Player TCGs (Trading card games), such as Yu-gi-oh! and Pokémon, can be financially and sentimentally valuable. Keeping them in good condition is essential for both protecting their value and preserving them for future enjoyment. But many players and collectors claim that sleeving cards and storing them in a binder are one way to do this. With that in mind, should you sleeve cards in a binder?
When you have multiple cards in a pocket, you can protect them from friction and scratches by sleeving them in a binder. Sleeved cards in a binder can also prevent them from sticking or deteriorating in certain weather conditions. Remember that most binders require the sleeves to be a perfect fit.
Using sleeves designed explicitly for trading cards, such as perfect-fit sleeves, will provide optimal protection and organization. Not only will this protect the cards’ value, but it also provides a professional look and easy access to the cards. Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to identify to help you make the best decision for your valuable cards.
Are Sleeving And Binding The Best Protection For Your Cards?
It is imperative to note that not all binders are created equal, and bad binder behavior can damage your cards. This can include using “o-ring” binders that cause dented and creased cards and generic, low-quality binder pages that scratch and discolor your cards. You can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your cards by using high-quality D-ring binders and acid-free PVC sleeves.
Additionally, it is not necessary to double-sleeve your cards before placing them in a binder, as the binder itself provides a level of protection. Double sleeving may be needed for particularly valuable cards, and many people find peace of mind putting them in sleeves.
Suppose you are planning on getting your cards graded by PSA. In that case, it is also worth considering storing them elsewhere rather than in a binder, as the potential for damage may bring down the grade of the card.
Must You Sleeve Every Card?
Using sleeves to protect your trading cards is an excellent way to ensure they remain in good condition. However, not all cards need to be sleeved; only those that have significant value or are slightly damaged or marked. If you own many cards and purchase booster packs every week, note that sleeving every card can become expensive. Often, the most common practice is as follows:
- Sleeve what you have chosen to use
- High trades should go into binders
- Any excess cards that do not meet the above should go into storage boxes
Also, keep in mind the climate that you live in. For example, Texas is known for ridiculously high humidity. If you have any high-tradeable cards or use the vast majority of your cards, consider sleeving to avoid severe foils and to bow.
On a different note, rules around sleeves can be strict in tournaments and events, so you must ensure your cards are compliant before playing.
The sleeves on your deck must be the same size, color, and texture and are in good condition to prevent unfair advantages. When using sleeves, ensure they cover the entire card completely, leaving no portion sticking out. Also, ensure that they are not reflective enough to determine the faces of cards in the deck.
It’s also important to be aware that sleeves can get damaged, and it’s best to have spare sleeves on hand. Consider whether you should sleeve your cards based on the value and condition of the cards, the potential for damage during gameplay, and any rules set by tournament organizers.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Sleeving Cards?
While sleeves have more pros than cons, there are a few aspects that you need to consider before deciding to go all in and sleeve up your entire collection. That said, keep the following in mind:
- Cost: One of the main disadvantages of sleeving cards is the cost. While cheaper options are available, the best-quality sleeves can be expensive, especially for games with many cards. This can make it difficult for players to justify the cost.
- Glare and Visibility: Another potential downside is the impact on visibility and the overall appearance of the cards. Because sleeves are made of plastic, they can create glare and affect the clarity of the image. Investing in high-quality sleeves that minimize glare and maintain image clarity is essential.
- Time-consuming: Sleeving cards is a time-consuming process, especially when you have a large number of cards. It can take hours to sleeve each card manually.
- Shuffling: Another potential downside is that sleeves may make it harder to riffle-shuffle the cards. This is something to consider if you prefer to riffle shuffle and your deck is not too thick.
- Deck size: Sleeving cards can also increase the deck’s overall size, making it difficult to fit in an insert or case.
- Environmental impact: Finally, plastic sleeves have an ecological impact. As more people become conscious of the excessive use of plastic, this may be a factor to consider.
Binders: Should Two Cards Fit Into The Same Pocket?
When it comes to storing your trading cards in a binder, it is generally recommended to use individual pockets for each card. This is because most binder pockets are designed to hold one card and a sleeve, and placing two cards in the same pocket can increase the risk of scratches and friction damage to both cards.
Additionally, suppose you’re looking to get your cards graded by PSA. In that case, you’ll need to store them in individual sleeves without touching each other.
Another critical factor to consider is the type of sleeves you use. Investing in high-quality, acid-free sleeves can help protect your cards from discoloration and erosion over time. It’s also worth noting that placing two cards in the same pocket can also prevent the binder from closing correctly. This can lead to warping and damage to the cards (specifically in O-ring binders).
In general, using binders for card storage can provide easy organization and accessibility to your collection, as well as added protection from scratches and wear. However, it’s vital to be mindful of the type of binder and sleeves used and your cards’ value and potential grading. Opting for high-quality options and consulting with experts can ensure optimal protection for your collection.
Some of the best-recommended binders include:
- Vault Exo-Tec Premium Zip Binder
VaultX offers an excellent water-resistant product, dustproof and side loaded for extra safety. A 12-month warranty also backs it.
- TopDeck 500 Card Pocket Binder Pro
TopDeck offers a 500+ capacity binder designed to maintain the standard nine pockets per page look with built-in pages. It uses archival-safe, acid-free, non-PVC material to preserve cards. It features a PU leather tassel and YKK zipper design for easy opening and closing.
Its side-loading pockets are designed to keep cards securely in place and in mint condition, and it is fitted to match a wide range of TCGs.
- Ultra Pro Deck Builders Premium
An excellent binder for keeping trading card playsets is the Deck Builder’s PRO-Binder. Each page has a textured black pattern with four holes to frame the cards. For security, the binder has a zip closure, and the pockets are side-loading to keep the cards in place.
With Deck Protector sleeves, it can accommodate up to 480 standard-sized cards and is composed of archival-safe and acid-free materials.
Conclusion
Storing your cards in a binder with sleeves can be an excellent option for preserving and organizing your collection, but it is essential to be mindful of the type of binder and sleeves you use. Consider your cards’ value and potential grading, and opt for high-quality binders and sleeves to ensure optimal protection for your collection. So don’t let your cards get bent out of shape; sleeve ’em up!”