Graders - Is there a certain Loupe you use?

aaron41984 · Jan 19, 2010

I'm looking to pick up a new loupe and see a ton listed on eBay. I want something with good magnification and a light. I was wondering if there is a particular brand that may be better than others. I see a lot listed with really low BIN's and would really appreciate some help from you guys here at FCB. Also when handling your cards would you rather look at them through a top load or semi rigid or remove them from all protection? I am pretty OCD about my stuff and just wondered what others practice.
Thanks in advance!
Aaron

muchuckwagon · Jan 19, 2010

Unless you are grading vintage cards, a loupe is overrated. A loupe can help detect minor surface wrinkles or restoration of vintage cards....but if you are grading chrome cards then all you need is a well light room. After you grade enough cards, you get the feel for things and it takes less than a minute to determine if a card is gradable.

Jaypers · Jan 19, 2010

I have 20/20 vision.

That said, before I bought a 10X loupe to grade my modern stuff (Chromes, etc), my results weren't nearly as good as they are now.

It's worth the investment.

aaron41984 · Jan 19, 2010

You have both been thanked... I'll just stick to what I have been doing then. I use a loupe but it has no light, that is the main thing that interested me, actually! I have never had what I would consider a disappointing percentage of gold labels but I have been going over everything with a fine tooth comb and leaving nothing to chance. One minute would be a dream compared to what I have put myself through.. ha! Maybe, I will get that good sometime!

EricInCT · Jan 19, 2010

i am blind as a bat and have never used a loupe. Probably graded 300+ cards in 2009 with very favorable results.

leatherman · Jan 19, 2010

I bought a loupe a long time ago to learn why cards received certain grades. I bought a bunch of $0.99 BGS slabs and cracked them open and studied the cards. Once I realized what they were looking at, I realized I could see them with my naked eye in bright light. The only time I use my loupe now is to view slides of insects and other objects with my daughters.

David

EricInCT · Jan 19, 2010

If I can add something:

I would rather have the right lighting than a loupe.

I use halogen lighting.....I have it on the track lighting in my office and over the range in the kitchen......I can't stress to you how important that is.

I went to a show the other day and a card I bought I thought was perfect for the surface.....I brought it home and looked at it leaning over the stove.....wow, not even close to what I thought.......I totally missed a line in a xfractor even though I was LOOKING for it under regular lighting.

Great Dealz Rob · Jan 19, 2010

No loupe, just bright lights. Simple IMO.

carrsallstars · Jan 19, 2010

Jaypers said:
I have 20/20 vision.

That said, before I bought a 10X loupe to grade my modern stuff (Chromes, etc), my results weren't nearly as good as they are now.

It's worth the investment.

Agree 100%

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