I find this kind of funny. When Topps Platinum was released back in 2009, I hated it. I hated it so much that I pretty much took a week to blast it to shreds on this site. Since that time, it has actually become a pretty solid product that gives some really nice content.

Here are some of the bigger hits posted so far:

2014 Topps Platinum Johnny Manziel Auto Jumbo Patch Refractor

2014 Topps Platinum Odell Beckham Gold Refractor Auto /15

2014 Topps Platinum Mike Evans Red Refractor Auto /5

2014 Topps Platinum Sammy Watkins Pulsar Refractor Auto /50

The thing is, Platinum usually doesnt come this late in the year, which has hurt the equity it might have had in the market. Its usually the product released right after Finest, and that gives a lot of weight to the on card autographs that make this product so awesome.

This year’s product is still the same format as it always has been, with an improved design and an improved class over 2013. Yet, because we have already had Chrome and Finest, all of a sudden Platinum becomes less of a big deal. Platinum used to come out before there were on card autos with photo shoot pictures, now Chrome's release takes that away.

I really like the base design this year, as the way the layout is done gives things a very good look overall. The swooping lines and fluid design of the borders are really nice, and this is amplified when adding in the on card autographs on the RCs.

The base patch auto design is also solid, as the Chrome stock and team color embellishments really do well for this type of a card. I really hate that they used a big white box approach for the colored refractors, as it really takes away from a really nice looking card. Man I fucking hate the big white box. Ugh.

Bottom line, any product that has Superfractors will sell, and though the SP list is in full effect, no one will have a problem dropping 90 bucks for a chance at a really nice card. I just wish it was easier to pull the big names, which we all know cant happen due to the cost of production. Just takes away from an overall better experience with this stuff, and that is a bad thing. However, when you do pull a big hit, lets just hope the SP factor will help the value. With Chrome, so far, it hasnt, so I am not going to hold my breath.