Page 1 of 2

Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 3:39 pm
by flashcards

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 5:13 pm
by shermjack
I like the artwork of this deck, but the fact that they ruled out the big three as printers :evil: (and even excluded MPC and NPCC), This project is an easy PASS especially with each deck at 15USD (13 for EBs).

Creator says in the comments section that the printers are 'good and they produce quality decks. You won't be disappointed'...how many times have we heard that :lol:

P.S. If someone sends Flashcards the instructions how to properly post a KS campaign with Kicktraq, please copy me as well...thanks! :D EDIT Got the instructions from Azid, thanks buddy! ;)

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS (wap)

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 8:28 pm
by jerichoholic
In that case, I'm out. I don't see why creators bother using a company no one has ever heard of or that they refuse to name, and of which they can't verify the quality.

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 11:31 pm
by guru
Someone was asking about it in a Facebook group, and it made me curious. I just saw that they have posted an update and have mentioned that they are going with a factory that produced Gettysburg deck. Still, no name provided of the factory itself in that update.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mo ... ts/1696788" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Gettysburg deck URL: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/20 ... ying-cards" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2016 12:58 am
by shermjack
Guess they are talking about Shenzhen Wangjing Printing Company...can't comment on the quality because I don't own one of their decks. Maybe RJ or someone with a Wangjing deck can chime in...still definitely not a 13-15 deck imho

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2016 3:05 am
by flashcards
After I found the KS project, I contacted the creators and expressed my concern about them going with a no-name printer. They finally admitted that the printer is WJ Printing in China who did RJ Thomlinson's Gettysburg deck, as others have mentioned. I haven't held one of these decks so I can't speak to the quality either.

I was able to convince them to go with EPCC as a stretch goal printer. I'm going to pledge for a couple of decks in hopes that the stretch goal will be reached. If EPCC is not the printer, I will cancel, unless RJT or someone can convince me of the quality of WJ printing, although I have to agree, anything printed in China feels more like a $7 deck than a $13 deck. I think this is a great looking deck with an interesting story and design and deserves to be produced by a quality printer. I'm sure it is just first time KS jitters that are making them hesitate but when they see the pledges start to roll in, perhaps they'll gain confidence. I invited them to join us here and also suggested that they contact Maxx and Kardify to help get the word out.

To anyone interested in pledging, don't make the mistake I did and freak out when KS adds shipping to your pledge. Those are NZ dollars and the total equals out to the US dollar amount quoted. So that $36 that ends up being quoted for two decks is $36 NZD which ends up being $26 USD. Of course, you all are much smarter and more sophisticated than me so I'm sure you already had that figured out.

Finally, thanks to Azid for explaining how to post KS info here. Just go to the KS project page, copy info from your browsers header/URL line. (EDIT: I found that if there is a "?" in the line, you just copy everything to the left of it. If you copy the whole line with the "?", it doesn't work.) Then use the "kickup" button here on UC located just above the smilies on the top of the message space and then paste the url in between the code. It will then display both the KS and Kicktraq info. It is much easier than I was trying to make it. I now release this once secret info into the universe; post away. :D

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2016 3:28 am
by rousselle
When EPCC first started printing decks for CARC, they weren't quite *there*. But, they took Bill Kalush's feedback, improved their process, and over time became a solid alternative to USPCC (at least, in my opinion, and in many others', as well.) Their printing registration, for example, is far superior to USPCC, while their handling isn't quite as supple. Some prefer one, some prefer the other.

The Gettysburg deck, IMHO, is not quite *there* yet. But, RJ had said in previous posts that they seemed to be very open to feedback, much as was the factory that produces for EPCC/LPCC, and he said that some of the issues he had discussed with them were already being addressed. I think that, in time, this printer may earn its way into our hearts as acceptable. But, will this deck be the deck that gets them across that finish line? I'm guessing not yet. So, if you like the design and trust the producer to follow through, I say go for it. If you're not quite sold, then you may want to hold off.

Given how far MPC and EPCC have come (I'd like to see how NPCC is coming along, but I don't have any of their more recent decks just yet), and given RJ's recommendation, I suspect that this printer is a good bet to go the distance. Eventually.

If I remember correctly, the Gettysburg decks were quite sturdy, stiff, and thick. I did not have a very thorough break-in with them, but they sure did seem to hold up well to abuse (I had put them into the rotation of decks I use to play games with my sons.) I don't recall noticing them getting much more supple, however, so I'm not sure if Gettysburg cards would be your cup of tea for cardistry moves. If I recall, they fanned all clumpy, much like the NPCC Asylum decks. In fact, I seem to recall thinking at the time that I first handled NPCC's Asylum decks that they reminded me of Gettysburg. So, if you are okay with NPCC's earlier work, you may be okay with this printing house's work.

I, for one, look forward to seeing how their next collaboration with RJ goes. In the meantime, this Haere Mai project may win me over. I like what I see of the courts. Still thinking it over.

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2016 7:31 am
by guru
flashcards wrote:After I found the KS project, I contacted the creators and expressed my concern about them going with a no-name printer. They finally admitted that the printer is WJ Printing in China who did RJ Thomlinson's Gettysburg deck, as others have mentioned. I haven't held one of these decks so I can't speak to the quality either.
Just checking if you were the one posted about this on fb group "Playing Card Community" yesterday. I replied to that thread and even sent a message to Robert Tomlinson. Haven't heard back but RJ has recommended WJ for my Ganjifa project as well when I was looking for a printer, and eventually, I settled with EPCC. One thing I've liked about EPCC is that they are very accommodative for any new custom requirements like circular cards with a special booklet etc., while the other major printers (playing card as well as game manufacturers) were taking a long time to confirm whether they can take care of all custom requirements or not.

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2016 9:34 pm
by montenzi
Hi guys! Thanks for your comments. I just want to confirm that we have a stretch goal to print our decks with EPCC. More news next 1-2 days.

BTW, I think that WJ Printing is using the same stock from Germany, so called "Master" EPCC stock. For me - same feeling. I could be wrong.
I do love so called "French casino 310" by MPC. Same as "Classic" by EPCC/LPCC? No?

thanks

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2016 5:20 am
by flashcards
Not me, guru. I don't do the Facebook.

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2016 3:03 am
by flashcards
Just got word that the creators have added limited early birds for almost every tier. :D

I'd really like to see this project succeed and go with EPCC. I hope they can get the support they need.

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2016 12:50 am
by Gareth
Until I read their recent update, I didn't realise the EPCC strech goal isn't as simple as it seems (or I expected). In the end (assuming they reach the $9.9k stretch, which is starting to appear doubtful IMO), they will be printing this deck with 3 printers;
  1. MPC for the "Kiwi Express" decks
  2. WJ Printing for both "First Edition" (red stripe back) and "Second Edition" (grey)
  3. EPCC for "First Edition" decks for those who opt for it.
It seems to have become a project with too many options (at least for me).

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2016 6:54 pm
by montenzi
Gareth wrote:Until I read their recent update, I didn't realise the EPCC strech goal isn't as simple as it seems (or I expected). In the end (assuming they reach the $9.9k stretch, which is starting to appear doubtful IMO), they will be printing this deck with 3 printers;
  1. MPC for the "Kiwi Express" decks
  2. WJ Printing for both "First Edition" (red stripe back) and "Second Edition" (grey)
  3. EPCC for "First Edition" decks for those who opt for it.
It seems to have become a project with too many options (at least for me).
Hi Gareth, "Kiwi Express" is just 4 cards with one or 1.5 weeks delivery time. With your message printed on one card. "Made for Gareth" :D

EPCC - we are happy to print one deck there but they are a little bit slow.

WJP - they are going to start offering French 310gsm stock very soon so our decks could be printed on this paper (60/40, more updates soon). We are planning to start printing next month in order to finish this project by the end of December. Or next year for EPCC decks.

3-6 months to print one deck of cards is just crazy, we all need more options.

thanks

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2016 7:37 pm
by MagikFingerz
montenzi wrote:3-6 months to print one deck of cards is just crazy, we all need more options.
He may be new in this business, but... well, he ain't wrong :ugthink:

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2016 5:01 pm
by montenzi
Hi! 6 days left. With this level of funding we are going to print 500 decks each color, all decks printed in excess of the number required to ship to our backers, will be shipped to New Zealand. At this time we are not planning to sale this deck in the US after a Kickstarter. Thanks

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2017 4:22 am
by montenzi
Hi! Good news - decks will be shipped to our backers very soon.

You can find more photos in our latest update. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mo ... ts/1777692

thanks!
@montenzi

Image

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2017 2:52 pm
by jerichoholic
Too many unnecessary layers to remove just to open the tuck case.

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2017 6:45 pm
by montenzi
jerichoholic wrote:Too many unnecessary layers to remove just to open the tuck case.
Open your mind, man. There is nothing "to remove" in order to open. :ugdance: IMHO this tuck box is super sexy - very good quality, good color balance, just love it. Vertical bands protect the tuck box and if you don't need those "layers", they can be removed and you'll get fresh and clean matte surface without a single word on it.

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2017 8:18 pm
by montenzi
jerichoholic wrote:Too many unnecessary layers to remove just to open the tuck case.
Image

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2017 4:59 pm
by Fes
I really like those bands. I'm not the worlds biggest tuck guy, not by any stretch of the imagination, but this nifty band thing did influence my liking of the overall product. The deck itself being the main draw for me as usual. I think it looks great, eagerly anticipating the arrival of my decks.

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2017 7:13 pm
by montenzi
Hi Fes, thanks! I just want to confirm that we llllove the result and will print our next deck with the same printer... No more "Print with XXXX" stretch goals. DHL parcel is on the way to Gambler's Warehouse. NZ and Australia backers should wait 1-1.5 week more as the factory is waiting for our final payment. We are going to start KS fulfillment by the end of the next week.

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 5:06 pm
by montenzi
Hi! Good news - fulfillment (US and International) begins today. NZ and AU - next week. Thanks

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ, live on KS

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2017 12:27 am
by montenzi
Hi! Status update: fulfillment finished, almost all parcels delivered. :ugdance:

If you have anything to say about our project/expectations/result/quality please let us know!

Our next deck preview/sketch (coming next 1-2 weeks to Kickstarter):

Image


Thanks!
@montenzi

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2017 2:15 pm
by rousselle
I think I posted on KS, but I'll mention it here; I love the way this deck came out, and I'm very happy I backed it. Great job, team! :ugdance:

I'm not sure that the art you're showing above is capturing me; will color be added? I think color might make these images easier to decipher quickly.

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2017 8:21 pm
by montenzi
Thank!) Yes, we'll add some more details but no solid color. Patterns and lines only. Colors: red, white, black.

Something like this (not a final version): :ugdance: :ugking:
Image

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2017 10:47 pm
by dazzleguts
I like the abstract and iconic look of the king. Reminds me of Maori sculpture, like the statue on the back of the deck I posted in the Worldwide.

But, the hexagons in the center seem to make it too busy. Could the hexagons be solid instead of with lines, or, be the same as the partial hexagon that is showing in the king's gauntlets?

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2017 4:06 am
by montenzi
Hi! Yes, I agree with you. This images was just a snapshot. New image uploaded (see above). This new version is very close to the final one. thanks

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2017 4:32 pm
by PrincessTrouble
rousselle wrote:I think I posted on KS, but I'll mention it here; I love the way this deck came out, and I'm very happy I backed it. Great job, team! :ugdance:

I'm not sure that the art you're showing above is capturing me; will color be added? I think color might make these images easier to decipher quickly.
How do the cards feel and handle? These were printed by WJP, right? I'm curious about the quality (stock/finish, not questioning the artwork/design).

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2017 4:50 pm
by rousselle
PrincessTrouble wrote:
rousselle wrote:I think I posted on KS, but I'll mention it here; I love the way this deck came out, and I'm very happy I backed it. Great job, team! :ugdance:
How do the cards feel and handle? These were printed by WJP, right? I'm curious about the quality (stock/finish, not questioning the artwork/design).
So, I am not a professional cardist, and my skillz will certainly lack the nuance of many of our other members here. That said, these feel and handle to me like the EPCC/LPCC decks, and even smell like them (although, I have not done a side-by-side sniff test, and for all I know, these may smell more like the printer RJ Tomlinson used on his Civil War deck than like other EPCC/LPCC decks I have). The cut is profoundly smooth. I love the way these feel, although they don't feel like my *favorite* EPCC/LPCC finish (I don't recall which one that is). That said, the box says that they were manufactured in China (but doesn't say who by). So... If this is the same producer Robert used from China, *wow* have they improved! If it's the house the produced Titans, again, they have improved.

I have not yet added these to my rotation of decks that I use for card games with my boys at night; I'll have to add it in and see how this deck stands up against the others. I will say that the Civil War deck, although it never fanned worth a damn (and these do fan well, right out of the box, by the way), was quite sturdy.

Which manufacturer is WJT again? Is that the one Robert used?

Re: Haere Mai: Playing Cards from NZ

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2017 6:04 pm
by PrincessTrouble
rousselle wrote:
Which manufacturer is WJT again? Is that the one Robert used?
That's great to hear. I still haven't gotten an NPCC deck to fan worth a damn, so that means a lot to me. And yes, I believe RJ used WJ Printing.