Last year, SPX was included as a part of the SPA program for the first time in close to a decade. Bottom line, it was a staple on the calendar that deserved its own product, but for whatever reason, it was used as box topper for SP Authentic. This year, SPX is back on the calendar as a standalone release, and for the most part, it looks right up to standard for what SPX can usually deliver.

I really liked SPX over the last couple of years, as the switch to jumbo swatches was definitely a great one. Additionally, the horizontal orientation and the bigger player pictures highlight the action that Upper Deck has been known to capture over the years. This year, they went back to the well, and I think the results are good by not necessarily where they would be with an NFL license. My one gripe is that the box hits are so dark by comparison to previous years, that it looks almost too progressive and busy. Its not bad looking like some of the Panini cards from last year, but I think it could be a lot better with the white instead of the black background.

Ryan Tannehill SPX Jumbo Rookie Jersey Auto

LaMichael James SPX Jumbo Rookie Jersey Auto

The Shadow Box cards are back, with slot cards that can be found in packs, and have to say that this is a welcome return. I love the shadow box cards, and to add in the slot based insertions are an awesome idea. I have yet to see autographed versions pop up, but they may be available. These are the main reasons I would chase this product.

Jim Plunkett Shadow Box Shell Card

Robert Griffin III Shadow Slot Acetate Card

The other cards are relatively par for the course as well, with the jumbo swatches being the only ones that I completely cannot stand. Jumbo swatch cards should never be on vertically oriented cards, even more so when they are designed to include an autograph on some parallels. Without a sticker, the cards look unfinished, and I stand by the fact that these and Panini’s version have similar levels of disaster.

Alshon Jeffery Jumbo Jersey Swatch Card

SPX should continue to be a focus for Upper Deck, that is a no doubter. With a reduced offering of products, I would hope that eventually it gets to be on card, as the stickers don’t present the type of look that could be possible with hard signed autographs.

I would maybe try a few packs, but as an NFL fan, im all about waiting on the other stuff that is coming down the pipeline. This should be a pre-draft product, to capitalize on the vacuum that exists there, but Upper Deck is making enough of a dent in collectors at this point that I don’t see that happening.