Bicycle Espionage 808 foil back- An older gem

[kasuma99]

Free the pip of this rarely seen piece today, super happy with my decision .

[vasta41]

I'm confused, is this a new version with a foil back?

[Strag]

As I undestand it there were two version produced, a side tuck version that is the more normal stock and process (although a 100% custom deck) and this version which according to Bicycle;

To continue further testing for our new premium foil decks, Bicycle® layered ink and metal in one complex design to bring you an enhanced version of Bicycle® Espionage. With quality in mind, we were able to achieve a product that has unprecedented light reflection characteristics, beautiful color-tone, no flake durability, and the same quality properties as Bicycle® products are known for – printed on premium cardstock with the brand’s classic air-cushion finish®.

Both were Club 808 "Exclusives" and had a print run of 5,000 decks each.

[Harvonsgard]

Nice pictures Kas. Indeed something you don't see often in the wild, like opened wild wild.

[shermjack]

Both were Club 808 "Exclusives" and had a print run of 5,000 decks each.

That’s actually incorrect and the seal, which was used for all Club 808 decks, is misleading. Though all other Club 808 decks had 5,000 deck printed, the Espionage Foiled deck was one of the first metalluxe decks and was limited to a little over 1,300 decks. It was more of a prototype or test run for the metalluxe foiling.

[kasuma99]

Both were Club 808 "Exclusives" and had a print run of 5,000 decks each.

That’s actually incorrect and the seal, which was used for all Club 808 decks, is misleading. Though all other Club 808 decks had 5,000 deck printed, the Espionage Foiled deck was one of the first metalluxe decks and was limited to a little over 1,300 decks. It was more of a prototype or test run for the metalluxe foiling.

Wow, so there are only over 1300 of this deck? no wonder they are so hard to come by haha, and i was so happy i opened one to share with you all, it's truly one of the better performed hot foiled decks i have!

[vasta41]

Interesting. As a proud ex-Club 808 member (IMO the best playing card subscription program ever), I own both Espionage decks but I don't recall the 2nd version (the Bicycle-branded one shown here) having Metalluxe (and of course, I'll never open them ).
I always thought the prototype Rider backs, pictured below, were the first Metalluxe decks USPCC made. And I thought they came out after the Espionage decks. But oh well, I'm probably wrong.

[redux]

It's a nice deck for sure. I've got one opened and a sealed one.

[alric]

I had one of each of the Espionage decks a long while ago. Maybe my memory is tricking me, but I didn't think the foiled Espionage was metalluxe. It felt more like stamped hot foil. The amount of foiling was fairly minimal so it didn't effect the handling too much, which is why the deck still handled well. Either way, I didn't like the design and the side tuck for the non-foiled version was annoying so I didn't use them much and gave both away. I miss Club 808.

[kasuma99]

Seeing so many veterans talking about how good the club 808 was making me curious on the club too, what's the good points about that club compare to the new modern form of patreon/ subscription/ membership we all have now?

[Bikefanatic]

I sold my original side tuck version, used.

I was never in the 808 program but I have some of those decks I must've bought off Ebay at the time. My favorite one was the Bicycle Cigar deck.