TriStar Pursuit: Looks Nice

[Bob Loblaw]

anyone have an MSRP?

 

[Halonut]

I don't see why most collectors would "have a tough time shelling out $90+ for a non licensed, minor league set..." I bought a couple boxes of Elite for that price.

elite extra edition has been one of the most sought after prospect driven sets since 2004. regardless of licensing, the name "donruss" still garners respect in this hobby.

 

[Kevbo]

Tristar's been around for a bit. Not on the same level as Donruss and Upper Deck were, but it's not like they're new.

For me, and being that views are different it's my opinion, that there are 2 kinds of cards produced in 2010 for baseball. Those are - licensed and unlicensed. Topps or Other.

I see your point, but things being what they are, I'm judging these products on a level ground.
This is a minor league product, so the ground gets further leveled, making my assertion (to me) even more valid. There has always been Topps and Other in the prospect world. Donruss and Upperdeck have the solid foundation of being in the big four, and therefore a staple of our hobby - but the foundation has knocked them into the category of Other. Even in a great prospecting year like 2004, Upperdeck and Donruss had to make cards that were a step down from their Bowman counterparts. 04 SP Prospects had no logos and sticker autographs, same for 04 Elite.

So what do collectors and prospectors want to see from card companies other than Topps? The same thing Tristar is giving us. Upper Deck and Donruss (panini) have a bigger name and reputation to go on, but I'm not going to buy whatever UD minor league set comes out just because it's upperdeck. Besides, all you'd get from them is sticker autographs and some fake manufactured letter patch as your box hit. pfffft. That's what I think of when UD's reputation comes into play anyway.

Elite is a great set. It's been around for a while. I've partook in Donruss my whole life and will most likely continue to do so. For prospect cards, they're a big second option. I don't argue that at all. But to discount Tristar because they've never had an MLB license? Can't do it. If there were no brand names on these unlicensed cards whatsoever, how could you pick one over the other? Only by looks and quality, oncard and sticker, hits per box, print runs, and who gets who's card out first.

I like card company competition. I'd like to see the best product win.

 

[Halonut]

i like tristar's products but they are going to have to go above and beyond in order to ditch the minor league stigma. honestly, i wish team best was still producing cards...they had simple/clean designs w/ minor league logos, on card autos and a reasonable msrp.

 

[Kevbo]

PS - I'd also like to see more products with autograph baseballs, bats, jerseys, etc..
I got into Just products for a while and opening that sort of thing is a great experience.
Those kinda things are something I don't mind getting a redemption for (hint hint)

 

[Bob Loblaw]

I'm not going to rebut your points, because for the most part you're correct -- except with the 2004 issue. Donruss and UD were already using sticker autos; that's not a new issue. While both had to either airbrush or use college logos, the hobby has accepted 2004 EEE and 2004 UDSP right on the level as any other product from 2004 Topps/Donruss/UD.

YOU can consider these cards whatever you want to. If the pricepoint is right for you, then collect what you want. That's what it's all about. My point is to the general acceptance of these cards in the hobby and pricepoint wise. They will always be below UD/Topps/Panini products. Always.

But again, collect what you want.

Tristar's been around for a bit. Not on the same level as Donruss and Upper Deck were, but it's not like they're new.

For me, and being that views are different it's my opinion, that there are 2 kinds of cards produced in 2010 for baseball. Those are - licensed and unlicensed. Topps or Other.

I see your point, but things being what they are, I'm judging these products on a level ground.
This is a minor league product, so the ground gets further leveled, making my assertion (to me) even more valid. There has always been Topps and Other in the prospect world. Donruss and Upperdeck have the solid foundation of being in the big four, and therefore a staple of our hobby - but the foundation has knocked them into the category of Other. Even in a great prospecting year like 2004, Upperdeck and Donruss had to make cards that were a step down from their Bowman counterparts. 04 SP Prospects had no logos and sticker autographs, same for 04 Elite.

So what do collectors and prospectors want to see from card companies other than Topps? The same thing Tristar is giving us. Upper Deck and Donruss (panini) have a bigger name and reputation to go on, but I'm not going to buy whatever UD minor league set comes out just because it's upperdeck. Besides, all you'd get from them is sticker autographs and some fake manufactured letter patch as your box hit. pfffft. That's what I think of when UD's reputation comes into play anyway.

Elite is a great set. It's been around for a while. I've partook in Donruss my whole life and will most likely continue to do so. For prospect cards, they're a big second option. I don't argue that at all. But to discount Tristar because they've never had an MLB license? Can't do it. If there were no brand names on these unlicensed cards whatsoever, how could you pick one over the other? Only by looks and quality, oncard and sticker, hits per box, print runs, and who gets who's card out first.

I like card company competition. I'd like to see the best product win.