pictured, a complete lack of artwork and design, but for practice, its amazing. I don't know what country it was produced in.

Another deck I found does not handle as good as the red walgreens deck, but isn't worthless either is the CVS Poker Club deck. The back design is a ripoff of the Aladdin and the fans suck, but for other moves involving cuts, it's perfectly fine. I am actually using it right now to practice pressure fans. I believe it costs $1 as well and it is produced in Malaysia.

Does anyone know of any other super cheap decks that aren't so bad?

Hello.

I've been a collector of things a long time and realized over time that my other favorite activities involve a certain feel and touch (basketball, guitar). So card collecting became a hobby. Most of my collection, though not very large (only been collecting a year), has been opened and at least demoed.

I love the simple pleasure of a nice, even, somewhat stiff dribble or a near perfect fan.  That's why I would say some of my favorite decks are Tally Hos. The fan backs in particular are beautiful enough to consistently catch your eye though cheap, sturdy and simple enough to use consistently without having to worry about wear and tear the way you would other expensive 7-10 dollar decks.

Its hard to narrow down my other favorite decks, so instead I'll do a surprisingly good/bad deck I've recently handled.

Surprisingly good - 90's - early 00's Budweiser advertising decks. I don't know if these decks share the same stock and finish of other smooth finish decks of the time period, but i have three different Bud light/Budweiser USPCC Ohio made decks and they handle really great. The stock is thin but sturdy and the smooth finish glides really well, making for great fans (especially since the back designs are colorful and borderless).

Surprisingly bad - "Carlton is lowest" Aviator Poker USPCC Ohio made cards. The edges are rough and after a few simple card flourishes the cards and deck began to warp and bend pretty badly. I've never handled a worse USA made deck.