In a somewhat surprising move today, we got our first look at Leaf’s inaugural foray into the football market with 2011 Draft Metal Football. These new chrome style cards are the next in a long line of un-licensed draft products looking to buy into the success of early product releases before the draft and rookie premiere takes place. Scratch that, IF the rookie premiere takes place.
When you see how terrible the other cards from this genre look, these look to be pretty much the cream of the crop. If the “Metal” technology is similar to the “Chrome” technology from Topps, I think this could be a huge win. They will have to compete with the now exclusive NCAA cards from Upper Deck, a company who is gaining a large part of sizable following that Press Pass used to have. Considering that both SAGE and Press Pass’ cards are some of the lowest valued cards on the market post-draft, Leaf may have issues. However, with every card being hard signed from the looks of things, this could give Leaf exactly the kind of response they are looking for.
Personally, I like the eTopps sort of look to the cards, and I never turn down full body, helmet on, photos over weird helmetless shots like Press Pass has resorted to. In fact, Press Pass’ cards look so terrible, I would be shocked if collectors give up on the early sets and wait for the UD College and Panini Draft products that may come out near the end of March or April.
Brian Gray definitely knew where there is money to be made or voids to be filled, and I must compliment him for venturing into the territory that Press Pass refused to go.
that actually looks quite nice, but what company is this?
These look almost identical to Platinum to me. Interested to see how the “metal” affects my outlook…
really though marketing team “super prismatic”! They can’t be for real with that. It’s almost not a complete rip off of topps.
Okay wait, I’m confused. Leaf is still a company independent of Panini? I thought Panini bought the rights to Donruss/Leaf/Playoff. Damn, I hope Leaf makes a comeback. I really liked their stuff.
So how exactly do they get away with using college uniforms when UD has the exclusive contract?
Do they get away with making “unlicensed” cards because they don’t show the logos on the uniforms/helmets?
Brian Gray of Razor basically bought out the leaf name from Panini and took all the Razor stuff with him.
wow….the name Metal seems familiar..so does the look of the product! Young Guns! really….can Leaf do anything creative or on their own??
Not impressed, looks like shit. If you don’t have the license, don’t try to make the cards.
I think that there CAN be some success for unlicensed cards, but it will always be limited. For these, as UNLICENSED cards, they look better than the competition. However, without the license, they will always play second fiddle to licensed ones. Thats inevitable.
The issue I have is, while all companies tend to borrow from each other, this is a complete copy of others ideas! not one new one…nothing innovative at all….at the end of the day combine that with no license I cant imagine anyone cares about this product…the resale values will not justify the price point
Gregg (above) = Gregg Kohn, Football Brand Manager at Upper Deck
I feel much better knowing he is worried. It means Im doing my job. BG
Gregg (et al),
First, our inital product is merely an attempt to release a popular technology quickly in an effort to satisfy those collectors who want HIGH QUALITY draft product. You can say its not innovative if you wish, however, players wishing to see shots of kids form their college years shouldnt have to settle for lower end draft products. These are visually the most stunning “Metal” card to date. The proof is in the cards. Ill let the cards to the talking. Ill make sure to send Gellman a sample right away.
Second, our second release 2011 Leaf Ultimate Draft Football is innovative. It is being announced Friday this week. 4 Cards per pack. Included are the thickest stock diecuts of all-time and more. Again, all autographs in BOTH PRODUCTS are on-card!
I understand skepticism of the draft pick market. I leave you with two thoughts:
1> for people who actually collect cards (if there are any left), draft pick products serve a meaningful purpose. Why should collectors have to “settle” for a single brand when choice is ALWAYS good for the collector? If you see the cards and like them, buy them. If you see the cards and don’t like them, don’t buy them.
2> This is the first time a company has issued PREMIUM draft pick cards early in the season that are ON CARD, GRADABLE and ASTHETICALLY PLEASING.
As I said, Ill let the cards do the rest of the talking…
Thanks for the support.. Brian Gray (Leaf Trading Cards)
P.s.- If you have constructive criticism, feedback or questions, I can be reached at Brian@leaftradingcards.com
These cards look like trash.Greg above is right, no resale value by the looks of this product. You know why the autos look so good? Probably because the guys that signed them know that they will not be signing many more, so they better make a good impression.Yet again, another low end product masquerading as something it is not.
Lucky,
To each is own.If you see these in person and think they look like trash, you are either blind or employed by a competing manufacturer. BG
Yeah. Now the market will have not 1, not 2, but 3 companies producing NCAA football cards with no logos. Sage, Press Pass, and Leaf. Just what we needed.
BTW we are having Tom Geideman on Card Corner Radio this Friday and I am planning on addressing the topic of a crowded market, no license etc. Tune in http://blogtalkradio.com/cardcornerclubradio at 10pm CST
Leaf,
I do not work for any company. I look for cards with resale value and sell them. I buy boxes and cases. Which makes me a consumer. I simply do not like the looks of the cards.Cheap comes to mind. I will say that at first sight I was unsure about contenders, but I had some great pulls. I am a very cautious buyer man. Cards just keep getting more and more expensive, and if you buy a box the chance of you getting what you want is highly unlikely. So you sell or trade it. If the resale value is terrible, then you are just helping pay the difference for someone else to improve their collection. Are you really that disconnected?
Lucky,
You havent even seen the cards. They are Metal (look like chrome). They have the most etching EVER used on this technology and the colors pop off the card. THESE CRUSH TOPPS’ CHROME TECHNOLOGY!
Ill let the cards do the talking. BG
VOTC,
At least we arent making the same stuff the other companies have been repeating for the last 7 years. No one has tried high-end draft. Our effort is a test of that market.
BG
I am anxious to see them in hand Brian. It will be interesting to see how the market reacts.