Enigma
01-17-2009, 05:29 PM
First and foremost, I'd like to thank our gracious sponsors at Press Pass for providing us with this box. We were fortunate enough to receive this box before the product goes live on January 21.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF01172009_00004.jpg
2009 Press Pass Element
24 packs
6 cards per pack
MSRP - $77-$85
Product Description
Base Set - 100 cards
Radioactive Base Parallel (Hobby Only) - #/100
Inserts -
Nobel Prize - 1:12
Kinetic Energy - 1:6
Missing Elements Mystery - 1:12
Lab Report - 1:2
Autos and Race Used -
Wheels Authentic Autographs - Exclusive autographs only found in Element
Special Ink Autographs - Signed by drivers in their sponsor's primary colors
Undiscovered Elements - Autographs of NASCAR's "Diamonds in the rough"
Thomas Edison - 1/1 Cut Signature
Overall odds - 1:24
Elements of the Race - Race Used flag memorabilia with numerous versions, #/99 or less
Green-White-Checkers - Three swatch memorabilia with a pieces from green, white and checkered flags that feature drivers from 2008 green-white-checkered finishes, #/25
Taking The Checkers - Dual memorabilia featuring checkered flags and victory tires, #/45
Big Win - Features an over-sized Sprint Cup Trophy-shaped victory tire for some of the victories of 2008, #/35
1-2-3 Finish - Three piece memorabilia featuring tires from RCR's 1-2-3 finish at Bristol and Roush-Fenway's 1-2-3 finish at Dover, #/50
Overall odds - 1:24
VIDEO BREAK
PART 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N122f7ABDrY
PART 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUbnI083DXA
WHAT WE PULLED
Base (99/100) - 99%
Dupes - 16
Radioactive (2/100) - Martin Truex Jr, Carl Edwards
Inserts:
Lab Report (13/27) - Aric Almirola, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Landon Cassill, Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne, Brad Keselowski, Bobby Labonte, Joey Logano, Juan Pablo Montoya, Tony Stewart, Brian Vickers
Kinetic Energy (6/12) - Jeff Gordon, Kasey Kahne, Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Jeff Burton, Greg Biffle
Nobel Prize (3/6) - Carl Edwards, Jeff Burton, Jimmie Johnson
Missing Elements Mystery (2/6) - #4 and #5
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF01172009_00000.jpg
Element starts out with a great and new design to its base cards. Starting of the theme, the cards looks like they are from a periodic table that you would find in a chemistry class. The set's logo is in the top right corner, with the card number in the top left corner (the card number can also be found on the back for traditionalists). A vibrant photo of the driver with a colorful painted background graces the middle. The series the driver is being featured from is under the photo. The bottom and the border are the primary color of the driver's sponsor. Also at the bottom, the driver's name and car number is listed. And to top it off, sticking with the set's theme, the driver's initials are on the card in the same way you would find the lettering on a periodic table. The different driving series break down as follows:
Sprint Cup: 1-35
Nationwide: 36-44
Craftsman Truck: 45-48
There are six subsets this year. The first is Atomic Number. These cards are set up to show off amazing facts about the drivers from the age of Joey Logano in days when he won his first race to the number of degrees of a Carl Edwards backflip. These cards look like the regular base cards, but only in basic design. The photos are not just simple poses. Underneath the photo is the words "Atomic Number" with the diagram of an atom in the middle. The driver's name is at the bottom, but unlike the base cards, it features the number used for the fact and the fact is displayed as well. Instead of the driver's car number, his car is pictured in the bottom right corner. These cards can be found from 49-54.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF01172009_00001.jpg
Anatomy of a Race Car is the next subset. This set features different cars from Sprint Cup. Each card point out a different tidbit like where the Jack Post is located to where you can find the In-Car Cameras. These cards run horizontal, unlike the base cards. Instead of a driver's name, they feature the car's sponsor and make. These cards can be found from 55-72.
The next subset is Combustion. It features drivers who had an amazing 2008 or has been able to stand out above the rest in their career. The card has a black background with flames appearing in the back drop. The driver's photo is in front of all of this. Combustion is written across under the photo. The bottom uses the initials again is symbol form with the driver's name below it. In the bottom right is the pictures of two pistons crossing one another. These cards can be found from 73-78.
Continuing to show of a different design, Metamorphosis is next. This set shows drivers with their new sponsors for 2009. The background is a blue explosion on a black field. The driver is surrounded by a white, swirling beam of light to give the illusion he has changed his apparel in front of your eyes. The bottom is much like Combustion other than the driver's new car number can be found in the bottom right corner. These cards can be found from 79-84.
Nanosecond offer a view from the pit area like never before. These cards show off the pit crew at work. Because the card focuses on one specific point, it looks as if the crew is in motion to work on the car in the pit. The card runs horizontal and even the letters in the subset's name looks like it has movement. The bottom of the card features the car's number and sponsor. These cards can be found from 85-94.
The final subset is called Undiscovered Elements. These are cards featuring drivers and personnel that look to make their mark in 2009, but are probably not well known. Using the basic card design, the featured individual is captured in the middle of the card with the design of a magnifying glass surrounding the photo. The illusion is set to make the photo larger than it really is. These cards can be found from 95-100.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF01172009_00002.jpg
There is only one parallel set in the hobby series, called Radioactive. Unlike the base cards, these are printed on a flat cardboard stock (base is on glossy). The card itself looks the same. However, the base uses a silver color of it's lettering where Radioactive uses a metallic blue. The serial number runs down one side of the card (all numbered to 100). Another feature of the parallel card is not easily seen by the naked eye. On the card, the word "Radioactive" is printed in white. However, the best way to view it is in the dark. That's right, the letters are glow-in-the-dark.
Lab Report is a 27 card series featuring various drivers from all three racing circuits. The card is designed to look like a page from a composition book, including the die-cut. The gloss on the cards create an interesting eye effect as it feels like the card comes to life depending on how you look at it. The info on the back gives a synopsis, like a personnel file. It's lists the driver's name, date of birth and hometown. After that, there's a brief entry about the driver.
Kinetic Energy is a 12 card set that racing card collecting enthusiasts has seen before in a different name. The set features various cars in the Sprint Cup series with the details on the back of why it is in the set. It focuses on specific moves made during a race that led to victory while coming from behind. The car itself shows a photo of the car like it is was shot out of an explosion. A glow surrounds the car, suggesting movement.
Nobel Prize is a 6 card set that shows off the different aspects of drivers in NASCAR. From "Mr. Consistency" Jimmie Johnson to "Mr. NASCAR" Jeff Burton, it puts into context what makes up these great athletes. The main part of the card is done in holo-foil. The driver's pictures is in the middle of the card, located on a shield. Checkered flags are below the shield and a wreath surrounds it (almost giving the appearance of a coat of arms. The set's name appears at the bottom along with the driver's name and what the award is for.
A highly touted set comes to life called Missing Elements Mystery. This is a 6 card set that is a contest/redemption set. Each card shows the figure (man or woman) in a silhouette form. Clues will be given on the Press Pass site to help collectors determine who the mystery person is. On the back of the card is a code that you enter on the site. This gives you the opportunity to guess who the mystery person is. If you are correct, you will receive the actual card.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF01172009_00003.jpg
There are numerous memorabilia and auto sets in Element. On average, three is one auto and one race used card per box and that's what we got. The Wheels Exclusive autos feature the drivers in a background color that matches their primary sponsor. The auto is on-card and given a nice space so that the driver can sign his name like normal (unlike sticker autos which can restrict a free-flowing auto).
Elements of the race feature pieces from different flags from different races. They are green, black, white, black/white, blue/orange, yellow, checkered and red. In the bottom right corner of the card, it shows you which one you have in case you cannot tell by the swatch. The swatch itself is shown off in a fashion that details movement, which is a nice change from a swatch in a square. Depending on which flag series you pulled, the cards number from 99 or less.
Final Ratings (Out of 5):
Base set: 5/5
Fun: 5/5
Overall design: 5/5
Value: 4.5/5
Re-buy: 4.5/5
Overall: 24/25 (96%)
Elements far surpasses what I expected after the hype. Usually, when there is a lot of hype behind a release, it tends to fail in meeting expectations...but not here.
It was really nice to see Press Pass to go into a new direction with a release and not continue to release the same product over and over. They took a chance and succeeded. While keeping the autos and memorabilia card sthe same, they created a whole new type of base set. The set has eye appeal with the use of the periodic table like pictures.
The glow-in-the-dark radioactive cards are a nice touch. Keep in mind, you need to let the cards sit out in the light for a while before getting the full effect of them in the dark. I tried to check it immediately after opening the product and could barely make it out. Once I waited after a couple of hours, it became more apparent.
For set collectors, this is a wonderful release as there are only a couple of insert sets to chase and base set is relatively easy to put together. However, I have to put it out there...while I'm excited that we missed completing the set by one card, how hard would it have been to put the complete set in the box considering there were 16 dupes? Just fruit for thought...
The use of glossy colors is great. Plus, it's not the same one or two colors. Matching the colors to the driver's paint schemes really worked, especially on the photos of the driver's in their firesuits. And the holo-foil on some of the inserts is astounding. Really like how they took their theme (chemistry/elements) and focused their card designs to reflect it.
Once again, I'd really like to thank our wonderful sponsors at Press Pass for providing us with this box of Element and the opportunity to open it and review it. Be sure to pick up your box when it releases on January 21st.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF01172009_00004.jpg
2009 Press Pass Element
24 packs
6 cards per pack
MSRP - $77-$85
Product Description
Base Set - 100 cards
Radioactive Base Parallel (Hobby Only) - #/100
Inserts -
Nobel Prize - 1:12
Kinetic Energy - 1:6
Missing Elements Mystery - 1:12
Lab Report - 1:2
Autos and Race Used -
Wheels Authentic Autographs - Exclusive autographs only found in Element
Special Ink Autographs - Signed by drivers in their sponsor's primary colors
Undiscovered Elements - Autographs of NASCAR's "Diamonds in the rough"
Thomas Edison - 1/1 Cut Signature
Overall odds - 1:24
Elements of the Race - Race Used flag memorabilia with numerous versions, #/99 or less
Green-White-Checkers - Three swatch memorabilia with a pieces from green, white and checkered flags that feature drivers from 2008 green-white-checkered finishes, #/25
Taking The Checkers - Dual memorabilia featuring checkered flags and victory tires, #/45
Big Win - Features an over-sized Sprint Cup Trophy-shaped victory tire for some of the victories of 2008, #/35
1-2-3 Finish - Three piece memorabilia featuring tires from RCR's 1-2-3 finish at Bristol and Roush-Fenway's 1-2-3 finish at Dover, #/50
Overall odds - 1:24
VIDEO BREAK
PART 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N122f7ABDrY
PART 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUbnI083DXA
WHAT WE PULLED
Base (99/100) - 99%
Dupes - 16
Radioactive (2/100) - Martin Truex Jr, Carl Edwards
Inserts:
Lab Report (13/27) - Aric Almirola, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Landon Cassill, Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne, Brad Keselowski, Bobby Labonte, Joey Logano, Juan Pablo Montoya, Tony Stewart, Brian Vickers
Kinetic Energy (6/12) - Jeff Gordon, Kasey Kahne, Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Jeff Burton, Greg Biffle
Nobel Prize (3/6) - Carl Edwards, Jeff Burton, Jimmie Johnson
Missing Elements Mystery (2/6) - #4 and #5
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF01172009_00000.jpg
Element starts out with a great and new design to its base cards. Starting of the theme, the cards looks like they are from a periodic table that you would find in a chemistry class. The set's logo is in the top right corner, with the card number in the top left corner (the card number can also be found on the back for traditionalists). A vibrant photo of the driver with a colorful painted background graces the middle. The series the driver is being featured from is under the photo. The bottom and the border are the primary color of the driver's sponsor. Also at the bottom, the driver's name and car number is listed. And to top it off, sticking with the set's theme, the driver's initials are on the card in the same way you would find the lettering on a periodic table. The different driving series break down as follows:
Sprint Cup: 1-35
Nationwide: 36-44
Craftsman Truck: 45-48
There are six subsets this year. The first is Atomic Number. These cards are set up to show off amazing facts about the drivers from the age of Joey Logano in days when he won his first race to the number of degrees of a Carl Edwards backflip. These cards look like the regular base cards, but only in basic design. The photos are not just simple poses. Underneath the photo is the words "Atomic Number" with the diagram of an atom in the middle. The driver's name is at the bottom, but unlike the base cards, it features the number used for the fact and the fact is displayed as well. Instead of the driver's car number, his car is pictured in the bottom right corner. These cards can be found from 49-54.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF01172009_00001.jpg
Anatomy of a Race Car is the next subset. This set features different cars from Sprint Cup. Each card point out a different tidbit like where the Jack Post is located to where you can find the In-Car Cameras. These cards run horizontal, unlike the base cards. Instead of a driver's name, they feature the car's sponsor and make. These cards can be found from 55-72.
The next subset is Combustion. It features drivers who had an amazing 2008 or has been able to stand out above the rest in their career. The card has a black background with flames appearing in the back drop. The driver's photo is in front of all of this. Combustion is written across under the photo. The bottom uses the initials again is symbol form with the driver's name below it. In the bottom right is the pictures of two pistons crossing one another. These cards can be found from 73-78.
Continuing to show of a different design, Metamorphosis is next. This set shows drivers with their new sponsors for 2009. The background is a blue explosion on a black field. The driver is surrounded by a white, swirling beam of light to give the illusion he has changed his apparel in front of your eyes. The bottom is much like Combustion other than the driver's new car number can be found in the bottom right corner. These cards can be found from 79-84.
Nanosecond offer a view from the pit area like never before. These cards show off the pit crew at work. Because the card focuses on one specific point, it looks as if the crew is in motion to work on the car in the pit. The card runs horizontal and even the letters in the subset's name looks like it has movement. The bottom of the card features the car's number and sponsor. These cards can be found from 85-94.
The final subset is called Undiscovered Elements. These are cards featuring drivers and personnel that look to make their mark in 2009, but are probably not well known. Using the basic card design, the featured individual is captured in the middle of the card with the design of a magnifying glass surrounding the photo. The illusion is set to make the photo larger than it really is. These cards can be found from 95-100.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF01172009_00002.jpg
There is only one parallel set in the hobby series, called Radioactive. Unlike the base cards, these are printed on a flat cardboard stock (base is on glossy). The card itself looks the same. However, the base uses a silver color of it's lettering where Radioactive uses a metallic blue. The serial number runs down one side of the card (all numbered to 100). Another feature of the parallel card is not easily seen by the naked eye. On the card, the word "Radioactive" is printed in white. However, the best way to view it is in the dark. That's right, the letters are glow-in-the-dark.
Lab Report is a 27 card series featuring various drivers from all three racing circuits. The card is designed to look like a page from a composition book, including the die-cut. The gloss on the cards create an interesting eye effect as it feels like the card comes to life depending on how you look at it. The info on the back gives a synopsis, like a personnel file. It's lists the driver's name, date of birth and hometown. After that, there's a brief entry about the driver.
Kinetic Energy is a 12 card set that racing card collecting enthusiasts has seen before in a different name. The set features various cars in the Sprint Cup series with the details on the back of why it is in the set. It focuses on specific moves made during a race that led to victory while coming from behind. The car itself shows a photo of the car like it is was shot out of an explosion. A glow surrounds the car, suggesting movement.
Nobel Prize is a 6 card set that shows off the different aspects of drivers in NASCAR. From "Mr. Consistency" Jimmie Johnson to "Mr. NASCAR" Jeff Burton, it puts into context what makes up these great athletes. The main part of the card is done in holo-foil. The driver's pictures is in the middle of the card, located on a shield. Checkered flags are below the shield and a wreath surrounds it (almost giving the appearance of a coat of arms. The set's name appears at the bottom along with the driver's name and what the award is for.
A highly touted set comes to life called Missing Elements Mystery. This is a 6 card set that is a contest/redemption set. Each card shows the figure (man or woman) in a silhouette form. Clues will be given on the Press Pass site to help collectors determine who the mystery person is. On the back of the card is a code that you enter on the site. This gives you the opportunity to guess who the mystery person is. If you are correct, you will receive the actual card.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF01172009_00003.jpg
There are numerous memorabilia and auto sets in Element. On average, three is one auto and one race used card per box and that's what we got. The Wheels Exclusive autos feature the drivers in a background color that matches their primary sponsor. The auto is on-card and given a nice space so that the driver can sign his name like normal (unlike sticker autos which can restrict a free-flowing auto).
Elements of the race feature pieces from different flags from different races. They are green, black, white, black/white, blue/orange, yellow, checkered and red. In the bottom right corner of the card, it shows you which one you have in case you cannot tell by the swatch. The swatch itself is shown off in a fashion that details movement, which is a nice change from a swatch in a square. Depending on which flag series you pulled, the cards number from 99 or less.
Final Ratings (Out of 5):
Base set: 5/5
Fun: 5/5
Overall design: 5/5
Value: 4.5/5
Re-buy: 4.5/5
Overall: 24/25 (96%)
Elements far surpasses what I expected after the hype. Usually, when there is a lot of hype behind a release, it tends to fail in meeting expectations...but not here.
It was really nice to see Press Pass to go into a new direction with a release and not continue to release the same product over and over. They took a chance and succeeded. While keeping the autos and memorabilia card sthe same, they created a whole new type of base set. The set has eye appeal with the use of the periodic table like pictures.
The glow-in-the-dark radioactive cards are a nice touch. Keep in mind, you need to let the cards sit out in the light for a while before getting the full effect of them in the dark. I tried to check it immediately after opening the product and could barely make it out. Once I waited after a couple of hours, it became more apparent.
For set collectors, this is a wonderful release as there are only a couple of insert sets to chase and base set is relatively easy to put together. However, I have to put it out there...while I'm excited that we missed completing the set by one card, how hard would it have been to put the complete set in the box considering there were 16 dupes? Just fruit for thought...
The use of glossy colors is great. Plus, it's not the same one or two colors. Matching the colors to the driver's paint schemes really worked, especially on the photos of the driver's in their firesuits. And the holo-foil on some of the inserts is astounding. Really like how they took their theme (chemistry/elements) and focused their card designs to reflect it.
Once again, I'd really like to thank our wonderful sponsors at Press Pass for providing us with this box of Element and the opportunity to open it and review it. Be sure to pick up your box when it releases on January 21st.