Metal vs plastic dice: which are better?

When it comes to picking the perfect set of dice for your tabletop adventures, the choice between metal and plastic dice often sparks lively debate.

In this guide, we'll explore the pros and cons of metal and plastic dice to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to the world of tabletop gaming, this guide will shed light on the merits of metal and plastic dice, helping you choose the perfect set for your next gaming session.

Are metal or plastic dice better?

The preference between metal and plastic dice varies among players and comes down to personal choice. Some enjoy the weight and feel of metal dice, while others appreciate the affordability of plastic dice, which can be rolled directly on the gaming table without needing a dice tray.

There are lots of things to consider when buying dice, so let’s explore metal vs plastic dice in more detail.

Quality

There are lots of different materials that DND dice are made from, from plastics like resin and acrylic, to metals like zinc alloy and aluminium.

Metal dice are generally higher quality than plastic dice. They are made from materials like zinc alloy, which are stronger and more durable than plastic dice. This makes metal dice less likely to break or chip, and they'll last more rolls.

Unlike plastic dice which may require occasional re-inking due to faded numbers over time, many metal dice feature engraved or etched numbers that won't wear off.

Weight

One of the key differences between plastic and metal dice is their weight. Metal dice are notably heavier than plastic dice, offering a substantial and satisfying heft when held and rolled.

Conversely, plastic dice tend to be lighter in weight, making them easier to transport and handle, particularly for players who prefer a lighter touch or who may find heavy dice cumbersome during extended gaming sessions.

In addition to weight, the size of the dice can also differ between metal and plastic sets. While metal dice are generally larger due to their denser composition, some plastic dice may be smaller in size. For more information, check out our guide to different dice sizes.

How much do dice weigh?

Dice weight can vary widely depending on the material. Our range of metal dice sets weigh as much as 170g, while our plastic dice sets typically weigh around 30g. The weight can affect rolling ease, with lighter dice requiring less force to roll effectively.

Are metal dice more fun to roll?

Metal dice are more fun to roll because of their heft and feel. Some metal dice, such as our hollow dragon dice, make a satisfying jingling sound when rolled. Plastic dice are less satisfying to roll than metal dice, however, they are easier to roll and come in a wider variety of styles.

Cost

Metal dice are usually more expensive than plastic dice due to the differences in manufacturing. The process of making metal dice involves casting them from materials like zinc alloy and then finishing them with intricate designs or engravings, which adds to the production cost. On the other hand, plastic dice are mass-produced using injection molding techniques, making them more cost-effective to manufacture.

Check out our guide that explains how metal and plastic dice are made.

For example, our Bronze Hollow Dragon Dice, crafted from zinc alloy, are three times more expensive than our plastic Runic Dice Sets.

Are metal dice worth it?

Yes, we feel that metal dice are worth it. Despite their higher cost, they offer durability and a satisfying weight that you don’t usually get with plastic dice. While plastic dice are more affordable for beginners, metal dice have become increasingly accessible and come in a variety of styles, making them a worthwhile addition to any dice dragon or dice goblin’s collection.

Fairness

While low-quality plastic dice may exhibit inconsistencies due to imperfections like small bubbles, well-made plastic or metal dice tend to offer more reliable results.

Plastic dice, being lighter, have the potential to tumble around more after a roll, potentially influencing randomness. Metal dice, with their heavier weight, might not tumble as much, possibly affecting randomness.

To mitigate this, using a dice tray or dice tower can help ensure more consistent and fair results regardless of the dice material.

Are metal dice more accurate?

Metal dice may offer better accuracy compared to plastic dice due to their production process, which may result in more uniform faces. However, the difference is minimal if the dice are rolled fairly. We suggest using a dice tray to ensure the dice tumble around enough to get a random outcome.

Do metal dice roll well?

Metal dice offer a satisfying weight and feel when rolled due to their heavier weight. However, in terms of performance, there's no inherent advantage of metal dice over plastic ones, provided both are made from quality materials with even weight distribution. You can verify this by checking your dice are balanced using the saltwater test.

Are plastic dice good?

Because plastic dice are much lighter, they tend to tumble more after you throw them. This means the result may be more random than metal dice, which need more effort to roll because they are heavier. You can resolve this by rolling your dice in a dice tray or dice tower.

Safety

Since metal dice are heavier, they can cause damage to playing surfaces such as your desk or table. They can cause dents and scratches if rolled without a protective tray or mat.

Metal dice may not be suitable for environments where children are present, as their weight and sharp edges can pose safety risks. It's important to keep all dice out of reach of young children, regardless of material, due to the risk of choking.

Check out our guide on storing and organising dice for a range of ways to store your dice safely.

Dice care and storage

Storing plastic dice is convenient and hassle-free, as multiple sets can be stored together in a container or dice bag. Metal dice require separate storage to prevent damage to other types of dice.

There isn’t much upkeep required with plastic or metal dice, but you might decide to clean them from time to time. It's important to avoid leaving metal dice wet for extended periods to prevent rusting. Read more about storing and looking after metal dice.

Regularly inspecting and cleaning dice, regardless of material, helps prolong their lifespan and ensures a consistent gaming experience.

If you’re new to D&D or the world of tabletop roleplay, our guide explains which dice you need to play D&D, explaining the role each die plays in your upcoming adventures.

Browse our range of plastic and metal dice

Now that you're familiar with the differences between metal and plastic dice, why not expand your collection? We offer a diverse selection of dice for Dungeons and Dragons made from plastic. A favourite among our customers is the Druid's Bloom Dice Set, which infuses the tranquillity of nature into each roll with delicate flower inclusions.

For those drawn to metal dice, explore our Skull Macabre Dice Sets, perfect for characters with a penchant for the macabre. Alternatively, immerse yourself in draconic themes with our Bahamut Hollow Dragon Dice, featuring a striking platinum blue hue reminiscent of the revered Dragon God of the metallic dragons.