Today I'm exploring Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) dice, focusing on three primary types: store-bought dice, resin pour dice, and 3D printed dice. Each type offers unique advantages and drawbacks, catering to different preferences and needs of D&D enthusiasts.
Store-Bought Dice
Store-bought dice are the go-to for many players. Made from materials like plastic, metal, or wood, these dice are mass-produced, ensuring high durability and uniform balance, which is crucial for fair gameplay.
Advantages:
- Reliability: Manufactured under strict guidelines to ensure uniform weight and balance.
- Availability: Easily purchased online or from gaming stores.
- Variety: Available in numerous materials, colors, and designs.
Drawbacks:
- Lack of Uniqueness: Being mass-produced, they lack the personalized touch.
- Cost: Exotic materials like metal or wood can be quite expensive.
Resin Pour Dice
Resin pour dice are handcrafted by mixing resins and pouring them into silicone molds. These dice often incorporate unique colors, glitters, and other items, making each set one-of-a-kind.
Advantages:
- Uniqueness: Each set is completely unique, often with stunning, crystal-clear designs.
- Artistry: The process allows for creative expression and personalization.
Drawbacks:
- Difficulty: Creating resin dice can be challenging, often resulting in bubbles or other imperfections.
- Time-Consuming: Requires significant time and practice to perfect the technique.
3D Printed Dice
FDM 3D Printed Dice
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers use spools of filament to build dice layer by layer. These printers are relatively affordable and popular among hobbyists.
Advantages:
- Affordability: Inexpensive to produce.
- Customization: Allows for intricate designs and personalization.
Drawbacks:
- Quality: Visible layer lines may require post-processing, potentially affecting balance.
- Durability: May not be as durable as other types of dice.
Resin 3D Printed Dice
Resin printers cure resin with light, creating high-quality dice with fine details.
Advantages:
- Detail: Produces much finer detail than FDM printers.
- Quality: Smooth, glass-like feel with heft and density similar to store-bought dice.
Drawbacks:
- Cost: Resin printers and materials can be expensive.
- Maintenance: Requires significant upkeep and care.
Cost Comparison
Store-Bought Dice
- Cost: Approximately $1 per set when bought in bulk; specialty materials can range from $10 to $50 per set.
Resin Pour Dice
- DIY Cost: About $1.56 per set, considering the cost of resin and molds.
- Custom Sets: Can range from $10 to $100, depending on customization.
3D Printed Dice
- FDM Printed: Costs between $0.26 and $0.38 per set, depending on infill density.
- Resin Printed: Approximately $0.79 per set.
Production Time
- Store-Bought Dice: Instantly available if purchased in-store; online orders may take a few days.
- Resin Pour Dice: Takes 12 to 72 hours for resin to cure.
- FDM Printed Dice: Takes 25 minutes to an hour per set.
- Resin Printed Dice: Takes 2 to 3 hours per set.
Weight Comparison
- Store-Bought Dice: 1 ounce.
- Resin Pour Dice: 1.2 ounces.
- FDM Printed Dice: 0.6 ounces.
- Resin Printed Dice: 1 ounce, comparable to store-bought dice.
Choosing the right set of dice boils down to personal preference and priorities. Store-bought dice offer reliability and a wide selection. Handmade resin pour dice add unique artistic flair but can be expensive. 3D printed dice, whether resin or filament, provide a rewarding DIY project with endless customization possibilities. Each type of dice enriches the D&D experience in its own way, catering to different tastes and interests.
Whether you prefer the convenience of store-bought dice, the artistry of resin pour dice, or the technological creativity of 3D printed dice, there's a perfect set out there for every D&D player.