Metal Dice – provided by Die Hard Dice (dieharddice.com)
The good folks over at Die Hard Dice sent us a couple sets of their metal dice to test out, in addition to a rolling tray. After using them for several sessions, they're my new favorites! Here's how things worked out:
First off, it is important to note that these are metal dice, so they are noticeably heavier than your usual plastic dice, and as such, they could easily put a dent in your dining room table. A rolling mat is highly recommended. If you don't have one or prefer not to use one, notebooks or several sheets of paper will do; just be careful not to roll them off of the paper, or you can do some damage. The dice also come with storage cases that can be used as rolling trays, in a pinch.
In some brief testing and constant use by both DM's and players, we have found that these dice roll well and consistently – just as many 1's as 20's, from what we can tell, with no bias toward any one number; in short, these are very nicely balanced. They have a bit of heft to them, and feel good in your hand.
Just one warning – Try not to step on them, for the same reason as LEGOs. The D4's in particular :)
Specs:
Size: Almost exactly the same as standard Chessex brand dice. Originals are slightly smaller (0.5~1mm smaller for most), while the Gothica and Precision dice come out either precisely the same size or slightly larger (generally 0.4~1mm larger; 2mm for Gothica d20).
Weight: About 4~6x that of standard dice (Original: 7~30g; Gothica: 4~35g); 2x~3x for Precision aluminum: 3~13g (Chessex standards are roughly 1~5g).
Styles tested: “Shiny Silver Ruby” metal Gothica Gemstone dice (deep red with silver edges), retail $38, & “Scorched Rainbow” metal Original Forge dice (purple/green multi-hued, smoother edges), retail $38 – one full set of each. Also, a collapsible rolling tray (measures roughly 8x11.5” unfolded; black pleather outside with dark blue velvet lining), retail $15
They also sell polymer dice ($5~8 a set for most); spindown, Counter, and other specialty dice for Starwing/MtG ($8 and up); and accessories.
