4 cards, all hits, 3 autos, 1 booklet card, $200.
Normally we don’t bring up price for several reasons. 1 – prices change over time. 2 – the question of value can be subjective. For some $4 a pack is expensive, for
others $200 a box is nothing. But
with 2011-12 Panini Preferred Basketball we felt it necessary to bring up price
to emphasis the level of the “high risk, high reward” nature of this box.
Now lets move to the bulk of the review, the cards. There are four styles of autograph
cards you can pull. The Panini
Preferred Signatures that are standard cards with autographs, Panini Choice
Awards styled after the old Cramer’s Choice Award triangular die cuts, the
impressive Crown Royale Silhouettes and the Crown Royal die cut signature cards. There is also a 6 to 8 swatch booklet
card in every box.
Preferred is unquestionably in our ultra premium cards
category. Each box contains 4
cards, three autographs and one booklet card.
Here are the cards we pulled from our box.
Ekpe Udoh Preferred Signatures #/49, Darryl Dawkins Preferred Signatures #/74
Brandon Jennings Sihlouette Material/Auto #/49
Preferred 7 swatch booklet "Assists" Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Tony Parker, Derrick Rose, Dwayne Wade, Chris Paul & Rajon Rondo
Overall Look
We have already established how great the Silhouettes are
and the die cut award and Royale cards are also good looking. Normally I don’t have an issue with
sticker autos and I understand the production process enough to know how going
all on-card for a product is difficult, but at $50 a card, the non-recessed or framed
sticker autos are definitely not Preferred, a real shame in a product that
otherwise is outstanding.
Quality and Variety of Players
Because of the lockout, there are no rookie cards in this product,
which enhances the checklist for me personally. I prefer my high end products to be mainly proven players with established appeal. I am aware that hot rookies can drive a product and bring big money for
those who flip cards, but it increases the risk for anyone who is
holding onto these cards long term as the value can spiral downward rather
quickly.
Thrill Seeking Fulfillment and Experience
The thrill is there for this product with plenty of chances
to hit big cards.
Buyers Remorse or Speculator's Delight
If you are only planning of flipping these cards you might
have a difficult time recouping your money unless you buy in bulk to spread the
risk which could lead to buyers remorse. But for those who collect and hold,
if you understand the high risk nature of Preferred, there is a good chance you
will walk away happy.
Rating
4 out of 5
2011-12 Panini Preferred Basketball has plenty to offer
collectors with high upside potential.
Review box provided by Panini
Review box provided by Panini