PSA vs Beckett slabs

[Legion_79]

Is there any advantage over choosing one grading service over the other? I have about 10 cards I am thinking of sending in, ranging from the 70's to current cards but havent decided on which service to use. I prefer the look of the Beckett slabs personally.

 

[BunchOBull]

From a slab storage and aesthetic point of view, I hate BGS slabs. From a protection POV, love them.

On the other hand, for storing slabs and the look, I love PSA slabs. The slabs are less hearty, but do a good job if you aren't playing "toss the slab" or "let's see how well Campanella swims."

When I choose who to use, it's more about the era of the card and the intent I have for it.

 

[cmnkb8]

I have cards graded by both, and I definitely prefer BGS. The cases are sturdier and can withstand a little abuse. I'm afraid to even hold the PSA holder the wrong way because I feel like it'll crack in my hand. Plus BGS uses a sleeve inside the holder which helps prevent movement. PSA doesn't, and the card actually moves around if the holder is moved. Not to mention the red and white flip on the PSA slab looks crappy compared to the nice gold label of a BGS 9.5

I only grade with PSA for resale value, usually with auto cards that have slightly smudged or otherwise blemished autos, since I hate getting an 8 or 9 auto subgrade in a BGS 9.5 case which devalues it. Otherwise, BGS all the way.

 

[BunchOBull]

PSA does use inner sleeves for some cards, but not others. I don't know the rhyme or reason.

VS.

VS.

 

[gr5]

I have cards graded by both, and I definitely prefer BGS. The cases are sturdier and can withstand a little abuse. I'm afraid to even hold the PSA holder the wrong way because I feel like it'll crack in my hand. Plus BGS uses a sleeve inside the holder which helps prevent movement. PSA doesn't, and the card actually moves around if the holder is moved. Not to mention the red and white flip on the PSA slab looks crappy compared to the nice gold label of a BGS 9.5

I only grade with PSA for resale value, usually with auto cards that have slightly smudged or otherwise blemished autos, since I hate getting an 8 or 9 auto subgrade in a BGS 9.5 case which devalues it. Otherwise, BGS all the way.

I agree with this statement 100%

 

[jcmint]

Psa slabs are awfully flimsy. I dont like the fact that some folks were able to open them without much damage. That spooks me. I like the bgs case. they are much more rigid and hold up over time a little better for my tastes.

 

[BunchOBull]

It terms of holding up over time, this card was graded in 1993:

I think there is a lot of bias toward PSA slabs on traditionally modern boards. I don't think anyone would say BGS slabs aren't the most secure and sturdy, but PSA slabs aren't delicate flowers. I have gotten more cracked BGS cases through the mail, than PSA cases. PSA cases have some give, whereas BGS slabs are fully rigid.

Both companies have their pros and cons. Where modern guys send modern cards to PSA for their less rigid stance on refractor lines and auto blemishes, I send my traditional cardstock that can't make it into a PSA 10 slab to BGS. In the scans I posted, there is a reason the one Auburn issue was chosen for BGS and the other for PSA.

 

[bustin_knuckles]

Plus BGS is more likely to label you cards correctly than PSA. It seemed every order of 100 cards with PSA had 2-3 mislabeled.

 

[Legion_79]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, i have bought cards in both slabs before but have never sent anything in to get graded myself

 

[ThoseBackPages]

Not to mention the red and white flip on the PSA slab looks crappy compared to the nice gold label of a BGS 9.5

unless your card is deemed by BGS to be below 8.5, then they piss on the sender by using a paper flip instead of a silver or gold flip.

 

[cmnkb8]

Not to mention the red and white flip on the PSA slab looks crappy compared to the nice gold label of a BGS 9.5

unless your card is deemed by BGS to be below 8.5, then they piss on the sender by using a paper flip instead of a silver or gold flip.

Well, that's what the minimum grade is for. I wouldn't want anything under a 9 (or 8.5 in very few cases) slabbed.

 

[ThoseBackPages]

Not to mention the red and white flip on the PSA slab looks crappy compared to the nice gold label of a BGS 9.5

unless your card is deemed by BGS to be below 8.5, then they piss on the sender by using a paper flip instead of a silver or gold flip.

Well, that's what the minimum grade is for. I wouldn't want anything under a 9 (or 8.5 in very few cases) slabbed.

so nothing old should be slabbed?

 

[jcmint]

Psa holders have been opened cards replaced and sealed again going virtually unnoticed. Going back 10 years ago I am always hesitant on PSA holders for that reason.

 

[ThoseBackPages]

Psa holders have been opened cards replaced and sealed again going virtually unnoticed. Going back 10 years ago I am always hesitant on PSA holders for that reason.

i understand that, none of the companies are without faults. That being said, my ocd likes when all the flips have continuity that BGS cannot (and will not, perhaps) provide

 

[wolfmanalfredo]

Psa holders have been opened cards replaced and sealed again going virtually unnoticed. Going back 10 years ago I am always hesitant on PSA holders for that reason.

i understand that, none of the companies are without faults. That being said, my ocd likes when all the flips have continuity that BGS cannot (and will not, perhaps) provide

I'm with Eric. BGS 8 or below looks pretty terrible with the white and striped blue lettering. If they gave them all the same label, then maybe my mind would switch. Now if every BVG card no matter the grade was the old Bronze label, then I'd probably take that on.

BGS 2000 to now, PSA post war to 2000, and PSA or SGC for pre war.

 

[elainebenice]

Thanks for all the info guys....I was looking for an answer to the same question as the OP, so this thread is perfect. I've also never sent a card in to be graded, even though I do own a few graded cards. I'm considering sending in a Bowman chrome prospect auto w/sticker auto and the sole purpose in getting it graded would be for resale value/profit. If anyone has any advice specific to having this particular type of card (sticker autos) graded I would certainly appreciate whatever you can share. Thanks in advance!!

 

[zach]

I don't understand the argument about the PSA slab can't take any abuse. What do you guys do with your graded cards when you get them back? Do you play kick ball, softball or baseball with them? What kind abuse are you looking for the slab to absorb?

When I get my graded cards back from PSA them simply sit in a box. There is no need for them to handle any abuse.

 

[RiceLynnEvans75]

I don't understand the argument about the PSA slab can't take any abuse. What do you guys do with your graded cards when you get them back? Do you play kick ball, softball or baseball with them? What kind abuse are you looking for the slab to absorb?

When I get my graded cards back from PSA them simply sit in a box. There is no need for them to handle any abuse.

This is what I've always wondered. Anything graded I have, they all sit in a box. I understand the desire for protection but unless someone plans on throwing their slabs into a tornado, taping little flags to the top of them and using them as sailboats in the bathtub, or throwing them into an inferno to see how long it will last before they melt, I don't know the reasoning for having a Ft. Knox type slab.

Personally, I don't like the look of BGS/BVG slabs as they are too bulky, sterile looking, and the different color flips just seem to "gimmicky" to me. I don't care for PSA slabs when purchasing because they are pretty easy to pop open and replace a card. I do however like the fact that they are thin and easy to manage. My own personal preference is SGC because I like the way the black insert makes the card "pop" in it's presentation. Black border cards not so much but everything else it does.

 

[GAbballplayer148]

Plus BGS is more likely to label you cards correctly than PSA. It seemed every order of 100 cards with PSA had 2-3 mislabeled.

Cannot agree with this more. I have sent in about 75 cards, and this is the 3rd or 4th one:

 

[Lifelongfan]

Plus BGS is more likely to label you cards correctly than PSA. It seemed every order of 100 cards with PSA had 2-3 mislabeled.

Cannot agree with this more. I have sent in about 75 cards, and this is the 3rd or 4th one:

Whats the error?