Last year, Topps Prime was released to limited fanfare. It was one of those products that really didnt offer much to collectors outside of more of the same stuff we get all year long. More booklets, more hit per pack junk, a lot of stuff that really had nothing new to add. This year, Topps has been stepping it up in the design department, especially from what we have seen from the Rookie Premiere coverage. 2011 Prime, on the other hand, doesnt bring much more to the table, at least at this point in the game.
Although we are finally getting a great look at the Premiere photos that were taken last weekend, this product’s design leaves a lot to be desired. The booklet cards are basically the exact same design from last year, and the jumbo patches have elements on the card that cover up the player. I REALLY hate that from a design perspective. Also, the fact that event used cop outs footballs are making it into this type of mid end product is something I wouldnt expect from Panini, but not from any other company. Its the stuff that makes my blood boil. I freaking HATE event used footballs. Its a ridiculously stupid concept for something to be cut up and put into cards. Gee, thanks, a piece of a football that was tossed around for a few seconds. Nice.
I really like the base autos, as I think they are looking better than a lot of the stuff that will most likely come out of this product. Its a simple design with FULL game style photos, a tactic that is VASTLY underused in cards. I also somewhat like the Gabbert style booklet, but those were some of the rarest hits in the product last year. Its a better design than 2010 Prime, but not that much different. Other than that, I think most of this will have to be something that I pass on.
I think they did a pretty good job with the picture/swatch ratio on the quad jersey hits. Usually the designs on those are awful.
I don’t see how event used footballs are any worse than event used jerseys. In either case, both were touched or worn for a few seconds and then cut up.
Instead of buying this product with cut up footballs, I’d recommend buying an whole official NFL “Duke” football. They are real leather, made in the Ohio, and are the same balls that are used in NFL games or rookie premieres. That Locker 1/1 with the gold NFL logo comes from these footballs. They retail around $80-$100. It’s a cool item to own and throw around and gets you closer to the game than a box of cut-up, sticker auto calendar filler.
I disagree that Topps Prime brings nothing to the table…these had the single-best-designed base set of the year last year. 😛
Sadly, that does nothing to drive value for a $100 box, but it’s better than can claim.
The 2010 Topps Prime Base Vet and Rookies I thought were very well done. The card stock was thick, base rookies were numbered to 999 and both the Vets and Rookies had parallels from 999 to 1/1’s. I pulled a blue Austin Miles /50, two Red Rookies numberd to 75. The thick stock these cards are printed on give them a more sturdy feel. The inserts and auto’s I was disappointed but unlike Panini at least Topps Prime, compared to Absolute, doesn’t have the FOIL the scratches easy. It is expensive to try and collect the set but a 2010 Topps Prime set would be nice to have. I am actually looking forward to 2011, it looks like the 2nd, 3rd and 4th qtr relics have improved as for the rest I agree with the booklets and too much relic, very little of the player.
I completely agree. My fault.