Collecting cards of trading card games (TCGs) is a hobby shared by millions around the world. There are various TCGs but the most played are Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Pokémon. Enthusiasts take good care of their cards as they don’t only hold value but also memories. Cards can be destroyed by playing, shuffling, and other heavy use which makes them lose their integrity and value. Card sleeves are your first line of defense when it comes to protecting your cards from wear and tear. Custom card sleeves became a huge trend recently as they personalize your collection and allow you to make your cards unique while protecting them.
Types of Card Sleeves
Penny Card Sleeves
Penny card sleeves are the cheapest available option to protect your cards. They are translucent on both sides and you insert the card from an opening at the top of the sleeve. They are named “penny sleeves” because you can buy a pack of 100 sleeves for a bit over a dollar. They offer the least protection among other types and they won’t hide defects on card backs. They are better than nothing and are especially affordable if you are on a tight budget.
Matte Card Sleeves
Matte card sleeves are the most popular type among players as they offer better protection for a reasonable price. They are more durable than penny sleeves and they are see-through on one side only. Having a matte side offers flexibility as you can customize the other side with any picture you want. There are custom card sleeves that are sold with pre-existing designs, and some card sleeve websites let you choose the size, design, and color.
Top-loader Card Sleeves
Similar to penny card sleeves, top-loader card sleeves are translucent on both sides, but they are the most expensive sleeve type. They offer a rigid spacious case that is resistant to bending and tearing which provides the most protection out of all sleeve types. They are suitable for larger cards or for storing multiple cards in one sleeve. To increase the protection level, especially for your most valuable cards, you may use these sleeves in combination with penny sleeves or matte sleeves.
Reasons to Use Card Sleeves (Especially Custom Ones)
While the obvious reason to use card sleeves is to protect your cards from wear and tear, there are more reasons you should know about. They will allow you to play with your valuable cards more often, as we tend to keep these cards home and only play with them in important matches. In some tournaments or even friendly games, you may get disqualified if the back of your card is marked or stained, but a matte card sleeve will prevent any rival from holding this against you. One of the most important reasons to have card sleeves, especially custom sleeves, is to differentiate your cards from other players’ cards.
In the heat of the game, the cards can get mixed and it could be a hassle to prove that certain cards are yours. Additionally, card sleeves enable you to shuffle the cards smoother with minimal sticking. When you play with customized card sleeves, you play with style and protect your cards from spills, stains, sunlight, moisture, bending, fading, and other factors.
How to Buy Custom Card Sleeves?
Typically, you can go to a store to search through custom card sleeves, but they have their own designs that may not suit your personality. Several online websites allow you to upload the design you want for your card sleeves. However, you don’t want to invest money and end up with poor quality sleeves. You have to read reviews on these websites, compare the features they offer, and the sleeves finish quality. Even if you submitted a low-resolution picture, some websites offer an option to enhance the image to look perfect on the sleeves’ backs. When you order online, make sure that you are ordering sleeves of the right size, as there are different sizes for different cards. It is more cost-efficient to buy in bulk, especially if you are planning to expand your collection shortly.
The size and durability of card sleeves are essential when you are choosing new sleeves for your collection. Custom card sleeves have been getting more popular recently as they prove ownership of cards easily and they make your decks look unique and stylish. You can customize the card sleeves online through several websites, but make sure to check the quality of their work first.