Plastic Chess Set Comparison

I've done a comparison of 3 plastic chess sets. This is not a review, just a comparison of some measurable metrics, and a few observations. I found it pretty interesting, so I thought i'd share here. The sets I compared were the following:

• World Chess Starter Set
• Best Chess Set Ever (4 inches)
• The Ultimate Chess pieces

I understand there are some reasonably well-used sets in the market. 

Tip Angle

Finding the angle that each pieces topples is not simple. So to make the comparison reasonably repeatable, I made a jig to tip the piece and help measure the angle. Results are as follows

Not only was the tip angle on the ultimate set the best, it was also very consistent between all the pieces. I'd put it as the winner in this category

Weight

this was a simple metric to get. I just used some scales. Results as follows.

Interestingly, despite the ultimate chess set being more weighty. The best chess set is considered quad weighted, while the ultimate is only triple. I havent seen any standards for single, double, triple and quad weighting in chess pieces. So I'm guessing that is just marketing taking some liberties. 

Compliance with Chess Standards

I've looked at the main ones (FIDE and USCF). Despite clams to the contrary, none of the sets fully comply with the standards. The cells in Red highlight the non-compliance.

NOTE: I'm giving the would chess starter set a pass on the height, as it's stated that it's not full height. Though being a scaled from the FIDE world championship set, I still judged it on the ratios.

If you have some insight on how set claim they comply when they dont (maybe I'm interpreting the standard wrong) I'd be interested to hear from you. 

For reference the allowable measurements and ratios are as follows. 

I hope you enjoyed that. If you think I missed an important plastic set, let me know. I may get it and add it in. 

Thank you for this.  It's very informative.  About 12 years ago I was looking for a plastic set and I noticed that most of the sets available had rooks and knights that appeared too small relative to the bishops and queen.  In the case of the rook, I especially wanted its size to denote its power relative to the other pieces.  I eventually went with one of the HOS sets.  

The ratios that you obtained somehow confirms what my eyes were seeing back then, that for a lot of the plastic sets the heights of the rook and knight needed to be increased.

 @PandDos -  

The tip data is essentially meaningless unless you show how the tip angle is defined (i.e., measured).  Obviously the angle is measured between two lines.  It would be helpful if you would show a diagram which indicates the two lines which define the angle measured at the instant of tipping  AND ALSO shows their geometric relationship to the actual piece being measured.  Obviously, one of the lines should be a line that represents the piece being measured and the other line should be either a horizontal or vertical reference line.

Here, some popular plastic sets, including Shelby Lorhman's Ultimate Chess Pieces (v3)...

Chess Sets for Club & Tournament Play...

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/chess-sets-for-club-tournament-play

@RussBell,  Thanks for the link.  That Bobby Fischer Ultimate v3 is a nice one.  I wish they had it in beige, similar to the HOS sets.  I also like the design of the Euro Series (Woodtek) although it weighs about half of the Ultimate.  The pieces look nice though.

The best is the standard club chess set . . . IMHO . . .

@taychoe - Shelby Lorhman's "Ultimate Chess Pieces" (v3) are IMO the best plastic set in terms of overall playability.  That is, the heavy weight provides an excellent feel while the broad bases combined with their low center of gravity ensures excellent stability which is especially important for speed games.    It's simply a great set for club, tournament and everyday play.  A pleasure to play with.  Plus the pieces are virtually indestructible.  There is no reason why, under normal playing conditions, the Ultimate Chess Pieces could not last forever.

to clarify the tip angle test. I measure how far a piece can tip before it looses its balance and falls over.

Eg. Assuming I have given a piece an angle of 50 degrees. If that piece is tipped to less than 50 degrees and let go, it will fall back to its upright position. If you tip further than the 50 degrees it will fall on its side. 

The graph, with: "Upper" (highest preforming tip angle in the set), "Average" (average tip angle in the set) and "lower" (the lowest tip angle in the set) is a summary of the set.

Does that clarify for you? 

My only criticism is that looking at the aesthetic of the set alone, I would have never purchased it. Having played with it now, I have a massive appreciation for how pliable each piece is. and knowing that the look does grow on you. 

 You'll notice I said nothing relating to aesthetics.  My criteria was "overall playability".  But I have no problems with the looks of the set.

Yes,  The diagram and the additional info you provided describes the tip angle perfectly.  Thank you.

do you know if this set has a name? 

@PandDos, speaking of plastic sets, how is your set design progressing?

@GrandPatzerDave the set is going well, thanks.

This post is actually from a benchmarking exercise I did to quantify how my set was preforming compared to other out there. I now also have a full set prototyped, so I've been taking it to some chess groups to do play testing and get feedback. So far it's been really well received. id say It's still a way off being finalised. But it is coming on nicely.