I'm looking to get some new stones. I already have two sets - one I bought used with my board and bowls. They're nice enough for me, but there's only about 145 of each color. I find that sometimes when I play my beginner friends and give them a 9 stone handicap, they're running out at the end of the game. My other stones were the first I bought - the cheapest glass stones I could find. They're not bad, but they're noticeably smaller in diameter (maybe 18mm vs. 21-22mm?) than most go stones and feel kind of light, and I think there's only 160 of each (more like 157 after removing chipped ones). If both sets were the same size, I'd probably raid one to fill out the other and be happy enough, but they're too different.

These are the options that seemed like the best bargains for what I'm looking for - a full set of 361 stones, standard Japanese size. Does anyone have any opinion on these?

http://www.ymimports.com/p-835-glass-go ... ze-31.aspx
Stones measure 8.5mm x 22mm (Size 31)
Bi-convex, conforming to Japanese rule regulation standard
181 black stones and 180 white stones
$25 + $15 shipping = $40

https://www.yutopian.com/yutop/cat?prod ... ategory=Sg
Dimensions: 21.5mmx8.5mm
These stones are 8 mm in thickness, 21 mm in diameter.
181 black, 180 white stones.
$21 + $9 shipping = $30

I haven't used them myself but I hear that they have a nice feel and a nice weight to them.

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I'm thinking...

If you're really interested in those kind of Go stones, you might want to consider visiting a Korean supermarket. Usually they'll have some cheap gobans and stones you can purchase, and they're cheaper (well, when I bought them a few years ago, for <$20 without shipping of course). The place I got them from was Boo Han (부한) supermarket. There's one in Tacoma, Lakewood, and Edmonds...the one in Edmonds is probably closest to you, but I got mine from Tacoma. Uwajimaya may have some in stock too, but I'm not sure on that - I do know they have Go books though .

My opinion on these stones...well, you get what you pay for is probably the best way of putting it. I wasn't quite fond of them, but they do serve their purposes. They chip rather easily and once they chip they can have a pretty sharp edge from where it broke off; my little brother got a finger cut from it once. But they work, and for their price it's fair.

One option may be to buy replacement stones?
I know Hebsacker sells those, and I will start to as well since a customer asked for it. About $2 for 10 stones, but since you need as many as 60-70 stones a discount may be expected (I know I would offer one).
I understand that shipment from Europe may be a bit too expensive, but maybe a US based company also could offer this?

/Mats

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mohsart - games & books
http://spel.mohsart.se/

Another option is Kiseido's Japanese glass stones (especially the 10mm ones):

www.kiseido.com/go_equipment.htm

If you email them or Mr. Richard Bozulich, be sure to ask whether they are
genuine Japanese glass stones (as opposed to others made elsewhere).

I bought those same kind of stones execpt in a different size.(34) They are indeed nice but the black ones arent as smooth or shiny as the white ones. This is very minor though. If your going for a good price but great quality then Id go with those.
My opinion may be a little bias though.