Help needed to star collecting

[jone1]

Hi all guys,
I'm an italian fan of trading cards and I'd like to start collecting something of my 4 favourite sports. On wednesday I'm going to New York for a short holiday and I want to buy some cards, so I need advices.

1) Can I find cards stores in Ny?
2) Baseball cards: what are the best sets? Donruss, Topps or Upperdeck? And what set do you think is better for starting? I noticed three sets: espn sets (upperdeck), upperdeck series (1-2) and topps baseball complete set.
3) Same question for football, hockey and basketball

Any other tips or advices?
Thanks!

[bearpup]

sets are as different as people so pick what you like

[wju2004]

1.) Wish I could help you, but not too familiar with what's in NY. I'm sure there have to be some spread out over NY, but just depends where you're going in New York. Best bet is to do a search on someplace like Yellowpages.com and see if there are many in the area you are going.

2.) Sets are just up to the collector. The best bet is to probably look at examples of different cards you see on e-bay and think about buying that set while in NY or packs, whatever you would like to do. It's all about what you enjoy. UD, Panini and Topps all make good products overall, though I'd have to say UD has some of the best designs overall...usually, though Topps Triple Threads Baseball is a nice product as well...just expensive.

3.) Again, all depends on what you want. If you're looking to build base sets, pick out the design you like and go after that. Probably easier to go after newer stuff, of course if you're going to build from broken boxes. If you're looking for GUed or Autos...just go with who and what you like.

Best bet overall is just to follow your gut. Don't let people rip you off. That's what price guides are for and most things don't sell for high book like before e-bay came along. Just take your time and think about it.

If you're looking to collect autos or GUed of players, pick who you like and go after their stuff. Don't always have to go after the most expensive stuff to get what you like.

Oh, also...fun sets to build are things like Finest and Chrome. They have some of the better looks, though they are often hard to keep in perfect condition because of their glossy look.

Just my thoughts.

[sportzking]

Welcome to NY. Depends on where you will be in NY the only decent store is Chameleons cards here is the address.
3 Maiden Ln
New York, NY 10038-4008
It's downtown by Wall street in the city.
As far as sets go only Topps make complete factory sets with bonuses. You're better off buying UD wax than sets so you can get the inserts. This also applies to football. Basketball, you would want to buy UD and the new Panini product. Sadly there is no complete sets of basketball you can buy.