Best Side Loaded Binders?

Theres no many choices and just want to know everyones opinions on a Side Loading Binder that aleays keeps your cards safe! Perferbly no Ring Binders unless there side loaded

If you live in Australia: Palms Off.

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Vault X also in EU. I would recommend them for side loading binders.

Cheers!

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Ive been using ultra pro premium 9 and 12 pockets for a while, the zipper ones. Never had issues and they arent expensive. Plus they have cool designs! I would make the switch to vault x because i hear really good things but i dont need a binder at the moment

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I’m curious, where did you find that info?
I can’t find anything about them being the same company

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idk if this is a hot take or not, but all zippered sideloading binders are the same in my experience at least. i notice no difference between vaultx and random amazon ones

they all have the same issue of the sleeves getting discolored with scuffs after opening a few times.

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I’ve just gone and investigated myself, I have spent the last few years believing this was the case but it absolutely isn’t.

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My favorite binders are VaultX, but sometimes Topdeck comes out with some gorgeous limited edition binders I’ll buy. They work great for me :slightly_smiling_face:

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Seconding TopDeck! Some zipper binders tend to distort/squish the pages when full, but there’s enough room between the spine and the start of the pockets where it hasn’t done that for me, even when super full. There’s also a good amount of leeway in the zipper so they can still properly zip with filled pages.

I have their 9-pocket and their 16-pocket in blue, and I’ve loved them. They’re a little expensive, but not too bad if you get them on sale.

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VaultX is my preferred binder with Black Dragon Shield sleeves.

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I’ve been using a Dex Binder 9 for a while now, which is approaching half full. As much as I love the look and feel, I’m getting slightly concerned about the band potentially compressing the pages, so I may switch to a zipper myself.

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I also find the band is difficult to carefully put on and off, though I rarely put it on and off. The zipper might be the best bet , but the hard covers on the Dex products will prevent indents from the elastic, I’m sure, while the cushion cover and colors add luxury and grip when you handle and carry it.

I’ve accidentally, then intentionally tried puncture tests on them, and they pass superbly. They’re rigid, strong, bend resistant covers, I’ve used for years. I can’t imagine a wide elastic band damaging cards through THAT cover. :grin: BUT the zipper gets around any concerns.

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I’m currently in the process of switching out binders, I was using BCW 12 pocket Zfolio but they just haven’t held up like I hoped they would. I’ll be switching to a mixture of Ultra Pro and Vault X (both 12 pocket). I recently went to Collect-a-Con and asked around at vendors who had binders, they all had their takes on which brands held up over the constant flipping but it was pretty unanimous that Ultra Pro and Vault X had the most consistent/durable recommendation from the vendors I spoke with.

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Is my understanding correct that basically all zipper binders are just slightly bigger than the ones with band? I have considered switching to zipper binders but the shelf where i store my binders is just fit enough that there isn’t enough room for the zipper binders i’ve tested. Also, i foolishly bought few pokemon themed ultra pro binders with the flimsy cover and those definitely can and will damage your cards, never buy those for any purpose

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Eww gross.
Palms off are terrible when full

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I have multiple full palms off binders and they are completely fine. Not sure what you mean.

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The way the one i had sat when full was horrendous. There was the biggest kink in the binder i thought it was gonna damage my cards

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Mine definitely aren’t like that, weird.

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Yep, made me never want to buy their binders ever again.
Their other stuff is good tho

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Looking to buy my first binder and got directed to this and a couple of other posts.

Should I sleeve cards before putting in a binder or is that personal preference?

If I wanted to, do all any/all of the binders mentioned allow for that?

Thank you.

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