Cases. Holders? Cases...

[irv]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

Ok, here are the first 4 in my oversized Pro Mold 1-screw's. Very pleased with the look, but have to admit upon closer examination - there is one thing that is bugging me. The cards (with the exception of the '55 Bowman...) all move around a bit in the case in the recessed area. The 56's move up and down pretty easily. The 55 Robinson will move if I try a bit harder. Is this a big deal? I've read other articles on graded cards that move in their cases from time to time, and the consensus there was it's not really an issue - and even people who tried have not been able to damage the cards when they move them. Someone even did a test putting a graded card in a paint can shaker like they have at Home Depot, and claimed that did not damage the card. Let me know what you think...

I'm not sure if envious is the proper word, John, but I sure wish I could get those!
They look great, imo.

Thanks for sharing.

[jchcollins]

Originally Posted by irv

I'm not sure if envious is the proper word, John, but I sure wish I could get those!
They look great, imo.

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Irv. What do you think about the cards moving in the case? That bugs me. Not happy about it, but I'll go back to Card Savers if this is the case. I do occasionally like to take some cards with me places, and I don't want them bouncing around like bumper cars in their cases when I do that. Say what you will about the old non-recessed 4-screw downs, but cards didn't move in them.

[jchcollins]

Last update before I go to bed:

Got the cards out again about an hour after I had shelved them in disgust just to make sure I wasn't crazy. And I wasn't. These cases are ridiculous; the cards were moving around in them as if on greased skids. Upon closer examination, the two sides of the case even when the screw is driven as tight as it will go don't really seal on both sides. You can still wiggle the bottom piece! Shoddy.

Very disappointing, but my mid-grade, mid-fifties treasures from the earlier picture are now safe and sound back inside good ol' trustworthy Card Saver I's. I will see if there is anything I can do to return my order, but I doubt it since I opened all but one of the Pro-Mold's. Oh well, I'm out 10 bucks. Lesson learned...

[irv]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

Last update before I go to bed:

Got the cards out again about an hour after I had shelved them in disgust just to make sure I wasn't crazy. And I wasn't. These cases are ridiculous; the cards were moving around in them as if on greased skids. Upon closer examination, the two sides of the case even when the screw is driven as tight as it will go don't really seal on both sides. You can still wiggle the bottom piece! Shoddy.

Very disappointing, but my mid-grade, mid-fifties treasures from the earlier picture are now safe and sound back inside good ol' trustworthy Card Saver I's. I will see if there is anything I can do to return my order, but I doubt it since I opened all but one of the Pro-Mold's. Oh well, I'm out 10 bucks. Lesson learned...

That's disappointing to hear, John. I really thought they'd be ideal for our types of cards, but if they move around that much, then I don't blame you for being disappointed.

Just an afterthought, and one I probably wouldn't like anyways, but would putting them in sleeves help with the moving around?
I assume it would, but it would definitely take away the reason why one would purchase them for in the first place.

[JustinD]

One of the reasons I like the quality of the ultras and the lack of a screw. I once had a few pro-molds for the small bowmans that did not seem to close properly. After looking, I realized that the screw was threading both the top and bottom pieces creating a gap. After opening the hole a bit on the top piece so the threads would only catch the bottom they tightened up. This might be part of your issue.

Sorry if you are bummed on the cases.

[jchcollins]

Originally Posted by JustinD

After opening the hole a bit on the top piece so the threads would only catch the bottom they tightened up. This might be part of your issue.

Sorry if you are bummed on the cases.

That may be worth looking at too. I will continue to play around with them and report back. Of course the seller empathized with my situation, but did not offer to refund me.

[brian1961]

Originally Posted by JustinD

One of the reasons I like the quality of the ultras and the lack of a screw. I once had a few pro-molds for the small bowmans that did not seem to close properly. After looking, I realized that the screw was threading both the top and bottom pieces creating a gap. After opening the hole a bit on the top piece so the threads would only catch the bottom they tightened up. This might be part of your issue.

Sorry if you are bummed on the cases.

Thank you for this insight, Justin. That's brilliant. I was having the same trouble with my Pro-Mold one-screws. I couldn't figure out why, after tightening the pieces together sufficiently, the case was still loose!

I have a model car rat tail file that will work perfectly to open up the aperture of the top hole.

Thank you again!!!! ---Brian Powell

[jchcollins]

Originally Posted by irv

Just an afterthought, and one I probably wouldn't like anyways, but would putting them in sleeves help with the moving around?
I assume it would, but it would definitely take away the reason why one would purchase them for in the first place.

Good point and I'm actually going to try that. I ordered some penny sleeves for the larger vintage cards yesterday along with some properly sized toploaders. Not sure if the cards in the sleeves will then in turn be too big to go in the Pro Molds, but it's worth trying. I figure a card in a sleeve inside the thicker case won't look all that different than a BVG slab.

[jchcollins]

Originally Posted by irv

...but would putting them in sleeves help with the moving around?

Monday update:



Yes, vintage penny sleeves used on the cards before putting them in the Pro Mold's does solve the movement issue. It's not the most elegant solution in the world, but it works and the finished product doesn't look all that different than a BVG slab with the type of sleeve they use. The penny sleeves I have for the vintage cards are actually a tad bigger than the recessed area of the Pro Mold case, but if you are careful to center the card going in and make sure that the card itself does not land outside of the recessed area before applying the screwdriver, you will be fine. The resulting pressure on the case when closed is not sufficient enough to indent the sleeve or cause any additional strain on the card.



Honestly I think for run-of-the mill cards they will probably look cleaner in a toploader with the sleeve, but I like the idea of the rigidity and UV protection provided by the Pro Mold...(if nothing much else about the case). At least for the likes of Mantle, Robinson, and Mays.



Will see how it goes. If I get this home and decide I hate it in a day, I do finally have plenty of properly-sized top-loaders now...



-John