Topps old Atomic Refractors

[Torro]

I wasn’t able to find any discussions on this, even if it was discussed +10 years ago I think it’s time for fresh conversation as the hobby (and the number of different variations/patterns) has increased significantly.

I’m talking about the 90s Topps finest / bowman atomic refractors (for example 1996 and 1997 Finest, 1997 Bowman etc) up until 1998 Topps changed atomic refractor looks to “ice”. First of all why the original “Atomic refractors” were cancelled? Secondly, Topps and Panin have created all possible type of refractors, but haven’t bring back the original Atomic (Panini hyper and Topps xfractor is kinda similar but not really the same). Considering how much they have extended the number of different parallels there must be some serious obstacles to print the original atomic refractor pattern.

Would be awesome to know more about the reasons behind, please share if you know anything.

[jetta20162]

one reason could be the greening issues at that time, especially for 1997 finest gold refractors

[Torro]

one reason could be the greening issues at that time, especially for 1997 finest gold refractors

I was thinking about that also, but all the refractors (and base chrome cards) up until 97 had this issue not just the atomic refractors.

My logic is that it’s just the refractor pattern, with today’s tech they should be able to create it with same methods as all the other patterns are created. :confused:

[phdbeckett]

They still have them in baseball through 1999. I have a Griffey in my PC. Look up finest hyperplaid. Same pattern.

[williemayshayes]

It's not some tech that is lost. You can buy the Hyper-Plaid holofoil on Amazon. Probably just a decision they made to not use that pattern any longer.
https://www.amazon.com/Hyper-Plaid-Holographic-Self-Adhesive-Silver/dp/B07L47BP98?th=1

[JeffroYourHero]

2001 Football XFractors are just Atomics with a different name.

[imbluestreak23]

Best parallel design ever

Agree, they should be resurrected, but carefully, and limited.

[jetta20162]

Best parallel design ever

Agree, they should be resurrected, but carefully, and limited.

Many of the 90s parallels have been reused (2012 Fleer retro, 2021 skybox metal universe, etc.), some of them have been reprinted to the moon. Thankfully these where not.

I still have some of the originals :D

https://i.postimg.cc/50wLW2F9/20251120-233447.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/SsWCbxzM/20251120-233508.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/Y0KmCGWh/20251121-000157.jpg

[duron]

^nice spread. Saw that the Jordan was pulled on whatnot recently.

I’ve had a few but only hung onto the Penny

[jetta20162]

^nice spread. Saw that the Jordan was pulled on whatnot recently.

I’ve had a few but only hung onto the Penny

a PSA 9 Jordan ended 3 days ago on ebay for $8450 :coffee:

[packerfan4200]

2001 Football XFractors are just Atomics with a different name.

Yep, the 2001 bowman chrome xfractors..

[BlowoutBuzz]

Stock availability could always be a factor. They don't make the stuff, they just use the stuff that is available among many options. Makers could have shelved the texture for a number of reasons.