Storage question

[bsuttonosu]

I use a combination of all the methods above. I prefer binders because of how easy they are to flip through, but agree that they can be risky. I use them for sets like my '80 Topps set. Great to look through and low risk on anything that gets damaged.

For higher end collections, I use the use the semi-rigid and vault box method that vintagetoppsguy described. I find myself moving that way more and more because of the combination between safety and ease of storage (binders take up more space if you insist on laying them flat which is the only way I'll do it).

Here's a question for you VintageTopps (or anyone else) - do you use penny sleeves before you put them in the semi-rigid? I've had this discussion with a lot of people and can't get consensus. Most collectors I know use the smaller holders and no penny sleeve. While I like how that looks, I worry about the semi-rigid holders not being archival quality with no pvc/acid. I use the larger semi-rigids with a penny sleeve, which still fit in the large vault boxes. Anyone else use the penny sleeve first?

[Samsdaddy]

Originally Posted by bsuttonosu

I use a combination of all the methods above. I prefer binders because of how easy they are to flip through, but agree that they can be risky. I use them for sets like my '80 Topps set. Great to look through and low risk on anything that gets damaged.

For higher end collections, I use the use the semi-rigid and vault box method that vintagetoppsguy described. I find myself moving that way more and more because of the combination between safety and ease of storage (binders take up more space if you insist on laying them flat which is the only way I'll do it).

Here's a question for you VintageTopps (or anyone else) - do you use penny sleeves before you put them in the semi-rigid? I've had this discussion with a lot of people and can't get consensus. Most collectors I know use the smaller holders and no penny sleeve. While I like how that looks, I worry about the semi-rigid holders not being archival quality with no pvc/acid. I use the larger semi-rigids with a penny sleeve, which still fit in the large vault boxes. Anyone else use the penny sleeve first?

I use the penny sleeves first and then into Card Saver 1's. I have a small collection and that is how all my baseball cards are stored. My football sets and couple team sets I have are in penny sleeves and then in top loaders.

I enjoy being able to hold each card individually so the Card Savers are great. Plus, again, I have a small collection as compared to many on here.

[vintagetoppsguy]

Personally I don't use a penny sleeve before placing the card in a semi-rigid top loader. However, let's make sure we're talking about the same kind of top loader.

I use these Ultra Pro that come 200 per box:



I do not use these top loaders that come 25 per pack:



I've been using the first ones for well over 20 years and never had a problem (they were another company before Ultra Pro). I tried using a penny sleeve with these, but the penny sleeve wants to bind up as I'm trying to slide the card in, so I just don't use one.

[cincyredlegs]

Guys - Does anyone have a preference using Ultra Pro semi rigid top loaders over the CSII semi rigid top loaders?

Thanks,

Mark

[vintagetoppsguy]

A dealer friend of mine told me that they are both made in the same factory in China, and that they just stamp each companies name on them. I don't know if that is true or not, but that's what he told me.

Originally Posted by cincyredlegs

Guys - Does anyone have a preference using Ultra Pro semi rigid top loaders over the CSII semi rigid top loaders?

Thanks,

Mark

[Volod]

Yeah, we'll all be dead long before the plastic eats our cards, pvc or no, so why worry about it, unless their real purpose is to finance the kids' higher education. Personally, I find it hard to actually enjoy the hoard if they're stored in binders; must be an ocd symptom left over from the schoolyard, but want to feel the stack in one hand while peeling each card away to savor it as an individual artifact. Do use mylar sleeves as a concession to preservation, though.

[bsuttonosu]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

However, let's make sure we're talking about the same kind of top loader.

Same ones. That's why I went the larger Ultra Pro's. I had the same problem with the penny slips, that's why I went to the larger Ultra Pros (the "graded card submission" version). Penny slips fit in easier, but the larger semi-rigids take up more space and require bigger vault boxes. I've just never gotten a clear answer on whether or not they have acid or pvc in them. The slips definitely don't (or at least are marketed as such). But, as you've attested along with many others, lots of people have had their cards in them for decades with no problems.

[Samsdaddy]

Originally Posted by bsuttonosu

Same ones. That's why I went the larger Ultra Pro's. I had the same problem with the penny slips, that's why I went to the larger Ultra Pros (the "graded card submission" version). Penny slips fit in easier, but the larger semi-rigids take up more space and require bigger vault boxes. I've just never gotten a clear answer on whether or not they have acid or pvc in them. The slips definitely don't (or at least are marketed as such). But, as you've attested along with many others, lots of people have had their cards in them for decades with no problems.

I am probably way too anal but I store them as you do, first in the penny sleeve and then in the larger semi rigid card savers.

My thinking is that if I have to remove the card from the larger semi rigid card saver for whatever reason, I never have to touch the actual card as it is in a penny sleeve. And, inserted in the larger semi rigid holders, the penny sleeve has never bunched up.

[theseeker]

How do BCW products stack up with Ultra-Pro? A lot of BCW products out there and I am curious as to the quality.

Also, anything out there in storage boxes besides the drab cardboard? I once saw an advertisement for a high end card storage product, on a website, that appeared to be leather with a prominent, shiny buckle in the middle. Have been looking ever since for it. Also, the see-thru plastic.

[theseeker]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

Personally I don't use a penny sleeve before placing the card in a semi-rigid top loader. However, let's make sure we're talking about the same kind of top loader.

I use these Ultra Pro that come 200 per box:



I do not use these top loaders that come 25 per pack:



I've been using the first ones for well over 20 years and never had a problem (they were another company before Ultra Pro). I tried using a penny sleeve with these, but the penny sleeve wants to bind up as I'm trying to slide the card in, so I just don't use one.

Will this holder fit into the cardboard boxes?

[Hot Springs Bathers]

I purchased a coin album the other day for the new national park quarters.

It was by Lighthouse, I think they are big in the stamp industry? The interesting feature in the album was a plastic slide that holds the pages immoveable when placed on a shelf. It would help on cards if you also used a slipcase.

I ony have my type cards and some newer sets in albums but would like to have more so that I can look through them more often. I would like to find a good leather binder with slipcase, d-ring that would protect the cards.

I purchased a T205 binder from Roop but was so displeased that I only put a reprint set in it.

Any good suggestions out there?

[David Bender]

I've been looking for the binder you describe as well.

[rp12367]

Hi Guys, I just was reading this thread and have a question about storing autographed cards. I'm working on a 93 Topps Auto set. I currently have around 240 auto's. I have all the commons and minor stars in penny sleeves, major stars in penny sleeve than top loader. Jeter is BGS slabbed, so no problem there. All stored for now in a 330 count box (commons,minor stars) Question is a friend of mine says there is a danger of the magic marker sticking and sometimes transferring onto the sleeves, esp if packed tight in box. Just wondering if anyone has had the problem or if it should even be a concern, if so what is best way to store such a set... Thanks in advance... Ralph