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identify7Chris: The batter up cards offer several advantages over their competitors. But, in my opinion, their competitors also offer many advantages as well. Specifically, the main duotone cards which I focus on are those of the Exhibit Supplt Co. (please see Lipsett Auction Lot #213), and related cards termed w517.
The w517s comprise a greater variety of duotone colors than the others, while the Exhibits have colors which are most striking.
Regarding Batter Ups, the colors available for the low numbered series are defined on the Old Cardboard website, with the possible inclusion of a grey tint. As far as the higher numbered series, the colors available are often more subtle and more integrated. I recently lost a bid on a card which was primarilly grey, but included purple highlights. I own cards which could be accurately described as forest green, and steel blue with tan highlights. I own other high number batter ups which exhibit less attractive coloration - but by no means are high number batter ups only available in black and white.
As shown by Brad Green above, it makes for a relatively tremendous presentation the assembly of multiple colors for a single card. This is the point of the Lipsett Lot #213 (I am not the seller). This can be achieved with the most number of (color variety) cards if you choose the w517 option.
However, if you prefer batter ups, you can select a player who exists in both the high and low numbered series, although likely in different poses.
Edited to add: And there are some serious collectors of this material. I can only imagine what their collections include, and what their awareness level is.
I recently had a friend buy an entire set of w517s. He was impressed with the colors. The next thing he purchased was a partial set of w517s.