PSA slab types for tobacco cards
 

I was hoping to get some help with differences in PSA slabs used for tobacco cards. I have seen some where the slab is all hard plastic and the card (Allen and ginter n3) fits snug on all sides. I have also seen a type where it appears the outside has a plastic or vinyl and the card area is much larger so the card has room to move on all sides.

I was wondering why both are used and if the newer holders are only one or the other. I have started a ginter n3 set and prefer the hard plastic case. I don't like the vinyl look or the fact that the card can move in the other type but I don't know if I could avoid buying those.

If I send to PSA for reholder, would the be in the hard plastic case?

Thanks for any info. Just started with vintage cards and am not familiar with card slabs, although I used to collect coins so I know se about graded slabs from that.

PSA slab types for tobacco cards
 

PSA has been known to use a caramel-sized slab with a mylar insert for tobacco cards when the border is larger than normal.

The slabs I am talking about look that the outside of the actual slab has some kind of plastic around it. The card itself is not sleeved I any way but it is not a tight fit in the slab

Are you talking about these? http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/370781998461?lpid=82

No, sorry if I'm being confusing. This is the type hard plastic type:
http://m.ebay.com/itm/301221329614

This is the one with plastic or vinyl on the outside:
http://m.ebay.com/itm/301221159662?nav=SEARCH

The vinyl look is a product of scanning. A card sent to psa will come back in a hard case. Whether the case will have room for the card to move or not is another issue. If psa has a fitted slab to fit the card it will come back fitted. If the card has room to move, they do not move freely as they appear to be vacuum sealed. You can bump them around if you try. Not a concern imo unlesd you collect gem mint cards. Hope this helps and good luck with your set.

PSA slab types for tobacco cards
 

I have also wondered about this. The plastic / vinyl look is not just from scanning. I have several PSA slabs which have this problem. I have wondered if it is a consequence of a bad seal?

PSA slab types for tobacco cards
 

That "plastic vinyl look" is the mylar insert. It is on the inside.

Thanks for the responses. So why do some have the insert and some don't?

Yes... Those with it certainly look like crap! (Mine included)

I disagree, though I do wish the insert was more like Beckett's. For my E105s, it adds a layer of protection that is sorely lacking in PSA holders (without the insert) and SGC holders.

http://caimages.collectors.com/psaim...Youngfront.jpg

Size of the card relative to the slab. If they can't get a close enough fit they will use the mylar.