This is getting a bit insane. Another week, another 3 products hitting the shelves, only to drown collectors further into 2014. Although we understand this is the holiday season, it doesnt mean we have this much money to throw around. The interesting thing is that all three products have their fair share of nice stuff, with an unexpectedly cool look from an old favorite. Here is the breakdown.

2014 Topps Triple Threads

When I first saw the solicitation for this product, I was kind of shocked at how good it looks. Its pretty clear that Topps has given license to the team to really go outside the normal box for Triple Threads, and boy has it paid off. Baseball continues to be a train wreck, while football continues to get more sleek every year.

Here are some of the nicer cards so far:

2014 Topps Triple Threads Triple Jumbo Silhouette Booklet – BEARS

2014 Topps Triple Threads Teddy Bridgewater Triple Patch Auto

2014 Topps Triple Threads Six Auto Relic Book – Manziel, Bridgewater, Evans, Bortles, Watkins, Ebron

2014 Topps Triple Threads Martavis Bryant Transparencies Auto

I really like the base triple relic autos this year, as the off set patch configuration looks really nice. High contrast photos against dark backgrounds make things pop, and that is always a good thing when you are pulling high end cards.

My complaints continue to be ever in place for the stupid die cut phrases in these cards, as I seriously have no idea why anyone finds them the least bit interesting after all these years. Considering that the product is all stickers as well does not help it differentiate itself from other releases this week that look as good with hard signed cards.

I think Triple threads and I will never have anything more than a love to hate relationship, as cards like this just make me cringe.

2014 Panini Select

Last year, Panini complete ripped off the Chrome style brands from Topps. Spectra was Bowman Sterling, Select was Finest and Prizm was Chrome. Just goes to show the lack of ability Panini has in building equity in their own ideas. Complete fucking joke.

That being said, of all the Chrome ripoffs, Select looks and is the best of the bunch:

2014 Select Johnny Manziel Pink Border Relic Auto

2014 Select Mike Evans Orange Border Relic Auto

Of course, that didnt stop Panini from completely neutering the content in a box, removing the guaranteed auto relic and taking away two autos overall. That should make this a 70 dollar box, but instead we are forced to stomach a 110 dollar price tag. What idiot approved that one? Seriously one of the worst format decisions I have seen in a long time. Even though there are now relic cards included, I could not give less of a flying fuck.

The auto relic cards on all accounts are the stars of this product, but they are severely undercut by single autographs that are beyond hideous. Further shit stained consideration should be given to the new “MOJO!” parallel, which is the first parallel that not only should be run over by a truck, but looks like it too. Only Panini would name a parallel after the M word. Barf.

2014 SP Authentic

Since I can remember, SPA has been at the forefront of the hobby. Everyone appreciates the legacy of this product, and now thanks to more bullying by Panini, this might be the last licensed year of the product. In light of these horrible circumstances, UD deserves a fucking medal for the way this product looks. Great looking cards all around.

Here are the new look for the Patch Autos:

2014 SP Authentic Mike Evans Patch Auto

2014 SP Authentic Bishop Sankey Patch Auto

Over the last few years, the rookie auto patches have improved steadily, much to my excitement. This year is a continues the evolution, as the cards remind me of the once great set that I waited all year to collect.

Even the on card rookie and veteran autos look boss, as I think that the cool looking background does a lot to complement the player pictures and autographs. Hard signed all around makes me happy, and I am pretty surprised by how awesome the overall product turned out. Funny how an NCAA product can make licensed NFL stuff look crappy in a lot of ways.

Kudos to UD on this one.

Overall 2014 is slowly degrading into a pretty dud year. Save Odell Beckham and the WR class, this group of rookies is looking much more like 2013 than 2012, and that could not be more of a terrible situation for the hobby. Pumping out product after product in November and December regardless of licensing forecasts or autograph delays cant be the best approach available, and I am wondering how much sustainability this year provides long term.