Opinions on which are the best pop protectors

[RobinBear177]

So I was thinking about getting some pop protectors and just wanted educated opinions on which are best value/quality wise. I was leaning toward the pop stacks but I've heard some people have had problems with them. Any info, suggestions, or links where to purchase would be very much appreciated, thanks.

[emcee]

Not the ones at Hot Topic.

[treswright]

The Funko Pop Stacks are by far the best out there. There is no better protection for your minty, high value Pops but they are not cheap. I've only used them for autographed Pops. If you mean the flimsy plastic ones, eh, I don't much like any of them. They'll protect your Pop boxes from shelf rash but they will not keep them from getting dinged up if they're handled rough or dropped.

[leosalion]

I agree on the Pop Stacks, those things are awesome.
I had one of my Pops in one, and fell from a fairly high up shelf. The Pop Stack cracked, but the pop inside was completely fine, otherwise I would've been very sad to see a big dented corner on the box.

[Strending625]

Like tres said, pops stacks are great for high value/signed pops. I only have 3 stacks but I have my 2 signed Stan Lees and my gitd white lantern flash in them. This past weekend when I was taking pops with my to a con to get signed I just put the pops in stacks in my wife's backpack and didn't have to worry about them at all. Plus like it says in the name they stack together.

[Ske7ch]

Stacks. /endthread

[Black_Dragon85]

I use pop stacks for all my valuable pops, they are really great

[Geescube]

Only complaint I have about stacks is that they do fit REALLY snug. Like a little too much. I guess at the same time I wouldnt want a big gap between the box and the stack.

I have one of my most prized pops in a stack and I had kind of a tough time fitting it in. I wouldnt be surprised, if the stack actually ends up causing a stress mark over time. Oh well.

[edmomo]

I find with the stacks that they ease in better if you remove the top and bottom lid before trying to jam it in. Not as much pressure on the box but watch for the edges where it meets the window. Don't wanna damage the very thing you're trying to protect. On the bad note though I hear they will shatter if dropped but will definitely take the buffeting in a bag or transport.

[Geescube]

I find with the stacks that they ease in better if you remove the top and bottom lid before trying to jam it in. Not as much pressure on the box but watch for the edges where it meets the window.

I removed both lids and was able to get the pop in slightly easier, doesn't change the fact that near the top the stack is rubbing the box. This of course is no fault of my own, nor can i really blame the stack i suppose. The actual pop box is SLIGHTLY warped/imperfect/flawed/blown out.

[rkwo]

I have retroprotection protectors on ALL my expensive and autographed pops. I have some stacks, but feel they are too snug and the lids can break if dropped.

[grendelscott]

I use the Pop Protectors from Fugitive. They're nice if you display stacked, in-box Pops because they allow you to stack a little higher. Just don't go too high though, as you still run the risk of tipping. I have dropped a few while carrying several from one room to the next, and the protector definitely kept them from getting banged up corners, etc. whereas a Pop Stack would have shattered on the tile. I do have about a dozen in the Pop Stacks as well.

If you're just starting out, decide now so you don't have to play catch up. That gets expensive if you decide to box everything after amassing a collection of several hundred Pops, although I wouldn't know anything about that.

[JBeard]

I love op stacks!

[dishsnthings]

There are many threads on this too. Im not sure why Hot Topic cases get shafted all the time. I have hundreds, and they are great. FOR the right purpose! As others here I have my super expensive or signed in the stacks. Works great. Then, I have been using Ultra Pro cases I get from Newberry Comics for my mid-level Pops. Say $50-$100 Pops. They are super heavy duty, but fairly hard to work with. All my low-level Pops, up to $50, get Hot Topic cases. Much thinner, but easy to work with and cheap. Ive always lucked out and got stackers and Ultra Pros on sale or clearance. Hot Topics I always get on Hot Cash. So in perspective, ON SALE, I pay $5-$6 for each stacker. $1.59 each Ultra Pro and about $1 each for each Hot Topic. When you amass a collection my size, every penny saved helps! ANY protector is better than none, and HT cases survive the "drop test" just fine, I know, Ive done it.

[HappinessGuano]

In case no one has noticed or seen them yet, B&N now sells the Funko stacks for $7.99. My store is always suppose to have one in, so if it gets sold they have another coming.

[kiptrip]

Retroprotection does really good protectors that fit well. Most others are too big for the boxes which bugs me. These protectors make stacking much easier as well. Probably the most affordable option behind Pop Stacks.

[willy wonka]

Does anyone find the ultra pros are too big? I am finding that stacking them would take more space then the pop stacks, Also I think the pop has more wiggle room inside the Ultra pro.

[Hopesdenial]

Pop stacks. Just really expensive to try do whole collections.

[eljefe81]

What about for oversized pops? For like Luke/Wampa and Mag the Mighty.

[Hopesdenial]

You can check out doll cases or sport memorabilia cases.

[Hopesdenial]

Something like these

http://www.organization-store.com/plast ... AtNa8P8HAQ

http://www.collectingwarehouse.com/Prod ... Am9t8P8HAQ

[jondru]

Only complaint I have about stacks is that they do fit REALLY snug. Like a little too much. I guess at the same time I wouldnt want a big gap between the box and the stack.

I have one of my most prized pops in a stack and I had kind of a tough time fitting it in. I wouldnt be surprised, if the stack actually ends up causing a stress mark over time. Oh well.

Agreed

[willy wonka]

Only complaint I have about stacks is that they do fit REALLY snug. Like a little too much. I guess at the same time I wouldnt want a big gap between the box and the stack.

I have one of my most prized pops in a stack and I had kind of a tough time fitting it in. I wouldnt be surprised, if the stack actually ends up causing a stress mark over time. Oh well.

Agreed

I have similar issues with some of my pops

[BigHow]

For most of my Pops, I use the protectors from RetroProtection: http://www.retroprotection.com/main.sc

Great prices, good customer service, and they're all made with acid-free plastic.

Anything that's super high value gets put into a Pop Stack, but the RetroProtection protectors work great for the vast majority of my collection.

[donofoblivion]

Agree with the general consensus of comments: Pop! Stacks are definitely the most hardy, but the fit is snug to tight, and they're relatively expensive. Whereas these provide max protection, accumulating these would be a major cost addition and present some challenge to large in-box collections, and figure along with other concerns like shelving, space, and the costs of buying more Pops!

These are my own experiences and practices:

For the time being, I use the Retroprotection acid-free covers for most of my Pops!; even this can get really expensive. When I use these, I have to feel comfortable with where and how they're being displayed--that a simple casual accident is unlikely. Whereas these covers do offer some protection (mostly passive shelving protection), some casual accidents can end up with box or Pop! damage.

I tend to reserve and use the more expensive and snuggly-fitting Pop! Stacks for expensive Pop! Grails that I know I'm not going to be removing in and out of the case or box...or maybe even for less rare Pops! that are displayed in riskier locations.

There is one more very important consideration that I would like to share: when traveling, I would HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend using the Pop! Stacks as the primary box protectors. This past 2016 Comic Con I carried onto the plane with me some of my most important grail Pops! for potential signatures. I used the Retroprotection cases for all of them. Things went pretty well. But when I returned home, I noticed that one of my rare and expensive Deadpool boxes had developed a pressure crease from the carry-on bag. I am confident that I would have been able to carry-on the same number of Pops! and that this damage would not have occurred had I used the Pop! Stacks. It was a valuable lesson learned for me. So as with most everything else I do, I mix things up based on costs and functional need.

[Tazz013]

I love the Ultra Pro protectors. I've used their products for decades to store sports memorabilia, so I don't find them difficult at all. They're made from two unlocking U-shaped pieces that results in a seamless appearance, unlike the dual cover design of the Pop! stacks.

[hpellot]

I am a fan of the retro protectos

[TenTwoSix]

Another vote for retro protection for the soft protectors.

[Thrillofthehunt]

I have almost everything in the plastic protectors and anything over $50 in the stacks. Ordering stack from amazon was a nightmare for me, always cracked. I picked up several at the last Con i was at since I was able to hand pick them. Now they have them in stock at the B&N near me for 7.99 to that is fantastic

[zaghawk]

I think in regards to protection/$ you can't beat a POP Stack. There is better protection some people actually made custom plexiglass pop protectors I saw at SDCC a year ago. But they were pricey like $30 each. But when it comes to POP box protection you got two choices the thin plastic and the POP stack

Thin Plastic Type:
Pros - Will protect box from a drop even as high as 6-7 feet. Cheap. Pop boxes slide in/out easy.
Con - WilL NOT protect box from a good crush. Plastic scratches easy once protective film is removed. Does not stack well.

POP Stack:
Pros - Will protect box from drop and good crush protection. i.e. you could accidentally step on it and as long as you didn't JUMP on it it'll probably protect the box. Looks nice. STACKS.
Con - Expensive. Prone to cracking on impact. So after a bad crack, you will have to live with a crack or replace it. Fits very snug, making it hard to put pop box in/out of it..sometimes even scratching the cellophane on your pop box.

My general rule for myself is I don't POP stack something unless its market value is worth over $300, I also don't use POP protectors unless its market value is worth over $100. But that's me.



That is all.

[Fjc1911]

Always love RetroProtection.

[kiptrip]

Retroprotection is fantastic. Dan is always on hand to reply my emails and shipping is perfect and quick. Protectors fit really well too, not too roomy, not too snug.

[McScruffy]

I swear by the Retro Protection ones as well. Great customer service, fast shipping. I use the Pop stacks only for my prized possessions like chases and rare Freddy's.

[philipali]

Retroprotection always works

[Sarcasticguy]

I think in regards to protection/$ you can't beat a POP Stack. There is better protection some people actually made custom plexiglass pop protectors I saw at SDCC a year ago. But they were pricey like $30 each. But when it comes to POP box protection you got two choices the thin plastic and the POP stack

Thin Plastic Type:
Pros - Will protect box from a drop even as high as 6-7 feet. Cheap. Pop boxes slide in/out easy.
Con - WilL NOT protect box from a good crush. Plastic scratches easy once protective film is removed. Does not stack well.

POP Stack:
Pros - Will protect box from drop and good crush protection. i.e. you could accidentally step on it and as long as you didn't JUMP on it it'll probably protect the box. Looks nice. STACKS.
Con - Expensive. Prone to cracking on impact. So after a bad crack, you will have to live with a crack or replace it. Fits very snug, making it hard to put pop box in/out of it..sometimes even scratching the cellophane on your pop box.

My general rule for myself is I don't POP stack something unless its market value is worth over $300, I also don't use POP protectors unless its market value is worth over $100. But that's me.



That is all.

I've seen/heard stories though of people ruining their boxes when trying to remove something from a stack... although i guess you probably shouldnt, as that's the point of them.