Best Binder Sets
 

I have gone back and forth between binders and sleeves/toploaders for my sets over the past few years. I have landed (I think) on binders. I look at my sets quite often and love the ease and convenience of binders. IMO, some sets look better than others in binders and I began thinking about which set is the best looking binder set. I am a 70’s guy so I will start the discussion by nominating the 1975 Set. In addition to the great front colors, the orientation and color combo on the backs make them easier to read. I would like to read other opinions, including sets from other decades.


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There is something about my '58 set that makes me pull it off the shelf and flip thru it more than any other set I have. Part of it is the fact that the first page has Ted Williams AND Willie Mays but mostly it's the colors and the memories of these cards, the first ones I remember seeing as a kid.

Vintage sets
 

I just finished putting together a 1955 Topps set in a binder. I enjoying looking at the set all the time.

Thanks for starting this great thread! I went through the same dilemma as the OP and only recently have come down on the side of binders and love my choice. I truly feel like it was the missing ingredient in my collecting. In addition to the wonderful sets nominated, I will put forward 1976 Topps. I have always loved that set! 1953 Topps as well, though it currently isn't in a binder.

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Binders
 

My sets are 1960s-1975 and the only ones I actually look at are the ones in binders. Neat just to flip through the pages for a "stroll through the past." I make a copy of the actual graded card and put that in the proper spot.

Topps 64 Giants and 69 Supers. Small sets with great photos. Plus very sturdy cards

Another vote for 1975 Topps baseball. Such radical colors!

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I'm putting together a 1957 set in a binder and love it!

Great to see Mantle, Williams, Clemete, Aaron, Koufax, etc in pages right next to Turk Lown, Jim Garcia and Bill Tuttle!

Any graded cards I've bought for the set I've cracked right out and put into the binder...was able to get some of the "bigger" cards for LESS in graded condition than raw...

Sounds like a great project! Good luck! What is your limit for what you will crack? 4? 5? Just curious.

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I would rate the 72 set as a close 2nd. The colors and psychedelic design make for a great look in a binder.


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What set doesn't look fantastic in a binder? I much prefer every one compared to my PSA graded sets which are boring stacks of plastic on a shelf.

I'm a Seventies guy all the way, so my collecting sweet spot are the 1970-1980 card runs I've been working on since I was a kid. I have recently opted to get out of slabs for the most part with my collection of the Seventies (except for the superstars) and go with binders. I like to put the card in a cardsaver and then display in 4 pocket sheets.

Now, as to the best set from my era for binder display:

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...ackson%201.JPG
https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...20Blyleven.jpg
https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...PC%20Bonds.jpg

The backs make the set. All of the others from the era are dingy looking, hard to read, but the 71 OPC has a great back design.

Another set I really enjoy in binder form, again because of the backs:

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...0Super%201.jpg

The interesting thing to me, design-wise, is that Topps had really good, legible backs for so many years then switched to crap around 1970.

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...65%20Mays.jpeg

I didn't notice it as much when I was younger but after 50, sorting the backs on some of these cards is hellish. Worst ever is the 1975 Topps basketball:

https://images.collectors.com/smrweb...65-Back_sm.jpg

Dark blue on dark green on gray. You go blind trying to sort these.

Really enjoying this thread! Like I had posted earlier, I enjoy looking at my 76 Topps set in the binder. I also have recently put a bunch of 80s sets (my childhood decade :D) into UltraPro binders and pages. For the longest, I wanted to go the binder route but held back. However, I am so glad I am doing this now! I use common sense and am careful placing the cards in the pages and when turning the pages enjoying the cards. I put two or three empty pages at the beginning and end of my sets for a little extra cushion. Some sets I have had since the 80s have been in the binder all that time, and I wasn't nearly as careful back then, and those sets are just as fresh now as the day I got them. Bottom line is that I now see that it is really ok, and the cards are fine. I have a 1967 Topps set on the backburner, and when I get back on it that set will go into a binder as well.

Good stuff. I recently finished the 1975 set and will probably build the 1976 next. I remember buying these cards as a kid and the set holds a special place in my memory.


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I understand. 1975 is on my list for sure...great cards! I have been taking a walk down memory lane lately with my favorite 1980s sets. As a kid, 1984 Fleer Update was like the Holy Grail of collecting for me, but I never could afford it. It is great owning it now!

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I love the 1972 as well, and I like seeing the in-action card next to the standard player card, on every other page or so. Only downside is some of the trophy cards (maybe the ugliest ever by Topps). I really think it's a set that looks better in binders then stand-alone when you see the color contrasts across cards