PSA Slabs; waterproof...?

[newfiesig]

When searching online to see if PSA slabs are waterproof, I keep reading that they are not waterproof, but water resistant.

I have experimented with several cheap slabs to see if I can get water inside. I've submerged in water (with something weighing them down), scrubbed the seams with soaked cloths, etc. I have not been able to get even a drop of water inside around 10 random slabs I've tried on.

I've also watched a number of YouTube videos without anywhere getting in the slab.

Has anyone ever had a (non-compromised with a crack, etc.) slab take on water? Tracking that ultrasonic welding can have faults, but I personally haven't seen it (like issues I have seen with SGC).

[RufussCkingston]

Yes, when I tried to remove scratches, it was slight but in there. In theory it should be sonic sealed all the way around, but it could possibly have some micro spots where it did not weld together,

Are you planning to take some swimming? Or drop some in international waters for a smuggling expedition!

[Dereth]

I think that water "resistant" is probably more accurate. Interestingly enough, Beckett slabs are also water resistant, but SGC slabs are awful at keeping out water.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GN5zVDxpMo

[newfiesig]

Originally Posted by RufussCkingston

Yes, when I tried to remove scratches, it was slight but in there. In theory it should be sonic sealed all the way around, but it could possibly have some micro spots where it did not weld together,

Are you planning to take some swimming? Or drop some in international waters for a smuggling expedition!

When you say "in there", are you referring to the gap in the sides, or able to touch the card itself?

Oh, and I cannot confirm nor deny participation in a smuggling expedition

[rnocards]

Originally Posted by Dereth

I think that water "resistant" is probably more accurate. Interestingly enough, Beckett slabs are also water resistant, but SGC slabs are awful at keeping out water.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GN5zVDxpMo

Wow, I haven't see this video before... not good for SGC. This vid was two years ago, so I wonder if they've made any subtle changes to their slabs since then.

BGS though... I had like no doubt that it would protect the card, cause that thing is built like a tank. So, I already knew without even watching the clip that it would protect the card.

I'm at least happy that PSA passed. I mean, most of my stuff is PSA.

I would have liked to see the test for CSG/CGC... since I've started adding a few of those to my collection, but it's understandable, cause they were just getting into the sports card market and haven't really taken off yet.

Those other two in the vid, I don't really care about, and do not collect.

[The_Reverend]

The most water proof slab is BGS BECAUSE of the card being in a sealed sleeve. All others I would not trust.

[newfiesig]

Originally Posted by The_Reverend

The most water proof slab is BGS BECAUSE of the card being in a sealed sleeve. All others I would not trust.

Sure, but do you have experience with any of them letting in water?

[Dereth]

Originally Posted by rnocards

Wow, I haven't see this video before... not good for SGC. This vid was two years ago, so I wonder if they've made any subtle changes to their slabs since then.

BGS though... I had like no doubt that it would protect the card, cause that thing is built like a tank. So, I already knew without even watching the clip that it would protect the card.

I'm at least happy that PSA passed. I mean, most of my stuff is PSA.

I would have liked to see the test for CSG/CGC... since I've started adding a few of those to my collection, but it's understandable, cause they were just getting into the sports card market and haven't really taken off yet.

Those other two in the vid, I don't really care about, and do not collect.

SGC slabs are absolute garbage. Not only are they not water resistant in any way, their plastic is brittle and they are BY FAR the easiest slabs to crack. Their inserts have also been known to damage the card in the past too.

[The_Reverend]

Originally Posted by newfiesig

Sure, but do you have experience with any of them letting in water?

SGC, PSA and BGS I have. The only one that did not let in water was bgs.

[RufussCkingston]

Originally Posted by newfiesig

When you say "in there", are you referring to the gap in the sides, or able to touch the card itself?

Oh, and I cannot confirm nor deny participation in a smuggling expedition

you decide!! The slabs are a little different now, not sure if that changes the sonic welding though.

[newfiesig]

Originally Posted by RufussCkingston

you decide!! The slabs are a little different now, not sure if that changes the sonic welding though.

Card appears to be ok.

[Boostedwrx]

Originally Posted by The_Reverend

The most water proof slab is BGS BECAUSE of the card being in a sealed sleeve. All others I would not trust.

Isn't the sleeve open on all 4 corners?

[asujbl]

What the hell do people do with their slabs? Am I the only one that’s put them in a box?

Everyone else is drowning them and/or throwing them against the wall apparently

Wild stuff

[inaka]

Any of you guys know which slab best withstands a flamethrower?

[rnocards]

Originally Posted by Boostedwrx

Isn't the sleeve open on all 4 corners?

No, the BGS sleeve is sealed all around. When I crack this slab and remove the sleeve, I have to use scissors, carefully, in order to cut the top of the sleeve and remove the card.

[rnocards]

Originally Posted by asujbl

What the hell do people do with their slabs? Am I the only one that’s put them in a box?

Everyone else is drowning them and/or throwing them against the wall apparently

Wild stuff

[rnocards]

Originally Posted by inaka

Any of you guys know which slab best withstands a flamethrower?

Haha... they all fail.

Unless they come up with stainless steel slabs, which offer good fire resistance due to its high melting point of about 2500°F.

[newfiesig]

Originally Posted by asujbl

What the hell do people do with their slabs? Am I the only one that’s put them in a box?

Everyone else is drowning them and/or throwing them against the wall apparently

Wild stuff

It's good to know what slabs protects cards from moisture, dust, etc. For example, you could spill water on a slab. Or worse, you could have a flooded basement. Not only could you have a card submerged, but high humidity could creep in.

I'm quite happy with the experiments I've done; gives me piece of mind that the cards that I love are safe(ish) in slabs. At least much more so than if they were in top loaders, sleeves, or one-touch.

[CardFarmer]

Originally Posted by rnocards

Wow, I haven't see this video before... not good for SGC. This vid was two years ago, so I wonder if they've made any subtle changes to their slabs since then.

BGS though... I had like no doubt that it would protect the card, cause that thing is built like a tank. So, I already knew without even watching the clip that it would protect the card.

I'm at least happy that PSA passed. I mean, most of my stuff is PSA.

I would have liked to see the test for CSG/CGC... since I've started adding a few of those to my collection, but it's understandable, cause they were just getting into the sports card market and haven't really taken off yet.

Those other two in the vid, I don't really care about, and do not collect.

Considering I can snap cards out of SGC slabs with just my bare hands, this isn't surprising.

[newfiesig]

Put a card in my daughter's 10 gallon fish tanknfor a week. No issues.