Quick answer
Choose resin dice for richer color depth and a slightly heavier feel; choose acrylic dice for a more affordable, lighter option that still rolls well. Your decision comes down to budget and how much visual pop you want in your 16mm polyhedral set.
Why material matters for 16mm dice
At 16mm, dice are a common size for standard roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons. The material affects not only how the dice look and feel in your hand, but also how they wear over time. Resin and acrylic are two popular plastics, but they are made and finished differently.
Resin dice are cast from liquid resin that hardens into a dense, glass-like solid. Acrylic dice are cut from solid acrylic sheets or injection-molded, which gives them a more uniform, lighter feel. Neither is objectively better — each suits a different preference.
Durability and wear
Resin is harder than acrylic, so it resists scratches and chips better over time. However, resin can be more brittle if dropped on a hard floor. Acrylic is less brittle and tends to bounce rather than crack, but it scratches more easily. If you play on a hard surface, a dice tray is a good idea for either material.
Appearance and customization
Resin allows for complex inclusions like glitter, swirls, and layered colors because it is poured into molds. Acrylic dice usually have simpler, solid colors or basic swirls. If you want a set with visual depth — like the Eternal Purple/Blue 16mm Resin Poly Set with its glitter infusion — resin is the clear choice. Acrylic is better if you prefer a clean, consistent look without surprises.
Decision rules: Resin vs Acrylic 16mm Dice
- Weight preference: Resin dice are denser and heavier, giving a satisfying heft. Acrylic dice are lighter and feel more like standard plastic game pieces.
- Budget: Acrylic sets are typically more affordable. Resin sets cost more due to the casting process and material costs. The Eternal Purple/Blue set, for example, is priced at USD 9.14 (compared to USD 14.99). If you want the resin look on a budget, watch for sale prices on resin sets.
- Visual complexity: Choose resin if you want glitter, layered colors, or translucent effects. Choose acrylic for solid colors or simple patterns that are consistent from die to die.
- Durability priority: Resin resists scratches better but can chip on hard floors. Acrylic scratches more easily but is less likely to crack on impact. Use a padded dice tray with either material to extend the life of your dice.
Product spotlight
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Eternal Purple/Blue 16mm Resin Poly Set: The Eternal Purple/Blue 16mm Resin Poly Set is made from a blend of resins infused with a mix of glitters, and includes 7 standard polyhedral dice. This set shows the visual complexity resin can achieve — the glitter infusion creates a unique look that acrylic cannot replicate.
Eternal Purple/Blue 16mm Resin Poly Set
Which set fits you?
Best for resin dice
- Players who want unique, glitter-infused or layered color effects
- Gamers who prefer a heavier, more substantial feel in their dice
- Collectors looking for visual depth and handmade character
Not ideal if
- You need the most affordable option — acrylic is cheaper
- You play on hard surfaces without a tray and worry about chipping
