THE TRADING CARD GEAR
I ACTUALLY USE.
My real setup for protecting, storing, displaying, and grading Pokémon cards—collector to collector.
If you're getting into Pokémon or trading card collecting, it doesn't take long before you realize that buying the cards is only part of it.
You also have to figure out how you're going to protect them, store them, display them, and eventually send some of them off to get graded.
There are A LOT of trading card accessories out there, and I've tried plenty of different products over the years. Instead of throwing together a giant list of random products, I wanted to keep this simple and show you the stuff that I actually use.
Everything on this list is something I use for my personal collection, my business, or both. These are brands and products that I've had good experiences with and trust enough to use on my own cards.
My setup will probably change over the years as I find new products, so I'll keep this article updated when something earns a spot in the rotation.
Vault X Binders
My Go-To Binder for Pokémon Cards
When I have cards that I want to keep in a binder, Vault X binders are usually what I reach for.
The biggest reason is simple: they're just really nice binders. The overall quality feels great, the cards look clean once everything is loaded up, and I feel comfortable keeping cards from my personal collection in them.
One of my favorite things about Vault X is the different colors they offer. Depending on the Pokémon set I'm collecting, I can sometimes find a binder color that matches the overall color scheme of the set.
It's a small detail, but when you're putting together a complete or near-complete set, having the binder match the set makes the whole collection feel a little more intentional.
If you're building a Pokémon binder and want something that looks good while still giving your cards solid protection, this is where I'd start.
Shop the Vault X Binder I Use
Rhyker Sleeves
My Favorite Sleeves Before Cards Go Into a Binder
Before a card goes into one of my Vault X binders, I sleeve it. For that, I use Rhyker sleeves.
I've used a lot of sleeves over the years, and these are probably the best sleeves I've personally used. I like the way they feel, I like how the cards look inside them, and they work really well with the way I organize my binder collection.
Even though the binder itself provides protection, I still prefer sleeving the individual cards before putting them into the binder. It gives me that extra layer between the actual card and everything else.
If you're building out a binder collection, I wouldn't just buy a good binder and call it a day. Get some good sleeves too.
The Vault X binder + Rhyker sleeve combination is basically my standard setup for binder cards.
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Graded Guard
Protection With a Little Extra Pop
For some of my graded cards, I use Graded Guards.
Yes, they add another small layer of protection around the slab, but if I'm being completely real, one of the main reasons I like them is because they can make certain cards look REALLY good.
If you find a Graded Guard color that matches the artwork or overall color of the card, it can completely change the presentation of the slab. It's one of those accessories that is both functional and fun.
One thing you should know about Graded Guard is that not every color is available all the time. Some colorways are limited releases or special drops. Graded Guard announces these through its website and social media, so if you're looking for a specific color, it's worth keeping an eye on their releases.
You can also occasionally find special colorways through certain stores or events. Some colors have even been available specifically at convention booths.
That's part of the fun for me. Finding the right Graded Guard for a card can almost feel like finding another piece of the collection.
You definitely don't NEED one for every graded card you own, but for cards you really want to display or make stand out, they're pretty awesome.
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Cardboard Gold PSA Slab Sleeves
What I Use for Vending
Not every PSA slab needs a Graded Guard. For a lot of my graded inventory, especially cards I'm taking to shows and vending, I use Cardboard Gold PSA slab sleeves.
They're simple, they fit PSA slabs really well, and they help keep the actual slab from getting unnecessarily scratched up while I'm moving cards around, setting up showcases, packing inventory, or letting customers look through cards.
I also just like the way these sleeves feel compared with some of the other slab sleeves I've tried. And there's a cool little bonus: the bottom of the sleeve has the PSA logo on it.
It's not some huge feature, but it's a nice touch and makes the sleeve feel like it belongs on the slab.
For vendors, I think slab sleeves are one of those inexpensive supplies that are worth keeping around in bulk. Even for a personal collection, they're useful if you want some basic protection without putting every slab into a larger protector.
Shop the PSA Slab Sleeves I Use
Card Saver Semi-Rigid Holders
What I Use for Grading Submissions
If I'm getting cards ready to send off for grading, I keep semi-rigid card holders around. The ones I normally use are Card Saver holders made by Cardboard Gold.
These are especially useful when preparing cards for grading submissions because semi-rigid holders are commonly used or requested in the submission process by grading companies.
My usual grading prep setup is pretty straightforward: protect the card, get it into the appropriate semi-rigid holder, and make sure everything is ready before packaging the submission.
I like Card Savers because they've been reliable and they're easy to keep around specifically for cards that I know are eventually heading out for grading.
If I can't find the Cardboard Gold Card Savers, I've also used Vault X semi-rigid card holders and have had a good experience with those as well.
If you're starting to grade cards, I'd recommend keeping a pack of semi-rigid holders somewhere with the rest of your card supplies. You'll eventually need them.
Shop the Card Saver Holders I UseWHAT DO YOU
ACTUALLY NEED?
If you're just starting your Pokémon card collection, don't feel like you need to go out and buy every accessory at once.
Start with what fits the way you collect.
If you're building binder sets, I'd start with a good binder and good sleeves. That's why my Vault X binders and Rhyker sleeves probably get the most use out of anything on this list.
If you're getting into graded cards, then slab sleeves and Graded Guards start making more sense.
And once you start submitting your own cards for grading, that's when having Card Savers and other grading supplies around becomes really useful.
There isn't one perfect setup for every collector.
The important thing is protecting your cards in a way that makes sense for your collection—and having some fun with how you display them.
These are simply the products that have worked well enough for me that I continue spending my own money on them.
As I try new trading card gear and find products that I like enough to use regularly, I'll continue updating this guide.
LET'S TALK
CARDS.
If you have a question about any of the gear on this list, grading cards, protecting your collection, or you just want to talk Pokémon cards, message me on Instagram. I'm always happy to talk cards.
MESSAGE ME ON INSTAGRAM