UPDATE: SPECIAL OFFER FOR JULY 12th ONLY!
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For one day only, Save 10% each on Sterling Protector Cases offered by Sterling Value when you purchase 1 or more. Enter code STPRIME1 at checkout.)
You are going to like these.
A few weeks ago I was approached by a company called Sterling Protectors, who wanted me to have a look at their new carded diecast protector cases. I warned them they might be barking up the wrong tree, as I have a nasty habit of opening just about everything.
But I obliged, and they sent over a couple for me to take a look at. And I am so glad I did.
Yes, I open everything. Actually, most things. As a DLMer, something has to be really special for me to keep it carded. Rare variations, amazing artwork, whatever it is, I have to very motivated to not rip it open.
So that means I want said carded model to stay in the condition it was when I got it. That means clamshell protectors. But I have never been fully satisfied with the options out there. There are of course the Mattel-produced protectors, which they no longer sell, only given away with RLC and other premium models. They are decent, but there has been complaints that many times the cardbacks get damaged when stuffed into the clamshell, and other times the blisters don’t fit. There are other protector makers, to varying degree of quality, but I now know which one I like best.
It is Sterling Protectors. And I don’t say that because they approached me. I really do like these the best.
I look for a few things in a protector, and I assume many of you share this criteria:
- The cardback is easy to place in and take out of the protector. No pushing against the side or stuffing into corners. Corner damage is one of my biggest complaints with protectors.
- The blister portion has to be able to accommodate different sizes of blisters, especially long blisters (Think the Matchbox Cadillac One).
- It has to display well. Meaning it stands up on a table and doesn’t slant forward too much.
- While being secure, it still has to be easy to open and close. Many other protectors get bend marks and creases when you try to pull them open. Forcing stuck protectors open can also damage the cardback and blister.
I noticed one of the cars is a Japan Historics.. I just found some in one of my Walmart stores today. I think they were to be avail back since April, if not May.
Anyhow, luckily I got my case but I'm waiting for more Retro's and the MBX Land Rover series which probably won't show up until probably Aug/Sept. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Will they be making them in different sizes to accommodate bigger card backs a la Vintage Racing?
As per usual (Do Mattel own this company) they are not available in the UK, or even the option to have them shipped here – so again, something esle we cant have….. mmmmmmmm
i like the car case by protech ones better
I hear you. The Vintage Racing, 2012 RoadRacers, Speed Machines, Ferrari Racers series all have non-traditional card format, never seen protectos made for those even though most of those castings are worth $20+ each.
Sterling has no affiliation with Mattel. As far as shipping, Brexit will not help your case for international trade…
I have 3 of them but am not sure where they can be purchased…you saw on Instagram I'll be needing them (@dedicateddiecast is my name on there)
Yes i am fully aware of that – it was sarcasm, everything to do with Mattel or vaguely related items never seem to come to the UK.
As for BREXIT, i will take your comment with a pinch of salt, because you dont know what will happen, no one does, and to be honest, if it means less to do with the French then all the better 🙂 SARCASM again
John,
I will make a deal with you. I will get you some of these or any Mattel items if you can get me one item off eBay UK where the seller wants 15 pounds to ship something that will fit in a regular envelope. I understand your frustration but as we said there are many great diecasts we can't get here, Majorette, Welly, Siku, etc. And the Euro sellers know this and jack up the prices.
agreed.
So both of you bought the Sterling to compare? I like those two but am always frustrated at how hard they are to open and the cards don't always fit in the slot.
Do these (or similar products) have enough space for Matchbox's New Superfast or Lesney Edition cards? I have to say I've never had protectors, but if I were to get any, they'd go on those first.