Battle 8: NOC vs. Masters

[Don Boyer]

Hey, it's not John!  He mentioned that he'd be busy with work for a while and I'm helping out by picking up the slack.

I decided today to take a slightly different direction.  We've been looking at some cool customs lately, but what about workhorse decks?  The decks you want to carry everywhere and don't burst a blood vessel in your eye if a card gets trashed?  It's the kind of deck you buy by the brick and not for collecting purposes - you actually USE them, and use them hard.

I created for myself four criteria in my quest for this battle's combatants:

• It had to be a custom deck - not one of USPC's own models.  Not fancy, just custom.
• It had to cost less than $5.
• It could not be a limited edition - it had to be a deck that's continually restocked.
• Lastly, it had to come in at least two colors.

Bicycle Guardians nearly made the list, except for the final item on that list.  In the end, there were only two - and when you're finished, there can be only ONE!!

Prize goes to a randomly-selected post from someone who votes and backs up why they votes in a comment.  Prizes are on this topic - so have at it, gang!

[flyers3003]

I like the AoS better on the masters decks, but because of the number of colors of the NOC decks I'll give the edge to NOC.

[John B.]

Master all the way. Backs are standard so they dont stick out, people love the ace and it gives me the I am a master magician line.

[Don Boyer]

It's a tough choice for me.  I love both designs.

For a long time, Masters made a good deck for me - sturdy, familiar.  But now I realize there's a lot of trick decks out there with the Rider Back design.

The NOC deck has a slight edge for me.  Solid-color backs are more difficult to conceal markings on, so your audience can't grouse about the deck being marked.  The variety of colors is great, especially purple.  And you can't go wrong with the bonus Queen of Hearts in every deck.  I know the Masters come with an extra Ace of Spades (or at least they use to), but it was the AoS for the Ghost deck - better for some tricks, not so good for others.

NOC FTW.

[KPopFever605]

I would have to with the Masters, because there's nothing as good, recognizable, or reputable as a classical rider back.

[sway]

I'm a sucker for the early UV500 Air-Flow decks, so I'll go with Masters here.

[Fanofyankees13]

Masters...can't go wrong with the classic look and incredible durability.

[Don Boyer]

It had to happen sooner or later - we have a dead heat!

Tonight's drawing winner is the FIFTH poster - Sway!  Contact John via PM regarding your prize.

Now, check out the new contest: http://aethercards.com/discourse/deck-battles-(alpha)/battle-9-fantastique-vs-mechanic-deck/