They do have some good trainers and Item cards in them that are worth buying the legendary packs. In Canadian dollars I paid 30$ for two decks and calculated that I got roughly 100$ worth of cards, stuff like "N", Skyla, Muscle band, Prof Juniper, etc... oh, and a bunch of pretty nice looking Holo energy. The Pokemon are 50% ok but if you have 2 decks from the serie, its fun to play them casually.
Help The "What Should I Buy?" Thread
- Thread starter Decmaster
- Start date
Yeah, that's why I like theme decks, it gets you started on trainers and it's $12 for 60 cards. In packs, that'll get you 3 with 30 cards.
gbp? http://www.pokebeach.com/forums/thr...unity-a-list-of-standard-budget-decks.143924/
this has alot of budget decks
I found that my local Walmart had three pack blisters of guardians rising (along with s and m base set) for $12CDN. Picked up 7 of them and pulled 7 Gxs including a tapu Lele and a full art turtonator.
Not sure if the same discount is going on in the US or abroad.
Not sure if the same discount is going on in the US or abroad.
Hey there guys.
I have a few questions regarding a starting collector if they're alright to post here? This is less about where to buy cards (although that too is important) and more about storage/preservation.
The end goal at this stage would be a complete collection of each set, each promo AND each variant (including reverse holos and so on (one can dream...)
What I'd like to know of any collectors out there is what they use to store their cards. I was considering:
Ultrapro binders or toploaders preferably the official Pokemon ones
Double sleeving, both ultrapro where available.
I imagine I'd need quite large folders to accommodate both the sets and their reverse holos.
Also, do Ultrapro sleeves hold EX/GX cards quite well? I'm thinking the sleeves that are double sided with EX cards might end up damaging them. Perhaps only single sleeving cards would be best?
Lastly, are loose sleeves preferable to the folders where the sleeves are 'bound in' (toploaders?), if you will. I've always felt loose sleeves are prone to bending but the advantage would come in being able to replace them if they were damage.
Any info would be greatly appreciated! Cheers
I keep my main cards in D-ring binders and UltraPro pages. I sleeve my holo and GX cards in Dragon Shield sleeves which fit in the binder pages just fine. I keep Full Art/SR and Promos in UltraPro Side load portfolios for easier viewing. Bulk is kept in Elite Trainer Boxes with top loaders on the ends and side to prevent crushed cards and a desiccant pack. Everything but the bulk is stored in cedar lined drawers with desiccant packs for pest and moisture control.
I figured what I want to discuss/ask doesn't need an entire thread, this is a tangent (if you will) of a topic that has been beaten to death...
"Perfect fits"/inner sleeves.
This isn't, however, the dead and decomposed corpse of the "which sleeves are best" or "should I double sleeve" horse(s).
I had been using UP perfects, but became concerned about them being too tight and warping my cards (over a considerable period of time).
So, I finally decided to give KMCs a shot after a good amount of reading.
I've used over 600 of them in the past month, so I think my sample size is large enough to reach the conclusion that I have.
The consistency of KMCs is awful! The sizes and fits of the sleeves are erratic; the sleeves are more often than not too long and/or too loose.
Far too often the sleeves won't stay on when putting them in DS sleeves, they won't quite fit in the DS sleeves, corners of the sleeves will bend... it's like I'm using penny sleeves and it is a major pita. I've had this issue with UP deck/colored sleeves as well.
I read about the quality of KMC products tanking as of late, but don't recall this coming up in discussions about inners/perfects.
I never had these issues with UPs. The only problem I ever had with UP perfects was, as mentioned, them being too tight. On occasion a few were so tight that I couldn't use them (either literally or from fear of damaging the card).
I thought I was getting a fake product, so I got a pack of KMC perfects from my local shop, and the problems remained.
Based on my experience, I cannot believe that KMCs are still constantly recommended, especially considering their cost.
Anyway, to give some situational context:
I'm first and foremost a collector, if I play, I do so online.
I double sleeve my valuable and personal favorites. I then put them in a Z-folio where they remain until I reorganize or pull one out to "really show you the card."
My cards will not experience shuffling, or any friction in general.
This is my method of storage, I do not currently see any logical or economical reason to change this (change my mind?).
Considering my usage and how I'm storing them, should I actually be concerned about UP perfects warping my cards? Is this something that is blown out of proportion/only an issue when using nothing but perfect fits?
Any recommendations for perfects/inners that are not UP or KMC?
Thanks!
"Perfect fits"/inner sleeves.
This isn't, however, the dead and decomposed corpse of the "which sleeves are best" or "should I double sleeve" horse(s).
I had been using UP perfects, but became concerned about them being too tight and warping my cards (over a considerable period of time).
So, I finally decided to give KMCs a shot after a good amount of reading.
I've used over 600 of them in the past month, so I think my sample size is large enough to reach the conclusion that I have.
The consistency of KMCs is awful! The sizes and fits of the sleeves are erratic; the sleeves are more often than not too long and/or too loose.
Far too often the sleeves won't stay on when putting them in DS sleeves, they won't quite fit in the DS sleeves, corners of the sleeves will bend... it's like I'm using penny sleeves and it is a major pita. I've had this issue with UP deck/colored sleeves as well.
I read about the quality of KMC products tanking as of late, but don't recall this coming up in discussions about inners/perfects.
I never had these issues with UPs. The only problem I ever had with UP perfects was, as mentioned, them being too tight. On occasion a few were so tight that I couldn't use them (either literally or from fear of damaging the card).
I thought I was getting a fake product, so I got a pack of KMC perfects from my local shop, and the problems remained.
Based on my experience, I cannot believe that KMCs are still constantly recommended, especially considering their cost.
Anyway, to give some situational context:
I'm first and foremost a collector, if I play, I do so online.
I double sleeve my valuable and personal favorites. I then put them in a Z-folio where they remain until I reorganize or pull one out to "really show you the card."
My cards will not experience shuffling, or any friction in general.
This is my method of storage, I do not currently see any logical or economical reason to change this (change my mind?).
Considering my usage and how I'm storing them, should I actually be concerned about UP perfects warping my cards? Is this something that is blown out of proportion/only an issue when using nothing but perfect fits?
Any recommendations for perfects/inners that are not UP or KMC?
Thanks!
Why do you double sleeve? Dust protection or some other reason? Seems like single sleeving would do since the folio zips up.
Yeah, primarily. I've only recently switched to the z-folio from binders+loose pages. I'm sure the dust will be virtually eliminated. I guess at this point, it's about maximum protection.
I'm very particular about storing my things securely, obviously
Hello, everybody.
I'm new to the game and wanted see what would be a better way to get into it.
Would it be easier to buy one or two booster boxes, and if so which set(s)?
Are tins and theme decks good places to start also? I play a lot online so the online codes help too.
I'm new to the game and wanted see what would be a better way to get into it.
Would it be easier to buy one or two booster boxes, and if so which set(s)?
Are tins and theme decks good places to start also? I play a lot online so the online codes help too.
Hi b_squared,
I started back 2 months ago and got some great advice here.
Firstly are you wanting to collect or play? If you're playing I'd advise you do what I was told to and buy 2 mach strike theme decks. You can take the 4 Cynthia, 4 garchomp,gabite and gible and 4 riolu, 2 lucario to make a fun practice deck.
Then I'd strongly advise researching on YouTube, pokebeach and generally on the internet for the different decks out there to see what you'd like to build. There are staples you'll want such as Guzma but again a bit of reading will make that easier to see.
Finally I'd buy singles rather than packs or boxes, I don't know where you're from but in Europe there is a website called card market
https://www.cardmarket.com/en/Pokemon
I'd also recommend using that to buy singles if you are collecting.
Send me a DM if you want to discuss further pal, it's a massive world with so much to learn but the community is great.
Good luck pal.
I started back 2 months ago and got some great advice here.
Firstly are you wanting to collect or play? If you're playing I'd advise you do what I was told to and buy 2 mach strike theme decks. You can take the 4 Cynthia, 4 garchomp,gabite and gible and 4 riolu, 2 lucario to make a fun practice deck.
Then I'd strongly advise researching on YouTube, pokebeach and generally on the internet for the different decks out there to see what you'd like to build. There are staples you'll want such as Guzma but again a bit of reading will make that easier to see.
Finally I'd buy singles rather than packs or boxes, I don't know where you're from but in Europe there is a website called card market
https://www.cardmarket.com/en/Pokemon
I'd also recommend using that to buy singles if you are collecting.
Send me a DM if you want to discuss further pal, it's a massive world with so much to learn but the community is great.
Good luck pal.
I used to play back in the base set era and was quite successful. I'm interested in getting back into the game. I come from an MTG background and certainly a competitive player and not a collector.
Right now my time is limited so while I would like to go and play in select physical tournaments, I feel much of my time will be spent playing online.
Cost isn't a huge deal (Especially when comparing the costs to MTG) but with that said, I don't really want to be dropping hundreds frivolously.
I wasn't sure if buying bulk booster codes to explore the cards and build online would be the way to go or if it buying select cards/decks online (if thats a thing) would be better.
I feel like the best strategy wouldn't be to buy physical cards until I knew what I wanted before a IRL tournament. They would probably just gather dust otherwise.
Thanks for your help. Its much appreciated.
Right now my time is limited so while I would like to go and play in select physical tournaments, I feel much of my time will be spent playing online.
Cost isn't a huge deal (Especially when comparing the costs to MTG) but with that said, I don't really want to be dropping hundreds frivolously.
I wasn't sure if buying bulk booster codes to explore the cards and build online would be the way to go or if it buying select cards/decks online (if thats a thing) would be better.
I feel like the best strategy wouldn't be to buy physical cards until I knew what I wanted before a IRL tournament. They would probably just gather dust otherwise.
Thanks for your help. Its much appreciated.
If you're set on getting the booster box and opening packs then I would definitely recommend something from the HGSS series or Ex Crystal Guardians, the older packs are always fun to open and the artwork on the cards is definitely better than it is now. That being said if you're looking for specific cards I highly recommend buying the singles. They are usually fairly priced and you're able to easily compare prices between sites as well. The HGSS Donphan that you were referencing mainly goes for around $0.49 even for the league holo. By using reliable websites to purchase cards you are getting the cards you want without shelling out say $12 for each Triumphant Pack and risking not obtaining the cards you want. P.S. Be mindful of fake cards, buy from reliable sellers with return policies, and if the price is too good to be true it probably is.
I'm looking for a perspective on cards that are good for gameplay in standard battles preferably dark and psychic types.
Price Range: $20 (preferably more than 1 Card)
If you know of anything that may be helpful let me know the set it's from. Thanks for the help!
Price Range: $20 (preferably more than 1 Card)
If you know of anything that may be helpful let me know the set it's from. Thanks for the help!
That post was at least 6 years old lol, the HeartGold SoulSilver booster box for $90 would have been the way to go for sure. oh well hindsight is 20.20
If you have limited time I would suggest playing online, especially since we are approaching a rotation in September. If you want to get into the competitive game quickly buying codes is a good way to allow you to test decks relatively easily. To find out the value of cards online ou7c4st has listed the value of all cards that are available in terms of packs. Packs are considered and Guardians Rising is currently regarded as 1 pack of value, but will likely drop once the tapu lele box is released this fall.
The meta is currently dominated by Zoroark GX with varying partners, Buzzwole GX and Lycanroc or Garb, and Malamar variants, with rouge decks like VikaBulu/ Lapras waterbox being pretty good as well.
I think its better to start with theme deck since you don't have to think about what cards to be used in the deck and Themes games are fairer because both player are limited to play the cards inside the theme deck only. One of the theme deck, you might want to consider is Mach Strike since it is easy to play and can cause a lot of damage due to combo of Garchomp and Lucario. You can find out more strategies about this deck at here.
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I am a returning player and I am questioning buying Tapu Leles right now. I won't necessarily be financially hurt by buying them at 25-30 a piece, but it'd be a lot nicer to get them at 8-15 when the promos come out. Do you think it's worth getting more than 1 to be competitive?
The reality is, the current meta demands every deck have Tapu Lele in order to be as competitive as possible. Lele is simply so versatile in it's ability to transfer one supporter from your deck to your hand, that it's definitely worth it to spend the money and buy a few copies yourself. That being said, if you are willing to wait until the promo comes out, you will be saving quite a bit of money in the process.
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When does the promo come out?