When the Finest sell sheet was released a few months ago, I was skeptical of the different changes that were made to the product. Now that I see the way things turned out, especially on the rookie side of things, I think it turned out much better than I expected.

Here are some of the first hits up so far:

2013 Finest Tavon Austin Jumbo Jersey Auto Gold Refractor /50

2013 Finest Robert Griffin III Auto Jumbo Patch

2013 Finest Denard Robinson On Card Auto RC

2013 Finest Andrew Luck Auto Patch Prism Refractor

2013 Finest Geno Smith Auto On Card RC Blue Refractor /25

For the third year in a row, I really love the way the jumbo swatch autos look, both on the rookie side of things and the veteran side of things. They used more up close and personal photographs for the cards, and I think it adds a dynamic factor to the way the cards look. They seemed to have removed the ridiculous numbering that enraged so many people last year, and the big rookies seem to be much more spread out across the product.

I also like the base design A LOT, as I think it more represents the Finest brand better than it has in the last few years. Instead of going more futuristic, it stayed true to the higher end chrome type presentation, which works extremely well.

I think this will be a tough year until the rookies get on the field, but Chrome stock just seems to attract buyers better than any other type of product. I think when you add in great design concepts and a brand with loyal followers, it tends to work regardless of the class. I still think Topps should consider a change in configuration, aiming to make this more of an 80-dollar product with 2 auto hits, instead of 120 with two relic autos.

Don’t get me wrong, I still like the relic autos a lot, but the price point continues to be difficult to sell especially later in the year. Obviously there aren’t many people that agree with me, as this set continues to sell over dealer cost each year by a mile, so I don’t think there will be much to change.

This is the first time in 3 years that Finest has been released at this point in the year, before the flagship product, but I still think it works very well. Another solid set that has me chasing cards of my favorite players.