To fold, or not to fold?

I am wondering what you guys think about folding boards? I know sometimes they are frowned upon. I own several sets that all fold. One of which is the GIBSONS GAMES Chess Set with 3.5" King, this is about as high end as I can afford at the moment, I managed to get it for £10 bidding on eBay, It is about £70 retail.

I have a smaller 'Blue Kingdom'  Set that I got from ebay and it is really nice looking, but it was only a tenner.

I am about to finish college and when I get a new job, as a treat, I was going to buy a nice expensive set. I was wondering what sets you would recommend? Do you prefer folding sets or non folding sets? With markings or non markings? I am looking at about the £200 mark as a budget, and looking at tournament size like my GIBSONS one, thanks.

All my beloved Soviet Era Sets have folding boards so I like them. First priority to me is getting the pieces you want. I like those Gibson Knights! I will have to investigate further ;)

Thanks for the info. I had a search for Soviet Era Sets, very nice, I can see me having to do some research. Here is a closer look at those Knights for you. :)

Check house of chess website. They have a lot of options. And if you are interested, check my posts for my findings.

 am very interested, thank you.

Thanks for the pics. Here's a Soviet era set from 1989 with folding board. The quality isn't great with these boards but I prefer their piece design over anything else. Cheers -Ronbo 

There is a couple of sets I quite like, I am really drawn to this one http://www.regencychess.co.uk/supreme-rosewood-chess-set-with-burl-wood-case-p-931.html I like the colour of the woods used and it is just within my price rance, or these pieces http://www.regencychess.co.uk/templar-series-rosewood-luxury-chess-pieces-4-inches-p-237.html a little over my price range and without a board. I can see me venturing down a rabbit hole here...

For wooden sets, my preference is a flat, non-folding chess board (no cracks). However, it's not always convenient to travel around with large, flat chess boards, so in these cases, a folding board will do in a pinch. They have their place, along with vinyl, mousepad, and "silly-cone" boards.

I guess that is what it is for me. portability and space. I guess I will see if I can get a decent folding board... or maybe see if I can get a silly cone. one. lol.