crisloid pieces

[RPJR]

Can someone tell me what the Crisloid checkers that are sold in the ACF Store are made of? Thinking of ordering a set.

[jaguar72]

RPJR,

They are made of some type of plastic or resin material...they are somewhat "softer" than some other hard plastics. I have two sets of the solid color variety and really like them...they look very good on a green/buff board. They fit well on any square size between 1 7/8" and 2 1/4". They don't interlock but because of the softer plastic tend to stay in place when you stack them for kings. The colors are excellent.

Obviously, all of this is just my opinion and thus very subjective...I have several other sets of white/red pieces (e.g., some old Druekes which are also nice) but like these Crisloids the best.

There you have it; hope this helps somewhat. My cats, by the way, REALLY like them... .

V/R,

Gary Jenkins/jaguar72

[RPJR]

Thankyou, Sir. I was beginning to think I was not going to get an answer.

[rich beckwith]

RPJR,

I was awaiting a reply from our equipment director, Roger Blaine. The pieces are sturdy pieces, not the cheap plastic you might find in a dime store set. Roger responded:

The material is Catalin, which technically speaking is a thermosetting plastic. It cannot be molded, but is extruded in long rods which are then cut into pieces that are then buffed and polished.
An earlier form of this material was Bakelite. I do not know the technical distinction between Bakelite and Catalin.
Hope this helps,
Roger

[jaguar72]

All,

Just to clarify, the "softer" property I referred to in my earlier email may well be illusory; that is, the material may not actually be softer; probably isn't. The pieces, however, do have a softer feel and look (possibly because of the polishing, rounded edges and softer colors). At any rate, they are nice to play with and have great "board presence". Very elegant indeed and aesthetically pleasing for those who care about such things.

Looks Right, Is Right,

Gary Jenkins/jaguar72

[Irma Sierra]

I had very nice checkers that someone STOLE it in last tournament...pfffff

[rich beckwith]

Another clarification, I'm told now that real “catalin” came out in earlier part of 20th century. Today 's “catalin” term can apply generically for a polymer resin material. In any case, they are quality pieces.

[RPJR]

Thanks to all. I appreciate your help.
Raymond

[B Salot]

The most important question is: "Do they make good moves?"

[jaguar72]

Good point.

John Acker beat me six (or eight or ten or twelve; can't remember, it's all a blur) straight games and we were using my Crisloids... That should tell you something; I'm pretty sure it was all the fault of the pieces.

V/R,

Gary Jenkins/jaguar72