If you step into almost any card shop across the United States, you’ll notice a familiar lineup of card protection products from brands like Dragon Shield, Upper Deck, and Gamegenic. While these brands provide similar solutions, especially in the realm of card sleeves, Heavy Play stands out by offering high-quality products with a more polished look and feel.
I had the pleasure of meeting the Heavy Play team at MagicCon Chicago this year, and their playmats immediately caught my attention. Many tabletop gamers are accustomed to using rollable neoprene mats often adorned with artwork from games such as Magic: The Gathering or Star Wars: Unlimited, but these mats can wear out quickly. In contrast, Heavy Play offers sturdy, three-piece playmats that are foldable for easy transport. They conveniently fit into the laptop compartment of a backpack, and after using one for several months, mine still looks brand new. This clever design is a great solution for playing on the go, and despite the visible seams, the overall durability is impressive.
Upon exploring their product range further, you’ll discover a variety of intriguing features. The card sleeves from Heavy Play have rounded corners on the bottom, a unique trait that enhances both the outer and inner sleeves. While shuffling, I find these sleeves much gentler on my hands compared to the sharper corners of other brands like Dragonsleeves. The asymmetrical design also helps keep my cards aligned during shuffling. However, it’s worth noting that loading and unloading cards can be somewhat tricky, as the rounded corners may lead to tearing. Still, I prefer the tactile experience of these sleeves over any others I’ve tried.
Another standout aspect of the Heavy Play product line is the incorporation of magnets in many items, including deck boxes, accessory boxes, and playmats. This feature allows you to fold your playmat, attach both your deck box and dice box, and seamlessly insert the entire setup into your bag. Their deckbox carriers enhance this functionality by enabling you to transport multiple Heavy Play boxes together with a playmat or a rolled-up traditional neoprene mat inside a single magnetized case.
However, keep in mind that this premium quality comes at a higher price point. You will likely spend more on Heavy Play products compared to similar items from other companies. Additionally, the sleeves tend to be more delicate, so I wouldn’t suggest overhauling your entire card storage system. Yet, if your current sleeves, boxes, and mats are looking worn, it might be worthwhile to explore Heavy Play’s offerings to see if they suit your needs.
Heavy Play gear is available online and at select retail locations. This review was based on retail products provided by Heavy Play. Vox Media has affiliate partnerships, but not with Heavy Play, and these partnerships do not affect our editorial content. Vox Media may earn commissions for purchases made through affiliate links. More details about Polygon’s ethics policy can be found here.
