Any experience with Zion cases?

spmgeaux · 03-23-2023, 10:40 PM

Hi all, trying to upgrade my cases for PSA slabs. I currently have the Harbor Freight Apache 4800. The problem is in addition to not fitting just right (because not made for PSA cards), the slabs/sleeves have begun to tear up the pick apart foam that was used to create the rows. So I was looking for cases designed specifically for the slabs so there aren't any fitting issues (re: closing the lid) and the foam already has segments/rows for the cards to avoid pick apart foam. Anyone have any experience with these: https://zioncases.com/collections/fe...iath-slab-case

I don't travel with the cases or go to shows. But like the idea of being able to have everything in one case that is more protected (theoretically at least) than just the cardboard divided shoeboxes. Would love to hear any feedback on these or others that are made specifically to house a good chunk of PSA cards. Thanks!

vetting82 · 03-24-2023, 01:22 AM

I ended up going with a pelican V800 case for $229 and have 90% of my cards in it. You have to cut the foam yourself, but at least its not pull apart foam. I'm in the process of creating hardwood cases and I actually have a national foam company local so I was thinking on offering some precut inserts that would fit the Apache cases as long as Im having foam made.

Pacmeyer · 03-24-2023, 01:38 AM

There's nothing wrong with pull apart foam as long as you don't make it too thin between rows and you stick to the Pelican brand. You can't expect foam in a $50 case to withstand the same use as a $200 one.

hexthem4n · 03-24-2023, 05:37 AM

I've been using Zion cases for a couple years now and really like them.

Eckstein197 · 03-24-2023, 06:17 AM

Love my Zion cases

WizardofOz1982 · 03-24-2023, 07:12 AM

I just bought and cut EVA foam to fit my Apaches. An hour or so of work with an exacto = no more pull apart foam issue and it is still >$100 cheaper than a Pelican or Zion case.

Eckstein197 · 03-24-2023, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WizardofOz1982

I just bought and cut EVA foam to fit my Apaches. An hour or so of work with an exacto = no more pull apart foam issue and it is still >$100 cheaper than a Pelican or Zion case.

Zion cases are like 80-90 bucks, not sure on your math there

WizardofOz1982 · 03-24-2023, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eckstein197

Zion cases are like 80-90 bucks, not sure on your math there

The Zion Slab Case XL+ is $130 on their website and holds about 50% of the slabs (112 SGC vs 210 SGC) that an Apache 4800 will.

To hold 400 slabs I need two Apache 4800s or four Zion Slab Case XL+ cases.

$520 worth of Zion cases or $230 ($130 for cases and $100 for foam) for two modded Apache 4800s? What's wrong with my math?

thenightman · 03-24-2023, 08:17 AM

I bought 2 Preza graded storage cases off of Amazon and I think their great. The only issue I have is that SGC slabs are a really snug fit.

zworykin · 03-24-2023, 08:42 AM

I haven't used Zion, but I've got several of these 'Case Club' cases and like them quite a bit. The extra latches on the sides can be a bit of pain if you're opening/closing frequently, but they're also extra peace of mind, and otherwise I have no complaints.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CZWRMJC/

MrRazorback · 03-24-2023, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zworykin

I haven't used Zion, but I've got several of these 'Case Club' cases and like them quite a bit. The extra latches on the sides can be a bit of pain if you're opening/closing frequently, but they're also extra peace of mind, and otherwise I have no complaints.

You don't have any problems with the slabs being too tall in the case? I just worry about the lid causing pressure when closed. I currently have my PSA stuff in an Apache case, but I have them horizontal in the case. I definitely would like a bigger case that would allow my cards to sit vertical, whether it be one of these Case Club cases, a Zion case, or any other case out there.

zworykin · 03-24-2023, 09:59 AM

Nope, they fit great. Enough pressure from the top foam to ensure they're held snug, but no trouble closing the case or anything (if it was tight enough to actually cause any harm to a slab, you'd struggle to actually close it).

Edit: I actually just went and measured with a ruler - the slabs are about 3/4 of an inch above the rim of the bottom half of the case. The "tallest" parts of the top foam (which is an egg crate style), i.e. the parts that come DOWN into the case the furthest, stick down to just about 3/4 of an inch above the rim of the lid. In other words, most of the top foam isn't even thick enough to actually touch the slabs, only those "high points" in the egg crate pattern should actually touch the slabs at all.

NYYanksFan7 · 03-24-2023, 10:04 AM

I'm a big fan of XL graded card case from https://pastimemarketplace.com/
It only holds (60) slabs but the separation makes cards easier to find. You can see them in this video along with other graded card storage options I use. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i0Hje3JR3I

MrRazorback · 03-24-2023, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zworykin

Nope, they fit great. Enough pressure from the top foam to ensure they're held snug, but no trouble closing the case or anything (if it was tight enough to actually cause any harm to a slab, you'd struggle to actually close it).

Edit: I actually just went and measured with a ruler - the slabs are about 3/4 of an inch above the rim of the bottom half of the case. The "tallest" parts of the top foam (which is an egg crate style), i.e. the parts that come DOWN into the case the furthest, stick down to just about 3/4 of an inch above the rim of the lid. In other words, most of the top foam isn't even thick enough to actually touch the slabs, only those "high points" in the egg crate pattern should actually touch the slabs at all.

Awesome, I appreciate the insight. That might be the route I go.

Boostedwrx · 03-24-2023, 11:00 AM

I did the Slabcase XL+ around Christmas with their 20 or 25% off coupon (forgot what it was) but it made the price around $100 shipped. If you put sleeves on your PSA cards the XL+ will fit better than the XL.

linderaaron · 03-24-2023, 11:43 AM

I am also looking for a graded case for storage. I'm trying just because they are flashy. More recommendations would be very helpful to make a good decision. I currently need something that fits PSA perfectly. I've been looking at Zion cases, but I feel like they are more

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

dbodbodbo · 03-24-2023, 11:51 AM

Zion is great. cardcardcollector2 code gets you 10% off.

Furchy · 03-24-2023, 11:58 AM

My wife got me a 2 row for Christmas and I love it. Had a couple of issues early on (one wouldn't open. May have been my fault. And the next arrived broken). They took care of both issues without question. Would highly recommend.

spmgeaux · 03-24-2023, 01:01 PM

Thanks for all the feedback! Anyone have the Goliath?

seanbros55 · 03-27-2023, 01:16 PM

Anyone know if anyone sells the firmer foam inserts a la Zion?

I don’t care for the quality of the Zion case but love the insert and vice versa on my Apaches…

Eckstein197 · 03-27-2023, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WizardofOz1982

The Zion Slab Case XL+ is $130 on their website and holds about 50% of the slabs (112 SGC vs 210 SGC) that an Apache 4800 will.

To hold 400 slabs I need two Apache 4800s or four Zion Slab Case XL+ cases.

$520 worth of Zion cases or $230 ($130 for cases and $100 for foam) for two modded Apache 4800s? What's wrong with my math?

To be fair I thought you were discussing just a singular case, I did not know the specifics. Not everyone has 200+ SGC slabs. For the normal collector, they have a lot less slabs than that

Picklepete · 03-27-2023, 02:14 PM

I have 14 Zion XL cases.. They are great.

Eric1285 · 03-27-2023, 09:24 PM

For anyone using the Harbor Freight / Pelican cases with the pick a part foam, you can spray the foam with some plasti dip to greatly improve its durability. I used to get little foam bits just from taking cards out and putting them in...after plasti dipping the foam, I don't think I've ever seen a stray piece of foam since.

WizardofOz1982 · 03-28-2023, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eckstein197

To be fair I thought you were discussing just a singular case, I did not know the specifics. Not everyone has 200+ SGC slabs. For the normal collector, they have a lot less slabs than that

Even for a single case with less slabs it takes two Zion cases to equal one Apache. The price difference doesn't change much.

eastbayak · 03-28-2023, 04:41 PM

CASEMATIX: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Bought 2 of these at $49.99 per and couldn't be happier.

03-23-2023, 10:40 PM	#1
spmgeaux Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 840	Any experience with Zion cases? Hi all, trying to upgrade my cases for PSA slabs. I currently have the Harbor Freight Apache 4800. The problem is in addition to not fitting just right (because not made for PSA cards), the slabs/sleeves have begun to tear up the pick apart foam that was used to create the rows. So I was looking for cases designed specifically for the slabs so there aren't any fitting issues (re: closing the lid) and the foam already has segments/rows for the cards to avoid pick apart foam. Anyone have any experience with these: https://zioncases.com/collections/fe...iath-slab-case I don't travel with the cases or go to shows. But like the idea of being able to have everything in one case that is more protected (theoretically at least) than just the cardboard divided shoeboxes. Would love to hear any feedback on these or others that are made specifically to house a good chunk of PSA cards. Thanks!

03-24-2023, 05:37 AM	#4
hexthem4n Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: PA Posts: 2,466	I've been using Zion cases for a couple years now and really like them. __________________ #1 Chris Sale Collector (Red Sox Only)! Always buying rare Chris Sale, Xander Bogaerts, JD Martinez and other Red Sox. Some of my cards: https://rraplee.smugmug.com/

03-24-2023, 06:17 AM	#5
Eckstein197 Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 14,766 pmwrestler220 Eckstein184	Love my Zion cases __________________ Favorite teams: TB Bucs, MIN Twins, DET Red Wings PC's: Kyle Snyder, Alstott, Tristan Wirfs, Hasek, Moritz Seider, OL/K/P/FB Contenders Autos, Red Wings Young Guns, Vintage Pokémon, NCAA Bowl Patches

03-24-2023, 07:12 AM	#6
WizardofOz1982 Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Posts: 1,342 wizardofoz82 WizardOfOz1982	I just bought and cut EVA foam to fit my Apaches. An hour or so of work with an exacto = no more pull apart foam issue and it is still >$100 cheaper than a Pelican or Zion case. __________________ I PC Jeff Frye, Ozzie Smith, and Ryan Helsley. https://jefffryecollection.com - My collection website with galleries and want lists

03-24-2023, 09:59 AM	#12
zworykin Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 6,048 zworykin2	Nope, they fit great. Enough pressure from the top foam to ensure they're held snug, but no trouble closing the case or anything (if it was tight enough to actually cause any harm to a slab, you'd struggle to actually close it). Edit: I actually just went and measured with a ruler - the slabs are about 3/4 of an inch above the rim of the bottom half of the case. The "tallest" parts of the top foam (which is an egg crate style), i.e. the parts that come DOWN into the case the furthest, stick down to just about 3/4 of an inch above the rim of the lid. In other words, most of the top foam isn't even thick enough to actually touch the slabs, only those "high points" in the egg crate pattern should actually touch the slabs at all. Last edited by zworykin; 03-24-2023 at 10:04 AM.

03-24-2023, 01:22 AM	#2
vetting82 Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 782 vetting	I ended up going with a pelican V800 case for $229 and have 90% of my cards in it. You have to cut the foam yourself, but at least its not pull apart foam. I'm in the process of creating hardwood cases and I actually have a national foam company local so I was thinking on offering some precut inserts that would fit the Apache cases as long as Im having foam made.

03-24-2023, 01:38 AM	#3
Pacmeyer Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: All over Posts: 4,201	There's nothing wrong with pull apart foam as long as you don't make it too thin between rows and you stick to the Pelican brand. You can't expect foam in a $50 case to withstand the same use as a $200 one.

03-24-2023, 08:17 AM	#9
thenightman Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 6,534	I bought 2 Preza graded storage cases off of Amazon and I think their great. The only issue I have is that SGC slabs are a really snug fit.

03-24-2023, 08:42 AM	#10
zworykin Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 6,048 zworykin2	I haven't used Zion, but I've got several of these 'Case Club' cases and like them quite a bit. The extra latches on the sides can be a bit of pain if you're opening/closing frequently, but they're also extra peace of mind, and otherwise I have no complaints. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CZWRMJC/

03-24-2023, 10:04 AM	#13
NYYanksFan7 Member Join Date: May 2022 Posts: 9	I'm a big fan of XL graded card case from https://pastimemarketplace.com/ It only holds (60) slabs but the separation makes cards easier to find. You can see them in this video along with other graded card storage options I use. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i0Hje3JR3I __________________ https://www.youtube.com/c/NYYanksFan7

03-24-2023, 11:00 AM	#15
Boostedwrx Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Posts: 194	I did the Slabcase XL+ around Christmas with their 20 or 25% off coupon (forgot what it was) but it made the price around $100 shipped. If you put sleeves on your PSA cards the XL+ will fit better than the XL.

03-24-2023, 11:43 AM	#16
linderaaron Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Olympia,WA Posts: 2,077 aaro-linde	I am also looking for a graded case for storage. I'm trying just because they are flashy. More recommendations would be very helpful to make a good decision. I currently need something that fits PSA perfectly. I've been looking at Zion cases, but I feel like they are more Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk __________________ BECAUSE OF MY WORK SCHEDULE, I ONLY SHIP ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY.

03-24-2023, 11:51 AM	#17
dbodbodbo Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: San Francisco Posts: 230 mattersportscards	Zion is great. cardcardcollector2 code gets you 10% off.

03-24-2023, 11:58 AM	#18
Furchy Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: North Carolina Posts: 71 furchyfried	My wife got me a 2 row for Christmas and I love it. Had a couple of issues early on (one wouldn't open. May have been my fault. And the next arrived broken). They took care of both issues without question. Would highly recommend.

03-24-2023, 01:01 PM	#19
spmgeaux Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 840	Thanks for all the feedback! Anyone have the Goliath?

03-27-2023, 01:16 PM	#20
seanbros55 Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: From the 508 to the 707 Posts: 5,315	Anyone know if anyone sells the firmer foam inserts a la Zion? I don’t care for the quality of the Zion case but love the insert and vice versa on my Apaches…

03-27-2023, 02:14 PM	#22
Picklepete Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: FL Posts: 150 picklepete picklepete	I have 14 Zion XL cases.. They are great.

03-27-2023, 09:24 PM	#23
Eric1285 Member Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Southern California Posts: 783 mistasupreme	For anyone using the Harbor Freight / Pelican cases with the pick a part foam, you can spray the foam with some plasti dip to greatly improve its durability. I used to get little foam bits just from taking cards out and putting them in...after plasti dipping the foam, I don't think I've ever seen a stray piece of foam since.

03-28-2023, 04:41 PM	#25
eastbayak Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 15,449 eastbayak	CASEMATIX: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Bought 2 of these at $49.99 per and couldn't be happier.