Ultimate chess set

uhm...okay I make you a deal...as soon mr MCH818 buys the SC Paul Morphy set then I also will buy this set

Yep same set. Don't expect the box to survive the shipping. Even shipping within the US. My box was torn to hell. Which is fine since this version I highly doubt will ever be a collector's item. The original 3 5/8" set and the Butterball set will become collector's item due to no longer in production. I have a Butterball set but I refuse to play with it. Not because of the color but to keep it looking like the day I received in the mail. I use the current version to play with. Would like to see a Natural & Black version. The appliance white is okay but is kinda bland on regular solid colored boards. I recommend a wood printed vinyl or mouse pad board for this set. Here's mine on a Mahogany printed vinyl board.

I just think that the set looks better to me on boards like this. 

Yeah it's the white color that still put me on hold. Sofar I haven't seen a board that matches that white color for my taste of course. 

@theendgame3,

Since I don't own the new appliance white set (V3), I am unable to do a direct comparison with the BB set (V2). The biggest difference between the two being the weighting system, and loose weights have never been an issue with my BB (V2) or my original (V1) set that I've had for over 15 years. For me, it comes down to the color, and I much prefer the yellow to the 'Frigidaire white.' The key is matching the BB set to a complimentary chessboard, such as this brown and almond board. Sorry for the poor lighting.

As long as you ask Shelby to send the set out by USPS PRIORITY or FedEx/UPS Ground he can pack it inside another box. My box came through without the slightest damage.  This version 3 of the set is fantastic. 

+1 Mine was shipped FedEx and came through perfectly.

I also received my set with the box completely intact.  It was shipped with a couple of thin mousepad boards so was fine.

The more white pieces of the newest version is part of a group of other plastic sets with the White pieces being some kind of white.  And it is fine.

This is a picture borrowed from MCH818.

The new set on a standard Green and Buff kind of board works great.  There is no need to try a different color or pattern board.

Yes, when he was given the time to ship it the way  I said they came through fine. It was only the ones that wanted it immediately FedEx Express where weight is at a premium, USPS ZONE A box weight doesn't matter unless it goes over 15 pounds. Regular FedEx Ground and USP Ground weight at the level of 4 or 5 pounds doesn't matter much. The only ones that got crushed were the ones that went out Express where he put it in a padded bag which did very little to protect the box.  That is exactly where the problem came in.

Although I'm not really into the set itself (preferring the Alegria) I bet it'd look good on Shelby's red/charcoal mousepad board that still doesn't seem to be in stock (hint, hint ;-)

I think you can have him make one for you.  I would ask Shelby.

Too much white for me with your set up. Darken up the white squares and I would agree but for my liking I stay away from white one white. Just like I stay away from black on black. You can get whatever board you want, yes but if it blends too much. Then you might want a different set up. 

@theendgame3 Gen 3 at the moment is the best version. However I would like to have a variety of color combinations with this set. Like adding Red & Natural colors could be an option. If anything add a proper natural color that isn't Butter Yellow. I prefer Natural over White even the Appliance White is still too White for me but is better than the Butter Yellow.

Here's a Red & Natural Marshall set. There are so many other plastic sets on the market that have Red, Black, Natural, and Ivory for an option. Just would like to see the UCP have more color options than just Black & White. 
 

Got the colors but in the linen-textured finish. V3 and V2.

Awesome Red&Black board! It's good to see the linen texture is more subdued in the final "real world" delivered product. The tan texture border and black trim really finish the look. And I see you customized it with a name in the a8/h1 squares.

Congrats but unpack later ? Looking forward to your review.

Yes, thanks very much!  I was thinking I'd not waste your better-spent time with a single order and just wait until they were in production.  Hahaha, I've been waiting on a red plastic Alegria from Dennis for quite a while now, so I'm pretty patient (in some things... ;-)

Am I the only one to notice this? The Rook is way too small for a major piece Even the knight is taller.  

To be honest I do not think you can make the Ultimate set any better.  You might have differences of opinion on color and looks, but the build and the way it handles are great and the new weighting system is unique and the best.

Knights are supposed to be taller than rooks.

@TundraMike I agree that the current UCP is at it's prime and will continue to best a really good set. Cosmically I would like to see more of a variety of colors. However the one design feature I hate to most about the UCP set is the Knights. Never can get into liking to cartoony druppy Knights.