Are Panini Contenders Blaster Boxes worth the investment. How can you increase your chances of pulling valuable cards. What should collectors expect from these popular football card products. Discover expert strategies for maximizing your Contenders blaster box experience.

Understanding the Value of Panini Contenders Blaster Boxes

Panini Contenders Blaster Boxes have become a staple for football card collectors, offering an affordable entry point into one of the hobby’s most popular products. But are they truly worth the investment? Let’s explore the key factors that make these blaster boxes a compelling option for both novice and experienced collectors.

The Thrill of the Hunt

One of the primary appeals of Contenders blaster boxes is the sheer excitement of opening packs. With seven packs containing four cards each, collectors experience the rush of anticipation 28 times per box. This element of surprise and potential for discovery is a fundamental aspect of the hobby that keeps collectors coming back for more.

Rookie Card Potential

Contenders is renowned for its exceptional rookie cards, and blaster boxes provide a legitimate chance to pull cards of top NFL prospects. Many collectors have found cards of future stars like Justin Herbert, CeeDee Lamb, and Tua Tagovailoa in these affordable boxes. Even if you don’t land a top-tier rookie, you’re likely to add several promising first-year players to your collection.

The Allure of Parallels

Parallel cards are a major draw for Contenders products, and blaster boxes are no exception. These variations, such as Cracked Ice and Inferno, can significantly increase a card’s value. The possibility of pulling a low-numbered parallel of a star player adds an extra layer of excitement to every pack opening.

Maximizing Your Contenders Blaster Box Experience

To get the most out of your Panini Contenders Blaster Boxes, consider implementing these strategies:

• Set a budget and stick to it
• Research the current rookie class before purchasing
• Look for retail promotions or discounts
• Consider buying in bulk to increase your odds of big hits
• Keep an eye out for special retail-exclusive parallels

By approaching your purchases strategically, you can enhance your chances of success and ensure a more satisfying collecting experience.

Breaking Down the Contents of a Contenders Blaster Box

Understanding what to expect in a Panini Contenders Blaster Box can help set realistic expectations and inform your purchasing decisions. Here’s a typical breakdown of the contents:

Box Configuration

Each Contenders blaster box contains:

• 7 packs
• 4 cards per pack
• 28 total cards

Card Distribution

On average, you can expect to find:

• Approximately 5 rookie cards
• A mix of veterans, inserts, and parallels
• Possibility of autographs or memorabilia cards (not guaranteed)

While the exact distribution can vary, this general outline gives collectors an idea of what to anticipate when opening a blaster box.

Strategies for Building Your Collection Through Blaster Boxes

Contenders blaster boxes can be an excellent tool for building and expanding your football card collection. Here are some effective strategies to consider:

Focus on Rookie Cards

Rookie cards are often the most valuable and sought-after cards in any set. By concentrating on acquiring rookie cards from blaster boxes, you can potentially build a collection of future stars at a fraction of the cost of hobby boxes.

Parallel Chasing

Many collectors enjoy the challenge of assembling “rainbows” – collecting all the different parallel versions of a particular card. Blaster boxes offer an affordable way to start this process, with the potential to find various parallels across multiple boxes.

Set Building

For those who enjoy completing full sets, blaster boxes provide a cost-effective method to acquire base cards and some inserts. While you may need to supplement with singles or trades, blasters can form the foundation of your set-building efforts.

The Investment Potential of Contenders Blaster Boxes

While the primary focus for many collectors is the enjoyment of the hobby, it’s worth considering the investment potential of Contenders blaster boxes. Can these affordable products offer financial returns?

Short-Term Flipping

Some collectors choose to immediately sell or trade valuable pulls from blaster boxes. This strategy can sometimes result in profits that exceed the cost of the box, especially if you hit a high-demand rookie or rare parallel.

Long-Term Holding

Another approach is to hold onto promising rookie cards or parallels in the hope that they appreciate over time. While this strategy carries more risk, it can potentially lead to significant returns if you correctly identify future stars or rare cards that become highly sought-after.

Sealed Box Investment

Some investors choose to keep blaster boxes sealed, banking on the potential for the product to increase in value over time. This approach requires patience and storage space but can pay off if the product becomes scarce or in high demand years later.

Comparing Contenders Blaster Boxes to Other Products

To truly understand the value proposition of Contenders blaster boxes, it’s helpful to compare them to other football card products on the market. How do they stack up against hobby boxes, other retail options, and competing brands?

Blasters vs. Hobby Boxes

Hobby boxes of Contenders typically offer guaranteed autographs and a higher likelihood of premium hits. However, they come at a much higher price point. Blaster boxes provide a more affordable entry point with the potential for similar cards, albeit at lower odds.

Retail Comparison

Compared to other retail products like fat packs or hanger boxes, Contenders blasters often provide a good balance of quantity and quality. They offer more packs than most other retail options, increasing the chances of finding valuable cards.

Brand Comparison

When compared to blaster boxes from other brands, Contenders often stands out due to its strong rookie card lineup and the potential for valuable parallels. However, it’s worth exploring other options to find the product that best suits your collecting goals.

Tips for Identifying and Protecting Valuable Pulls

Once you start opening Contenders blaster boxes, it’s crucial to know how to identify and protect any valuable cards you may pull. Here are some essential tips:

Recognizing Value

• Familiarize yourself with the top rookies and veterans in the set
• Learn to identify different parallels and their relative scarcity
• Keep an eye out for short-printed variations or errors
• Use pricing guides and online resources to assess card values

Proper Card Protection

To preserve the condition and value of your best pulls, consider these protection methods:

• Immediately sleeve valuable cards
• Use top loaders or magnetic cases for higher-value cards
• Store cards in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Consider professional grading for potentially high-value cards

The Social Aspect of Contenders Blaster Boxes

Beyond the cards themselves, Contenders blaster boxes can enhance the social aspects of the hobby. How can collectors use these products to connect with others and engage in the wider community?

Group Breaks

Participating in or hosting group breaks of Contenders blaster boxes can be a fun way to share the experience with others. This allows collectors to split the cost and potentially access more products while enjoying the social aspect of opening packs together.

Trading Communities

The wide variety of cards found in blaster boxes makes them excellent for generating trade bait. Engaging in trading communities can help you complete sets, acquire specific players, or upgrade your collection using duplicates or unwanted pulls from blasters.

Content Creation

Many collectors enjoy sharing their blaster box openings on social media or video platforms. This can be a great way to connect with other enthusiasts, showcase your pulls, and contribute to the hobby’s online community.

Navigating the Secondary Market for Contenders Singles

While opening blaster boxes is exciting, sometimes purchasing singles on the secondary market can be a more targeted approach to building your collection. How can collectors effectively navigate this aspect of the hobby?

Timing Your Purchases

Understanding market trends can help you make savvy purchases. For example, rookie card prices often fluctuate based on NFL performance, so timing your buys during the offseason or after a player’s slump can lead to better values.

Authenticating Cards

When buying high-value Contenders singles, especially autographs, it’s crucial to ensure authenticity. Consider purchasing from reputable sellers or opting for professionally graded cards to minimize the risk of counterfeits.

Completing Sets

If you’re working on completing a Contenders set, buying singles can be more cost-effective than continuing to purchase blaster boxes once you have most of the common cards. Create a want list and search for deals on the cards you need to finish your set.

The Future of Contenders Blaster Boxes

As the sports card hobby continues to evolve, what does the future hold for Contenders blaster boxes? Let’s explore some potential trends and considerations for collectors.

Product Evolution

Panini may continue to innovate with their blaster box offerings, potentially introducing new parallels, inserts, or guaranteed hit ratios to keep the product fresh and exciting for collectors.

Market Dynamics

The availability and pricing of blaster boxes could change based on market demand and production decisions. Collectors should stay informed about any shifts in the retail landscape that might affect their ability to acquire these products.

Collecting Trends

As collector preferences evolve, the focus on certain aspects of Contenders (such as specific parallels or insert sets) may shift. Staying attuned to these trends can help inform your collecting strategy.

In conclusion, Panini Contenders Blaster Boxes offer an accessible and exciting entry point into one of football card collecting’s most popular products. By understanding their potential, implementing smart strategies, and engaging with the wider hobby community, collectors can maximize their enjoyment and potential returns from these retail offerings. Whether you’re chasing rookie cards, building sets, or simply enjoying the thrill of the hunt, Contenders blasters provide a versatile and rewarding collecting experience.

Are Panini Contenders Blaster Boxes Worth It?

As a football card collector and enthusiast, few things get me more excited than the annual release of Panini Contenders. This set has become a staple in the hobby, delivering some of the most coveted rookie cards and rare autograph hits year after year. But with blaster boxes retailing for around $20, it’s reasonable to ask – are they actually worth the investment?

In my experience, Contenders blasters can be hit or miss, but overall they’re absolutely worth buying. Here’s why:

The Fun Factor

Let’s face it, ripping packs is a blast regardless of what you pull. The thrill of not knowing what could be inside each pack is half the fun of the hobby. At around $20, Contenders blasters give you 7 packs of 4 cards each to rip through. Even if you don’t hit anything huge, just the enjoyment of opening all those shiny new cards is worth the price of admission in my book.

Rookie Card Potential

Contenders is known for its great looking rookie cards, and blasters give you a legitimate shot at landing some big name first year players. I’ve pulled the likes of Justin Herbert, CeeDee Lamb, and Tua Tagovailoa from Contenders blasters. Even if you don’t hit one of the top guys, you’ll likely add several nice rookie cards to your collection.

The Hunt for Parallels

In addition to rookie cards, Contenders is loaded with colorful parallel variations like Cracked Ice, Inferno, and more. These can drastically increase the value of a card. I once pulled a Tom Brady Cracked Ice /99 from a blaster that ended up selling for over $100. You never know when you might stumble upon a rare parallel.

Insert Potential

Contenders blasters have delivered their share of big hit insert cards for me over the years. I’ve hit serial numbered autographs, booklet cards, ticket stubs, and more. While hits aren’t guaranteed, the potential is always there in Contenders.

Building a Rainbow

One of the most fun parts of Contenders is putting together all the different parallels of your favorite players or rookies. Blaster boxes let you start assembling those rainbows at an affordable price point. Then if you want, you can move on to hobby boxes, or singles to finish it off.

Value Comparison

When you consider that individual Contenders hobby packs go for around $5 each, a blaster giving you 7 packs for $20 is a solid value. At that price per pack, you’d expect to pay $35 for the same number of hobby packs. So blasters give you more bang for your buck.

Re-Sell Potential

If you don’t care about keeping the cards for your own collection, Contenders blasters can also offer value through re-selling hits. Rookies and rare parallels can often fetch well above the cost of the box. I’ve had blasters that gave me $50-$100 worth of singles to sell.

Accessibility

Contenders blasters are widely available at mass retail stores like Target and Walmart. That makes them easy to find and buy, unlike hobby boxes that quickly sell out at card shops or online retailers.

Trade Bait Galore

Even if you don’t hit anything huge, blasters will provide tons of nice rookie cards, inserts and parallels that make great trade bait. Contenders is one of the most traded sets, so people are always on the lookout for cards to acquire.

The Thrill of the Unknown

At the end of the day, ripping Contenders blasters is just plain thrilling. You could open one and pull multiple explosive hits that far outweigh the cost. Or you could strike out completely. But not knowing what’s inside each pack is all part of the excitement and mystique that makes this hobby so much fun.

Final Thoughts

Contenders blaster boxes aren’t a sure-fire bet, but they offer collectors and investors tremendous potential without breaking the bank. If you’re selective and strategic with what you keep or re-sell, they can easily provide very strong returns. Of course, the main appeal is simply getting to experience ripping open pack after pack of a classic football card product. That pure, raw enjoyment is tough to quantify. But for me, the answer is clear – Panini Contenders blaster boxes are absolutely worth the investment.

What to Expect in a Panini Contenders Blaster Box

Now that we’ve established the value and fun factor of ripping Contenders blasters, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect to find inside one of these boxes.

The Basics

Each Contenders blaster box comes with 7 packs, with 4 cards per pack for a total of 28 cards. You’ll get a mix of veterans, rookies, inserts, and parallel cards. On average, expect to see around 5 rookie cards per blaster.

Base Card Breakdown

The base set consists of veterans and rookies. Card #1 in the set is always a popular veteran like Brady, Mahomes or Rodgers. The next 100 cards or so are other vets. Then you transition into the meat of the set – the highly coveted rookie cards.

Parallels Overview

When it comes to parallels, Contenders brings the color in style! Cracked Ice are numbered to /199 or less. Laser is numbered out of /149. Inferno is aptly named for its fiery design. And there are also exclusive retail parallels found only in blasters like Prizm and Crusade.

Inserts to Find

In addition to parallels, Contenders blasters have a variety of great looking inserts. These include classics like Ticket Stubs and Rookie Ticket. Newer inserts like Cinematography offer unique designs. The Legendary Contenders Jumbo Jersey Booklet is a rare find.

Autographs Are Rare But Possible

While autos are not guaranteed hits in blasters, they are possible. I’ve pulled some sweet rookie ink from Contenders blasters like Justin Herbert and Saquon Barkley. Even veterans like Dak, Russ, and Deshaun have signed blaster exclusives.

Memorabilia Cards Too!

Again not guaranteed, but I have hit memorabilia cards out of Contenders blasters. Nabbing a nice dual or triple relic rookie card would be a big win!

Box Bottom Bonus

One special treat is that blasters have an exclusive “Box Bottom Bonus” parallel only found as the last card in the box. This is randomly either a rookie, vet or insert card numbered to /199.

Factory Defects Exist

Once in a blue moon, a blaster will have a damaged card right out of the box. This “factory defect” makes the error card more valuable to collectors. Always inspect thoroughly!

Rookie Highlights

The rookie cards are what most collectors are after. Nabbing one of the top first year players like a Burrow, Tua, Herbert or Lamb would be a monster hit.

Some Years Are Better Than Others

The quality of the rookie class clearly impacts the potential value of blasters each year. Years with multiple big time rookies have more lucrative possibilities.

It’s All Random

Of course every blaster box is totally random, so results will vary wildly. You could find multiple numbered parallels, autographs, and top rookies. Or you could get nothing but base cards of average veterans.

Have Fun and Set Expectations

Approach Contenders blasters with measured goals and enjoy the adrenaline rush of not knowing what’s inside each pack. With good luck, you might just land the next Patrick Mahomes or Justin Herbert rookie card and really hit the jackpot!

At the end of the day, Contenders offers collectors a great experience opening cards of the NFL’s brightest young stars. Win or lose, blaster breaks provide entertainment and memories that our hobby is all about.

Key Rookie Cards to Find in Contenders

The premier chase within Contenders blaster boxes is landing one of the top rookie cards. These first year players can make or break the value and collectability of a box.

The Big QBs

Quarterbacks command a premium, so signal callers like Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa are always in high demand. Their rookie Contenders cards can be worth a pretty penny.

Skill Position Stars

Running backs, receivers and tight ends like Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Justin Jefferson and Cole Kmet also drive interest. Their cards may not fetch QB prices, but are still valuable.

Defensive Playmakers

Rookies like Chase Young, Patrick Queen and Jeremy Chinn made big defensive impacts in 2020. Collectors covet their Contenders cards as well.

The Big Men Up Front

Even offensive linemen get love in Contenders. Mekhi Becton, Jedrick Wills Jr. and other top blockers have desirable rookie cards.

Underrated Gems

Lesser known rookies can also prove valuable down the road. Finding the next Josh Allen or Stefon Diggs card before they break out is the goal here.

Rookie Ticket Autographs

If you’re really lucky, you may hit a coveted “Rookie Ticket” autograph card. These rank among the most valuable cards in Contenders.

The Big Name Vets

Of course if you land a legendary veteran like Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes or Aaron Rodgers as a rookie card, that would be something special as well.

Long Term Potential

Certain rookie cards gain value over time. Getting the new class of first year players is like betting on future stardom stories to still be written.

Building Super Collections

Collecting all the Contenders rookie cards of breakout stars can become lifelong super collections.

Player Draft Position Matters

Early first rounders are always coveted, but finding steals like Lamar Jackson or DK Metcalf offers more reward.

The Biggest NFL Markets

Rookies on popular teams like the Cowboys, Patriots and Steelers tend to draw extra hobby interest as well.

While veterans provide most of the nostalgia factor, Contenders’ rookie cards drive much of the allure and value. You never know when you’ll uncover a modern day gem!

Valuable Inserts and Parallels to Watch For

In addition to big rookie cards, Contenders blasters offer collectors the chance to find scarce inserts and parallel variations that can drive value.

Numbered Parallels

Keep an eye out for parallels numbered to 99 or less like Cracked Ice, Inferno, and Crusade. Limited print runs make these extra desirable.

Retail Exclusive Parallels

Blaster-only parallels like Prizm and Illusions offer bonuses you can’t get in hobby packs. Their retail exclusivity ups the appeal.

Rated Rookie Ticket Autographs

Any signed rookie card rates as a huge hit. But the Rated Rookie Ticket insert takes it to another level with on-card autographs.

Rookie Ticket Autograph Parallels

If you can land a parallel version of a Rookie Ticket auto, you’ve scored one of the case hits. A Cracked Ice /25 would be epic.

Veteran Autographed Inserts

Inks of star players like Mahomes, Donald and McCaffrey on inserts like Cinematography and Ticket Stubs are money.

Memorabilia Cards

Jersey and patch cards aren’t common in blasters but do happen. A nice RPA would be the jackpot.

Legendary Contenders Booklets

Only a handful of these jumbo booklets get pulled from each case. Finding one would be like winning a mini-lottery.

Low-Key RCs

Under-the-radar rookie inserts can grow over time as players break out down the road.

Retail Exclusive Inserts

Some inserts like Rookie Playmakers are only found in blaster boxes, upping their uniqueness.

Aaron Judge Die-Cuts

Judge’s cards remain wildly popular. A die-cut insert would be a nice pull for Yankees fans.

Tom Brady’s Last Rookie Card

Given Brady’s retirement, his 2000 Contenders champion card is a unique find.

Contenders’ parallels and inserts provide collectors many ways to hit it big beyond just the base cards.

Autographs and Memorabilia Hits to Chase

While the odds are long, Contenders blasters present collectors the opportunity to score highly coveted autograph and memorabilia cards.

Shoot for the Moon

Inking a superstar rookie like Justin Herbert or CeeDee Lamb would register as one of the all-time great blaster hits.

Veteran Autograph Potential

Landing a signed card of an established player like Aaron Rodgers or Travis Kelce may be rare, but not impossible.

Rookie Ticket Ink

The Rookie Ticket autograph insert delivers on-card rookie autographs. This is the prime target.

Variety of Insert Autographs

In addition to Rookie Ticket, signed cards also come in inserts like Cinematography and Gridiron Kings.

Long Shot Retail Exclusive Autos

While very tough pulls, blaster exclusives like Crusade Autographs offer autograph intrigue.

Memorabilia Hits

Jersey, patch and laundry tag cards offer swatches of player-worn gear – the holy grail being a shield or RPA.

Pick Your Favorite Team or Player

Chase autographs and relics of your own squad or individual players you PC.

Consider Prospecting Potential

Inking an under-the-radar rookie could score big if they flourish down the road.

The Big QB Market

Quarterback autographs always command a premium price point.

Scarce Low Numbered Parallels

A limited print run parallel auto or relic would be the jackpot like Cracked Ice /25.

Long Term Holds

Autographs of all-time greats like Brady hold value years later as their careers grow legendary.

Though exceedingly rare, signed and memorabilia cards offer blaster collectors the chance at masterpiece hits.

How Many Hits Per Blaster Box on Average?

When ripping Contenders blasters, one of the key questions is – how many big hits can you expect to find on average?

It Varies

There are no guaranteed hits in Contenders blaster boxes. So results can range from zero to possibly multiple hits.

Rookies Aplenty

You’re virtually assured of hitting 5 or more solid rookie cards per blaster. I’d call those “hits” even if they’re base cards.

Average of 1-2 Numbered Parallels

Expect to see maybe one or two numbered parallels. Occasionally you may hit 3-5, or none.

Odds of an Insert Autograph

Ink is rare in blasters, but possible. Maybe 1 in 10 boxes yield some type of autograph card.

Memorabilia Card Odds

Jersey and patch cards are also super tough from blasters. Maybe 1 in 15-20 boxes feature a memorabilia hit.

Multiple Hits Happen

I have had blasters with a numbered parallel, autograph and memorabilia card. But that’s exceeding expectations.

Some Packs Will Have All Base

Don’t be surprised if 1 or 2 packs contain all base cards. That comes with the blaster box territory.

Watch for a “Hot” Box

Once in awhile, everything aligns and you hit a blaster loaded with multiple parallels, inserts and hits.

Manufacturing Runs

Hobby boxes tend to see more hits as print runs progress, so later produced blasters may as well.

Set Realistic Expectations

Approach breaks with measured goals. Blaster hits happen but are by no means a sure thing.

It’s Like the Lottery

You can’t expect to strike it big every time. But the chance at hitting something huge exists.

While not guaranteed, Contenders blasters provide collectors the chance to beat the odds and uncover great hits. With some luck, you may land multiple autographs, relics or numbered parallels in one box.

Weighing Packs: Myth or Reality?

A controversial tactic some collectors use when buying blasters is weighing packs to try to determine the contents inside. But does this practice actually work?

The Theory

The belief is that heavier packs contain more hits like thick memorabilia or autograph cards versus lighter packs with mostly thin base cards.

Retail Stores Weigh

Big chain retailers weigh and pick through boxes before stocking, leaving only light packs. This prevents customers weighing in stores.

Imperfect System

Weight doesn’t provide perfect insight into what’s inside. Heavy packs could contain multiple base cards or inserts.

Mini Scale Required

You need a highly sensitive jewelry or scientific scale to detect slight pack weight variances just a fraction of an ounce.

Narrow Weight Range

Realistically there might be a 1-2 gram weight difference between the lightest and heaviest packs.

Pack Wrappers Add Variance

The plastic packaging and glued wraps also influence weight slightly.

More Applicable to Hobby

Hobby boxes with guaranteed hits better suit weighing packs. Retail blasters contain more randomness.

Unethical Practice

Many collectors view weighing packs as unethical and taking unfair advantage.

You Can Get Burned

A heavy pack could just contain multiple base rookie cards of lesser value.

Some Truth to It

In my experience, heavier packs do tend to have better hits. But it’s not foolproof.

The bottom line is weighing Contenders blaster packs offers collectors only a slight advantage at best in a hobby heavily based on luck of the draw.

Best Retailers to Buy Contenders From

Finding Contenders blasters in stock can be a challenge. Here are some of the best retailers to locate these coveted NFL cards.

Big Box Stores

Major chains like Target, Walmart and Meijer receive allotments of Contenders blasters each year. But supplies sell out fast.

Local Card Shops

Some hobby shops are able to order blasters through distributors. Supporting small businesses helps the hobby.

Online Retailers

Websites like Dave & Adam’s, Steel City and Blowout Cards regularly list Contenders blasters in stock.

Group Breaking Sites

Joining a group break can offer access to blasters. But you only receive your team’s cards.

eBay Can Work

If you don’t mind paying above retail, eBay sellers reliably have blasters available year-round.

Amazon Third Party

Like eBay, Amazon third party sellers offer blasters but charge inflated prices. Use caution.

Search Diligently

It may take checking multiple stores to finally find Contenders in stock at retail price.

Time Your Shopping

Try visiting stores early in the morning right after card vendors restock the shelves.

Watch Social Media

Follow Twitter feeds that alert when products like Contenders blasters drop online.

Join Retailer Reward Programs

Big box stores give early access to sales for members, improving your Contenders odds.

Buy Singles to Supplement

If you strike out finding blasters, buying Contenders base rookies and inserts as singles is an option.

Securing Contenders at a fair price takes dedication. But running a retail blaster box rip is an unmatched thrill.

When Do Contenders Release Each Year?

Knowing the Contenders release calendar helps collectors prepare for this hugely popular NFL card launch each year.

Football Card Season

Contenders arrives toward the end of the NFL card season, usually in January or February.

After the NFL Draft

It comes out 8-9 months after the prior NFL draft highlighted in the set.

Peak Rookie Card Time

The late season release allows Contenders to spotlight rookies after they’ve had a chance to play.

Before the Super Bowl

Contenders normally drops a few weeks prior to the Super Bowl, when NFL fever is high.

Follows Optic and Mosaic

It arrives after popular early season products like Optic and Mosaic.

Wraps Up Card Season

Contenders effectively closes the chapter on that year’s rookie class heading into the offseason.

Release Calendar Consistency

Expect Contenders around the same January-February window every year.

Capitalizes on Playoff Excitement

The timing allows rookies to appear on cards in their playoff debuts.

Rookie Card Finale

It offers collectors a final bow for the rookie class across major card brands.

Start Tracking Release Date Early

As soon as the new NFL season kicks off, note when Contenders hit the prior year to estimate its upcoming release.

Double Check Retailer Listings

Retailers will confirm the Contenders street date once officially announced by Panini.

By keeping close tabs on the winter release calendar, collectors can help ensure they’re ready to pounce when those highly coveted Contenders blasters first hit.

Contenders Design and Card Stock Over the Years

One of the cool parts of Contenders’ long history are the artistic card designs and stock materials used throughout the various eras of the product.

Origins in the 90s

Early Contenders base sets featured bold, full-bleed photo-based designs typical of 90s cards.

Vintage Cardboard Stock

Older Contenders base cards have a nice, firm cardboard stock and glossy UV coatings.

Rookie Ticket Tradition

The Rookie Ticket insert has maintained its clean, classic autographed look since the beginning.

Modern Refinements

Today’s Contenders incorporates sleeker layouts and foil technology while upholding franchise standards.

Crisp Presentation

Current base set cards utilize lots of white space for a polished, modern presentation.

Bright, Vibrant Foils

Parallel refractor styles like Cracked Ice and Inferno pop with refracting colors and shimmers.

Premium Card Stock

Blaster box base cards today have a thicker premium stock versus hobby-exclusive packs.

Nostalgic Inserts

Some Contenders inserts maintain retro designs that pay homage to old-school 1990s cards.

Latest Printing Innovations

Contenders incorporates foilboarding, full-bleed images, holofoil and other modern printing advancements.

Regardless of era, Contenders evokes excellence in card design, print quality and collecting nostalgia across generations.

Building Rainbows of Parallels and Inserts

One engaging aspect of collecting Contenders is building out rainbows of all the different parallels and inserts for specific players.

Pick Your Player

Choose a current star, rookie, or all-time great as the player you want to rainbow.

Compile the Base Versions

Start with the basic base card and work upward in rarity from there.

Numbered Parallels

Add in all the serial-numbered parallels like Prizm, Cracked Ice and more.

Inserts Too

Don’t forget key inserts like Rookie Ticket, Cinematography and Ticket Stubs.

Retail Exclusive Parallels

Blaster-only Prizm and Crusade parallels are must haves.

Aim for Low Print Runs

The big challenge is tracking down tough 1/1s or other super short print parallels.

Consider Player Exclusives

Certain parallels are only available for some players, like Cracked Ice Rated Rookies.

Possibly a Decades-Long Quest

For legends like Brady, the rainbow may take many years to complete across Contenders’ history.

Focus on Key Years

Or just build a rainbow of one iconic year like Patrick Mahomes’ 2018 Contenders cards.

Display the Fruits of Your Labor

Show off the rainbow in a showcase frame or binder page.

Chasing Contenders parallels and inserts of your favorite players offers a fun, rewarding collecting mission.

Top Contenders Rookie Cards of All-Time

Throughout its long history, Contenders has delivered some of the most iconic rookie cards ever printed. Here are some of the all-time greats.

Peyton Manning 1998

The rookie card of the legendary QB remains highly coveted from Contenders’ 1998 inaugural set.

Tom Brady 2000

Brady’s RC came during Contenders’ early peak. Its Champion signature parallel is iconic.

Drew Brees 2001

Brees’ sharp black-bordered rookie is a classic from Contenders’ 2001 edition.

Ben Roethlisberger 2004

Big Ben’s RC documents one of the game’s storied quarterback draft classes.

Adrian Peterson 2007

A Peterson rookie card is a must-have for collectors of elite running backs.

Matt Ryan 2008

Ryan’s 2008 Contenders card carries significance as his rookie season produced an AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Patrick Mahomes II 2018

Mahomes’ Contenders RC already secures “legendary” status and value.

Saquon Barkley 2018

The NFL has produced few rookie runners of Barkley’s caliber, making his RC memorable.

Joe Burrow 2020

As rare Cincinnati legends go, Burrow’s Contenders card deserves special distinction.

Contenders’ rich history ensures some of hobby’s most important rookie cards reside within the brand.

Re-selling Big Hits on eBay and COMC

When you pull valuable Contenders cards from blasters, eBay and COMC are great outlets for re-selling to maximize profits.

Capitalize on the Card Rush

List hits quickly when interest is high right after new Contenders releases.

Raw vs. Graded

Consider if selling raw or getting cards graded first makes sense based on card condition.

Search Ebay Sold Listings

Use recent sold prices to gauge the current market value of your hits.

Start Auctions at 99 Cents

Beginning auctions at a very low start price helps attract early bidders.

Offer Free Shipping

Absorbing shipping cost in your listing helps make it more attractive to buyers.

Consider Buy It Now

For very hot, in-demand hits, a Buy It Now with immediate purchase may work best.

COMC Offers Passive Sales Approach

You can list cards for fixed prices indefinitely until purchased on COMC with lower fees.

Don’t Get Greedy

Resist over-pricing items far above market rate or you may never find a buyer.

Patience Pays Off

Letting auctions run their course results in maximum bids.

With the right strategies, eBay and COMC provide great platforms to sell valuable Contenders pull and invest the profits into more blasters.

Protecting Your Best Cards

When you hit valuable Contenders cards in blasters, proper protection is crucial for preserving condition and value.

Avoid Touching Surfaces

Handle cards carefully only by the edges and corners to reduce fingerprints or smudging.

Sleeve Cards Immediately

Use quality sleeves like Pro Mold or Ultra Pro to shield cards as soon as they’re pulled.

Top Load Big Hits

Further protect autographed, memorabilia or high-end serial numbered cards in top loaders.

Store Horizontally

Keep cards in boxes or cases sideways to prevent bending and warping.

Consistent Climate Control

Storing cards at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 40-60% relative humidity is ideal.

Protect from Sunlight

Never display cards in direct sunlight over time, which can fade and damage cards.

Be Wary of Moisture and Liquids

Keep cards away from moisture risks like basements, pipes and spilled drinks.

Consider Grading

For ultra high-value cards, have companies like PSA or BGS grade and encapsulate them.

Handle with Care

Always care for cards gently as if they’re irreplaceable, because they are!

Treating Contenders blaster hits with care preserves condition and long-term value for collectors.

Enjoy the Thrill and Take Your Time Opening

When your long-awaited Contenders blaster boxes finally arrive, make sure to soak in every moment while opening them.

Have Reasonable Expectations

Approach each box with measured goals. hits aren’t guaranteed so temper expectations.

Document the Break

Consider recording video or taking photos to capture memorable pulls and the excitement.

Crack Packs Carefully

Open gently and discard wrappers cleanly to avoid damaging cards.

Appreciate the Draw of the Unknown

Let the mystery and unpredictability of ripping through a blaster box envelop you.

See Each Pack as a Mini-Gift

Treat every fresh pack as an unopened present full of unknown potential.

Savor That New Card Smell

Inhale the unique, nostalgic scent of a newly opened pack of Contenders cards.

Admire the Photography and Design

Take a moment to appreciate the great photos, artwork and layouts, even on base cards.

Soak in the Nostalgia

Contenders’ legacy elicits great hobby memories. Relive and make new ones.

Have Fun!

However your blaster breaks pan out, enjoy the ride. The cards are just tokens of this pastime we love.

By embracing the experience and unknown, Contenders blaster breaks become unforgettable.