Binders

General
1

Hey guys,
I have already searched in the forum(for 3 days now) and I have read a lot of answers by all of you, I have read that some of you prefer the solution penny sleeve + card saver 1, others prefer penny sleeve + sleeve + top loader, penny sleeve + binder…

I understand that the best way to protect the cards is the first one I mentioned, but I really like the feel of the binder itself, it brings back memories of my childhood (and anyway I have to put in it nothing too expensive)…

so here is the question:
What do you think of this solution?

Penny sleeve(?) =>

Binder (is this the premium version,isn’t it?like the pikachu one?) =>

Are these good enough or do I need something else? maybe other sleeves? Or double sleeving?

Thanks in advance for your time.

2

Just be careful with ultrapro pro binders and ultra pro penny sleeves because they arent a perfect fit in a binder for some reason (being from the same company). I had to use the pokemon sleeves from etbs for a nice fit but I didn’t mind how that looked anyway.

3

I have also read about kmc perfect fit, but I have found out that they can damage the cards, so I was leaning towards the ultra pro ones that are less tight.
Do you have any advice for the sleeves, except for the etbs ones?

4

Where did you hear that kmc perfect fit sleeves damages cards? I’ve been using them for years with no issues. Honestly, you can probably find that someone has had their cards “damaged” by nearly every product out there, but most of it is safe to use and the damage typically comes down to who is handling the cards. A lot of people like to treat ring binders like they came from the fiery pits of hell, but even they’re safe to use so long as you know who is handling them.

Anyways, as the other person said, penny sleeves in those ultra pro binders can be a little awkward, but it can work. I personally use those binders + kmc perfect fit for some of my collection. The cards do feel a bit loose in them with the perfect fit sleeves, but it works. I personally think ETB sleeves would fit nicely in these binders, and I might have to give them a shot.

5

I have read about these issues on the e4 and on reddit, the cause seems to be that some of them appear to be a bit too tight.

Anyway, following Gary’s advice, I have opted for the sleeve+card saver 1 method.

Thanks for your answer.

6

It sounds like you’ve already made a solid decision but I thought I’d voice my opinion as an afterthought.
Personally, I like the penny sleeves that are 64 mm x 89 mm. They are a tighter fit and cards look very clean as opposed to having them moving around in a larger penny sleeve. Also, as an adult collector and someone who does more binder collecting than graded cards in slabs, I really don’t like the pokeball binder look. Aesthetically, it isn’t for me and I prefer a more plain looking binder with a 12 pocket page layout(4x3) instead of a 9 pocket page (traditional 3x3). If you want to see some of those binders look like, check out “Tolarian Community College” on YouTube, He has reviewed every good binder out there and he speaks about each of them. Those videos helped me choose the binder that best fit me and that I exclusively use which is the StarCityGames X4 binder.

1 Like
7

Thanks for sharing your experience too.
I think that I have already seen that video, if i remember correctly it was posted by Gary in an old thread :blush:.
I have to say that I prefer the 9 pockets ones, and regarding the look of the binder I understand your point of view, but I believe that one of the reasons for the success of the pokemon brand is because of its bright and vibrant colours that capture your interest when you are a child, and recapture it when you are an adult because of the boyish nostalgia, therefore I find the (iconic) pokeball one, or even the pikachu one, quite appropriate :blush:.

(I hope that what I wrote is at least understandable)

2 Likes