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I was looking to purchase a new set of dominoes that I could leave at work… so I started searching. I ended up purchasing the following from Amazon: Cardinal Industries Double Fifteen Color Dot Dominoes in a Collectors Tin

Here’s my review…

Durability:    |  Fun:    |  Overall:  

I made sure to purchase this set of Double 15 colored pip dominoes because they are produced by Cardinal Industries – the company that made my double-9 and double-12 sets that my family purchased in the mid-90′s.

Let me start out with my major complaint:

Cardinal Industries’ quality control is now in the toilet. I know the double-9 and double-12 sets purchased in the mid-90′s were much more expensive and of a higher quality… seeing this double-15 set for such a low price ($15) made me leery.

Even with reviews posted [..] on Amazon, of paint defects and easily identifiable defects – I still purchased this set… I fully expected some of the dominoes to have issues. However, I’m disappointed at the level of damage, paint chips, and over all paint contamination causing many to be easily identifiable.

Side note: I’ve uploaded a number of photos to this product to show some “issues” you may run into:

Make sure you get what you purchased! Do not “assume” that all the *RIGHT* dominoes are there. Lay them out, put them in order, and verify that every one is there. Having an incomplete/incorrect set will cause confusion in the middle of your favorite intense game of dominoes. Note: My set was complete.

My set arrived in a tin, though it wasn’t damaged, it is a metal tin – and we all know they can be easily dented, etc. Take care – if yours arrived in great condition.

The “train” hub that was included in my set (see the pictures I uploaded) is adequate, no frills. It is smaller than other ones I have, and I actually prefer that.

My set only came with 4 – yes four – train markers. Hello Cardinal, the train hub provided for – say Mexican Train – plays up to 8, plus the public train… you need to provide at minimum 9 markers! Four is not enough. In my opinion, if they didn’t want to include a full set, they shouldn’t have included them at all.

If you want a stand alone (more robust) train hub (with frills) and 9 markers, look at this product: Mexican Train And Chickenfoot Game Centerpiece Kit | Amazon

Let’s face it, this is a set of dominoes, and there are various types of games you can play with them… thus the 5/5 for “how fun is this toy”. I’m giving a 3/5 for durability – after one day some paint is already coming off – just from shuffling the dominoes!

Overall I have to give it a 1/5. I’m disappointed by the quality control coming from Cardinal Industries, the paint issues and contamination is just too much – even for the price.

** One last thing… Upon opening the dominoes (they come shrink wrapped in the tin), a very intense chemical odor emanated from the set. The smell persists, days later. Played a game with five others, and they all noticed it. Nauseating really. :/

** Update: I’ve noticed that some tiles are actually thinner than others – by a noticeable amount. This is just another nail in the coffin that is Cardinal Industries Double Fifteen Color Dot Dominoes.

» FYI: I also posted this on Amazon

Durability:    |  Fun:    |  Overall:  

Linkage:

» Mexican Train: Wikipedia | Rules & Strategies