Plastic vs Resin Movement Trays: Choosing for Your Army
By Victrix Limited 28mm miniatures | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Comparisons
Compare plastic and resin movement trays for 28mm wargaming. Learn which material suits your basing needs, unit size, and budget.
Quick answer
Plastic movement trays are lighter, less obtrusive, and more affordable for large armies, while resin trays offer more customization and heft for display-quality units.
Why material matters for movement trays
Movement trays keep your units organized on the table, but the material affects weight, durability, and how they blend with your basing. Plastic trays are typically injection-molded with thin walls and low profiles, making them less visible during gameplay. Resin trays are often cast in smaller batches, allowing for textured surfaces or themed designs that match your army's aesthetic.
For most historical wargamers, plastic trays offer a practical balance of cost and performance. Resin trays become attractive when you want a more integrated look or need a non-standard size for unique unit formations.
Weight and stability trade-offs
Plastic trays are noticeably lighter, which helps when transporting large armies. However, lighter trays can shift on the table if not weighted. Resin trays are denser and sit more firmly, reducing accidental movement during play. The trade-off is added weight in your carry case.
If you play at clubs or events with frequent travel, plastic trays reduce load. For home games or display armies, resin's stability may be worth the extra heft.
Plastic vs Resin: Trade-offs at a glance
- Weight and portability: Plastic trays are lightweight and easier to carry in bulk. Resin trays are heavier, providing stability but adding to transport weight.
- Profile and visibility: Plastic trays often have thin walls and low standing height (e.g., Victrix plastic cavalry trays are only 100mm x 50mm internally with a low profile). Resin trays can be thicker and more visible, which may be desirable for themed bases. If you want trays to disappear during play, plastic with a low profile is the better choice.
- Customization and size options: Resin trays can be cast in custom shapes or with textured surfaces, ideal for diorama-style basing. Plastic trays are limited to standard sizes and smooth surfaces, but they are more consistent and affordable per unit. For standard unit sizes and budget builds, plastic wins. For unique formations or display armies, explore resin.
Product spotlight
- Plastic cavalry movement trays: Internal measurements are 100mm by 50mm with thin walls and low standing from the tabletop. This low profile keeps the tray unobtrusive during gameplay, so your cavalry unit appears to move naturally across the table.
Plastic cavalry movement trays
Which material fits your army?
Best for
- Massed infantry or cavalry units where cost and weight matter
- Tournament players who need lightweight, unobtrusive trays for transport
Not ideal for
- Players who want highly customized or textured bases
- Armies with non-standard unit sizes that require custom tray dimensions
