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Each year, there are a few cards I wait for, no matter what the rookie class looks like. I know these cards are always going to be the best designed, best looking, and sometimes the most valuable, which only furthers my quest for them. Although there has been A LOT of disappointment this year, these particular cards should still set the standard for all of 2009.
SP Authentic Rookie Auto Patch
Since 2001, the SPA Patches have been one of the cards that every player collector has to get for their particular target. They have never disappointed, never been stickers, and have never looked like chump change next to a competitors. They are a staple of each person who loves autographed cards, and I know that they always are near or at the top of my list for best cards of the year. There has been rumors that Topps is developing a product to directly compete with SPA, but its tough to live up to a product that delivers the cards it does for 100 bucks a box. Last year's patches were inserted at around 8 per case, but the value of the cards were still the highest of any mid range product.
Topps Chrome Base and Auto
When it comes to Topps products and football, chrome is king. The autographs that fall one per box are not the only reason we buy as much chrome as we do, but they are a key factor. The autographs are mostly the base design with an autograph, something I always consider to be an under used and underrated idea. Considering that Topps' base design is always the top focus for the designers, I would guess, it is usually the best looking autograph card as well. Of every person I collect, there are two cards I have for each of them. First is the base Topps Chrome rookie, second is the Topps Chrome autograph rookie, if there is one.
Exquisite Rookie Auto Patch
I think of Exquisite as the Ferrari of the sports card hobby, and the auto patches are like the 550 Maranellos. Although I know that it will be more than a 100 dollar investment for any of the top guys from each class, its worth every penny. The design is always amazing, the signatures are on card, and the Patches are usually ridiculous and super-sized. Even some of the top players who have been busts still have value in their Exquisite cards, just because of the cost of the product, though Im sure that having the best looking card of the year doesn’t hurt.
National Treasures Rookie Auto Patch
Any time DLP has an on-card auto offering, consider it a holiday. Normally with National Treasures, they can make up for most of their stickers for the rest of the year with a great on card auto patch. I loved the design last year, and the year before was also great, leaving this year as the big question mark. I have high hopes for these cards, as I think they are the only way to keep collectors on the side of the new management. If you fuck up Natty Treasures, you can easily kiss a lot of your customer base goodbye. Regardless, having super-sized patches with a great design and and awesome looking on card signatures should be enough to convince even me.
Ultimate Collection Rookie Auto
Even when Ultimate Collection was the worst set of the year in 2007, the rookie autos were still great. This continued last year, as I thought they looked good again. I was disappointed when they added in material, but I have been told that it was a one year thing. Either way, the cards still were some of the best of the year, again featuring on card autos and top knotch design work, keeping the streak alive. I thought 2006 was a banner year for the Ultimate autos, and I think that UD has been trying to capture that again each year. Im beginning to think that this may be the last year for Ultimate as the product doesn’t really fit as well as it used to. Maybe with some new blood ideas in the water for this year's set and things could be back on top for the set.
Topps Rookie Premiere Auto
Each year, Topps goes through a whirlwind in a matter of hours to complete these cards for signing. They go from photo to printing to signing in less than a weekend, and its always a surprise to me that they turn out as well as they did. Featuring on card signatures on a modified version of the base design, it has been the only thing making the jumbo boxes worth buying over the last few years. This year was no exception, and it has clearly been no surprise how such an early release can hold its value like it does. Sadly, bastard fake creators have stolen the glory of these cards, making us question everytime we see one posted, but the latest ones are still fake free for the moment. Buy them while you can, I guess.
That’s about all for right now, but with many new products being released this year, including some new takes on old favorites, it could be a new list come this time next year. Im really looking forward to the SPX shadow box cards as they look like they could be some interesting pieces worth displaying. Also, with SP Signature edition coming back, who knows what kind of autographs will come out of that set. Im just hoping that my tried and tested faves make my wait worthwhile, and from what I have seen already, the latter part of this year is looking GOOD.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks
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Do most football collectors agree that Topps Chrome is better than Bowman Chrome? I've always preferred the Bowman variety if for no other reason than the parallels, which are "more rare" and look cooler.
ReplyDelete"They have never disappointed, never been stickers, and have never looked like chump change next to a competitors. They are a staple of each person who loves autographed cards, and I know that they always are near or at the top of my list for best cards of the year." - - - That was a whole lotta love right there, did a UD Rep write that for you to post? BTW, Exquisite is GARBAGE! Only 5 or 6 cards will get your money back. And 2008 looked right straight up shit with all that frilly gold, but you probably like all that frilly shit. HHHHHHEEEEEYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of the chrome crap for football but I love SPA, hopefully I can finish the 08 patch/auto set before 09 releases. Have about half the set coming in the mail but its a bit frustrating, I can't even figure out if some of the cards on the checklist were even produced or if they will ever be produced.
ReplyDeleteRyan, now 0-21, show me when that above statement about has proven to be false. SPA is the best middle range product around, and I feel bad for you that you are stuck choking on Panini's latest diarrhea of a product. Good luck with "Donruss Certified" too, it looks just like every other panini product this year - stickered pure crap. I think I remember reading in that little blurb on your beckett contest win that you are a sole DLP, I mean, Panini collector, so its not surprising that you post comments like a constipated toddler. I would be pretty pissed too if my company decided to shit out the crap that Panini is this year.
ReplyDeleteKeep on trying though, the streak has to end sometime.
Jellyman, at least read what I wrote. Exquisite is garbage. SPA is trash also, nothing like pulling that Justin Forsett/Erik Ainge Dual Auto on that horrible red-background set and a really cool Tarvaris Jackson signed fake letterman that spells out "SHITTY QUARTERBACK". Your blood sugar must be low and the diabetes taking over. Panini is not perfect but it's a much more fun break, more patches, better autos and easier on the wallet. Seriously, UD without a Basketball license = DONE. OOOOHHHHH a Draft product without the number 1 overall pick? YES SWEET! You're so mad that UD is getting ready to go Titanic, it's hilarious.
ReplyDeleteAlso, why haven't you addressed the Rashard Mendenhall SPA/D&A Cardworld/Upper Deck rumblings. That Upper Deck promised D&A that, if they bought enough cases", that only their cases would have the Mendenhall RPAs in them. Just another feather in the cap of the most corrupt company out there. I still want to know what you do for a living, does it involve a nametag?
ReplyDeletePanini is not perfect but it's a much more fun break, more patches, better autos and easier on the wallet.
ReplyDeleteThis could be the dumbest line ever written on any blog, ever.
More fun to break? How? Can you explain please? Do you some how get more enjoyment over busting one product over another? The actual act of breaking is fun regardless of the company, but I dont understand how the act of breaking could be more fun in donini products over others. Do the packs have PSPs on the back or something?
Better autos? Did you even break any products last year? Threads, LCM, Limited, Absolute, Gridiron Gear, Prestige, Prestige Chrome, all had SCRUB autos as main box hits. That means that when you pull an auto and its a scrub, its the MAIN hit for the box.
More patches? Last time I checked, for the entirety of 2008 and the beginning of 2009, Donini products have featured more plain swatch cards than any other product line in existence. Each card has 10 parallels, four of which feature plain jerseys. Dont even try to sneak that shit onto here and think its going to fly.
Keep on posting about my weight, all we see is how defenseless your stances are. Most insecure people only post junk like personal shots when they have nothing else to say. I dont think you are fooling anyone.
Jellyman, Seriously? How many 1/1 "Patches" do you see from UD that are PLAIN WHITE. How many patches do you see from UD that are straight WHITE! You are such an apologist it's utterly amazing. SPA - 23 packs of base and 1 "good" hit. OOOOOHHHHH a YA Tittle Fake Letterman, thanks UD, $125 well spent! At least with Panini you have something in every pack to keep you interested. I see you're not going to address the Mendenhall debacle and the 07 Exquisite boxes/Beckett controversy...who sent Beckett those boxes? OH...MY...GOD it was Upper Deck. If Donruss had been the first company to break down and grant you a 3 minute interview, we'd all be hearing about how great their prodcuts are. How was the 2008 NFL Rookie Photo Shoot? Oh way, sorry. I seemed to have hit a nerve, SCORE!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to address that "easier on the wallet" burp you did too.
ReplyDeletePer my calculations, and current blowout prices, Panini averages $22.30 cost you pay per hit in their box. Upper Deck costs a whole 18.01 per hit. Considering that Donini's hits focus on plain jersey cards with millions of parallels, I think your comment is BULL.
Here is the work:
Prestige: $83/3 hits
Elite: $83/3 hits
Score: $60/3 hits
R&S: $73/4 hits
Classics: $74/4 hits
Draft: $68/4 hits
Heroes: $75/4 hits
Icons: $74/4 hits
Philadelphia: $64/3 hits
"More fun to break? How? Can you explain please? Do you some how get more enjoyment over busting one product over another? The actual act of breaking is fun regardless of the company, but I dont understand how the act of breaking could be more fun in donini products over others." - Another good one. If you actually bought boxes you would know that some boxes are not fun to break at $125 per (SPA), especially when you're losing your ass on a Frank Gore Fake Letterman Box Hit. Maybe the Comic Book Guy thought you were homeless and felt sorry for you. Also, it's becoming very clear that my movement is picking up steam. More and more people seem to disapprove of you, your getting your "media" badge revoke (you wrote, THIS IS THE GREATEST DAY OF MY LIFE" haha - tears). The greatest day of your like should've been when you got married but you probably ate all the cake and your guests got mad at you. Guarantee you won't post this.
ReplyDeleteSorry but Upper Deck shits on Panini in any sport, especially football. Panini has not produced 1 good release this year. There is nothing to compete with SPA at its price point, and you can trash exquisite all you want, but it isn't meant for everyone (e.i. poor uneducated people like Ryan). Go on and enjoy your 70 dollar boxes of poop.
ReplyDeleteJust so you know, I throw it out there. I am college educated, drive a Lexus, own a Condo in Annapolis and have a sweet gig for a job. I see that Jeff is another Jellyman follower who spouts off on things he knows nothing about. I wish Jellyman was so forthcoming. Tell me, is is a big nametag accompanied by various pieces of FLAIR! Guarantee you won't post this either.
ReplyDeleteI havent heard anything about the whole mendenhall situation, but if you want to provide a link to message boards or an article, I would definitely comment on it.
ReplyDelete"Jellyman, why don't you post the other stuff I say? Sports Cards UNCENSORED!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep in mind that Icons was a $100-$110 per box release, that would put them in the $25/$26 per hit category with 2 of those "hits" being fake letterman and the 3rd being an Eben Britton or Malcolm Jenkins Auto. Heroes was higher too and has fallen like a rock. Hee-hee some chinks in the armor."
So when you pay $100 MSRP for an elite box or $120 for limited and you come away with a free agent rookie auto as your box hit numbered to 1599, thats different? Im confused. At least with SPA its a guy who is on a team, and it isnt a box hit. Then you also get an RPA or letter. Fuck Ryan, you are losing it.
You cant say that Heroes and Icons were 110 bucks for release MSRP and have dropped and then use the examples you did. Elite, Prestige, Classics, and the others were all over 100 bucks too. I can do another example, but it would only make you look like more of an ignorant bitch.
If Donruss had been the first company to break down and grant you a 3 minute interview, we'd all be hearing about how great their prodcuts are.
ReplyDeleteDonruss was the first. Go back to the archives, maybe think about something before you say it.
Also, Jeff did you just post e.i. poor.....? Shouldn't it be i.e.? And I'm uneducated? GUARANTEE YOU WONT POST THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI never think before I speak, I just say it and people can deal with it. I big it's a big nametag, probably with "3rd Key" or "Asst Manager" under it.
ReplyDeleteGellman, you can stay at my house during the National, let me know.
ReplyDeleteI never think before I speak, I just say it and people can deal with it. I big it's a big nametag, probably with "3rd Key" or "Asst Manager" under it.
ReplyDeleteI think it shows. I have never read anything as completely worthless as the stuff you post.
Yes, you continue to read it and respond to it, so what does that make you?
ReplyDeleteThe owner of this site?
ReplyDeleteHey Gellman,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that I think it is fucking hilarious that you post everything this dickbag says. It really let's everyone see how petty and worthless his comments are.
Aside from the fact that EVERYTHING you write about on here is your personal opinion, bragging and personal attacks about weight, income, family, etc. are the classic signs of a keyboard toughguy, and someone who's opinions carry no weight of their own.
someone who's opinions carry no WEIGHT of their own. - No pun intended?
ReplyDeleteAnd he doesn't post EVERYTHING I say, he holds a lot back. He posts what he feels helps his cause. TRULY UNCENSORED.
ReplyDeleteAside from the fact that EVERYTHING you write about on here is your personal opinion, bragging and personal attacks about weight, income, family, etc. are the classic signs of a keyboard toughguy, and someone who's opinions carry no weight of their own.
ReplyDeleteWhat I have been saying since day 1.
And he doesn't post EVERYTHING I say, he holds a lot back. He posts what he feels helps his cause. TRULY UNCENSORED.
ReplyDeleteSorry, personal attacks against my wife and questions asking about my job are not acceptable. Your "opinions" on sports cards have all been posted, including all your personal attacks on me. However, Im not giving you free reign to post your ignorant hate speech.
Ah, that's cute. Jellyman found a friend.
ReplyDeleteThat's the pot calling the kettle black. I seem to remember several posts in which you insulted Tracy Hackler and Scott Prusha unmercifully (as well as other people). So you can dish it out but you can't take it?
ReplyDeleteI think this thread is evidence that I will post all your personal attacks on me.
ReplyDeleteToday is a very sad day for me. Today the cloak of impartiality has slipped finally slipped from one of the more prestigious published authors in the hobby. Today, Ryan has proven himself a shill of for Donruss/Panini.
ReplyDeleteHow will I ever trust what he says about current and upcoming insert sets now that I know he is coming from a position of prejudice? When he says that the 'prestigious pros' set in upcoming Panini Prestige basketball is going to revolutionize the industry, what am I to believe?
My collecting habits and knowledge may in fact have been dealt a unrecoverable blow.
The big question that remains is whether or not Beckett (standing alone on the pillar of impartiality, integrity and general positive thinking) will continue to host that ever-appreciating sliver in their website for such a scab? How can they and still wear white at their wedding?
The one man who can weave his way through the complexity of such a moral dilemma is Tracy Hackler. I shall wait his response.
-"Also, it's becoming very clear that my movement is picking up steam"
ReplyDeleteIf by movement you mean the one that has inexplicably shifted from your bowels through your mouth and onto your keyboard, then yes, it is steaming.
The fact that Gellman approves anything on here is a testament to what kind of blog he runs. Do you think 5% of what you have written would have made it onto Beckett's blog?
Gellman, for all his faults, is a talented blogger, but he isn't a politician. He is not here to make you feel good about your collection or tastes. He is here to talk about his, and why and how he forms those opinions. And because this site is dedicated to his opinions, he doesn't have to explain them to anyone, but he does and hence the sites popularity.
If he were a hobby politician, he would only talk about how great every development in the hobby is. And would ignore those that aren't. All the while taking money from various companies that have a vested interest in the news that is reported. Does that sound like any blog you know and read? Maybe if I said magazine it would joggle your mind a bit.
I don't agree with everything Gellman says, but I for one appreciate the forum he provides. It's entertaining and informative, and provides me a place to have my voice heard among those who visit here. And somehow, out of all the comments I have made, I have yet to make fun of his weight, family, job or diabetes. I know, I know, I wouldn't think of patting myself on the back, but the fact that some people are giving themselves celebratory reach-arounds every time they do, I thought it necessary.
Seriously though, making fun of diabetes? Really? Wow, it just proves that anyone can own a Lexus these days.
Speaking of that, what makes you think we care about your resume? It doesn't validate or invalidate anything you say on here. Just ask Grant. He posts crap on here all the time and only 10% of it makes sense and he drives a Bentley.
It's what you say on here that people develop those opinions. And on this level, you have failed. Don't blame Gellman, blame your parents.
Wow, someone's angling to be Gellman's BFF.
ReplyDeleteWait, who pays $125 for SPA?
ReplyDeleteSince I am late to the party, who is this Ryan guy? Does he work for Beckett, Panini?
stusigpi said...
ReplyDelete"Wait, who pays $125 for SPA?"
Believe it or not, it goes for more than that at the card shops here in Lexington, KY. One jerk was selling it at $139.50 a box this past year, while it was anywhere from $124.99 - $129.99 at two other shops. Thank God for the internet.
I don't buy football cards at all so I have no clue about value in them. However...
ReplyDelete@Ryan
Are you honestly touting yourself in a Sports Card Blog Comment? I mean congrats that you are doing well in your life, but for fucks sake it's pretty pathetic that you'd do so in this format.
@ Gellman, Are there any Tim Couch manufactured auto patches? It's the only reason I'd probably buy football cards, again.
SPA wasn't to bad last year.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to see a Donini product I like this year
I have a theory....that is ryan dude is actually 40 years old...and he is still living in his mother's basement....and still looking up the value of his 1990 and 1991 donruss baseball cards in his beckett.......and also ryan...just grow the hell up and quit bashing people who have a different opinion than you. Upper deck as a whole at least has more of a brain when it comes to putting together a decent product...and also aren't kissing beckett's ass either...
ReplyDelete"Mom! The Meatloaf!"
ReplyDelete