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  1. #1




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    Distinguishing refractors - Topps Finest

    Compared to other sports where the term "refractor" is often used, it is hardly ever used for hockey cards. First, can someone explain to me what a refractor is? I heard at one point that it is just another term for "parallel", but over time it seems as though it is a type of parallel and not just another word for it. More specifically, I have had this 94-95 Topps Finest #30 - Patrick Roy that has been stored away with some other cards and I never knew much about it. How can I tell whether it is the base card or refractor?


    Any guidance is appreciated.

  2. #2





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    That Roy is just the base card. Refractor = refracts light is one way to look at it - in a "rainbow/spectrum" sort of way. Here is a refractor from that same set (peeled). If you hold it up to light, it should give off some nifty colors.


  3. #3




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    Awesome, thank you!

  4. #4




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    This is the number one reason why Topps needs to get back into the hockey card business - refractors!!! UD doesn't seem to care much about that kind of thing and Panini comes close with some of its card finishes (I'm guessing they can't come too close for fear of getting sued for trademark infringement), but there's nothing like pulling and chasing those refractors!

  5. #5







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    A refractor is a rainbow like parallel for Finest and Chrome Topps products. You can usually tell it apart from the base card because when you hold it up to the light it will look like the card has a rainbow finish or glow to the surface of the card.
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  6. #6
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    Refractors were available in:

    Bowman
    Bowman's Best
    OPC
    Topps
    Topps Chrome
    Stadium Club
    Stadium Club Chrome
    Finest

  7. #7




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    and don't forget Bowman Chrome!

  8. #8
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    I also forgot about OPC Chrome in 2000-01

  9. #9




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    the closest thing now to refractors are opc rainbows

  10. #10
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    the closest thing now to refractors are opc rainbows


    UD has not learned to close the edges like Topps used to. You never had edge lifting with any Topps product that I listed above, it simply didn't happen. Since UD bought the OPC name off of Topps their Rainbows are rife with edge bulges and lifting, which is unacceptable.

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