Explaining Toploader Sizes: A Beginner’s Guide

Toploader Size Guide for Pokémon Collectors: A Beginner’s Guide

Pokémon card collecting has become more than just a hobby; it's a way of preserving nostalgic memories and valuable investments. As your collection grows, protecting your cards is essential to maintain their condition and value. Among the best protection options are toploaders, sturdy plastic holders that shield your cards from damage. However, toploaders come in various sizes and thicknesses, making it crucial to choose the right one for your specific Pokémon cards.

This guide dives deep into the world of toploaders, focusing on Pokémon cards and how to pick the best sizes for your collection.

Pokémon Cards: Why Protection Matters

Pokémon cards come in different types, including:

  • Standard Pokémon cards: Found in regular booster packs.
  • Holofoil and Reverse Holo cards: Highly collectible due to their shiny designs.
  • Promo cards: Often included in special sets, tins, and events.
  • Full-Art, Rainbow Rare, and VMAX cards: Premium cards with intricate designs and higher collectibility.
  • Jumbo cards: Oversized promotional cards included in collector boxes.

Each of these cards requires proper care, and the choice of toploader can make a significant difference.

Understanding Toploader Sizes

Toploaders vary not only by the size of the card but also by their thickness, measured in points (pt). The thickness determines how snugly your card fits, especially for thicker premium Pokémon cards.

Standard Toploader: 35pt

  • Best For: Regular Pokémon cards (non-holo, holo, and reverse holo).
  • Details: Designed for cards measuring 2.5" x 3.5" and fitting in a penny sleeve.
  • Use Case: Most commonly used for cards from booster packs. A 35pt toploader is an essential item for any Pokémon collector starting out.

Thick Card Toploader: 55pt

  • Best For: Slightly thicker cards, including some promo and full-art Pokémon cards.
  • Details: Ideal for cards that feel a bit heavier or have minor embossing.
  • Use Case: Cards with thicker cardstock or protective layers.

Premium Thickness Toploader: 75pt

  • Best For: Cards with moderate thickness, like vintage Pokémon cards in mint condition or cards with textured designs (such as EX or GX cards).
  • Details: Offers a bit more room for cards that might feel too tight in a 55pt toploader.
  • Use Case: Keeps textured cards pristine without pressing the surface.

Thick Premium Toploader: 100pt

  • Best For: Pokémon cards with more elaborate features, such as ultra rares or cards with a thicker protective sleeve.
  • Details: Slightly larger to accommodate thicker materials.
  • Use Case: Ideal for cards in premium sleeves or cards with minor layers of embossing.

Extra Thick Toploader: 130pt

  • Best For: High-value Pokémon cards like VMAX, VSTAR, or other textured full-art designs.
  • Details: Provides extra space without compromising on protection.
  • Use Case: Useful when storing high-grade cards inside a magnetic or semi-rigid case first.

Oversized Thickness Toploader: 180pt

  • Best For: Relic-style cards or uniquely thick promo cards. While these are less common in Pokémon, some special event or anniversary cards may require this size.
  • Details: For cards significantly thicker than standard sizes.

Ultra Thick Toploader: 360pt

  • Best For: Extremely thick collectibles or items packaged with significant layers of protection.
  • Details: Rarely needed for Pokémon cards unless used with heavy-duty sleeves or encapsulated cards.

Special Toploader Sizes for Pokémon Cards

Mini Pokémon Cards

  • Use Case: Smaller-sized cards like the Topps Pokémon mini series.
  • Toploader Size: Typically, a smaller toploader like 2" x 3" is needed.

Oversized Pokémon Cards

  • Use Case: Jumbo cards from collector’s boxes (like Pikachu VMAX or Charizard promos).
  • Toploader Size: 5" x 7" or larger. Ensure the toploader is labeled for jumbo or oversized cards.

Tips for Beginners

  1. Always Use a Penny Sleeve
    Place your Pokémon card in a soft penny sleeve before inserting it into the toploader. This prevents scratches during insertion.

  2. Match Thickness Perfectly
    For premium Pokémon cards like Rainbow Rares or textured cards, measure the thickness in points and match it to the toploader.

  3. Check for Grading
    If you plan to grade your cards, choose a toploader that accommodates semi-rigid card holders like Card Saver 1.

  4. Avoid Overstuffing
    Only insert one card per toploader. Adding multiple cards can lead to bending or warping.

  5. Invest in Quality Brands
    Brands like Ultra PRO, BCW, and Cardboard Gold are trusted for their durability and transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best size for most Pokémon cards?

For standard Pokémon cards, use a 35pt toploader. For thicker cards like VMAX or Full-Art cards, a 55pt or 75pt option may be better.

Can I use oversized toploaders for jumbo Pokémon cards?

Yes, oversized toploaders like 5" x 7" are perfect for jumbo Pokémon cards.

Do I need a toploader for every card?

Not necessarily. Reserve toploaders for your most valuable or rare Pokémon cards. Use binders or storage boxes for less valuable cards.

Conclusion

Toploaders are a must-have for Pokémon card collectors, offering unmatched protection for your valuable cards. By understanding the different sizes and thicknesses, you can ensure your cards remain in mint condition, ready for display or grading. Whether it’s a classic Base Set Charizard or a shiny new VMAX card, there’s a toploader designed to keep your Pokémon safe.

Happy collecting!