Ultra Pro vs Cardboard Gold PSA sleeves

[xara]

I’m currently trying to decide between Ultra Pro and Cardboard Gold sleeves for my PSA collection and I am a bit torn:

• Ultra Pro Graded Card Sleeves - sized for PSA Slabs: ~€4.29 for 100 sleeves
• Cardboard Gold: ~€10 for 50 sleeves

So Cardboard Gold is ~5× more expensive per sleeve.

What makes me wonder:

• Cardboard Gold explicitly states 2 mil OPP material on the packaging.
• Ultra Pro only lists clear polypropylene / archival / PVC-free, but no thickness specification.
• In hand, the Ultra Pro sleeves feel slightly thinner to me

Do you think it would be worth buying the more expensive Cardboard Gold Sleeves? Do you think they have better protection against slab scratching? They do feel a bit thicker.

[Kratosso]

How many slabs you will have to sleeve?

Where you will store the sleeved slabs?

[xara]

At the moment, my collection consists of around 250 PSA slabs, and I’m planning to add another 250–300 over time, so the total will likely end up at around 550 slabs.

So far I stored them in shoe boxes with foam padding Today I got 3x Ultra Pro graded card cases for long term storage. The slots are a bit wide for PSA slabs, so they can shift slightly from side to side. To prevent movement, I have have to get some extra padding (~ 5-6mm) to make sure they sit securely.

[hero]

I’ve only used the Cardboard gold sleeves. I will say they fairly thick and should protect against any small time scratches on the PSA case.

I’d maybe see if having someone reship these to you might be a better option (assuming your in Europe). A case of 50ct x 50 sleeves per pack here in the states direct is $99.00 Perfect Fit Sleeves for PSA Graded Cards/Slabs w/PSA Logo | Cardboard Gold

[codytcas]

I don’t like either of those options personally. Look no further than these -

Superior Fit Premium Sleeves Premium PSA Graded Card Slabs

They’re so clear and fit so well it’s hard to tell there’s a sleeve on the case.

[slippingjimmy]

Tight fitting sleeves will scratch your slabs. I had the cardboard gold ones and wouldn’t recommend. Just keep your slabs raw.

[codytcas]

No they don’t, that’s only if you don’t put them on right and hold the front and back of the case while you’re sliding it on. If you hold the side of the slab while you’re sliding the sleeve on there are zero scratches.

[ddk]

This thread is the Pokémon equivalent of discussing condom brands.

Anyway, to keep on topic, I found cardboard gold to be a bit too tight. Couldnt feel anything when putting it in, so I just go RAW now. Slabs, I mean.

[slippingjimmy]

Can you post a video tutorial, please? And don’t forget to tag PSA.

[SolemnStar]

@slippingjimmy

Just keep your slabs raw.

[Dyl]

@xara

I have used these for years without any issue.

[tidaldreams]

as a psa whore myself i would only use da cardboard gold

[A.P.Speeze]

I’ve posted this video multiple times on this forum.

What's your most Recent Purchase? [Archive]

It’s a problem with just about all graded card sleeves. Just make sure you put them on and take them off correctly or the scratches will be quite noticeable and you’ll have to use plastx to get them off. Like @traineramy said, make sure you hold the edges of the case when putting on or taking off the sleeve. If you hold the face of the case, then it will scratch the case. [PSA Perfect Fit Scratch Test]