Looking For A Durable Wood Set

That "horribly cheap" looking set above is on par with all of the HOS sets I've owned and used in terms of quality.  As I suspect, if your opinion is just based on the knight's design, that design is called the "german knight" and is actually quite a popular design.  It's a simple design, not a cheap design.  Again, the quality of this set is on par with the HOS sets.

Some examples of this design being used in top level tournaments:

pawpatrol, the reason the German knight has seen so much time on the boards of the top tournaments is that the set was DGT default for the electronic boards. I don't think anyone chose the pieces based on looks.

In recent years some tournaments, like the Sinquefield Cup (HOS Imperial Collector), WYCC 2012 (Best Chessmen Ever) and even the world championships (custom set), have introduced other DGT compatible sets. Presumably because they felt that the normal DGT offerings didn't cut it.

Some tournament organizers just don't seem to care what type of chessmen are used. If I remember correctly, some of the US championships, back before Bobby Fischer became the world champion, were played with plastic pieces.

The latest FIDE Grand Prix tournament in Tbilisi used custom made DGT pieces. Here in Maryland, U.S.A. the local chess organization uses custom made DGT chessmen. But yes, until fairly recently the DGT "Timeless" design chessmen were the only design available from DGT themselves, whereas now they offer a number of different designs, although, curiously, a third of their six chess set designs are decidedly non-staunton.   http://www.digitalgametechnology.com/index.php/products/eboard-chess-sets

The old "Windsor" chess set, which may well have been the only substantial plastic chess set around at the time, excepting an earlier, somewhat odd, Drueke design, was a favorite set at clubs, tournaments, and the U.S. championship.

The later, and now much sought after out-of-production Drueke plastic set was used in Fischer's Candidates' semi-final match against Larsen. Collectors seem to think it rather a nice design, judging from what they pay for copies of it. That later Drueke was weighted. The Windsor set may well not have been weighted, but it was solid plastic, whereas the Druekes were hollow. I can't speak with much certitude about the Windsor set, as I never owned one, and it's been over four decades since I handled one. I just remeber personally disliking the design and the fact that they all were invariably chipped.

I'm aware that the international series is used by the DGT boards. I don't see any reason to think that they weren't "cutting it."  These sets are popular.  People ask for them around here and elsewhere all the time.

It could have more than a little to do with their being used for a fair number of years, and nearly exclusively until just recently, in all FIDE events, major and otherwise, and their being relatively cheap, due to their being so plain and consequently easier and quicker to make.

Yes, wide use, inexpensive, simple design.  Quite popular.  Nothing wrong with that.  Some people prefer that, especially those that are asking specifically for inexpensive, durable sets (the subject of this thread).  This thread isn't about the prettiest sets or something.  It's about inexpensive, durable, gets the job done, etc.  This particular set hits pretty close to the center of the bullseye in all areas.  I love it and think the OP will, too, since it is such a good fit for what he's looking for.

YMMV

Of course you can like it if you want pawpatrol. But allow others to dislike it too. I was only trying to say that the sets "popularity" can be explained by other factors than people actually prefering the design.

As has been shown in this thread there are many different sets available for those wanting an inexpensive and durable wooden chess set. I'd go for something else than the German knight, but that's just me.

No problem with not liking.  Have a problem with "horribly cheap looking."  Just totally disagree.  

Disagree.  Less expensive looking, ok.  Horribly cheap looking, meh.  They look fine, it's just a minimalist style.

Also, the top two rows of that picture don't really make sense with what the OP is asking for.

"I want something I can pair with a vinyl board and take with me to some of Toronto's chess haunts and not have to worry if it gets banged around a bit."

I bought and ivery set in Hong Kong in 1968. Paid $125. It would be worth $2000 or more if it had not been stolen.

"Minimalist' isn't the right word(at all), 'cheaply made' is the right word.  The piece you are suggesting, it isn't even hand carved, it's the CHEAPEST design there is.  So if you wanna take "horribly" out of the description, fine.  But, they are 'cheap looking' because they are cheaply made.

I think we've both made our points.  Have a fine day.

The set I suggested(The HOS Gambit) is one of the toughest wooden sets available, and they are full club size.  It is a 100$ set that is almost indestructable, and the main thing is, the Gambit set will look right at home on a dirty street corner, or in a room full of 2500$ chess sets.  The set you are suggesting would look sad and pathetic beside the Gambit.

LOL...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I understand why a few of you don't like the German Knight style.

I don't like the Knight on that HOS Gambit set, plus it doesn't come in Rosewood.

I mean, look at the face and mouth on this thing:

With its lips and ears pulled back it looks like it's in a permanent grimace.  Maybe it got its hoof caught in a gopher hole and can't get it out

Seriously, this set's alright.  But if you like, or at least do not dislike, the German Knight then those sets are also alright.

I think the opening poster has been given a nice choice of offerings from the whole lot of us and can and will decide what he wants.

Well said, sir.

Oh, come on! Could that possibly be a HoS Classic Series knight at the left of the bottom row? You have got to be joking.

Here's what really horribly cheap looking truly looks like:  http://www.thechessstore.com/product/WCS350/Basic-Staunton-Wood-Chess-Set-3-5-King    http://www.thechessstore.com/product/WCS375/Basic-Staunton-Wood-Chess-Set-3-75-King   http://www.thechessstore.com/product/KGR325/King-s-Guard-Staunton-Chess-Set-in-Rosewood-Boxwood-3-25-King

There are chess haunts in Toronto?

Oh...my...gosh!

That first set's knight is autrocious.  Of course the set is only $7.95 but still.

The second one has that dorky look on the knight.

The third one is also horrible.

Yes, Jackie, those are truly horribly cheap looking sets.

For 110$? The Gambit is full club size, and weight(and it's design is VERY rugged and durable).   You won't find a HOS set this size, this sharp for less than 250$  There's really no comparison(to the cheaper set), between the girth, proffessional weighting, and design.  The Gambit is the big bouncy, full sized pool table at a nice pool hall, and the other is a cheap, quarter based, pool table at a gas station.