Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket Variations?

[Jeter1020]

I’m not well versed in football cards. What is the difference between panini contenders and panini contenders optic? Also what’s the difference between playoff ticket and rookie ticket and championship ticket variations? And what is the difference between helmet and team logo variations? Some also have sticker or on card autos.

Thanks in advance

[slyguy]

It's just like donruss and donruss optic... higher set for optic vs regular (fewer cards per pack, higher price per card, more gloss finish and generally better paper+cut cards... retail has mostly junk while the hobby boxes have bigger hits, lower numbered, etc). There is also contenders draft picks (crap sets, NCAA jersey... most all cards are near worthless).

They are not making Contenders anymore, so you don't really have to worry about it (Fanatics/topps will have NFL card license next season, Panini expires for NFL... and NBA).

If you want the older cards, just look up comps on them (player and demand for the specific card matters a lot more than card type/variation).
Every set has their variations/parallels (Select field levels, Prizm colors, Black /249 /99 /25 /10, etc). Some are same year to year, some vary.

Try looking up the checklists: "Beckett 20XX panini contenders football checklist"... shows all variations, team sets, etc (https://www.beckett.com/news/2018-panini-contenders-football-cards/).

[Floridacardguy]

I’m not well versed in football cards. What is the difference between panini contenders and panini contenders optic? Also what’s the difference between playoff ticket and rookie ticket and championship ticket variations? And what is the difference between helmet and team logo variations? Some also have sticker or on card autos.

Thanks in advance

Optic usually has the nicer, cleaner, smoother finish on the cards. The base contenders are more of a traditional cardboard/paper type of material.