Saw this topic come up in discord and I recently experimented a little bit with sideloaders so just sharing my findings:
Background, why side-loaders?:
They offer a wider opening than top-loaders, making them easier to get cards in/out.
I moved to Japan from the UK a few years ago, with most of my collection in Ultra Pro sleeves, I often had issues finding the right sized top/side loader. So I sought out 2 solutions for my collection:
- I was too lazy to re-sleeve everything - I wanted a sideloader that could fit large or Ultra pro/loose fit sleeves. Loose fitting sleeves are great for whenever they need to be taken out easily e.g by graders/for sale but not so good for long term storage as they regularly let in way too much debris.
- For my new cards, I wanted to double sleeve my cards, but not too tight. This is to prevent debris from entering the inner sleeve.
So hopefully the results of this shopping trip help you to figure out what size loader to buy or provide a frame of reference for purchases of sleeves/loaders of sizes in between.
Objective:
Find the right sized side-loader for either a regular or loosely fitted outer penny sleeve.
Sleeves Used:
Loose sleeve:
Ultra Pro 2.5" x 3.5"
Regular sleeve:
Answer 66x91mm, top loading outer sleeve. Side loading Inner sleeve 63x88mm
The sideloaders:
Small loader - 68x93mm A’class UV Protection Side Loader
Large loader - 69x94mm Card Accessories Collection Side Loader
Findings:
- Ultra Pro sleeves will not fit in the smaller, 68x93mm loader.
- The card in Ultra Pro will ONLY JUST fit in the Large loader without any pinching.
Results:
66x91mm Regular Sleeves (double sleeved) in 68x93mm loader
2.5" x 3.5" Ultra Pro in 69x94mm loader
Product Review:
- Both sideloaders - Very transparent, high quality. Recommend.
- Answer outer sleeves - Not as transparent as I would like. Would use an alternative product next time. Quality is fine.
TLDR
- For Ultra Pro / large sleeves, get a loader that is 69x94mm or larger
Products used:
68x93mm A’class UV Protection Side Loader
69x94mm Card Accessory Collection Side Loader
Ultra Pro sleeves
Top loading outer sleeve 66x91mm
Side loading inner sleeve 63x88mm
Disclaimer: I am in no way affiiliated with any of the companies or manufacturers above. All opinions are my own and was simply a shopping trip. I don’t want nor expect compensation from any of these companies.