KEM Arrow Red and Blue Poker Size Standard Index Playing Cards

by KEM

Product Features

• Two decks of poker-sized playing cards (3 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches)
• Made of 100 percent cellulose acetate plastic--a blend of paper and plastic
• Superior flexibility and strength; scuff- and break-resistant; completely washable
• Designed to deliver the classic snap and feel of paper with the durability of plastic
• Cards come with durable storage case made of hard plastic

Product Description

Amazon.com

These playing cards from KEM are made of 100 percent cellulose acetate plastic--a unique blend of paper and plastic that provides superior flexibility and strength. The cards are scuff- and break-resistant and completely washable, and are designed to deliver the classic snap and feel of paper with the exceptional durability of plastic. Included in this set are two decks (one red, one blue) of poker-sized playing cards (3 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches). The cards come with a durable storage case made of hard plastic. Each deck contains one joker.

About KEM Plastic Playing Cards
KEM Plastic Playing Cards is a 60-year-old company specializing in one product: playing cards that are 100 percent cellulose acetate plastic. KEM plastic playing cards contain no vinyl, which is the raw material used by other playing card manufacturers for their "plastic" playing cards. KEM cards can handle the wear and tear like no other brand of card in the industry. KEM's high-performance cards are designed to last longer, shuffle better, and deal in such a manner that you will never want to play with other cards again.

Product Description

KEM Plastic Playing Cards is a 60-year-old company specializing in one product - playing cards which are 100% cellulose acetate plastic. KEM plastic playing cards contain no vinyl, which is the raw material used by all other playing card manufacturers for their "plastic" playing cards. KEM cards can handle the wear and tear like no other brand of card in the industry. KEM's high performance cards will last longer, shuffle better, and deal in such a manner that you will never want to play with anything else again.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 3.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000BUUQF8
• Item model number: 1007268
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best (atleast it used to be....update), July 20, 2007

By 

Morley Dotes "morleydotes" (Flushing, New York USA) - See all my reviews

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: KEM Arrow Red and Blue Poker Size Standard Index Playing Cards (Sports)

So, it was finally time to get a new set of cards. I ordered them (from somewhere else) and received them quickly, however, both sets were defective. Then, the replacements came and one would not slide on the paint (face down) and the other would not glide on the back side. So, I bought a set of Copags. What a difference. They are much better, and I highly recommend them over Kems. The quality is better, and they just have a better over all feel.....I don't think that either are a bad choice, but it seems Kems quality control is severely lacking. And for the price one pays for these cards, that is inexcusable. So far, we have been using the Copags for several months with no issues, and everyone likes them....lastly, you can find the Copags for about 20% less!

Ok, here is my experience. We have been using the same 2 decks in my club for over 18 months. We play once/week. We play a lot of hands, and we play for at least 5 hours each session. The cards are just starting to stick and not slide as well, however, we would have gone through at least 20 decks by now. The cards are washable (we have washed them). The cards ARE bendable, however, if you are going to fold them all the way like you are folding a letter, then you deserve a bent card. If you think these are some kind of superman card, well, then, you are mistaken. However, these cards are far superior to regular cards, and better than other plastics I have played with. As for the cover, yes it is true but if you keep the outside cover that the plastic box slides into, then you do not have to worry about the card box opening. At first, you kind of have to get used to the feel, and also how these cards glide. They really go, and will sail right off the table if you are not careful. I cannot imagine anyone using anything else after using these cards. If you are an occasional player, or if you want to prove that you CAN damage these cards, then these are probably not for you. The cost is high enough that if you only play once a month or less, regular cards bought in bulk would probably be cheaper. If you play a lot, or if you worry about markings on the cards, these cards are for you. They will be cheaper in the long run. Also, these cards are more difficult to mark. I should note that I have held a card the long way and made the ends touch (after 18 months of use, and abuse) and the card goes right back. I did not FOLD the card, but I did bend it and the ends touched, not both halves flat against eachother. I would also like to note that I have used the bridge cards for years and feel the same way about them....but do not use the bridge size for poker, you will hate it (the bridge size is smaller). I gave them 5 stars for everything because the educational value rating for this is useless so any rating is useless. Lastly, when I first recommended that my club use these cards, everyone was against it. I forced the issue and they agreed to try them. Now, everyone refuses to use anything else.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The king of cards, December 12, 2008

By 

K. Chu (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: KEM Arrow Red and Blue Poker Size Standard Index Playing Cards (Sports)

The ranks of poker enthusiasts seem to be fairly evenly divided among the KEM and Copag supporters. Either side has their die-hard loyalists who cling hard and fast to their preferred brand. Well, I like them both, although I do have a slight preference for the KEMs. In my review, I will only describe the absolute merits of the KEMs, rather than compare them head-to-head with any other brand of plastic cards, which I feel is splitting hairs.

The KEM cards come out of the box smelling a little funny (ah, that new card smell), and slide like teflon over each other. The smell dissipates with a couple of uses, but the smoothness lasts. The cards are simply a pleasure to shuffle and deal, and nearly impossible to damage in the course of normal use. The edges and corners remain pristine. A spilled drink or stray salsa no longer spells death for your cards; a quick wipe renders them as good as new. Ditto for sweaty hands.

The printing on the cards is crisp and visible. I personally prefer the classic look of this size to any jumbo index cards. The cards have roughly the same thickness as any other deck, and about the same flexibility as regular paper cards. They don't look or feel overtly different from quality paper cards in your hand, apart from their nonstick cookware-like slide. The KEM cards are more springy when you shuffle them.

The bottom line: these cards are luxurious but practical. They might seem like a splurge considering you're getting 108 pieces of printed plastic, but they might be cheaper than buying new paper cards every time a deck wears out. I'd love to tell you how long these last, but my poker buddies and I have yet to wear out a deck.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awsome!, January 6, 2009

By 

R. Condis "Lucky 13" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: KEM Arrow Red and Blue Poker Size Standard Index Playing Cards (Sports)

Best cards I have ever used. Worth every penny. Once you try these cards you will never go back. I think they are better than those used in casinos, more flexible.