Getting frustrated finding a deck

[Zaborg]

Hello

 

This is my last hope, I don't know anymore where to go. I hope someone can help me or at least understand what is my issue since I'm starting to think I'm just being waaaaay too picky.

 

I'll try to make it short as possible. I have an issue finding a deck. All I want is a traditional RWS deck but with thick card stock. Is this even something I can wish for?

 

My journey started with Heaven & Earth deck because I really-really liked the images. It was my first deck (actually my first was some knockoff Witches Tarot, got scammed...but I really never started to use them). After few months I started to get unhappy with the deck. Learning Tarot started to become harder and harder, the images started to all blend together and I really started to miss seeing colors - it wasn't doing any favors to me anymore. Then I got TrueBlack Tarot deck, well, that was even worse - love the images and the stock but too hard to read with. Too minimalistic. I also got Tarot Z, just for fun - loved the card stock, no issues at all with bending, very similar to Heaven and Earth stock (probably the exact same).

 

So I decided to get traditional deck, I went with this: Smith-Waite Tarot Deck Borderless (9781572818835). It was borderless so this was pretty much the only option I had (I don't like borders but I'm actually willing to give it a try now...can't even believe I'm saying this...). I received the deck today - super happy, the deck already demonstrated itself with some really accurate stuff (I'm really new to Tarot so it was really unexpected) and I could really read the images much better than with the other decks. I love it has colors (I was so used with non-colorful decks so far so it was a drastic change!). I never thought I'd ever like the traditional images, was super surprised.

 

BUT...

 

...the card thickness and stock is horrible. I probably spoiled myself with the previous decks I mentioned before but what can I do. The cards are so bended, like if I cut the deck and put it backwards on the other half, you can see an arc, like a bridge. When I hold the deck, it like pops back and forth and it is literally driving me INSANE. I had the same issue with TrueBlack but I managed to bend them back to "normal" flat state and they kept the form very well. When I tired to re-bend this new deck, it seems it gets only worse - probably because of the slim card stock.

 

I'm so bummed. All I ever wanted was a traditional RWS deck with Heaven&Earth-like card stock - thick so they dont bend like crazy (maintain the flat form). I have searched for so long, I have watched tons of YT videos and card comparisons and flip-throughs. Can it be real that there is no such deck I'm wishing for? How come is this even possible, why no one has never thought to make a traditional RWS deck but with superb card quality? I would pay any amount to be honest...

 

Thanks for listening:)

[HOLMES]

https://www.hummingbirdtarot.com/blog/2020/3/6/rws-vs-radiant-wise-spirit-tarot-deck-review

 

It has a nice card stock.

[Zaborg]

4 minutes ago, HOLMES said:

https://www.hummingbirdtarot.com/blog/2020/3/6/rws-vs-radiant-wise-spirit-tarot-deck-review

 

It has a nice card stock.

 

I was just thinking I should have said in the post that I saw the Radiant Wise deck. 🙂

 

I find it too cartoon-ish, or childish even, it has a weird vibe for me. I am a bit considering at least trying but I don't have high hopes for it...

 

Quick edit:

 

Also, the outlines seem to be a bit too thick and some colors seem quite off, just like how the blogger described it, I have the same feeling. 🙂

Edited May 6, 2021 by Zaborg

[gregory]

Your best bet is to hunt down a "Blue Box" Waite deck - it has the nicest card stock of any of them. Any of the ones in print right now may have rubbish stock. I don't know where you are but there is at least one reasonably priced one on ebay right now - I will message you with a link. (I don't THINK you have to have 5 posts to receive a message, but I don't want to link in a thread so no-one else will see it !) There was a nice one selling on amazon not long ago - but I haven't' seen it lately.

[gregory]

The other "best" option is the Centennial Waite - I haven't seen a curly one yet - but there's always a first time. The colours are on the muted side, though.

[katrinka]

If you bridge after riffling, the cards stay flat.
But I agree, vintage stock is usually the best. I love my University Books RWS. 
It was a bit sticky when I got it, but a little fanning powder fixed that. 

[vulprix]

31 minutes ago, gregory said:

The other "best" option is the Centennial Waite - I haven't seen a curly one yet - but there's always a first time. The colours are on the muted side, though.

Agreed--I do not prefer thick cardstock, and so this is actually a detriment for me.  But the PCS Centennial Edition Rider-Waite deck really is quite thick, and on a lovely, waxy stock.  It is also easily attainable.  Good luck with your search! :)

[Guest]

Yes. The University and Blushing Fool are best cardstock wise.
 

The Original Rider Waite printed by Carta Mundi was good card stock. Their Albano is very durable.

[gregory]

I'd say any blue box - there are some without the blushing fool... I forgot the University - but the colours are a lot brighter

[Zaborg]

15 hours ago, vulprix said:

Agreed--I do not prefer thick cardstock, and so this is actually a detriment for me.  But the PCS Centennial Edition Rider-Waite deck really is quite thick, and on a lovely, waxy stock.  It is also easily attainable.  Good luck with your search! 🙂

Isn't it the same I currently have?

 

https://www.bookdepository.com/Smith-Waite-Tarot-Deck-Borderless-Arthur-E-Waite/9781572818835

 

But just borderless? I thought it was just Centennial but borderless.:)

[vulprix]

1 hour ago, Zaborg said:

Isn't it the same I currently have?

 

https://www.bookdepository.com/Smith-Waite-Tarot-Deck-Borderless-Arthur-E-Waite/9781572818835

 

But just borderless? I thought it was just Centennial but borderless.:)

Mine is from the boxed set with the book and postcards/prints, so it may be of different stock. Things can also change on subsequent printings, but my experience with the bordered PCS deck from the boxed set seems to fit what you are looking for.

[Zaborg]

8 minutes ago, vulprix said:

Mine is from the boxed set with the book and postcards/prints, so it may be of different stock. Things can also change on subsequent printings, but my experience with the bordered PCS deck from the boxed set seems to fit what you are looking for.

Thank you, I'm gonna order one right now! 🙂

[supersentai]

I would recommend the US Games 100% Plastic Rider Tarot Deck.

 

https://www.usgamesinc.com/the-100-plastic-rider-waite-tarot.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1646710177

 

Malleable and easy to shuffle, with glowing reviews on Youtube too. You won't need to worry spilling water on them or getting them dirty accidentally since they are waterproof and can be cleaned easily.

 

 

Edited May 8, 2021 by supersentai

[vulprix]

34 minutes ago, supersentai said:

I would recommend the US Games 100% Plastic Rider Tarot Deck.

 

https://www.usgamesinc.com/the-100-plastic-rider-waite-tarot.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1646710177

 

Malleable and easy to shuffle, with glowing reviews on Youtube too. You won't need to worry spilling water on them or getting them dirty accidentally since they are waterproof and can be cleaned easily.

 

 

This is a GREAT suggestion! I wish I had thought of it.

 

I have a plastic deck from an indie creator and it does indeed fit the bill!

[Niobium]

I have a couple of the Labyrinthos decks which are also plastic, and I have to say, they've completely sold me on plastic decks. They're gorgeous and I'd be heartbroken if something happened to them, but it turns out that's in no way a problem. It's amazing.

[Zaborg]

Little update, if anyone happens to read this topic.

 

So, my deck (Smith-Waite Tarot Deck Borderless (9781572818835) somehow fixed itself. It doesn't do these popping sounds when I'm holding the deck and bending in back and forth. All the cards are flat and I'm literally not having any issues with it at all.

 

I really can not explain how this happened, I didn't do anything with the cards.

 

Cheers:D

[gregory]

Usually in those cases it's a humidity thing ! As in less humid than it was when the issue was noticed. That's great to hear.