Newbie looking for some advice.

[Pravius]

Hello first of all!

I am reborn in the world of collecting, like many I used to collect in the early and mid 90's. I went out about a week ago and purchased a box of SPGU... big mistake. The card design for the most part I really enjoyed but the price compared to the pulls I got was horrible.

I am looking for a good, well designed set to start collecting which I can obtain autographs and game used memorabilia. I have researched quite a bit of this and just really cannot decide. I really love the thrill of breaking though.

I am drawn to In the Game products, for one I really like the company. They seem to really enjoy hockey and have a passion to bring people closer to the game, unlike upper deck it seems like instead of making a killing they really focus on quality and not quantity.

I have concerns however, it does not seem that ITG has a decent mid range priced product that focuses on NHL players (I understand the licensing issues). Heroes and Prospects seems like a really nice set however I do not really follow the AHL and CHL (although I would really like to, just no coverage in my area.) ITP looks good but again it's goalies only and I like to collect players too.

Any cards that I get that I do not collect I will be selling or trading and I am worried that ITG products may not hold value or be as collectible as Upper Deck, what do you guys think?

So in your opinion, in a nutshell... what do you guys think the best set is to obtain what I am looking for that is reasonably priced?

Thanks for any advice!

[Ray33]

if you want crazy autos, and memorabilia you have to go with the CUP. The best product in hockey.

[Pravius]

if you want crazy autos, and memorabilia you have to go with the CUP. The best product in hockey.

yea I did look into the cup.. and I really do not want to spend that much, yet. I am planning on getting some nice cards I can sell so I can start a fund to actually buy the cards I want.

I am looking for some boxes with a mid range price point. I do not mind getting a few autos/mem per box... I like the thrill of pulling a nice one every once in awhile.

I guess I am asking for some of the more popular sets that will net me some nice trade/sell material while working on getting cards for my PC.

[kdawq]

what if your into the card just for a regular card and not all the bells and whistles of autos and jersey patches?...whats the best company for plain cards with a pic of the player on the front and his stats on the back?

[marekschwarz33]

what if your into the card just for a regular card and not all the bells and whistles of autos and jersey patches?...whats the best company for plain cards with a pic of the player on the front and his stats on the back?

Definitly O pee chee

to the original poster I'd try UD series one or two, sp authentic, or ITG between the pipes. All are affordable and offer good hits

[kdawq]

Definitly O pee chee

to the original poster I'd try UD series one or two, sp authentic, or ITG between the pipes. All are affordable and offer good hits

what about upper deck, opeechee doesnt seem to have the team logo on the front of the card amd im a stickler for that...

[Pravius]

O-pee-chee is upper deck. I believe bought the rights to the name.. back on topic though please :)

What do you guys think of Artifacts? Also I really like SP authentic, Upper deck says May 4th... it's obviously not out yet.. I see UD is having some production issues with getting things out on time... any idea on the release?

[mr ozzie]

what about upper deck, opeechee doesnt seem to have the team logo on the front of the card amd im a stickler for that...

In that case, stick with Upper Deck Series 1 and Series 2. No autos, 6 rookies per box, and only a limited number of GUs per box. It's got what you're looking for in terms of player action photo on the front, and stats in the back like the old days. But, if you really want to go full retro, then I believe OPC is the way to go - which you don't like.

[mr ozzie]

O-pee-chee is upper deck. I believe bought the rights to the name.. back on topic though please :)

What do you guys think of Artifacts? Also I really like SP authentic, Upper deck says May 4th... it's obviously not out yet.. I see UD is having some production issues with getting things out on time... any idea on the release?

First, don't take the other poster's suggestion of Series 1 or Series 2 from UD. There are no autos in there, just GU hits. And second, ask yourself 3 autos per box of SP Authentic - is that even worth it for the price you pay?

[Pravius]

First, don't take the other poster's suggestion of Series 1 or Series 2 from UD. There are no autos in there, just GU hits. And second, ask yourself 3 autos per box of SP Authentic - is that even worth it for the price you pay?

What else is there though? I know we have BAP but from what I have heard about that product is it's pretty lame.. the autos are from scrubs?