I’ve been using these for the last few years but I have nowhere even close to 10,000 raw cards so ymmv
Ultra pro sideloader Pikachu binder Amazon.com
Ultra pro deck protector sleeves (black cover over back) Amazon.com
I’ve heard very good things about the vault x binders mentioned above as well
I did a fair bit of research when I started upgrading my collection to ‘premium’ binders. I got a couple of different brands and the one I liked the most is dex protection which surpisingly hasn’t been mentioned yet. I have a couple of vault x binders but I found the cover to be a bit to stiff at times where the binder would just automatically close instead of staying open as well as a couple of other issues. I’ve also found the surface of the cover of dex protection binders not to really scuff unlike vault x binders.
I’ve bought somewhere between 10-15 dex protection binders so far for my collection and they’ve been pretty consistent with quality. They come in zipper or band style so you have that option. I would 100% recommend them over pretty much any other binder.
I feel compelled to clarify that these only occur with O-Ring binders, which nobody should ever be using. Always and only use D-Rings or go a ringless route.
Why do you prefer zipperless? I’ve never considered, would like to know what I’m missing
Lots of comments so thanks everyone for the advice! I can’t seem to work out how to quote multiple people so respond to everyone individually.
I’m still undecided on what to do, but will definitely get the ultra Pro platinum sideloading if I go the ring binder route. Since I have a few ring binders directly from the Pokémon center this is probably more likely right now.
There should be binders for magnetic cases, like spaces that you can just clip right in & stays put. Would be one thick binder but an idea. Instead mine is in a waterproof storage case with foam in it. Of course when I open the case it’s not beautiful looking because you only see the top part of the magnetic cases, there’s no actual “display”.
I do use these and I’m pretty happy with them. Have tried the Ultra Pro Suede and Dex Protection zipper binder and I prefer the Guardna over them.
I also really like the white pages, I think they make the cards pop a little more than with the standard black pages.
Imo their only negative is the price, specially if you are from Europe.
I’m seeing the pages form a ^ shape a little, which I’ve seen to be the issue with some binders which could cause damage/warping. Is it just the picture, or have you noticed it too?
Edit: and it seems absolutely no one here uses the official binders from the JP center then?
Yes, I have noticed too. I haven’t encountered any zipper binder that doesn’t present the spine bulge though.
I think that with these binder it’s less noticeable than with other binders I have tried, but it is still present. Also keep in mind I double sleeve every card, and the binder pictured is completely full.
Thank you for the insight. I agree they are expensive but I don’t mind the idea of splurging on a high end binder for high end cards.
Thanks for sharing the photos as well!
Currently have the ultra pro suede which are fine apart from the pockets clouding even with careful turning.
Dragon Shield Codex 576 Portfolio is my binder of choice. It doesn’t have a zipper, but it is sturdy and of top quality. The pages are also long enough so you can fill the entire binder up, and keep the spine bulge at an absolute minimum. Here’s a decent review of it: Review Of Ultimate Guard Flexfolio, Dex Zip Binder, Dragon Shield Portfolios for Magic The Gathering - YouTube
The black sleeves against the white pockets looks really beautiful.
One more question on these, since I’m assuming you store them vertically; if you hold it upright do the pages not sag from the weight of the cards?
I actually store them with the spine facing up or flat.
I use these too - they are the best imo! They also make versions that has a zipper but I prefer the unzipped version
The past few years I’ve tried a couple different ones and I think I’m going to end up sticking with the Dex Protections binders since now I have four of them. First binder I tried was the purple one that is an Ultra Pro Pro binder. It may because that binder I am using for baseball cards and they take up more space than Pokemon cards but since the cover is just a thin plastic it is warping from the string that keeps it shut. I can see that transferring over to the cards eventually but it has been at least 4 years with it and the cards are fine so far. Won’t be getting those anymore.
Green binder is a Legion Supplies Dragon Hide binder and the red is one of the Dex Protections. They both seem very similar other than the cover texture but both covers are much better than the Ultra Pro and don’t bend anywhere near the same. Both binders aren’t full at all with only a few pages used but will report back once I get both filled. I think it is just the cover padding on these two binders that looks like it’s warping from the string and not the actual hard part inside so I don’t think it will affect the cards.
Can see myself in the future just switching to D-ring binders with the similar side loading pages like these binders that I believe is a thing lol.
I’m a big fan of Legion’s Dragonhide binder line. Whenever I get them new, I push slightly on the spine to make it more flexible. Also if you give the band a decent few tugs to loosen it (go with the bounce), it doesn’t really warp. Alternatively if you look through your binder alot, it’ll loosen up naturally. I’ve had my main collection in them since 2019, and even in the case of slight binder warping, it’s never affected the cards. I just got a new binder this year because I wanted a fresh look. I have 5 total and haven’t looked back.
Ohhh that’s a good idea, thanks for that. I will try it. I do like the Legion binders the best but they are always out of stock and when I emailed the company they said it would be several months before a restock. I didn’t want to wait so I went with the Dex binders.
