Newbie needs help

[WHEC716]

Hey everyone, new here. I have some questions.

Essentially, i collected a bunch with my brother and dad 15 years ago when I was a kid. I'm getting back into the hobby and WOW have things changed. When I left, refractors, inserts and other type cards were rare/scarce.

So, my questions are this.
1) I opened a box of Topps Chrome and had trouble telling the various forms of refractors. How do I know what a super-refractor from a blue bordered refractor (TJ Houshmadaddy), etc.
2) What are the popular brands these days? I really like the donruss/leaf products, but i've also bought some Topps Rookie Progression, Topps Stadium Club and Topps Chrome. Any suggestions on boxes to buy?
3) What is the Bowman/Topps relationship and Donruss/Leaf?

Thanks!

[dfr52]

Topps owns Bowman and Playoff, Donruss, Leaf, and Score are all one company.

I returned in 2005 and it was quite a shock. Not the same hobby I left in 1998.

[WHEC716]

Topps owns Bowman and Playoff, Donruss, Leaf, and Score are all one company.

I returned in 2005 and it was quite a shock. Not the same hobby I left in 1998.

Thanks for the help. I could tell by their websites that they are the same companies. I guess I was aksing Topps > or < Than Bowman and Donruss < or > than Leaf?

Thanks

[McFarlaneRuss21]

They will say on the back under the number "Refractor" "Xfractor" "Superfractor" ect...

The different colors denote the color of the borders on the front. A blue border refractor will have all blue borders for example.

[WHEC716]

They will say on the back under the number "Refractor" "Xfractor" "Superfractor" ect...

The different colors denote the color of the borders on the front. A blue border refractor will have all blue borders for example.

I found no mention of blue border refractors on the pack,yet i pulled one.

[cmg816]

Which year Chrome did you open up...last year's had blue refractors and xfractors in retail packs. This year don't know if they are doing blue ones again, there are refractors and the copper numbered to 425 plus the gold refractor box toppers.

[WHEC716]

Did a hobby box of 08 and some retail 08 packs.

I must certainly have a blue refractor

[cmg816]

Oh well then maybe there are blue ones again in 08, those have gotta be from retail because i have busted a case of them and no blue refractors in hobby boxes.