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NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck

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Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #50 on: April 10, 2012, 09:39:34 PM »
 

munro159

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A friend of mine does alot of work in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. He is in Malaysia right now and is suppose to be checking on picking some of these up for me. We will see!
 

Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #51 on: April 10, 2012, 11:30:55 PM »
 

Don Boyer

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A friend of mine does alot of work in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. He is in Malaysia right now and is suppose to be checking on picking some of these up for me. We will see!

As we talking "personal stash" or "tradding fodder"?  :))
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Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #52 on: April 10, 2012, 11:38:47 PM »
 

munro159

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I don't know yet....I don't know the price or how many he can get. I should know by sometime next week. If I can get extras I will definitely be willing to trade! :)
 

Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #53 on: April 11, 2012, 12:24:33 AM »
 

jmrock

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Recently, I've been noticing that the collection's gotten so big, I don't get to enjoy the decks as much as I once did.  I'm even thinking of selling off portions of my collection.

I know what you mean Don... I take joy in the Vintage Decks more than ever... There's just so many new and mediocre decks to collect if you want to tout a complete and thorough modern collection... Although I say I don't want or need every deck anymore, the compulsion to want to own every deck takes over and one click here and one click there and just look at how paypal dominates my statements every month... I don't even want to think about it... I have said it has come to a head and I caved and picked up the Mana Deck... But I have to tell you when I cracked open that New Era Deck, I fell in love all over again... and yes, I did pick up a set of the Pandora decks, but now the Triangle Deck, The Liu Chen Deck, Magic Con 2, etc..... It never ever ends...
 

Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #54 on: April 11, 2012, 12:51:57 AM »
 

Don Boyer

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Recently, I've been noticing that the collection's gotten so big, I don't get to enjoy the decks as much as I once did.  I'm even thinking of selling off portions of my collection.

I know what you mean Don... I take joy in the Vintage Decks more than ever... There's just so many new and mediocre decks to collect if you want to tout a complete and thorough modern collection... Although I say I don't want or need every deck anymore, the compulsion to want to own every deck takes over and one click here and one click there and just look at how paypal dominates my statements every month... I don't even want to think about it... I have said it has come to a head and I caved and picked up the Mana Deck... But I have to tell you when I cracked open that New Era Deck, I fell in love all over again... and yes, I did pick up a set of the Pandora decks, but now the Triangle Deck, The Liu Chen Deck, Magic Con 2, etc..... It never ever ends...

My personal assessment:

Pandora Vine Backs - a nice deck, but not a MUST-have, certainly not at $20 a pack.
Triangle Deck - doesn't strike me as desirable.
Lu Chen's Spar Deck - artwork rights disputed by artist Si Scott, probably not printed by USPC as a result.  Nice, but probably a pass.
Magic Con 2 - take it or leave it, won't blow the wad trying to buy it.  The original wasn't really that awesome based on the reviews I read - the major selling point was "It's a Dan and Dave deck!" and I'm just not that fanboy.  I'd feel different if I was actually at the Con, but since I'm not...
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Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #55 on: April 11, 2012, 10:31:44 AM »
 

CBJ

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You can still get the Pandora decks for 6USD/deck here

http://www.smproductionz.com/index.php/new-arrivals.html

but.. crazy shipping prices


CBJ
« Last Edit: April 11, 2012, 10:34:27 AM by CBJ »
  I was the featured collector on UC for May/June, check it out: http://bit.ly/UC_MyCollection

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Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #56 on: April 11, 2012, 11:00:26 AM »
 

Don Boyer

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You can still get the Pandora decks for 6USD/deck here

http://www.smproductionz.com/index.php/new-arrivals.html

but.. crazy shipping prices


CBJ


Those aren't just crazy shipping prices, they're insane!  4 decks of playing cards worth $24, and $36.50 to ship them with a ten-day arrival time!?!?  Lemme guess - that's how much it costs to feed the tortoise as he travels to my PO box with the package strapped to its back?


I emailed them in hopes that it's a glitch.  More likely, though, it's a Hong Kong-based shop.  The site's in English, but the "About Us" page states "We provide only the top quality one of a kind product from the East. We'll try our very best for your satisfaction."  The staff is all-Asian and is fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese, and most of their own tricks are by Will Tsai.
« Last Edit: April 11, 2012, 11:04:54 AM by Don Boyer »
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Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #57 on: April 11, 2012, 11:18:47 AM »
 

Gareth

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Yep, it appears to be just over $9 per deck in shipping - irrespective of how many your have (I only tried up to 8 decks... $72 in postage...).

So there's a choice I guess, $20 each at magictrickstore, or about $15.xx each posted slowly here   

Or... skip them entirely... Short of them being more reasonable elsewhere, I think I'll just choose this option
 

Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #58 on: April 11, 2012, 11:38:36 AM »
 

Don Boyer

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Yep, it appears to be just over $9 per deck in shipping - irrespective of how many your have (I only tried up to 8 decks... $72 in postage...).

So there's a choice I guess, $20 each at magictrickstore, or about $15.xx each posted slowly here   

Or... skip them entirely... Short of them being more reasonable elsewhere, I think I'll just choose this option


I'm going to hold out and wait for a response to my email.  I'll post the results.
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Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #59 on: April 11, 2012, 12:45:36 PM »
 

sinsandman

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Don, please do post up their response...could be a good thing. $15 is better than $20....ok that goes without saying
Magical as Sin!
 

Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #60 on: April 12, 2012, 02:45:20 AM »
 

jmrock

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I'll post you something funny... An absolute joke as a matter of fact... Look at how I received these BULL$#!T Decks of cards... In addition, I question whether or not they are authentic USPCC Playing Cards... They rather feel like cheap knockoffs - the box is very flimsy and the printing is piss poor... I have to tell you, holding this deck compared to any other deck of Bicycle Playing Cards I own feels different... the box and cellophane feel completely different... SMDH...

Edit: Somebody - Anybody please tell me what is going on with the amount of cellophane bunched up and poorly glued all over this deck...
« Last Edit: May 03, 2012, 10:27:42 PM by jmrock »
 

Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #61 on: April 12, 2012, 06:09:11 AM »
 

Don Boyer

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Don, please do post up their response...could be a good thing. $15 is better than $20....ok that goes without saying


This is what I heard back:


Hi Don,

May I ask where you are located and what is the cost for the shipping?

The shipping rate is fixed and we are not the one who charged for the shipping fee. The shipping company charges for the postage. We will always look for the better courier with the better service and better deal.

Best,
Emily H.
SM Crew



This is what I replied:


I'm ordering from Yonkers, NY, a suburb of New York City.  I also am a member of a message board of card collectors, magicians and flourishers, many of whom are from America, Europe and Asia, and there's a good deal of interest in this deck but the shipping costs are keeping people from ordering it.


We'll see what happens.


I'll post you something funny... An absolute joke as a matter of fact... Look at how I received these BULL$#!T Decks of cards... In addition, I question whether or not they are authentic USPCC Playing Cards... They rather feel like cheap knockoffs - the box is very flimsy and the printing is piss poor... I have to tell you, holding this deck compared to any other deck of Bicycle Playing Cards I own feels different... the box and cellophane feel completely different... SMDH...

Edit: Somebody - Anybody please tell me what is going on with the amount of cellophane bunched up and poorly glued all over this deck... In addition, there is just the most significant damage to the black deck and a banged in corner of the white deck... If you can make out the printing, it looks as if it was printed off a low resolution file... Absolutely shameful...


JM, I've seen this and worse from USPC, though I have to grant that printing on the box is awful.  KT, you have them in hand - what are your thoughts?  Real USPC or knockoff?

I'd contact the designers and complain.  Maybe you'll get a replacement for the damaged ones.
« Last Edit: April 12, 2012, 06:14:00 AM by Don Boyer »
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Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #62 on: April 17, 2012, 03:34:23 AM »
 

Don Boyer

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I nearly forgot to post what happened with my inquiry!  They replied maybe a day or two later to say they'd sold out, rendering the shipping charges a moot point...

This guy's selling them for $10 a pack
http://aethercards.com/discourse/index.php?topic=2339.0
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Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #63 on: April 17, 2012, 06:25:04 AM »
 

KT

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KT, you have them in hand - what are your thoughts?  Real USPC or knockoff?


I've only noticed that it was not printed by the USPC recently. Should have known
when I saw the poor packaging of the decks... They handle really bad.

I apologize to those who were mislead by my photos.  :-[
« Last Edit: April 17, 2012, 06:26:28 AM by KT »
 

Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #64 on: April 17, 2012, 06:59:32 AM »
 

phantom1412

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KT, you have them in hand - what are your thoughts?  Real USPC or knockoff?


I've only noticed that it was not printed by the USPC recently. Should have known
when I saw the poor packaging of the decks... They handle really bad.

I apologize to those who were mislead by my photos.  :-[

Thanks for the warning. I almost buy it when I saw it in Japanese store.
 

Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #65 on: April 17, 2012, 12:24:07 PM »
 

NathanCanadas

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KT, you have them in hand - what are your thoughts?  Real USPC or knockoff?


I've only noticed that it was not printed by the USPC recently. Should have known
when I saw the poor packaging of the decks... They handle really bad.

I apologize to those who were mislead by my photos.  :-[
I thought you weren't allowed to say a deck was air-cushion finish unless it is made by USPCC... ?
 

Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #66 on: April 17, 2012, 12:41:31 PM »
 

LeonJL

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Got mine today, firstly, I would have to say the cellophane the deck is wrapped in is indeed bad, especially on the black ones. The main problem starts with the box. On the flap of the white box, there was the regular line of text that you can find on regular bicycle decks, but on the black box, there's nothing at all.
What's worse, the white box does say Bicycle, but i can't find any other signs that say this is a bicycle deck.

The cards themselves do fan, spread and faro but the quality is definitely not Q1 and could not be compared to other decks especially since it now costs over $10 for a single deck.

 

Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #67 on: April 18, 2012, 02:30:32 AM »
 

Don Boyer

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Got mine today, firstly, I would have to say the cellophane the deck is wrapped in is indeed bad, especially on the black ones. The main problem starts with the box. On the flap of the white box, there was the regular line of text that you can find on regular bicycle decks, but on the black box, there's nothing at all.
What's worse, the white box does say Bicycle, but i can't find any other signs that say this is a bicycle deck.

The cards themselves do fan, spread and faro but the quality is definitely not Q1 and could not be compared to other decks especially since it now costs over $10 for a single deck.

It looks like someone overseas was trying to fool the collectors' community AGAIN.  Something just didn't pass the smell test on this one for me, especially when I saw what was going on with the prices.
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Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #68 on: April 18, 2012, 07:19:22 AM »
 

thecardcollectors

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We understand that these decks turned out to be somewhat of a disappointment, but if there're any other collectors out there who are still willing to get these for their design, we are selling them for USD9/deck or USD17/set (one Black and one White).

http://aethercards.com/discourse/index.php?topic=2269.0

Thanks again!
 

Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #69 on: April 18, 2012, 11:23:08 PM »
 

Don Boyer

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We understand that these decks turned out to be somewhat of a disappointment, but if there're any other collectors out there who are still willing to get these for their design, we are selling them for USD9/deck or USD17/set (one Black and one White).

http://aethercards.com/discourse/index.php?topic=2269.0

Thanks again!


If you don't mind, who is "we"?  The general rule here is one person, one account.


Were you involved in the making of this deck, or are you simply selling it?


I actually liked the design, and am disappointed about these quality issues, especially with how there was so much hype put out there in an effort to drive the price up.  Asia Magic Shop on FB was not very forthcoming about their identities.  In retrospect, it sounds shady.
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Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #70 on: April 18, 2012, 11:51:25 PM »
 

munro159

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I unfortunately loved the design on these.  I loved them enough to order a mixed brick from overseas! Now to hear about the quality issues of these.....it makes me quite angry.  Although the place I bought these from didn't mention anything in their listing about these being made by USPC so....I guess its my own fault!  On the up-side....maybe these will become a novelty one day! I'm crossing my fingers hoping maybe my decks aren't that bad!
 

Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #71 on: April 19, 2012, 04:15:07 AM »
 

thecardcollectors

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Hi Don,

I would like to introduce myself - My name is Joyce, and I have an online shop called The Card Collectors on Facebook. I'm simply selling the decks, and was not involved in the making of these decks. I still have no idea who made them actually.

Like many others, I was very much disappointed when I saw the quality of the packaging, but will still stand by the fact that they have a cool design nonetheless!
 

Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #72 on: April 19, 2012, 09:10:40 AM »
 

Dudeee

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I have to say I fell in love with the design that I got a brick from the local shop too. I was a little luckier in the sense that I was early and I got to pick the best of the lot. I actually went through 5 bricks to pick up the best 12 decks, although the decks that I have do not have any dents, but the plastic were all crappy......
 

Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #73 on: April 19, 2012, 11:17:15 AM »
 

Don Boyer

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I unfortunately loved the design on these.  I loved them enough to order a mixed brick from overseas! Now to hear about the quality issues of these.....it makes me quite angry.  Although the place I bought these from didn't mention anything in their listing about these being made by USPC so....I guess its my own fault!  On the up-side....maybe these will become a novelty one day! I'm crossing my fingers hoping maybe my decks aren't that bad!


Take examples from real life as to what becomes collectible and what doesn't.  It's not always the best-looking or best-made things that become the rare and valuable ones.


One of the most valuable Star Wars action figures isn't the really cool looking ones, nor is it a major character.  When the Jawa was first released, it came with a chintzy-looking cape made of vinyl.  This was quickly pulled from production, and the cape was replaced with a stitched-cloth cloak which looked a hundred times better.  But it's the one with the vinyl cap that fetches hundreds of dollars today while the other one is hardly noticed and only worth a fraction of that.


The most valuable Star Wars poster isn't some heroic painting that hung in displays at movie theaters, but a drawn poster by comic book artist Howard Chaykin that was sold at a comic book convention a year before the film's release for $1.75.  It was the first, it is the rarest, and it now sells for thousands.


http://movieposterauthenticating.com/wordpress/star-wars-us/star-wars-first-poster-the-chaykin/


Your "bogus deck" of today can become tomorrow's rare classic.  But there's no way of knowing without a crystal ball, a time machine or a deep connection to the living Force...  :))


Hi Don,

I would like to introduce myself - My name is Joyce, and I have an online shop called The Card Collectors on Facebook. I'm simply selling the decks, and was not involved in the making of these decks. I still have no idea who made them actually.

Like many others, I was very much disappointed when I saw the quality of the packaging, but will still stand by the fact that they have a cool design nonetheless!


Nice to meet you, Joyce, and welcome to the Discourse.  Make yourself at home.


I have to say I fell in love with the design that I got a brick from the local shop too. I was a little luckier in the sense that I was early and I got to pick the best of the lot. I actually went through 5 bricks to pick up the best 12 decks, although the decks that I have do not have any dents, but the plastic were all crappy......


What, exactly, is your take on the quality of the cards themselves, and not the packaging?


This really looks like a case of an excellent design in the hands of a terrible card-print shop, or at least one that's not up to the standards we're used to around here.  I'd be really curious to know more about who printed it and who designed it.
« Last Edit: April 19, 2012, 11:19:53 AM by Don Boyer »
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Re: NEW DECKS- Pandora Vine Back Deck
« Reply #74 on: April 19, 2012, 11:39:32 AM »
 

LeonJL

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What, exactly, is your take on the quality of the cards themselves, and not the packaging?


This really looks like a case of an excellent design in the hands of a terrible card-print shop, or at least one that's not up to the standards we're used to around here.  I'd be really curious to know more about who printed it and who designed it.

I've been playing with mine for 2 days now and to be honest, it really isn't as bad as the first impression I got from the box and packaging. Although they might be some USPC knockoff, once broken into, they actually handle pretty well and i've got no problems doing fans, spreads and faro too. Not bad for a knockoff IMO.

One thing I'm still curious, the side says Maxwell Playing Card Company, any ideas?