Best way to "Binder" Cards?

[Skybase]

So I've decided that I do want to store most of my cards in binders on a shelf as I love being able to go back and look through cards. Especially as I learn more about current sports, players etc and I've found these side-loading pages finally that I like on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F83JT23..._mDlUEbD82HF3Q
but here's my issue. I really like the zippable binders with side-loaders and have gotten a few of them so far but the problem is that they are a set number of pages. I'm finding that I'm either ending up with lots of wasted pages or not enough, if I'm trying to put multiple sets in a binder. I can't find a happy medium without spreading sets or whatever across binders making a mess for categorizing. Even having gotten some different sized binders. I've been worried about 3-ring binders as I see what can happen, and personally have had issues with pages "sagging" in the binders...maybe I'm just using too big of binders? Going with D-Ring if I go back to binders and think overall I'd like to do this the best but..is there a decent one I should be looking for? Maybe just rubber band them closed like those elastic strab binders? (worried they'll pinch cards) or maybe it's just needing smaller rings so they don't slip as much? I think these side-loading pages will help a lot witch debris falling into pages over years, but...those of you using binders....what can you offer for advice or information?

My only issue with the side-loading pages is that they're black and of course double sided, so I'm unable to see the backs of my cards without removing them. (I'll live with that, have started cutting out the front of one pack of any set and sleeving it at the start of a new section to identify years/etc. Kinda nice to have to see the packaging anyhow)

Also, my higher value ungraded cards....Growing up they were always in binders, but do I really need to put them in like semi hard protectors or whatever and in boxes? (like cardboard graded boxes or something?)

[TimBuckTwo]

Do not do the circular rings in the binder. You will eventually pinch or indent some of the inner page cards with the ring.

Have to have the straight ones.

[Skybase]

Originally Posted by TimBuckTwo

Do not do the circular rings in the binder. You will eventually pinch or indent some of the inner page cards with the ring.

Have to have the straight ones.

This part I'd kind of figured...as in you're meaning D-Rings vs Regular Ring binders right?

[Malavon]

Correct, D-Ring binders are what you want. Except for some older Cryptozoic binders, all the "official" binders I have are D-Ring.

If there is no official binder I use "Ultra Pro 3" Collectors Album".

As far as pages, never bothered with side loaders. I use "Ultra Pro 9-Pocket Trading Card Pages - Platinum Series". If it's a standard thickness card thats not a typical 5 cent base or insert, I usually put it in a penny sleeve first. Stops the cards from moving or falling out.

As far as "debris falling in", I store mine on wooden bookshelves.

[Skybase]

Originally Posted by Malavon

Correct, D-Ring binders are what you want. Except for some older Cryptozoic binders, all the "official" binders I have are D-Ring.

If there is no official binder I use "Ultra Pro 3" Collectors Album".

As far as pages, never bothered with side loaders. I use "Ultra Pro 9-Pocket Trading Card Pages - Platinum Series". If it's a standard thickness card thats not a typical 5 cent base or insert, I usually put it in a penny sleeve first. Stops the cards from moving or falling out.

As far as "debris falling in", I store mine on wooden bookshelves.

I guess I have some that over years of storing have ended up with...who knows ..magical crap particles...haha that have found their way settling into the carded sleeves? I've seen someone mention penny sleeves upside down to protect the cards but I had a HELL of a time getting them to fit very well. Hehe but liking the info I"m getting so far regarding binders to begin with. So on bookshelves, no issues with slooping pages?

[Malavon]

Originally Posted by Skybase

I guess I have some that over years of storing have ended up with...who knows ..magical crap particles...haha that have found their way settling into the carded sleeves? I've seen someone mention penny sleeves upside down to protect the cards but I had a HELL of a time getting them to fit very well. Hehe but liking the info I"m getting so far regarding binders to begin with. So on bookshelves, no issues with slooping pages?

Never had any issues. Binders on a shelf are pretty safe as long as you handle them well.

Also, for your question about higher value cards I'm a fan of putting them in either toploaders or one-touch magnetics and storing in BCW 5000-ct "Monster" boxes.

[Skybase]

Originally Posted by Malavon

Never had any issues. Binders on a shelf are pretty safe as long as you handle them well.

Also, for your question about higher value cards I'm a fan of putting them in either toploaders or one-touch magnetics and storing in BCW 5000-ct "Monster" boxes.

I'm looking at that possibility. Sad part is that puts my really nice cards out of being easy to pull and look at. But, I guess the less "perusing" the less chance of damaging a high value card...

[Scifi Cards]

The double sided pages are great for high density storage but they suck for actually looking at your cards. And wasn't that the point of this?

Ultra-Pro make Platinum 9 Pocket Side Loading pages. Blowout does not carry them, but they are available from specialty retailers.

I find they also have a little more room in the pocket for thicker cards or adding sleeves.

Ed

[Skybase]

Originally Posted by Scifi Cards

The double sided pages are great for high density storage but they suck for actually looking at your cards. And wasn't that the point of this?

Ultra-Pro make Platinum 9 Pocket Side Loading pages. Blowout does not carry them, but they are available from specialty retailers.

I find they also have a little more room in the pocket for thicker cards or adding sleeves.

Ed

Nice, so these are clear side-loading? I will look these up then as well. It's a double-edged sword because I love the look of the black framing of cards, but yeah...can't see the backs. haha

[HiltonL]

I find the 5000 count boxes are too heavy when fully loaded. Stick to the 2-row and 3-row shoe boxes imo

Ideally, you'd store binders lying down flat (versus standing up straight, spine out) to prevent sagging and tearing at the spine from the weight.

IDK if side-loaders are better (I don't use them) but they're a viable option if you prefer side-loading.

[Skybase]

Stacking worried me more due to the pressure of additional binders being stacked on top? and of course you'd have to have them just PERFECTLY loaded to lay level as well?

[jyk913]

Originally Posted by Skybase

I guess I have some that over years of storing have ended up with...who knows ..magical crap particles...haha that have found their way settling into the carded sleeves? I've seen someone mention penny sleeves upside down to protect the cards but I had a HELL of a time getting them to fit very well. Hehe but liking the info I"m getting so far regarding binders to begin with. So on bookshelves, no issues with slooping pages?

Not all sleeves and pages will work together, I've done a lot of trial and error and have found that the best results come from using Ultra-Pro Platinum pages and different sleeves depending on the card thickness.

Standard base up to 35pt = Ultra-Pro Premium sleeves

Thicker cards up to 120 pt = Ultra-Pro Regular sleeves

Be sure to use new sleeves and pages as any with clouding or residue will cause the sleeves to sort of stick while sliding the cards into the pages. I'm sure there are multiple different combinations that will provide the same results but these are the ones i've been using for the past 3 years. (Disclaimer: once in a while you will get a sleeve that is hard to slide in just toss it and throw on a new one.)

[JMH710]

Originally Posted by jyk913

Not all sleeves and pages will work together, I've done a lot of trial and error and have found that the best results come from using Ultra-Pro Platinum pages and different sleeves depending on the card thickness.

Standard base up to 35pt = Ultra-Pro Premium sleeves

Thicker cards up to 120 pt = Ultra-Pro Regular sleeves

Be sure to use new sleeves and pages as any with clouding or residue will cause the sleeves to sort of stick while sliding the cards into the pages. I'm sure there are multiple different combinations that will provide the same results but these are the ones i've been using for the past 3 years. (Disclaimer: once in a while you will get a sleeve that is hard to slide in just toss it and throw on a new one.)

Wait, I'm supposed to put the cards in sleeves AND pages? I thought it was one or the other, at least for the low-value cards. (My nicer cards live in sleeves and toploaders in a case.)

Anyway, I had no idea about the different kinds of binders, so this has been a helpful thread for me. Time to buy a new binder.

[sportzking]

if you're planning on buying penny sleeves and putting the card in pages, pay attention to the size of the sleeve. Some care cut wider and won't fit into the pages.

[DynaEtch]

I have gone back and forth a lot in terms of how to store cards.

I've settled on the following rough scheme (I collect Marvel from 90s to current):

-Several binders for all the sets, as well as inserts. This includes the thick stock newer sets like 2016 MM and 2018 Ultra X-Men in binders. I find viewing the cards to be important, especially since these are art-based sets to be enjoyed.

-Higher dollar inserts in either sleeve/toploader or magnetics. For example 1995 MM mirage, 1994 Ultra X-Men silver x-overs, 1996 MM double impact, etc. Definitely 100pt magnetics for expensive cards from the newer thick stock releases, less chance to damage the card. I'm also leaning towards magnetics for regular stock cards that are expensive more now because less chance for the card to bend (toploaders can have a bend sometimes).

As for the binders....I've gone back and forth. I will list the three main ones and some pros/cons to each: Ultra Pro/BCW 3 inch, 3 ring binders, "Office" type 3-ring binders, and portfolio-type binders with the black pages (used commonly in gaming).

-Ultra Pro/BCW 3 inch: Standard way to store cards, D-ring, binders arguably visually better than office binders, and this is important: turning pages over the rings is smooth- more on this below.

-Office Binders (like Avery etc): these are the ones you can buy at places like Walmart.
They typically have a slant D-Ring, which is much better than round rings, but I actually prefer normal D-rings with cards. In many cases these are view binders, so you can customize and make covers for the binders, which is a plus. One thing I've noticed is the turning of the pages is not as smooth as the ultra pro/bcw binders I own. The pages can sometimes snag on the ring and you have to nudge them over.

-Portfolio type gaming binders: I like the black page look, don't like you can't see the backs or change up the pages. Thicker cards (such as 2016 MM) actually fit very nicely in this kind of binder. I also like that the binder as a whole is more compact and not as cumbersome as a large 3 inch, 3 ring binder, allowing for easier viewing. I think the way to go with these binders is to sleeve first, then put the card in the pocket. Some have a texture on the black backings on the pages, and I question if that could cause problems long-term.

I've decided to go mostly with Ultra pro 3 inch binders and platinum pages. Cards are not sleeved: this way it's not as snug, and less chance to damage a card. Also with some of the foil/UV coated cards from the 90s, I feel sleeving in binder pages might increase chance of the card sticking to the sleeve. Will try to post some pictures when I get a chance of some current ways I have cards stored. I ordered some Ultra pro-black side-loading pages for 3 ring binders and going to try and see if they work better for the newer thick stock cards.

[Skybase]

Guys, all of this information is incredibly helpful. All that I have bindered recently (not my old stuff yet unfortunately) Is penny sleeved and then in pages. I've just been debating the top-loading. Maybe need to find t hose side-loading clear pages...do have a bunch of the side-loading black pages for binders coming in. I so like the look of them. But...I still would like to see the back of the cards. So this is kinda going back and forth for me. Think I'll try some of the black ones since I do have LOTS of top-loading clear pages I've acquired, and see how they compare for me personally. My high value cards, I'm seeing that using like a magnetic case seems to be the consensus. Sadly not as easy to then find a way to store where it's easy to look at them unless I put them in like a frame or shelf on a wall or something. Problem for me is I dont' even know which cards are great sometimes myself. I'm still learning players and all all over again. haha But I do have a lot of slant D binders...didn't realize there are straight D also. This is something I'll need to look into as the D binders do, as you say, like to catch occasionally.
The Side loading binders that dont' have removable pages...I might have to hold for maybe like more standard inserts or parallels or something, not sure yet. I just don't like how many pages I'd be wasting for normal usage (and not being able to easily put new filler pages in or anything)

Lots of good info on sleeve variations, recommendations for different card thicknesses etc as well.

I've got some Relic cards in penny sleeves and paged right now too. They're pretty tight fit but felt good and snug, didnt' notice it damaging card but...now some of this info has me thinking. Wondering if time will pinch the edges etc....anyone have personal experience on this or anything?

[Cwis3man]

I've been going back and forth a lot lately, I feel like my collection is too large and if I were to binder everything it would take up a TON of space. I could never get the right combination to get the binders where I want them, so for now everything is in Ultra Pro 2 Piece Sliding Boxes.

Some of the things I've tried-

Staples 3" Better Binders - I REALLY wanted to like these as I have used them in the past. Cheap, D Ring, Sturdy, Customization is great too. Really liked all the color options so I could put my DC sets in Blue, Marvel in red, etc. The problem I had with these was sagging when storing them vertically, as well as dust and such getting into the top of the binders.

So I really wanted to get Binders with slipcases, but that brings on a whole new set of problems, so I tried these-

Lighthouse Vario-G These are really big in the stamp/coin collector world so I figured I'd try them. They met all of my needs - Slipcase, D ring, Sturdy, Looks great, Color options available (Red, Green, Blue, Black, Etc) The problem with these is they are Pricey, and even though they say they are 3" binders, the storage capacity is no where near that of a regular 3" binder, so I would need way more of these already expensive binders.

Next was Unikeep Binders - Really liked the concept of these, perfect for laying flat and stacking, cheap, D-ring, etc. The problem with these is while they are cheap in price they are also cheaply made, the drings are plastic and are basically cut outs from the outer-shell. The Capacity also isn't where I need it to be, and they are a little cramped the supper pegs on the inside on the top and bottom touch the pages, and although must say they don't damage the cards, just seeing the way the pages didn't fit properly inside made me not want to use the product.

So that led me to the ultra pro 2 piece sliding boxes for now. I wish I could find slipcases for the Staples Binders, I think that would be closer to what I'm looking for.

I haven't checked out BinderTek yet, but that may be my next experiment. - https://www.bindertek.com/one-touch-...pcase-3-spine/

Sorry for the book! I'm open to any suggestions, and if anyone is in the market for those Staples Binders, I have a bunch in Red/Blue/Black/Green I could sell for cheap.

[Skybase]

Originally Posted by Cwis3man

I've been going back and forth a lot lately, I feel like my collection is too large and if I were to binder everything it would take up a TON of space. I could never get the right combination to get the binders where I want them, so for now everything is in Ultra Pro 2 Piece Sliding Boxes.

Some of the things I've tried-

Staples 3" Better Binders - I REALLY wanted to like these as I have used them in the past. Cheap, D Ring, Sturdy, Customization is great too. Really liked all the color options so I could put my DC sets in Blue, Marvel in red, etc. The problem I had with these was sagging when storing them vertically, as well as dust and such getting into the top of the binders.

So I really wanted to get Binders with slipcases, but that brings on a whole new set of problems, so I tried these-

Lighthouse Vario-G These are really big in the stamp/coin collector world so I figured I'd try them. They met all of my needs - Slipcase, D ring, Sturdy, Looks great, Color options available (Red, Green, Blue, Black, Etc) The problem with these is they are Pricey, and even though they say they are 3" binders, the storage capacity is no where near that of a regular 3" binder, so I would need way more of these already expensive binders.

Next was Unikeep Binders - Really liked the concept of these, perfect for laying flat and stacking, cheap, D-ring, etc. The problem with these is while they are cheap in price they are also cheaply made, the drings are plastic and are basically cut outs from the outer-shell. The Capacity also isn't where I need it to be, and they are a little cramped the supper pegs on the inside on the top and bottom touch the pages, and although must say they don't damage the cards, just seeing the way the pages didn't fit properly inside made me not want to use the product.

So that led me to the ultra pro 2 piece sliding boxes for now. I wish I could find slipcases for the Staples Binders, I think that would be closer to what I'm looking for.

I haven't checked out BinderTek yet, but that may be my next experiment. - https://www.bindertek.com/one-touch-...pcase-3-spine/

Sorry for the book! I'm open to any suggestions, and if anyone is in the market for those Staples Binders, I have a bunch in Red/Blue/Black/Green I could sell for cheap.

Wow, some of these binders..like those lighthouse binders however yeah...that's pretty spendy! Same with those Unikeep but I can see what you say about the plastic rings... See, this is all helping so much! I appreciate the "book" haha Keep them coming!

[Gambit C10]

4 pocket binder pages will hold top loaded cards. The problem is the pockets are so big that the top loaders move around a bit. Blue painters tape works good at keeping them in place, but it's not attractive.

I keep all my binders stacked in a large plastic bin that I probably got from Target. The bin allows me to do two stacks and doesn't allow for the binders to move around. It's really not hard to stack them and this bin was used multiple times for moving purposes. Only issue I have is that it is super heavy!

A lot of my older sets that aren't worth much are still in O ring binders with binder pages from when I put them there in the 90s. They have always been stacked though. I was expecting damage when I went through them a few months back, but everything was fine. Some sleeves were foggy, but that didn't seem to impact the cards. One day I'll replace the pages and binders, but am in no rush.

[Rictor]

I don't collect sets, so I go with top loaders or one touch magnetics in the two-row shoe boxes. This keeps the boxes light enough to move around easily. I don't mind looking at stacks of cards out of the shoeboxes.

I used binders when I was younger and collected sports cards, but 9-pocket pages and the binders themselves didn't tend to hold up to lots of use and travel, but then I took them everywhere to trade cards with friends. If you are storing cards on shelves, it's probably fine. Personally, I don't like storing high-value cards in binders though, as I'm nervous about damage.

I bought my daughter the black side-loading binders you are talking about for her Pokemon foils, as she likes to look through them. They are very nice.

[Scottish Punk]

Originally Posted by Gambit C10

4 pocket binder pages will hold top loaded cards. The problem is the pockets are so big that the top loaders move around a bit. Blue painters tape works good at keeping them in place, but it's not attractive.

I keep all my binders stacked in a large plastic bin that I probably got from Target. The bin allows me to do two stacks and doesn't allow for the binders to move around. It's really not hard to stack them and this bin was used multiple times for moving purposes. Only issue I have is that it is super heavy!

A lot of my older sets that aren't worth much are still in O ring binders with binder pages from when I put them there in the 90s. They have always been stacked though. I was expecting damage when I went through them a few months back, but everything was fine. Some sleeves were foggy, but that didn't seem to impact the cards. One day I'll replace the pages and binders, but am in no rush.

A trick you can do with the four pocket pages. Put the toploader in a team bag and use the team bag seal to attach to page.

[Gambit C10]

Originally Posted by Scottish Punk

A trick you can do with the four pocket pages. Put the toploader in a team bag and use the team bag seal to attach to page.

Thanks! Never thought of that. Great idea!

[flyercle]

Sort of on topic - does anyone have any shelving recommendations? I'm looking for something sturdy enough to hold quite a few binders without sagging, and ideally I'd like it to be adjustable. I was originally thinking about the steel kind that seem common, but I'd prefer for them to also have sides on them as the typical metal ones don't have sides on them and the binders will just fall out sides (being picky they also have lips on the ends so if I fill a shelf, I wouldn't be able to pull out the binders on each end). Any ideas?

[Skybase]

Originally Posted by flyercle

Sort of on topic - does anyone have any shelving recommendations? I'm looking for something sturdy enough to hold quite a few binders without sagging, and ideally I'd like it to be adjustable. I was originally thinking about the steel kind that seem common, but I'd prefer for them to also have sides on them as the typical metal ones don't have sides on them and the binders will just fall out sides (being picky they also have lips on the ends so if I fill a shelf, I wouldn't be able to pull out the binders on each end). Any ideas?

This is interesting as well. I hadn't thought about the weight of a full bookshelf of cards in binders...even per shelf weight. Do you have issues then with standard bookshelves bowing from their weight??

[flyercle]

Originally Posted by Skybase

This is interesting as well. I hadn't thought about the weight of a full bookshelf of cards in binders...even per shelf weight. Do you have issues then with standard bookshelves bowing from their weight??

I do. I don't use standard binders, but have transitioned to zip folios (for a few reasons). They are amazing, but heavy. I like the idea of steel shelving because I can add shelves as needed, its easy to move should I ever relocate, etc.; and its strong. That said, it doesn't have the sides of shelves and it has the overlapping frame edges as I mentioned. I feel like someone out there has to have found a solution!