Ohio for midwest college towns - thoughts?

Agree with this completely

OH is perfect for that area. See them everywhere at bars

Yeah, you're probably right that most college bars aren't gonna put up too much of a fight, especially in midwest college towns where they're just trying to move the line along. But since you asked for thoughts on the Ohio specifically, I figured I'd share what I've noticed with the ones I've seen floating around. If you're gonna use it, you might as well know what to look for so you're not the guy getting the once-over.

So first off, the microprint on the Ohio is hit or miss depending on where it came from. The "THE BUCK EYE STATE" line along the left edge of the photo should be crisp and readable under a loupe—if it's blurry or looks like a solid line, that's a dead giveaway. I've seen some that nail it and some that are just slightly off, so if yours is clean you're probably in good shape. UV's another thing to check. Ohio has a pretty distinct UV pattern, with the state outline and "OHIO" in the background that should glow a bright yellowish-green under a blacklight. Some reproductions come out too dim or the wrong shade—more blue-white than the correct green. If you can test it ahead of time, do it. Most college bars don't whip out a UV light, but if they do, you want that color to be spot on.

Then there's the OVI on the front, the "OHIO" in the keystone shape, which shifts from copper to green depending on the angle. A lot of fakes either don't shift at all (just stays one color) or the shift is too dramatic. Genuine Ohio cards have a pretty subtle, smooth transition—not like a hologram sticker. And the card material itself—Ohio uses a polycarbonate blend, so it's stiff with a bit of flex, not flimsy like some PVC fakes. It should feel dense and have a slight matte finish, not glossy or sticky. If it feels too light or bendy, that's a red flag. Also, check the edges—real ones are layered and you can sometimes see the laminate separation if you look close, but fakes often have a single solid edge.

So overall, if your Ohio has clean microprint, proper UV color, smooth OVI shift, and that sturdy polycarbonate feel, you'll be fine in any college bar that isn't using a scanner. But even then, most of those places just glance at the photo and the date. I'd give a solid Ohio a 7.5/10 for the midwest circuit—it'll pass the eye test 95% of the time. Just don't try it at a state-controlled liquor store or a place with a bouncer who's been doing it for years. Stick to the crowded bars and you're golden.

Used mine all through school with no issues. Great choice