Hi guys this is just a thread to post about the sleeves you use with your cube, and your experiences with them. Personally, I have different criteria for what sort of sleeve I want for my cube than I do for my normal and EDH decks.
Right now for my cube i'm using KMC matte black sleeves with the KMC perfect size sleeves underneath.
Here's a post I made a while ago regarding KMC versus Dragonshields:
I don't exactly recommend dragonshield sleeves myself. Here is my list of pros and cons for Dragonshields (I have used them a LOT, in normal decks and EDH):
Pros:
+They show little wear and tear after many uses (i.e. they last a long while)
+They come in packs of 100 (I think gold is best)
+They come with a handy box
Cons:
-They tend to start curving inwards, which often results in your cards actually developing a bend in them. (I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want my Beta Lotus (if I had one) bending)
-They last a long time BUT, they don't actually make your cards look awesome while sleeved
-Sometimes you'll get a pack that are almost all duds (All different lengths, frayed edges, kinks in the plastic on the back etc). It's happened to me several times, but luckily the store owner took them back. I wouldn't want to have to send them back to an online store, particularly if they get into a dispute with me.
Here are my pros and cons for KMC sleeves (what I use for my cube):
Pros:
+They somehow make your cards look awesome (somehow more professional, and also your foils stand out more) I don't know what it is exactly, I think some ultra pro varieties also have this quality.
+Never a problem with differing sizes etc. Every pack I have opened has been top notch in terms of uniformity
Cons:
-Only come in packs of 80 (but they are cheaper, to reflect this. So not really too much of a con).
-The corners tend to get a bit messed up, quite a bit quicker than Dragonshields. I tend not to worry about it much. The cards still look awesome in the sleeves, despite this problem.
I originally used dragonshield, but they tend to break pretty quickly with side shuffling. I switched to ultra-pro mat cards about a year ago and have never looked back. in that time I've managed to break less than 5 sleeves out of the 800+ I use and play with. the mat sleeves tend to grime up less (at least on the back of the sleeves, front is pretty standard), and they cost less than half dragonshield. you don't get the box with them, but honestly how long do those boxes last?
I'm using the glossy Japanese Ultra Pros (pretty sure they're the KMC's). I was a bit hesitant to buy them, but they were what was available, and so far I've been very impressed by them. They start off super slick, but after a bit of wear they're really good.
I probably wouldn't recommend Dragonshields just because they tend to get really sticky/ hard to shuffle. UltraPro matte (textured) would probably be my top choice/ recommendation.
Japanese Ultra Pros with KMC Perfect Fits. Haven't used anything else in years, and probably won't switch anytime soon. I have found that the Japanese UP sleeves are very durable, hardly ever split (even with the perfect fits inside), and don't stick very much.
[on KMC sleeves]-The corners tend to get a bit messed up, quite a bit quicker than Dragonshields. I tend not to worry about it much. The cards still look awesome in the sleeves, despite this problem.
I guess this means that you probably shouldn't use KMC sleeves if you have CE cards in your cube?...
I use 800+ bright pink DragonShields on my current cube. The cube that was stolen was sleeves in MTG card back sleeves, that was sexy. Still sad, a year later.
I guess this means that you probably shouldn't use KMC sleeves if you have CE cards in your cube?...
That's a good point I hadn't thought about that. I'm sure someone here has had experience with that.
The corners on the KMC matte sleeves I'm using right now seem to be lasting better than on metallic (super series) ones i've used on decks in the past. Here's hoping I don't have to re-sleeve my cube anytime soon.
It might sound a bit weird but I make my playgroup thoroughly wash their hands before cubing. I use a fresh tablecloth on the big table we use. This cuts down on the accumulated grease and grime from hands and tables that often starts appearing on sleeves.
I learned my lesson after the first draft with my cube, where afterward many cards were sticky and greasy.
Dragon Shield, and it's not close. My (and many others that frequent the cube) style of shuffling shreds old and new Ultra Pros alike, and the corners+backs of KMC's wear much faster than I would like them to. I don't think that there is a significant difference between view of the card on a given top-tier sleeve.
It might sound a bit weird but I make my playgroup thoroughly wash their hands before cubing. I use a fresh tablecloth on the big table we use. This cuts down on the accumulated grease and grime from hands and tables that often starts appearing on sleeves.
This sounds like a great idea. Something I've never thought of, myself, but it's something small to ask and should help with longevity and just easier usage.
I use ultrapro sleeves with matte back all red. After a good number of cubing sessions (and people not paying attention enough) we broke around 35 sleeves. They alwats break on the corner from which you side shuffle and only there... It never affects cards because it kind of splits the plastic from the back and front and so you notice it right away. I didn't bother using other shields because the ultrapro ones cost less and even if they don't break you will need to replace them eventually from dirtiness.
Black Dragonshields here. My only qualm with them is that they aren't uniformly cut, which is pretty unnacceptable for how much they cost. I've had ONE break after cubing about once a week for 4-5 months.
I originally started with Dragon Shields, but I must have gotten some bad boxes or something. Half of them were miscut and those stupid things broke with great deal of frequency. I hunted down a box of black KMC for a very reasonable price (~$4 per pack from some wholesaler) and haven't looked back. Those things do get pretty dirty though.
I have one of my EDH decks sleeved up in those old school clear Ultra Pros, now those were some GREAT sleeves. I wish I could still get my hands on some of them...
I've been using KMC Perfect Fits inside of Ultra Pros with the Nicol Bolas image. While the Ultra Pros may not be the best bang for your buck as far as sturdiness goes, there's something to be said for pimping your sleeves. It just adds another layer of awesomeness to The Cube.
I use ultra pros, they were the right price. However, I sideshuffle, and they break like CRAZY. I've probably only played with my new cube 10 times, and had to replace 6 sleeves (or more) already.
I run KMC Perfect Fits inside KMC Matte Dark Blue. They've been great. Just need to keep them tightly packed so there isn't so much air inside the sleeves.
I keep hearing people talk about breaking Dragonshield sleeves by side shuffling, but I have had most of my deck and my cube sleeved in Dragonshields and played hundreds of times and not broken a single sleeve, not in my cube (16 person drafts) or with my decks. Not a single sleeve, other brands I break sleeves regularly. What is going on with your shuffling?
Just a tip for people wanting to buy sleeves: Colors matter!
I always buy Fusion DragonShield and I've had 0 problems. They were all cut nice, and I think I've had them for 5 years now and only broken like 5. I will buy them every time for single-sleeving.
Because of that experience, I went and bought DragonShield Black and they were supremely fail. They were all mis-cut and seemed to break easily. I have no idea why that would be. (I read somewhere that it's something to do with how the dye binds with the plastic...no idea if that's true or not) After than I Googl'ed the colors and people seemed to be having the same experience as I.
I currently using KMC Brown Matte double-sleeved for my cube because I read that the Matte series was the best and most consistant. Haven't broken one yet.
So to all the potential buyers out there, ask what color and style people have because even amongst the same brand it might potentially matter.
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Just a tip for people wanting to buy sleeves: Colors matter!
I always buy Fusion DragonShield and I've had 0 problems. They were all cut nice, and I think I've had them for 5 years now and only broken like 5. I will buy them every time for single-sleeving.
Because of that experience, I went and bought DragonShield Black and they were supremely fail. They were all mis-cut and seemed to break easily. I have no idea why that would be. (I read somewhere that it's something to do with how the dye binds with the plastic...no idea if that's true or not) After than I Googl'ed the colors and people seemed to be having the same experience as I.
I currently using KMC Brown Matte double-sleeved for my cube because I read that the Matte series was the best and most consistant. Haven't broken one yet.
So to all the potential buyers out there, ask what color and style people have because even amongst the same brand it might potentially matter.
true. I usually use the dark blue ultra pro matte sleeves. occasionally I buy different colors for different decks, and it usually works out, except for when I bought the orange ultra pro matte sleeves. those started breaking the first day I used them, broke 3 or 4 by the end of the first tourney I used them in. it could have just been a really bad printing of the sleeves (I've seen other people use them without much hassle), but I've avoided orange since then (currently I use them to sleeve the tokens for my cube).
is there some way to not spend like $100-$200 on sleeves for the cube? is it just getting lucky on ebay? is there a decent site to get sleeves for reasonable prices?
When I see Healing Salve, I'm often like "Oh girl, I wish I could turn every card into this." Thanks they removed the gain life part, otherwise this would have been broken.
is there some way to not spend like $100-$200 on sleeves for the cube? is it just getting lucky on ebay? is there a decent site to get sleeves for reasonable prices?
ultra pro matte sells for about $5 for 100 sleeves are my local stores. that's only about $40 with tax for my cube.
I actually think Dragonshield is the superior sleeve for durability and for shuffling purposes, but as others have mentioned, there is a certain degree of non-uniformity from box to box. I found out the hard way, originally starting with 800 brown Dragonshields that had a maximum variation of about 1/8" in overall sleeve length. I was ok with it until I realized it led to certain cards clumping together. KMC doesn't have that problem and they are at a close second place for me.
* If anyone wants 800 barely used brown Dragonshields on the cheap, PM me.
Right now for my cube i'm using KMC matte black sleeves with the KMC perfect size sleeves underneath.
Here's a post I made a while ago regarding KMC versus Dragonshields:
Juju Alters - Altered MTG Cards
My Common/Uncommon Cube - I need to update the online list badly...
There's a Planeswalker for that! - Child of Alara, Mono-Planeswalker EDH
Savra Sack Off - Savra, Queen of the Golgari, Grave Pact Control EDH
Anthems of Heliod - Heliod, God of the Sun, Token & Anthem EDH
I probably wouldn't recommend Dragonshields just because they tend to get really sticky/ hard to shuffle. UltraPro matte (textured) would probably be my top choice/ recommendation.
-AA
I use descriptive language. Assume that I'm being nice and respectful. (I'll tell you when I'm not.)
My Cube: http://cubetutor.com/viewcube/9029
My Tribal cube is single sleeved with KMC Ultra Green.
Btw I think there's an old thread like this...
My Tribal cube
My 93/94 old school cube
My Artifact cube
My Hearthstone Quiz App for iOS
I tried Ultra Pro - that was a failed experiment.
[Remixes] - [The Brutal Cube - 360 Powered] - [My Cube Article] - ['Print-This' Wishlist]
I guess this means that you probably shouldn't use KMC sleeves if you have CE cards in your cube?...
That's a good point I hadn't thought about that. I'm sure someone here has had experience with that.
The corners on the KMC matte sleeves I'm using right now seem to be lasting better than on metallic (super series) ones i've used on decks in the past. Here's hoping I don't have to re-sleeve my cube anytime soon.
It might sound a bit weird but I make my playgroup thoroughly wash their hands before cubing. I use a fresh tablecloth on the big table we use. This cuts down on the accumulated grease and grime from hands and tables that often starts appearing on sleeves.
I learned my lesson after the first draft with my cube, where afterward many cards were sticky and greasy.
Juju Alters - Altered MTG Cards
This sounds like a great idea. Something I've never thought of, myself, but it's something small to ask and should help with longevity and just easier usage.
360 Cards Sphere: The Junk Cube
and Old School Ultra Pro Lava Reds for my 450 Common/Uncommon Cube
Opm's Cube on MTGS
Wife's Etsy Store (Hair Accessories for Girls)
Also, DragonShields are great sleeves if you're not double-sleeving.
My 630 Card Powered Cube
My Article - "Cube Design Philosophy"
My Article - "Mana Short: A study in limited resource management."
My 50th Set (P)review - Discusses my top 20 Cube cards from OTJ!
(CubeTutor & MTGS)
360 Peasant Cube!
Custom Cube
RWU Miracles RWU
I have one of my EDH decks sleeved up in those old school clear Ultra Pros, now those were some GREAT sleeves. I wish I could still get my hands on some of them...
I like to use KMCs on my decks in tournaments but with prolonged use they get bad a lot faster than Ultra Pros, in my experience.
Haven't used Dragonshields in ages; can't comment on those.
Would not recommend.
I always buy Fusion DragonShield and I've had 0 problems. They were all cut nice, and I think I've had them for 5 years now and only broken like 5. I will buy them every time for single-sleeving.
Because of that experience, I went and bought DragonShield Black and they were supremely fail. They were all mis-cut and seemed to break easily. I have no idea why that would be. (I read somewhere that it's something to do with how the dye binds with the plastic...no idea if that's true or not) After than I Googl'ed the colors and people seemed to be having the same experience as I.
I currently using KMC Brown Matte double-sleeved for my cube because I read that the Matte series was the best and most consistant. Haven't broken one yet.
So to all the potential buyers out there, ask what color and style people have because even amongst the same brand it might potentially matter.
true. I usually use the dark blue ultra pro matte sleeves. occasionally I buy different colors for different decks, and it usually works out, except for when I bought the orange ultra pro matte sleeves. those started breaking the first day I used them, broke 3 or 4 by the end of the first tourney I used them in. it could have just been a really bad printing of the sleeves (I've seen other people use them without much hassle), but I've avoided orange since then (currently I use them to sleeve the tokens for my cube).
My Common/Uncommon Cube - I need to update the online list badly...
There's a Planeswalker for that! - Child of Alara, Mono-Planeswalker EDH
Savra Sack Off - Savra, Queen of the Golgari, Grave Pact Control EDH
Anthems of Heliod - Heliod, God of the Sun, Token & Anthem EDH
ultra pro matte sells for about $5 for 100 sleeves are my local stores. that's only about $40 with tax for my cube.
My Common/Uncommon Cube - I need to update the online list badly...
There's a Planeswalker for that! - Child of Alara, Mono-Planeswalker EDH
Savra Sack Off - Savra, Queen of the Golgari, Grave Pact Control EDH
Anthems of Heliod - Heliod, God of the Sun, Token & Anthem EDH
I actually think Dragonshield is the superior sleeve for durability and for shuffling purposes, but as others have mentioned, there is a certain degree of non-uniformity from box to box. I found out the hard way, originally starting with 800 brown Dragonshields that had a maximum variation of about 1/8" in overall sleeve length. I was ok with it until I realized it led to certain cards clumping together. KMC doesn't have that problem and they are at a close second place for me.
* If anyone wants 800 barely used brown Dragonshields on the cheap, PM me.
Current EDH Decks:
G Multani, Maro-Sorcerer
B Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed
GU Momir Vig, Simic Visionary