Hope nobody minds that this is a new thread… I never thought I’d be “grading” card sleeves themselves but it is what it is haha… maybe it can be useful to someone.
As promised in a previous thread, I purchased a several different packs of sleeves to do a rough comparison. The purpose is to find the perfect clear outer sleeve for safely storing high value pokemon cards in a portfolio style binder. Ring binders are not an option, if you’re wondering, because 98% of them WILL inevitably cause ring impressions on the cards and I’ve tried the best so I know this. My goal was to avoid double sleeving because
“perfect fit” or “pro-fit” inner sleeves aren’t always a good fit for WOTC holos. Although KMC’s are the best I find them too inconsistant; maybe 6 out of every 10 fit just right. And…
the card’s visibility is affected when adding layers and thus the viewing experience is also.
**The Results:
Name
Product I.D. #
Protection Score
Clarity Score (opacity)
Overall Score
Ultra Pro Penny Sleeves
#81126
1
8
9
Ultra Pro Premium Card Sleeves
#81385
1
9
10
Ultimate Guard Premium soft sleeves
#UGD010051
2
7
9
Ultra Pro Deck Protectors (clear)
#82667 (year 2015)
6
7
13 (best)
Ultra pro Pro-Matte
#84490
5
3
8
Ultra Pro Deck Protectors (clear)
#82689 (year 2012?)
7
4
11
KMC Card Barrier “W Version”
4521086001003 (UPC)
8
2
10
Noteworthy notes:
The Ultimate Guard Premium soft sleeves had a slightly blue hue to them.
The Ultra Pro Premiums did not lay completely flat in all sections of the 9-pocket pages -not in a bad way, but not quite a perfect fit. Of course the penny sleeves rippled very badly. The others fit perfectly fine.
Conclusion: I was expecting to receive the same quality Ultra Pro deck protectors as the 100-count packs I purchased back in 2012, with a sull sort of dull, hazy look to them. Those old ones would noticeably detract from the cards appearence when displayed. But what really surprised me were the clarity of the new ones. My gosh what a difference…
I don’t know if every shipment of these will be this good but I’ll give the newer production Deck Protectors a 10 out of 10. There is nothing left to be desired. I’ve already begun transferring several sets over:
The clarity is very good:
However this test was with a relatively small sample size, so if there’s a certain kind of sleeve someone is interested in maybe I can review it and add it onto the list. Hopefully this information is helpful to someone Cheers
AWESOME THREAD! Although, I cannot view the pictures…
I have been looking into some new card-sleeves for my collection - clear sleeves are a MUST for me (as I like to be able to view front and back of my cards). I currently keep my cards in Penny Sleeves, I was thinking about upgrading to the Premium Sleeves, but after reading your review, I might try and purchase the Deck Protector Sleeves!
On a side note… What is wrong with three-ring binders? I currently use Ultra-Pro 3" D-Ring Binders with Platinum Pages / Sleeves. I do not understand how this setup would cause ring impressions on the inner three cards? Would love some further explanation; might have to look-into some portfolios…
Also, just out of curiosity… What portfolio album would you recommend? I am looking for a 9-Poket Album. Ideally, I would like an album that could hold at least one WotC-Set with only 9 cards per page (let’s say 132 cards - Gym Sets).
Its so strange, but this binders from I got from japan in the big lot… Its impossible for the card to hit the binder ring… Its so messed up… the Japanese 9 pocket pages are different to the ultra pro ones, and also the binder this intense collector used had only 2 rings, and the only card I thought would get hit is the middle slot since the 2 rings artn far apart form eachother and only stay in the vicinity of the middle pockets… The thing is though, not one card had the ring damage… Not one. So these pages they use in japan are epic… So is the binder he used.
The actual Japanese release binders for pcg/adv seem to be really good to! BUT again, i think its something to do with the japanese 9 pocket pages, there just better designed.
I use the clear deck protectors to, and a ultra pro - pro binder like your using. Cant beat it!
I find though, that when putting english cards in clear deck protectors, you have to be super careful, because you can nick the card. The colored deck protectors seem to slide in the top a bit easier cause it seems the sleeve part is a bit less solid/thick then the clear deck protectors.
What shits me about the clear deck protectors is… I wish they were a bit higher like the colored deck protectors… I feel like the card can slip out of them a bit easier because there not as long top to bottom.
I love putting cardlings into deck protectors, and then putting a penny sleeve over the top of the clear deck protected card, and this works so well going into a toploader, then into a toploader binder… It is the ultimate way to store your cards forever… Offers just as good protection as psa graded card imo. I hope to make many GEM MINT oc toploader binder collections, and Near Mint/Mint regular binder collections. I dont think i could put GEM MINT OC ones in a regular ultra pro - pro binder even if they are deck sleeved.
Yeah I know this from personal experience and a hard lesson. The problem lies in the design of the binders. There are two different kinds; the “O”-shaped ring binders and the “D” shaped ring binders. As illustrated below.
Certain movement causes the 9-pocket pages to rise up onto the rings, causing ring impressions if left like that for too long. As illustrated;
I kept a GEM mint Japanese base set in one of the “D” shaped ring binders. After moving the box it was in I opened the binder few days later and found perfect ring impression on the Alakazam, Charizard and Hitmonchan. I didn’t think it could happen, but it did!
I would recommend either an Ultra Pro “Pro Binder”, a FOUR by DeckTutor or a Legion Supplies “Dragon Hide” binder. The Ultra Pro provides good protection for a good value, but the cover is a little bit flimsy. The Four is just something different (and good quality), and the Dragon hide is the best for long term protection; the cover is very strong (hard) and the pages are good quality. All are good binders. I hear “Monster” binders are good quality but I haven’t personally tried them yet.
I actually got ONE sleeve with an order from Japan that is the almost the exact same as the ultra pro clear deck protector but with a little more hight. It is pretty close in clarity too. The thing is I have no idea what kind it is or where to get it - there’s no brand mark on it and so availability may be an issue (If someone knows what I’m referring to left me know and I’ll add it here!). But yeah there is some great stuff in they have that we don’t get to try. The reason I avoided the colored deck sleeves is because the back of the sleeves are matte textured and seem a bit abrasive, so you would have to use an inner sleeve when sleeving mint cards.
Also, instead of penny sleeves as an outer to deck protectors try the ultra pro premiums. They fit much better and have a bit more clarity than the penny sleeves
Like I said if anyone has any suggestions for better clear (front and back) sleeves let me know! I’m really interested to see what else is out there -maybe something foreign from Korea or Japan (as long as it is available). I’m thinking about reviewing “Dragon Shield” sleeves but I don’t know if anyone is interested in that price point.
Ahhh That makes sense now! THANKS for the thorough explanation; I have always wondered the issue with binders. I just might have to look into those portfolio albums you had mentioned.
Cheers
