What is better, KMC or Dragonshield?
General forum
Posted on May 23, 2014, 1:31 p.m. by MattTheNinja
I'm trying to decide which brand of sleeves to go with for my modern deck. I'm tired of how easily UltraPro sleeves start tearing and I always hear talk about how the brands in the title are the superior brands. The things I'm wondering are: how easily can the cards be shuffled once sleeves, how well do the sleeves fit on the cards, and do they protect the cards good. If you have used either or both of the brands I'd appreciate any information about them and your opinion of them. Or, if you think a different brand is the best, what is it and why?
Thanks in advance guys!
- Matt the Ninja
Servo_Token says... #3
I am a big proponent of the black DS sleeves. They seem to be very consistent across multiple batches, and haven't worn at all for me yet. My first set of DS's (white) are my only ones to start that crumple that old sleeves do up top, and those are 3 years old.
I'm not a fan of KMC glossy because they are difficult for me to shuffle. They have a wider edge than DS do, and don't work well with particular shuffle styles. I'd personally buy a pack of each and make your decision from there.
I'd also like to add to this thread, How are Legion sleeves as compared to the noted two? Are they thick, like the ultra-pros with designs on the back? I'm looking to get some of the SCG panda sleeves, and i'm fairly certain that they're legion.
May 23, 2014 1:46 p.m.
I like my Dragons. I'm just starting to have to replace individual sleeves after a year of really heavy play (outdoors, no mat, carried around in a backpack in the box they came in).
May 23, 2014 1:59 p.m.
Rasta_Viking29 says... #5
I prefer KMC for look and feel. Dragon Shields are usually curved and get grimey if your not anal about keeping you hands spotless. DS are more durable though.
May 23, 2014 2:16 p.m.
julianjmoss says... #6
I love my Dragon shields, I love the feel of them while shuffling and while certain batches tend to be a little wack, whenever i buy turquoise ones or the dark green, they are always straight.
May 23, 2014 2:33 p.m.
I used to think Dragon Shields were great, until I tried a set of KMC Hyper Matte. These are the best sleeves I've ever had. Very durable, super easy shuffling, and a really nice texture to them. I wouldn't ever buy anything else at this point.
May 23, 2014 3:14 p.m.
DOUBLE SLEEVE
You can do it with both, but Double Sleeving is the BEST way to go about doing it.
Step One: Buy a pack of KMC Perfect Fits (About $6 at my overpriced LGS)
Step Two: Buy a pack of Hyper Mat KMCs or Dragon Shields (I prefer Dragon Shields: they are more available and come with more extra sleeves.)
Step Three: Sleeve your deck with UPSIDE DOWN Perfect Fits
Step Four: Sleeve your new deck of upside down perfect fit sleeved cards with regular facing sleeves (Dragon Shield or KMC)
And you're ready to go.
May 23, 2014 3:18 p.m.
Servo_Token says... #9
I don't really think that double sleeving is the argument here...
And in all fairness, there's really no need to double sleeve a lot of decks. There ain't no way i'm going through the trouble to double sleeve a basic WW standard deck that i'm just going to change next week.
May 23, 2014 3:22 p.m.
I second the double sleeving suggestion. I personally prefer the Hyper Mattes for this, but it definitely makes a huge difference. Your sleeve corners are much less likely to bend or rip, and the cards a pretty much 100% waterproof, which is huge for peace of mind if you're playing with expensive cards.
May 23, 2014 3:23 p.m.
aFriendlyAlly says... #11
I myself have dragonshields. I just bought some this week. My old ones have gotten a bit sticky, as is the regular complaint with dragon shields. However dragonshields are still the best in durability, and they rarely split.
KMC hyper mattes seem to attract less dirt but I haven't tried them myself.
May 23, 2014 3:34 p.m.
aFriendlyAlly says... #12
Hyper mattes would probably be easier to shuffle as they get less dirty, however if you use a playmat, you can minimize your sleeves from getting dirty.
May 23, 2014 3:35 p.m.
Dragon Shield has since fixed the bad batch problem. They supply 100+ to KMC's 80, making them slightly cheaper. Also, they're the most durable by FAR. Ultra Pros come apart in my hands. I've never had a problem with Dragon Shields.
May 23, 2014 4:19 p.m.
Second the double sleeve comment (if the deck is worth a lot of money).
I use dragon shields. I absolutely love them. But then I've never used kmc's so I don't know if they're better or worse.
May 23, 2014 5:17 p.m.
NobodyPicksBulbasaur says... #16
I've used and enjoyed KMC sleeves, but I got glossy and not matte. I really wish I had known the difference at the time, because the sleeves don't slide together as nicely as I'd like. I haven't had any issues with the sleeves themselves, though.
I just sleeved up my Legacy deck in DragonShields, and they definitely feel very durable. They don't slide together as well as Ultra Pro sleeves do because they're a bit thicker, but they still shuffle well and I expect them to last.
My next sleeves will probably be KMC Matte just so I can get a feel for them. Personal experience can vouch for sleeves better than any forum can.
May 23, 2014 5:33 p.m.
Hallowed_Titan says... #17
I LOVE DS!! The best ever. Never split one yet!! I tried TWO sets of KMC hyper mattes and they both split on the third shuffle. Ef that.
Osang says... #2
I have a bias towards KMC since my Dragonshield purchases were bad batches (bent some cards, miscuts). I have seen good DS batches (metallic backs) where it was well cut and straightens fairly quickly.
I recommend KMC Hyper Matte series if you're going KMC or the metallic colors in DS (includes Silver, Gold, Blue, Green, Purple).
May 23, 2014 1:38 p.m.