Base Card Design -
The Classic Signature base cards are meant to give off a retro feel - and they surely do that. The fonts and colors used on them have that 'classic' old-time look. To me, the cards don't feel old... and they don't mimic or give a nod to past products... but they instead take on a modern-retro design that is simple and pleasing. The card design actually makes me think of baseball more than it does hockey, but it still works and presents a look that is unique and different - which is a good thing for sure. Panini has used nice, crisp action shots of the former players. It's a fun set to look through - decades of hockey are represented here.
The back of the base card offers no photo and very little by way of stats. Instead, collectors are given a sum total stat line of the player's career as well as a short write-up. The retro-modern design is again apparent on the back. Just like the front, the back makes me think of baseball more than hockey. I guess it helps that there is a hockey stick graphic on the side of the card to help me remember what sport it is.
Base Card Design Score:
7.5/10
Inserts/Game-Used/Autos -
Each pack of Classics Signatures will have an autographed card and a die-cut Banner card. At about $180 per box (6 packs per box), that's $30 per pack/auto. There are chances to find single and multi-auto cards both numbered and unnumbered. There is no game-used content in this product.
The standard autographed card in Classics looks the same as a base card. The only difference is the addition of the signature. Unlike many other products out in the market, these cards feature on-card autographs. And I have to say they look stunning in person. The blue ink that was chosen for the autos is bold and bright. The signatures really leap off the card. My favorite card from my box was this Nick Kypreos auto. I love how big he signed his name on the card as well as including the words '94 Cup' - sorry Nuck fans! I'm not sure if you can tell in the scan, but Panini has chosen to fade the lower half of the photo just a smidgen so that the autograph could stand out more. Very smart design decision!
I did pull a multi-autographed card, but sadly it was in the form of a redemption card. I am very interested to see how this card will look in person. I'm not sure if a muli-auto card is guaranteed per box, but it felt nice to get one.
Besides the autographed content, each pack yielded a Banner card. These cards are die-cut in the shape of a retired number banner you might see hanging on the wall in an NHL stadium. I could definitely do without these cards. I've never been a fan of cards with no photograph on them... and the idea here sort of reminds me of something ITG would come up with. Since Panini doesn't have the same licensing restriction as ITG, I think they could have done these better... or just have not done them at all.
Classics Signatures has a variety of different autographed insert types to find. There are Social Signature cards that feature Twitter handles as well as Classic Lines, Classic Combos, and Inaugural Ink sets. Besides these themed cards, some of the base autographs have been short printed and super short printed. You can bank on the biggest names being the toughest pulls.
Inserts/Game-Used/Autos Score:
8/10
Overall Rating -
Panini Classics Signatures is a pretty sweet product. It's a great homage to the past. For collectors who remember and want to pick up some new cards of their old favorites, it's a great option with a nice, clean look. The on-card blue ink signatures are very well done... and as we all know, these older guys have much better sigs than the newer players.
At $180 a box, this product can be pretty restrictive though. The price may dissuade collectors who may not care for older players as much but are curious about them to hold off on a box purchase. Difficulty in finding big name stars may also be a hindrance as they are short printed.
All-in-all I do like Classic Signatures. I think a box of it is fun to open. I do remember most of the players I see coming out of the packs... and that makes for an enjoyable trip down memory lane. I wish the box were cheaper though - if it were, I think its score would be higher.
$30 per pack is a bit much. If the price of it were $20 per pack ($120/box), I think I may have gotten more of it... as it stands... one box will be enough for me just to try and enjoy and then wait for the next product to come out.
Overall Rating:
7.5/10
Check out my box of 12/13 Panini Classics Signatures:
I am not a huge fan of the design but the fact that the autos are on card makes up for it. Not to mention you can get some major autos like Howe. The price also seams fair to me. Overall I like the product, I wouldn't buy a box for myself but I think people will enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you are doing a contest, I wouldn't expect you to since every hit is pretty big. But I will put my name down below anyways, I love leaving comments either way!
-NothinButHockeyCards
I think the on card autos a nice and the clean base design but I think the price is too much because you can't really get too much. But the insert cards look very nice
ReplyDeleteHCC1817
Price is a little bit high for my liking but the idea of all the old time players is great. You can hit some great players from this product. Overall I like the product but rather ask it for Christmas than buy it myself
ReplyDeleteYouTube name: cn2117HabsFan
Let's be honest here, this product is complete garbage. For 180 you have a pile of junk right there you'll be lucky to get 30 bucks for. And those insert cards belong in a pack of Score.
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable anyone is going to buy this crap.
Stay far away.
Looks really nice. The autos look real clean. Although I think that this product is very overpriced.
ReplyDeleteMrMat18033
I like and hate the base design for some reason and I hate the retired numbers. but I really like the autos.
ReplyDeleteYoutube: micerule934
The design does not appeal to me at all for some reason. Love the look of the retired banner cards however. In my opinion, this will be a really fun $90 a box product to bust a year from now (similar to Luxury Suite). The on-card autos are always a bonus. The list of names you can pull seems quite good to me for someone who wasn't even born when these players were in their playing days. Overall, nice to mix it up with a different style product every now and then, but I honestly don't think the price is what it should be.
ReplyDeleteYouTube: GTAHockeyCards
Overpriced but its nice that the autos are on car...... I also like the design
ReplyDeleteYouTube: XplodingmonkE11
Thanks again
Like you said it is a great product to come out during the NHL lockout with the lack of current players, and the fact that you can get legends is really nice.
ReplyDeleteI like that the product has a lack of current NHL players because of the lockout, and i love how you have a good chance of pulling a legend.
ReplyDelete-BruinsMA888
I always love legends products just because of all the big name autos you can pull. Not a fan that their only one type of insert, and don't like the base design. Overall it's a decent product. But I hope Upper Deck could make a better legends product!
ReplyDeleteYoutube- MrHockeynut77
It's nice to see the legends during the lockout like you said. The base cards in my opinion have a very retro yet modern look, if that even makes sense. I sort of wish the autos were numbered but I guess if that is the only hit of the product they would have to be numbered pretty high. Overall they look great but are way out of my price range. Great review!
ReplyDeleteYT - blackhawks61895
The on-card autos look pretty cool, but having no Sharks kind of ruins it for me. Great review once again though!
ReplyDeleteYoutube: 49ersfan619
i really like the look of it, shame there's no sharks ;) super clean, and simple :) Great Review once again, Luke!
ReplyDeleteYT - canucks112785
Don't love the product, but don't hate it either. Good to see on-card autos though that's for sure.
ReplyDelete-jpbboyle
I had to go over in my head a few times on how I feel about this product. I absolutely hated it at first because of what I paid ($200 in Canada). But now that I look back, I got what i paid for. 6 clean auto's of decent players. No rookies, just old timers who were good in their prime. This product is probably underappreciated for what it is, a great new take on a played out hobby. I like it. For comparison, Parkhurst Champions is 2 autos a box of similar players for around $80 (in Canada). So what's the better deal? I relent, but I already bought it, so I'm trying to be positive.
ReplyDeleteYT: ryannturnaa
Awful looking product. 30$ per pack from that kinda crap. I'm speechless...
ReplyDeletethe product looks good compaired to other panini products but this is way to much you could just go out and get a pack/box of titanium and get some thing good for cheper.
ReplyDeletemultihabsfan31
i like the cards in this but its way to much to buy a box.
ReplyDeletebrandyn zawadiuk
Well, the design has a very "retro feeling" to it and I'm not usually a big fan of that. In this product, though, I can accept that. It's definitely the right time to release a product like this right now, when a product with no-name rookies doesn't have the same value due to the lockout. The players included in this product is legends. They will always have a bit value to themselves.
ReplyDeleteYoutube: Majlfp
Looks like a good product! I like the one auto per pack because I don't think I'll get a whole box just yet, so that's a plus.hope the lockout doesn't take the whole season.
ReplyDeleteYouTube - capecodunicycles
I really love these retro-looking cards. I love the fact that they are hardsigned and this would be something I would buy only a pack or two of which wouldn't be a hit or miss because an auto comes in every pack! Great review!
ReplyDeleteYouTube - Penguins6668
Great product for an NHL lockout. YouTube:Graboguru
ReplyDeleteI really like the on-card autograph cards!
ReplyDeleteYoutube Username: mjhockeycards101
I Think the base design is awesome! This is too pricey though. User name Mpb7771
ReplyDeleteThese cards are fantastic! I LOVE the backsides. Only problem is price, but a good effort from Panini!
ReplyDeleteYT: Skroeker24
After reading the comments in here regarding this dog of a product, which by the way has already dropped 40 buck a box here, the hobby is doomed. If you think this is a fairly priced product with value you need your heads examined. Keep on getting raped by Panini.
ReplyDeletei have a question for you what the best site you recomment for display and organise your hockey card collection. can you tell the response on your retail review.épisode, i'm a follower! :)
ReplyDeleteI would really have a hard time buying this product for the price tag it carries. I have always been a fan of current players rather than the legends. That being said I do really like the on card autos, they come with a very special feel as oppose to the sticker variety. I also like the look of the banner cards, something different is always good.
ReplyDeleteGreat video and keep them coming.
You Tube name - Dan Ezard
Would love to get this product but its just a bit to pricey (should be $150). Nice clean autos even though that they weren't the best players still pretty good. Really want that Federko.
ReplyDeleteYoutube Name: 16royta
great product.keep up the reviews.Youtube username is Erik Karlsson
ReplyDeletegood product but could have had more stuff in it considering the price.Youtube username is steven stamkos
ReplyDeleteAmazing stuff this is. I LOVE on card autographs, hope Panini and the companys out there will only have on card autos and packs without redemption. If the price fall soon on this produkt i will def buy a box.
ReplyDeleteYoutube: MrThendro
hey luke i rerally love this product your odds of getting a good hit is good like your stevy y auto. they put some old classic players hence the name clasics. thankyou for another review and giveaway.
ReplyDeleteyoutube user name: Priceforthewin
I like the product but I think it is to expensive for what you get. Still the oppurtunity to get something huge is apealling.
ReplyDeleteYT: SuckYourHeadphones
Well it's official, hockey collectors are not opening this stuff. Nice try by Panini to try and suck people into the ridiculous price point, but nobody is buying it. Bargain bin prices soon,and your local LCS double guessing whether to order the next lousy Panini product in after two fails to start the year.
ReplyDeleteI bought a box. I shouldn't have. Too much junk for $180. My autos; Craig Hartsburg, Brent Sutter, Geoff Courtnall, John Ogrodnick, Anton Stastny and Social Sigs of Darren Pang. Love the base. Should have been 6 autos, but 24 packs. And one banner per pack sucks. It's cool when you get a banner card in a case of beer, not when it's one of your 5 cards in a $30 pack.
ReplyDeleteI like the design but WAY overpriced considering the quality of some of the players, too many journeyman types. The recent Parkhurst sets had much better player selection and cost less, in particular the 2006-07 edition which was a blast to open.
ReplyDelete