Help a Newbie get Started

[whatsabluejacket]

Hi everyone -

I've been reading old posts in the forum for the past week trying to learn as much as possible. Wow, has it been eye-opening!

My 8 year old son loves hockey cards and I've been buying him random packs of basic cards. I myself have never really collected cards before. I have some old baseball cards from the early 90's but that's about the extent of my collecting.

Last week, I wandered into a card shop for the first time in 20 years and was overwhelmed! I bought a pack of BAP and actually had no idea they sold a single pack of cards for that much money!

Bottom line, I'd like to start collecting with my two sons and I'm trying to determine the best way to get started. I had no idea there were so many different card types, brands within brands, etc. Since I haven't even begun I don't know what direction my personal collection will take. We are Blue Jackets fans, my son loves the big name guys, and all my kids play hockey which adds to the excitement and level of involvement.

I've narrowed it down to maybe buying a box of 06/07 SPA and some boxes of SPA from more recent years. I was also considering a box of 05/06 Series 1 and some Series 1 and 2 from more recent years.

I guess I need a starting point. That probably sounds crazy to most of you who've been doing this in one form or another for as long as you can remember. Here I am, 38 years old, and I have no idea how to begin.

In all honesty, the last thing I need is another hobby, but I know this is something my sons and I can enjoy together for years to come.

I know I'm asking some broad questions here but I really am the biggest newbie you've ever seen. Thanks for any direction you can provide.

[Prime B]

I could go on for hours as to what to try and do but I'll keep it simple.

If they have a favorite player, try that angle for single cards, get as many as you can of the player within your budget.

As far as previous years releases for boxes of cards, UD Series 1 is always a fun break and pretty affordable.

Starting with this years products, Panini just entered the market and might be very kid-friendly, especially with their newest release Score.

It is affordable and fun for the kids. I would highly recommend it.

That's just the tip of the iceberg but see what you like and go from there. The possibilities are endless whether you want to focus on a certain player, team, building entire sets, so much the hobby has to offer.

Just make sure you have fun!

[joecoolio]

It all depends on what you want. Rookies - Start with Series 1 and 2. Game Used Memorabilia - Go with SP Game Used, Ultimate etc. Autos - Definitely BAP or a higher end product. There is also lower end sets that you can collect with your kids that shouldn't run you much more than 1 dollar per pack.

[KangoBass]

I would say set building has been some of the best parts of the hobby for me. You and your son should set a goal, I.E. Cup Base Set, Retro Set and so on and focus on that achievement until it's complete. Then move on to another goal. Try to trade as much as possible and teach your son how to deal and communicate with people. IMO this adds to the fun. It's the best feeling to meet that accomplishment and then you can share it with the rest of the collector world.

[skyride39]

I would just start with UD Series 1 and 2. You and your son's expectations will be tempered, meaning if you started opening a box of SP Authentic together expecting to pull Tavares, Stamkos, Crosby or whoever and pulled some really crappy autos instead, it would be hard to hide your natural reaction of frustration and disappointment from the young one, especially after paying so much money for a box. you probably want to keep it separate where you buy him only the low end stuff and you only pull the high end stuff on your own.

[gotpuck1984]

I think these guys have summed up pretty much everything I would have to tell you. just on a side note about the price of a pack of BAP.. Be glad you didnt sticker prices for a product called 'The Cup' hehe. Enjoy getting into the hobby as i returned after about 20 years myself earlier this year. Cheers

[flemingc04]

I also suggest starting with UD1. The Young Guns hold their value fairly well compared to some other sets and are the must have rookies for any player collector's set. SPA is also a fun break. 3 autos on average and the posibility of one being a patch.

To be honest, I would suggest staying away from buying a box of 05-06 UD1 as the boxes sell extremely high only because you have the chance of pulling a Crosby YG. I think the boxes usually sell for about $300 and for that money you may as well just buy yourself a nice Crosby YG and inspect it before you spend the money. With that said, UD2 from 05-06 and any other series from UD afterwards are priced fairly well.

Another quick tip is to understand the different between retail and hobby packs. Hobby packs are generally sold through card stores and other dealers while retail packs are commonly found in other stores like Walmart, Toys 'R' Us, etc. Retail is usually cheaper, and the odds of hitting something like a YG are usually tougher. Plus, some case hits are other insert sets can not be found in many retail packs (like UD Game Patches, printing plates, etc.).

[whatsabluejacket]

Thanks for all the quick replies! Great information all around. The one thing that probably overwhelmed me the most was number of different 'brands' UD offers (not to mention the other brands) so I like the idea of just starting out with the Series 1 and 2 stuff for now. I also think it offers the best price point for what I'm trying to accomplish with my young boys.

On a side note, I can see me wanting some of my own stuff as well. I was all fired up about buying some of "The Cup" until I fully realized that there are only 4 cards in the entire tin! That is still a hard pill to swallow and I think I'll stay with lower / mid-range stuff for now!

I can see how this can get pretty addictive in a short amount of time!

[skyride39]

if you ever want to watch box breaks and see what comes out of it, just go to youtube and search for hockey box breaks. Watching other people open boxes is just as fun and you'll get an idea of what you like and don't like.

[MasonRaymond0320]

Hey there

Welcome to SCF! I know how you feel...I remember starting up collecting, last year, and I had no idea that there would be so many products. Like a couple others have said...go with Panini score, or UD Victory. Extremely fun to open, for only $1 a pack. But I say don't buy the older products. A lot of the hits will be taken, and it will be more dificult to trade/sell one of the bigger hits. If I were to bust a box open, I would bust a 09-10 or a 10-11 box open. But my best advice would to buy singles. My thinking is: "why spend $100 on a mid end box, when you can get a Sidney Crosby or an Alexander ovechkin autograph for the same price!?" You will be likely disapointed with your break unless youg et some crazy hit. I say stick with singles, and just buy the few occasional packs/boxes.

Hope this helps :)

Andrew