Newb getting back into the hobby-recommendations please

[stlfan78]

Hi, my names Joe, I'm 30 years old, and after a 15 year hiatus or so, I am starting to dable back in the sports card market, specifically hockey.

Now, I see all these sets, and from what I was told UD is the main manufacturer of the cards now.

My question is, what are the tiers of these cards, like the high end to the entry level. Which are some good ones to look at? I will primarly at the start be a rookie, and STL Blues collector at first, and will branch out perhaps as I get more into it again. I definately prefer quality over quantity if that helps.

And also, will there be a release of the cup 08-09, as that seems to be one off the cards that has really caught my eye.

Thanks for any answers I get,

Joe

[cnshockey]

the cup will be released.

if you are looking for rookies or STL blues cards, get a box of Series 1 or 2. they are both relatively cheap and they come with 6 rookies a box and 2 game used as well as some other cards. a little better of a product would be SP Authentic, it comes with 3 auto's, 2 being rookie autos and one not. There is also the possibility of pulling a patch auto as well as some other nice inserts.

If ya wanna spend a ton of money, you can try SP Game used, Trilogy, or Black. They are all very hit or miss but if you hit, you usually hit it big time.

And again, you can wait for the cup too. It is the most expensive product UD makes.

And finally, for an honest opinion. Yes, UD does release most of the hockey products but ITG does it better. Their quality control is way better and they have some nice products. IF you don't mind dropping 4-500 bucks on a few cards, get a book of Superlative. It has a great design and some awesome cards

[doniceage]

Joe,
As mentioned above there a lot of stuff out there. Ud has a lot of low stuff like UD powerplay, victory, etc. that will be very low end. The Cup is very high end. There are a lot of products that range in the middle.

If your true to quality over quantity please let us know what your willing to spend as there a lot of us that cannot afford the quality cardboard. Glad to have you on board.


DON

[FrankToronto]

A great answer by cnshockey.

It can be rather confusing delving back into card collecting with such a plethora of product releases. UD may be the only NHL/NHLPA licensed manufacturer, but the number of brands are staggering... and it used to be worse a few years ago.

Of the numerous products released, they all have something for everyone, but there are truly only a handful that are at the forefront and of relevance in the hobby. UD Series 1 & 2 are hobby staples, SPA Authentic is a mid-high end product that have some of the most sought after rookies and autographs, and then there's the highest of the high end in The Cup. In The Game produces great products like Heroes & Prospects which covers hall of famers and future stars, and they are the leaders in vintage memorabilia as shown in their Ultimate and Superlative releases.

Sounds like you're heading towards The Cup, but in the meantime I think SPA Authentic is a very high quality product that gives you a bit of everything as you dive back in.

[cnshockey]

A great answer by cnshockey.

been gettin that a lot lately

i suggested element12312513412312 or whatever to get a box of BTP and he does. what does he pull? Patrick Roy Emblem 1/1

But yeah, if you REALLY wanna get the best, high end, top of the line product, go with ITG superlative. Just my opinion

[cprince80]

All of the top cards in my collection are either ITG superlative or Ultimate. They have a beautiful selection of jersey pieces and no tolerance for garbage lol I did however buy some SPA today. Out of 12 packs I got a future watch rc,future watch rc auto and future watch rc patch auto plus 3 inserts. Overall Im pretty impressed with SPA its a nice design with good hard signed auto's. The rc auto patch is awesome (the player sucked lol)

STLFAN78 I was in your exact same position last year and would have loved a little more advice than I had. I ended up buying a ton of Artifacts because the novelty of jersey pieces was new to me but the endless paralells drove me nuts. I found cruising ebay and checking out different brands helped in determining what products I liked. Also going to either the ITG or Upper deck website and seeing the different breakdowns and odds is also good.
I like ITG because when you get a card numbered /25 it doesnt have ten different paralells /299 /125 /75 /10 etc. etc. just with a different tint and you wont pull a card #/10 with a plain white jersey swatch. Just my two cents.(pardon the Artifacts rant lol)

Good luck with whatever you go with.

[Ray33]

you gotta come back with a bang and pick up plenty of cup.

[FrankToronto]

i suggested element12312513412312 or whatever to get a box of BTP and he does. what does he pull? Patrick Roy Emblem 1/1

Your advice is both invaluable and valuable! :)

BTP is an excellent product and is loaded this year due to the lower production run resulting in loaded boxes. BTP is a niche set geared towards goalie collectors. I don't categorize myself as a goalie collector, but I find myself buying BTP every year - it's that great and this year is no exception. Have been seeing some mighty fine pulls at the show.

[stlfan78]

When I was younger, age 12-20, I was actually a goaltender, and the BTP has me quite interested. As for my budget, I have about $300 or so to start with.

[CoolHandLuke]

Check this link with all card release from this year up to now. Then click on each set name to see the set information from UD or ITG, it will give you a good idea of each set with card images and set info on insert and ratio.