Backgammon Boards

[Originally posted as an answer on Quora]

When buying a backgammon board, the prices generally depend on the playing surfaces, and there are some personal preferences there.  Here are some ideas for different options.  

Local department stores usually don't have anything but low quality boards, like chess/checkers/backgammon combo kits.  those are cheap, like $20, but they're usually pretty small.  They're also usually wood and wood isn't a great surface to play on.  Some wood sets can be beautifully painted, but the loud sound of the dice hitting the wood can get irritating.  And checkers slip more easily on wood.

Specialty game stores may carry the standard "attache' " board that folds and has a handle.  The price can be $30 to $100.   The material of the boards they sell is usually felt with vinyl "pips" sewn on.  Over time, the edges of the vinyl pips get worn and get in the way of moving the checkers.  So these are good for a casual player, but will wear out fast for someone who plays regularly.

Next level up would be a Crisloid board, $200-$300.  These are larger boards with a cork playing surface.  These are popular at our club and easy to find on the Crisloid site or on eBay or other places online.  One disadvantage is they can get very dirty over time.  Coating them with a polyurethane spray can help with that, but that can make the dice spin a lot, which some people don't like.  https://crisloid.com/product-category/backgammon/

I think the boards that are considered the best are a big step up from those, usually close to $1000.  These are usually bigger than those previously mentioned and they also have nicer checkers and dice cups.  One common playing surface option in that range is a wool playing surface with dyed wool pips inlaid instead or sewn in for easier checker movement.   One independent manufacturer of these boards is Tak Morioka.  His are the most popular boards for big tournament players.  Here is a link with his contact info and pictures:
http://www.chicagopoint.com/takb...


Also in the $1000 range are leather playing surfaces.  The leather can be beautifully painted and is a nice surface to play on too.  One manufacturer of those is Brahma.
http://www.brahmaboards.com/

And most recently, a company called P-40 is making boards in the $1000 range
https://p40bg.com/index.php?id_category=61&controller=category
There are some nice perks to these, like the ability to custom design them with different colors.