What’s Topps In 2009

 

 

Well another year is fast approaching its end so I thought when better to write an article discussing some of the most popular sport card related products then now.  Before I go any further with my article, I wish to preface it by stating that this is an opinion piece. I have not taken any formal polls, or based it on any officially recorded stats. This article is solely based on what, I as a collector of sports cards have observed as being popular amongst the general collecting community.

     There are as many varied sport card products out there as is there are collectors who enjoy them.  The thrill for any sport card hobbyist is the “high” one gets when you bust open that pack, box, or case and find the “hit.” If a product is extremely high end and on the pricey side, many collectors turn to secondary markets such as auctions, personal trades, or splitting the cost of a high end boxes to get what they are searching for.

What Do Collectors Want?

Collectors want bang for their hard earned buck. That is the long and short of it. So card companies have to be innovative in delivering a product the will give the collector what they want, while pricing it so that it is affordable and profitable at the same time. Now that is a tall order!  Most collectors no longer go out to complete a standard set. The trend these days is collecting a team or a particular player.  Now don’t get me wrong, there are still some people out there that enjoy putting a set together, but the definition of what a set is has some what evolved over time in the hobby. A set could be of anything really. For example I know of people that are putting together the “UD Sweet Spot Classic” the various autograph memorabilia cards. I believe the at the head of class when it comes to what people want, is anything game used, or autographed and numbered cards are definitely high ranking with collectors of today.

     After thinking and pondering, and searching through tons of YouTube videos, speaking with card shop owners, and of course speaking my fellow collectors out there I have come up with a list that runs down the most popular hobby boxes for 2009 as I see it.  Once again let me stress that this is simply my opinion based on the research I have done and what I have personally found.

1. Topps Triple Threads- especially for Baseball, Football, and Basketball
2. UD Exquisite- Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hockey
3. UD Black- Baseball, Football, Basket ball, Hockey
4. UD Sweet Spot Classic-Baseball, Football,
5. UD Premier-Baseball, Football, Basketball
6. Topps Bowman Chrome-Baseball, Football, Basketball
7. Playoff Absolute- Football
8. Panini Prestige-Basketball
9. Donruss Gridiron Gear-Football
10. The Cup- Hockey

 

 

Now I realize quite a few of you will have a differing opinion in terms of what the best products were for 2009, and you know what, its okay. In terms of what to be thankful for in regards to cards for the ’09 I am just happy to say there is a variety and that’s what makes this hobby so much fun and interesting. There is room in this hobby for collecting pretty much anything and everything. The only difficulty in card collecting for me personally is defining what you want to focus on and spend your time and money on to invest in.

I feel that as each year passes the card companies are trying their level best to put out fabulous products that make us collectors swoon with glee.  The price range available for the various products is also fair for the most part, in terms of the type of calibre of card you are receiving.  The reason that I placed the Triple Threads product at the number one spot for me is because, I find it is the product that most of the people in my card community enjoy busting. And it also it gives great autograph and relic cards of numerous players.  The last reason it is my number one choice for 2009, has got to be the price point. This is a truly mid level product which gives you some higher end cards but at an affordable price.

     As a collector I am certainly looking forward to the unveiling of the new products that will become available to us in 2010.  My hands are already itching to “bust” some boxes, and my fingers are ready to rip some packs, so here’s hoping brings me some 2010 super mojo!

Cami Berardi- HAPPY NEW YEAR !!