Advice on buying a new chess set

Hi,

I am in the market for a nice plastic heavily weighted  tournament style chess set.  I could use some advice from those in the know.  I was seriously thinking about getting the collectors series with the 4 inch king from House of Staunton.  http://www.houseofstaunton.com/product_p/mencol40.htm

but then, I read a chess set guide sent to me by Chesshouse.com.   It said of the collectors set "recent quality not good. For most people not worth the $50.". 

Are they correct?  I find it difficult to believe a place like the House of Staunton, would manufactor something of poor quality, but I do not have a lot of  knowledge about this sort of thing. 

Any advice you could give as what I should get would be appreciated.

I love the House of Staunton  Collector Series and Hastings plastic sets. They recently came back in-stock. They had been backordered for about 9 months. I would trust HOS sets, they are known for there quality. I couldn't wait anymore so I ordered this set from wholesale chess.

http://www.wholesalechess.com/chess/chess_pieces/tournament_chess_pieces/premier_chess_pieces_with_4_1_8_king_to_natural

 It's a great set for the price even though the queens crowns are super sharp and a bit uneven, so I took a small file to them and they came out great. They have a good weight to them too. Good luck in your search.

HOS sets are pretty much the "creme de la creme" at every price point.  They offer a 7 day return policy so if the quality isn't up to snuff all you are out is shipping.  If you aren't absolutely certain that you want plastic, HOS offers regular Ebay auctions on most of their sets and wooden tounament sets are often available at less than $100.  Good luck.

I sent Chesshouse.com an email inquiring about what they said about the collector set in the guide.   Here is their response:

"

Yes, it is true. About 1 out of 5 sets, a customer would complain about the mold, 
marks, scuffs, and other problems. It created more of a hassle than it was worth, 
so they hardly ever sell any more, because we do not promote them. This went
 on for years. This product used to be good - about 5 years back, but suddenly 
everything about the set went downhill and House of Staunton was never able to 
bring it up to an acceptable standard.

They do very well with their wooden pieces - no doubt. But the plastic Collector
 were awful. The Hastings and Marshall are quite good though.

"

I just paid $7.99 through the House of Staunton for their "Triple Weighted Regulation Plastic Chessmen - 3.75" King - Black & Natural."

I already own their Capablanca Ebony set, so there was no need for me to spend a bundle on plastic pieces. I just wanted something that was tournament legal and inexpensive. Yes, you can see the mold lines, but what was I to expect? It's eight bucks! Anyway, I'm happy. I wouldn't drop a wad on plastic chess pieces of any kind.

you may get various discounts on valentins day also ........ need is to wait for it to come