New to collecting

[stodg]

I am new to collecting hockey cards. What are the best boxes to purchase for around $100 and down? I bought a few Upper Deck Ice and Black Diamond boxes the last couple of months and they seemed to be decent. I recently purchased a couple of 08/09 SPX boxes and a box of 09/10 SP Authentic that should be receiving soon. Any other boxes I should be looking at buying? Thanks for any input you might have.

[Wolvescry]

It completely depends on what you're hoping to get out of the boxes - that determination will really help us give you some advice. Do you want rookies? Jerseys/memorabilia? Autos? Would you rather have some solid hits or a chance for a big home run pull? Favourite players you're trying to get? Are you a set builder? There's a few to get you started... ;-)

[mr ozzie]

Welcome aboard! My advice for you is to stay away from products that have redemption cards in them. This is something that a new collector shouldn't experience until later in their hobby career when they have a better feel for the industry. Having said that, you seem to know your budget - which is a good thing. However, as Wolvescry has stated, we would like to know what type of cards you are particularly interested in.

[stodg]

Thanks for the responses! I am looking at getting jersey/autograph/memorabilia and perhaps the chance for a home run pull every once in a while. My favourite players are Shea Weber and Patrick Hornqvist (yes...I am a Preds fan). I started collecting some of Stamkos as well. I am not a set builder. I hope this helps. My wife gave me a budget of $200/mth so there is potential of buying some higher priced boxes, especially since I control our budget. :)

[The Germinator]

You can try SPA and maybe Ultimate if you feel lucky.

Ultimate has 4-5 cards per tin and its about 100$ shipped.
You will get like 1 base card, maybe 2 autos and 1-2 game-used. And you have a chance to get a 'Rookie shield' wich are 1/1.

[Wolvescry]

$200 a month...this time of the year, with all the higher end stuff coming out, you can get two Ultimate, two SPA (give or take), or a couple of the new Premier when it comes out in a few weeks. Or go in with a friend for one tin of The Cup. :-) The Cup is a huge gamble for a single tin. Actually, a single tin/box/pack is always a gamble when you buy stuff like I mentioned above. You can mitigate your costs and potential losses by going more midrange such as Ice or Be A Player. An auto in every pack of Be A Player, a dual in every box, some rookie jerseys, and some high-end hits possible with 3 or more autos on a card. Might not be a bad place to start. If you have little tolerance for volatility in your packs, though, this can be a scary hobby sometimes...but when you get a nice, fat hit...it is SO much fun!!

[The Germinator]

Yeah BAP is a nice product. Alot of auto and some game-used.
If you dont like rookie, dont buy ICE.

[HammerHawks]

Welcome to the hobby, you will really enjoy it. On a side note, I have a nice Hornqvist to get you started, PM on the way.

I'd say go with some 06-07 and 08-09 and of course, 09-10. Maybe Flair Showcase (about $30), you get 3 hits per box (2 JSYs, 1 AU), one parallel, and a decent shot at a Weber RC since he's in the base set.

Not much from 08-09 that promises a Hornqvist, but maybe something like a couple UD 1, 6 RCs per box, 2 jerseys, and possibly a parallel, with an outside shot at an auto.

2009-10, go with Ultimate Collection. Really have only seen three bad packs. Have seen some MONSTER hits already. While it is a risk, it seems like if you buy 2 or 3 packs, you'll be okay. Another option is UD Champs. You will get 3-4 hits per box and 5 or so rookies. There is also the chance to get some pretty sweet redemptions for bones, teeth, etc. of animals. Lots of parallels and inserts too.

Also, make sure you are very familiar with the website. Feel free to ask ANY questions. Make a few friends that you can rely on and will support you and look out for you. Get to know some of the SCF staff (Rich, RGM81; Don, doniceage; etc.). Be active, get your name out there. When someone gets a nice Weber or Hornqvist, you want them to automatically think "I bet stodg could use this!".

Most importantly, remember, it is a HOBBY. ENJOY IT AND HAVE FUN! Don't let money get in the way.

Again, good luck with whatever you decide to bust! Please keep me in mind for any Hawks or Bogosian!

Eric

[kevhur]

Thanks for the responses! I am looking at getting jersey/autograph/memorabilia and perhaps the chance for a home run pull every once in a while. My favourite players are Shea Weber and Patrick Hornqvist (yes...I am a Preds fan). I started collecting some of Stamkos as well. I am not a set builder. I hope this helps. My wife gave me a budget of $200/mth so there is potential of buying some higher priced boxes, especially since I control our budget. :)

I have a few Patrick Hornqvist I can get you started with, when you have time send me a pm for a list

[stodg]

Thanks again everyone for the responses!!! In one of my 08/09 Black Diamond boxes I pulled a John-Michael Liles Onyx Quad Jersey numbered to 10. How rare is that?