So I’ve been collecting for a few months now and have been craving to open up some packs! I’ve been slowly obtaining my 1st edition base PSA 9 collection and some random odds and ends along the way. I just want to have some fun opening up some booster boxes while not breaking the bank.
When I think about pokemon it brings me back to my birthday in 6th grade when my dad obtained a sealed 1st edition base booster box for me. I couldn’t contain myself and opened a bunch on the car ride home. My dad picked me up from school that day just to give me that gift. I want to have that excited feeling again of discovering new cards and appreciating them. It would be nice to also know that the cards I’m opening are not essentially worthless and would be worth something in the future.
So what booster boxes are still available to obtain my satisfaction I’ve been craving. I would love the hear some opinions.
Personally for me when it comes to modern packs, i found that same excitement with Shining Legends. Shining Legends is cheap, and best of all, the priceless feeling of pulling a shining card … it makes your day!
That’s the most fun I’ve had as well and at $4 or so a pack, I didn’t care what I pulled. I opened 10 Elite Trainer Boxes when the set released and I enjoyed it a lot.
OP, it really depends on your budget. All sealed product has some EV, but I’d say expect to lose half your money if you buy an older booster box and decide to open it… unless some kind of miracle happens.
Sweet! Funny I was listening to an older patreon video after posting this and smpratte talked about shining legends being a great set to break some packs! I appreciate the feedback. I see some for $35 on ebay so I might my hand at a few. Thanks again guys!
Shining Legends or Evolutions are fun Modern packs for me! I opened up a Shining Legends elite trainer box on impulse, which led to opening up 10 in total…
I’d say Shining Legends also, but the new S&M sets do have some killer art in the common/uncommon slots. Maybe Burning Shadows for a shot at the zard. Guaranteed to get hosed on any booster opening at this point though.
I think the new set has some nice throwback artworks… Neo Tyranitar and a lot from the EX era. I don’t remember what the set is called but the Tyranitar looks pretty sick. Also, Japanese items are much cheaper to open and (in my opinion) scratch the same itch.
As for keeping value, it’s a losing game. There is no way to consistently open cards that are worth more than you bought the sealed product for… whether it’s currently released at MSRP or out of print on the second hand market, that’s a numbers game you cannot win. You might as well just do the new cheap sets unless you have A LOT to burn on WotC packs or what have you. The more you’re spending, the higher risk:reward you’re getting.
For a cheaper old school alternative you could buy a Base 2 box. The investment might be a bit weak, but like all cards it will go up in time and you get the chance to pull most original holos.
get into some japanese cp6 which guarantees you a holo in each pack! they are still dirt cheap and the feeling of hitting the jackpot is amazing! also, original artwork in updated format is not too shabby for collecting (not profiting).
I agree with both of these! XY Evolutions gave lots of nostalgia but still had new-genre cards mixed in (GX, Full Art, etc.). This is probably the best set to open for any returning collector from the old days. And Shining Legends just had loads of great artworks and is my personal favorite Sun & Moon set thus far as well.
These two sets would indeed be my two recommend sets as well to open of the ones released this year (or December 2017 in the case of XY Evolutions…) Although the artworks of the Sun & Moon sets are pretty good in general in my personal opinion, so any would do in terms of what you want to open.
I opened up several Evolutions and CP6 20th anniv. in 2016 and I would certainly recommend it. I had so much fun I bought a dozen more of each for future openings CP6 has more feel like the 1996 JPN base set did than Evolutions with English, since the cards stock and packing are very similar. It definitely scratched the nostalgia itch for me
I agree with Scott, shining legends and evolutions are fun to open. I’ve also enjoyed opening burning shadows just because I want the hyper rare Charizard. I’ve opened 3-4 boxes with no luck yet… I should of just bought one graded, but once in awhile, I just want to open some packs!
I go to Target every week and pick up packs to buy because I enjoy the thrill of opening packs. I’ve opened my fair share of vintage booster and $120+ blister packs recently, but I usually just get mad at myself for opening them afterwards. I’ve even opened up some $75 dollar a pack “POP 5”'s in the hopes of getting a gold star (hasn’t happened yet).
For newer sets, these are my current favorites:
Burning Shadows - On the hunt for that rainbow rare zard.
Evolutions - Base set reprint. Gives off that nostalgic feel. Opened enough that I am seriously close to completing my first master set binder (not counting errors and all promos).
Generations - Lots of Gen1 Pokemon in here. Can sometimes get multiple good cards from one pack. Love the Radiant Collection cards too.
Like others have pointed out, you can’t go wrong with Shining Legends and Evolutions. Burning Shadows is also a good bet - gotta get that Zard.
However…nothing beats the old stuff. Maybe try going for an unlimited booster box from one of the cheaper sets like TR, Fossil, or Neo Discovery. Granted, these boxes are still pretty pricey at approximately $1000 a pop, but it’s a cheaper alternative to 1st edition and you’re getting essentially the same cards (minus that coveted stamp).
Another option is to find a few unweighed WOTC packs. I was able to find 3 unweighed 1st edition Team Rocket packs and pull two holos. Make sure to be cautious in this case and find a seller with a good reputation.
Love Shining Legends. I went just about crazy trying to pull that Secret Rare Mewtwo. Pulled 2 RR Mewtwos before I got the card. Honestly I like it more than the Charizard I have. The artwork is just so awesome I wish I had more.
Noticed that Shining Legends is currently discounted at Target, may go and buy some packs on the way home from work today.
I just want to have some fun opening up some booster boxes while not breaking the bank.
