What are the Best Sleeves for Shuffling your Deck?

uriel serjohn m. casal

Aspiring Trainer
Member
I've been using the Ultra Pro pony sleeves, and I thought it was like the matte sleeves, but upon opening, it I learned that it's the same as the one on the ETB sleeves. I was disappointed. Please help me on what sleeves to buy for easy shuffling.
 
My personal favorite is Dragon Shield, they generally come in packs of 100. There are many colors to choose from. Slightly more expensive then Ultra pro but definitely worth it.
 
I also love dragon shield just get 3 packs of 100 all the same color u have sleeves for 5 decks for about 35 bucks when buying 5 packs of 60 is like 45 bucks
 
I really like the Japanese sleeves. Pro Matte and KMC Hyper Matte will last a little longer, but I don't like how their texture feels in my hand. Japanese sleeves have a smooth back, compared to the rough backs of KMC and Pro Matte. I don't know why, but this makes a big difference to me. The art on Japanese sleeves is also great. However, they are expensive. They will last much, much longer than normal Ultra Pro sleeves, but it's still an investment.
 
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I really like the Japanese sleeves. Pro Matte and KMF Hyper Matte will last a little longer

I agree. I use these and I haven't had any issues at all; they're also really light. I've had some sleeves where it felt super awkward because it felt I was holding 1/2 lb of cards.
 
For me, KMC Hyper Matte are the best, they feel good and shuffle really easy. Also, since a majority of people use Ultra-Pro, I feel like mine kind of stand out. A YouTube channel by the name of Tolarian Community College does a lot of reviews on all kinds of tcg products, and a ton of different sleeve brands, and that channel helped me pick the best sleeves for longevity, feel, and ability to shuffle. I actually double sleeve my cards with Ultra-Pro side loading Pro-Fits to have the best seal inside the sleeve and really protect my Shaymins and secret rares.

Just to add, Matte sleeves are usually the best for shuffling, so if you can't find these brands, at least look for Matte sleeves.
 
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Ultra-pro is good bang for the buck. I really wanted Kmc Hyper Mattes to be my #1 go-to sleeve but they keep splitting on me. It's a bit disappointing so I'm using Dragon Shield now. They are much more durable and i really want to try out the Matte Dragon Shield sleeves.
 
I wrote this article to further analyze and ask for your comments and suggestions about the japanese sleeves. I bought a japanese sleeves because I heard that its quality is very good unlike any other sleeves until I had it. I noticed that the Elite Trainer Box (ETB) sleeves and it has no difference specially when it comes to the side parts of it. Its rough and very hard to shuffle sideways unlike Ultra Pro and Dragon Shield mattes whose sides are so fine and able to get through in each other easily. I'll ask japanese sleeves owners if it doesnt peel off if I shuffle it sideways? Any comments and suggestions are welcome. Thank you
 
If you are worried about ruining the artwork on the sleeves, buy over-sleeves. Most card shops sell clear perfect fits (to protect the inside card) and clear outer sleeves. Buying either will make your deck significantly thicker and can make your deck to shuffle sometimes.

If you opt out of over sleeves, 6 pile shuffling and shuffling lightly (from the side) in smaller groupings could lengthen the life of your sleeves.
 
Ultra pro matte are nice. People say they split easily but for me they don't. Just shuffle properly and there great!
 
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