These are the two ends of the first dice-upgrade decision. The Chessex Opaque set is the dependable plastic default: well-balanced, widely available, and genuinely cheap. The Norse Foundry Standard Alloy set is the best entry into metal: real heft, a satisfying clink, and enamel-filled numbers, for the price of a few plastic sets.
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| Spec | Chessex Opaque Polyhedral 7-Die Set Check price on Amazon | Norse Foundry Standard Alloy Metal RPG Dice Set Check price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $8-$12 | $35-$55 |
| Our rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
| Best for | New players buying a first set and DMs stocking table spares. | Players ready to upgrade from plastic who want a metal set they can use every session. |
| Material | Injection-molded plastic | Zinc alloy with enamel fill |
| Weight and feel | Light, standard roll | Heavy, satisfying clink |
| Best for | First sets and DM table spares | Upgrading from plastic for every session |
| Street price | $8 to $12 | $35 to $55 |
The reliable workhorse of tabletop gaming, solid opaque colors in well-balanced injection-molded poly with numbers that stay legible over years of play.
Best for New players buying a first set and DMs stocking table spares.
Zinc alloy construction with colored enamel fill, heavier than plastic with a satisfying clink and a Norse-inspired aesthetic.
Best for Players ready to upgrade from plastic who want a metal set they can use every session.
Buy the Chessex Opaque set if you are buying your first dice, stocking spares for a table, or just want a dependable, well-balanced set without spending much; it is the default for good reason. Buy the Norse Foundry metal set if you want the weight and clink of metal and a set that feels special every session, and you do not mind paying several times more. Metal dice can chip wooden tables and trays, so pair them with a rolling tray.
Not necessarily. The Chessex Opaque set is well-balanced for a mass-produced plastic die, and quality metal sets like the Norse Foundry are balanced too. The real differences are weight, feel, and sound; metal does not roll more fairly, it just feels more substantial.
They can. The weight of metal dice can dent soft wood and mar finishes over time. Use a dedicated rolling tray with metal dice. Plastic Chessex dice are much gentler on bare tables, which is part of why they remain the everyday default.
The Chessex Opaque set. It is inexpensive, durable, and easy to read across the table, which is exactly what a first set should be. Save the metal upgrade for once you know you are sticking with the hobby.