What would you OTB players recommend as the standard for a nice backgammon set? Is it just a Crisloid set with a chess clock? My $10 set from Target is bogus imo and I need to look into an upgrade.
For a reasonable price, you can't beat the 1.75" Crisloid folding sets. Reasonably attractive and reasonably durable for about $150-$175 retail. Carol Cole always has a stock of these on hand. There are cheaper sets but they are usually made in Asia and are too small to be playable. Avoid any set where the pips are sewn onto the surface, as the pieces won't lie flat and won't move smoothly.
If price isn't much of an object, there are great sets made in wood or leather, with playing surfaces of leather, cloth, or ultrasude. You can see a full selection of these at the Las Vegas tournaments held twice a year. (The next one is November 4-8 at the Riviera.)