Need help on choosing a brand

[Sandeep]

Hello, I'm fairly new to collecting hockey cards, well other than Fleer Ultra. I'd like to get my hands on a Hobby Box.

But I'm unsure which is best.
I think the 3 options would be:
Artifacts
Black Diamond
and SPX

But I have no idea which I should get.

Any help?

[Bostonfan46]

i think artifacts would be your best choice

a rookie redemtion
3 jerseys
1 auto
and other rookie/star inserts #'d to 999 or less

[doniceage]

Let me ask you what are you trying to get out of your box. Rookies, crazy swatches, a 1 of 1, etc? Just asking as each brand has their own nice. Glad to see a new collector in the fold.

DON

[Sandeep]

Well right now I'm just looking for whichever one can give me some pretty sweet cards :P
Not too picky on like Rookie Cards just looking to add some sweet auto/jersey cards to my tiny collection.

[Goose97]

You'll get something from all three. Black diamond is okay, and SPx will give you rookie jersey auto's. Artifacts will give more short printed variations, but for the money your spending, I wouldn't count out looking at getting a box of each Heroes, and Prospects, or Between the Pipes. Even Champs.

As well if you want to spend a little more, try looking at Trilogy, for Mid-high end product. I did very well on three boxes of this.

[Sandeep]

Well "hits" over base cards. I dont mind if I dont get as many cards total, just care about the hits like mem cards, autos, redemptions, rookies, numbered ect.

I only have 2 jersey cards, and one signed one, which I got signed at a player meeting so I'm looking to add some to my collection.

[CoolHandLuke]

Each one will give you what you want in limited number so you are looking to maybe 4 nice cards. Why not look at each design from each set and see if one attrack you more. SPX can get you a auto memorabilia on a rookie card and that can make for a really nice card. I also like SPX design as it's different from many other sets out there.

Artifact is a lot about serial serie. So for each base then you have tons of parralel each with smaller and smaller print run. I tend to have less fun opening those but some love doing the rainbow if a base player.

Black diamond can also be a nice set but I personally do not like the rookie and think that just for this I tend to buy less of this product.

I guess I could suggest you SPX for nice rookie with memorabilia and lower print run rookie will have auto. I think this bring you closer to what higher end set rookie can bring you.

Hit just one nice rookie and you will be happy to have bought such box.

But in the end, all three can bring you what you look for.

[scottyt100]

Depending on what you want to spend If you want Memorabila and Auto's
SP Game Used would be your best for that.....
It is a little pricey.
What I have found is that all products have there sweet hits just depends on how lucky you are.....
ITG stuff is really nice as well if you like players pictured in there JR jerseys.
What does everybody think of Panini getting into the game????

[MatsSundin13Rocks]

Well "hits" over base cards. I dont mind if I dont get as many cards total, just care about the hits like mem cards, autos, redemptions, rookies, numbered ect.

I only have 2 jersey cards, and one signed one, which I got signed at a player meeting so I'm looking to add some to my collection.

Easily pick Artifacts. Artifacts you have a chance at a patch card in some boxes, rare 1/1 cards, auto per box, rookie redemption per box, 1 multi player jersey or patch card per box. 1 hit in each pack. Not too much base.

Black Diamond is a base set with 4 levels of limited base and rookies. Also inserts, parallels, 2 jerseys, and autos 1 in 2 boxes.

[mr ozzie]

If you want "Hits" over base, I suggest moving up to UD Black or OPC Premier, and possibly UD Cup or ITG UM9 - the latter will get you exactly what you're looking for. Good luck.