If you walk into nearly any card shop across the United States, you’ll encounter a familiar array of card protection products displayed behind the counter. Brands like Dragon Shield, Upper Deck, and Gamegenic are typically the most recognized, offering a variety of similar solutions, particularly when it comes to card sleeves. However, Heavy Play takes a distinctive approach by providing superior quality along with a more polished fit and finish.
I had the opportunity to meet the Heavy Play team at MagicCon Chicago this year, and what immediately stood out to me were their playmats. Many tabletop gaming enthusiasts are accustomed to rollable neoprene mats, which often feature vibrant artwork from games like Magic: The Gathering or Star Wars: Unlimited. However, these mats can wear out over time. In contrast, Heavy Play’s playmats are robust, made from three interlocking sections that can be folded for easy transport. They conveniently fit into the laptop section of your backpack, and after a few months of regular use, mine still looks pristine. This clever design, while featuring subtle seams, offers a durable solution for gaming on the go.
Delving deeper into their product range reveals even more interesting attributes. Heavy Play’s card sleeves feature rounded corners at the bottom, a standout characteristic present in both their colorful outer sleeves and snug inner sleeves. During shuffling, I’ve found them to be gentler on my hands compared to other brands like Dragon Shield, which have sharper corners. The unique design also aids in keeping my cards aligned during play. However, it should be noted that inserting and removing cards can be tricky since the rounded corners may be more susceptible to tearing. Nonetheless, I genuinely prefer the overall feel of these sleeves compared to others I’ve tried.
Additionally, many products in the Heavy Play collection—including deck boxes, accessory boxes, and the aforementioned playmats—are magnetized. This clever feature allows you to fold your playmat, snap your deck box and dice box to it, and then easily pack the entire setup into your bag. Their deckbox carriers elevate this concept, enabling you to transport multiple Heavy Play boxes along with a playmat—or even a rolled neoprene mat—inside the magnetized case as a single cohesive unit.
Keep in mind, however, that this quality does come at a higher price point. Investing in Heavy Play gear means you’ll spend more than you would on similar items from other brands. Additionally, their sleeves tend to be more delicate. Therefore, I wouldn’t necessarily suggest overhauling your entire card storage system. However, if your collection of sleeves, boxes, and mats is showing signs of wear, it may be time to consider upgrading to Heavy Play products to see how they work for you.
Heavy Play products are available both online and at select retail locations. The gear was reviewed using retail products provided by Heavy Play. Vox Media has affiliate partnerships, but not with Heavy Play. These partnerships do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for purchases made through affiliate links. More information about Polygon’s ethics policy can be found here.
