Best "Classic" boxes to bust 1990s-2005

[Ajax1723]

Hey guys, so I'm only 23, and didn't get into the hobby until 2009 (although I do remember getting Collector's Choice Football cards in the mid 90s). Been thinking of doing a couple of boxes of some mid to late 90s or early 2000 stuff that I never got to see.

Saw a break of 1998 Metal Universe and thought that looked cool. Anyone have any other boxes ($75 or less I would say) that would be a fun bust?

[mgugs46]

1998/1999 bowmans best, skybox anything, e-x anything, pinnacle certified boxes (though some may be more than $75). 1998 Donruss boxes are cheap and you have a shot at crusade inserts.

[Ajax1723]

1998/1999 bowmans best, skybox anything, e-x anything, pinnacle certified boxes (though some may be more than $75). 1998 Donruss boxes are cheap and you have a shot at crusade inserts.

Any specific year of skybox? Want to have a small chance at hitting something really cool haha, just knowing the chance is there helps a little haha.

[oldgoldy97]

I've always wanted to try a box of 2006 Upper Deck Epic. A little over $75 if you can find it.



On second thought, I just looked it up and it's way over $75. Crud, last time I was tempted to buy it, it was around $100.

[mgugs46]

Depends what you are looking for. 2004 skybox autographics are like $75 and give you an auto or game used per pack (I think 5 packs).

98 skybox like metal universe have shots at PMG's and other cool (less rare) inserts.

[Ajax1723]

I've always wanted to try a box of 2006 Upper Deck Epic. A little over $75 if you can find it.



On second thought, I just looked it up and it's way over $75. Crud, last time I was tempted to buy it, it was around $100.

Yea wow that's up there haha.

Only reason I set the $75 dollar limit is because I'd want to try 3-5 different products, just to see what the stuff is like.

[Ajax1723]

Depends what you are looking for. 2004 skybox autographics are like $75 and give you an auto or game used per pack (I think 5 packs).

98 skybox like metal universe have shots at PMG's and other cool (less rare) inserts.

Which 1998 Skybox? Seems like there is a couple different kinds (Transation: I know nothing about older wax, someone school me :))

[Doublexthebeast]

Here you go man, I'll break it down for you. I bust a boat load of this stuff.
1. 1998 EX 2001
2. 1998 Metal Universe
3. 1997 EX 2000
4. 1998 Skybox Premium
5. 1999 Bowman's Best
6. 1999 Bowman Chrome Series 2
7. 1997 Finest Series 1 or 2
8. 1999 Metal Universe
9. 1999 EX Century
10. 1994 Finest Series 2
11. 1995 Bowmans Best
12. 1999 Molten Metal
13. 1997 & 1998 Flair Showcase
Some Newer ones that I like
All 2005 Donruss/Leaf/Playoff stuff. Limited, Certified, Throwback Threads...etc
2001 UD Sweet Spot
2001-2005 Legendary Cuts

[mgugs46]

Here you go man, I'll break it down for you. I bust a boat load of this stuff.
1. 1998 EX 2001
2. 1998 Metal Universe
3. 1997 EX 2000
4. 1998 Skybox Premium
5. 1999 Bowman's Best
6. 1999 Bowman Chrome Series 2
7. 1997 Finest Series 1 or 2
8. 1999 Metal Universe
9. 1999 EX Century
10. 1994 Finest Series 2
11. 1995 Bowmans Best
12. 1999 Molten Metal
13. 1997 & 1998 Flair Showcase
Some Newer ones that I like
All 2005 Donruss/Leaf/Playoff stuff. Limited, Certified, Throwback Threads...etc
2001 UD Sweet Spot
2001-2005 Legendary Cuts

There you go that's a nice list. I'd add basic 98 Donruss or 98 Donruss update or 98 Leaf if you like the crusade insert set.

[Ajax1723]

Here you go man, I'll break it down for you. I bust a boat load of this stuff.
1. 1998 EX 2001
2. 1998 Metal Universe
3. 1997 EX 2000
4. 1998 Skybox Premium
5. 1999 Bowman's Best
6. 1999 Bowman Chrome Series 2
7. 1997 Finest Series 1 or 2
8. 1999 Metal Universe
9. 1999 EX Century
10. 1994 Finest Series 2
11. 1995 Bowmans Best
12. 1999 Molten Metal
13. 1997 & 1998 Flair Showcase
Some Newer ones that I like
All 2005 Donruss/Leaf/Playoff stuff. Limited, Certified, Throwback Threads...etc
2001 UD Sweet Spot
2001-2005 Legendary Cuts

Awesome list, thank you.

I'll ask since you seem to be the expert. I'm a big fan of the cool/rare inserts, not as much a fan of autos (I like them, but personally, wish more products like Fleer Retro came back where the inserts were worth more than the autos, companies could produce sets for cheaper, price could be cheaper, and value would still be there.....but I digress)

Which of those are the best for that? I LOVE the look of PMGs, for reference.

and just by looking a couple of those are out of my price range ('98 EX 2001 is A LOT)

[abcd1234]

I've always liked Emotion and Flair. Those 2 have thicker cards and some inserts but it should not be more than $75 a box.

[Ajax1723]

Coolest stuff to me so far looks like 1998 Metal Universe, 1998 EX 2001 (If I can find it at a decent price), 1997 EX 2000, 1999 Metal Universe, and 1999 Molten Metal...Boxes of this stuff are hard to find...

[Doublexthebeast]

I saw where BBCE had a box of 98 EX 2001 for $70. So they arent to high. To me the Credentials from those boxes are the best looking cards from the 90's. PMG's from 1998 and 1999 are super nice also. Rubies from 1998 and 1999 Skybox Premium are some of the nicest looking cards that you can get but them and the PMG's are only /50 and VERY tough to pull. 1999 Bowman's Best has some nice parallels and inserts for around $30 per box. The Atomic Refractors are super sweet cards. 1994 Finest Refractors are really nice and ALL of the good players are in Series 2(Griffey, Ripken...etc) and those boxes can be had for 25-30. 1997 EX 2000 boxes are really affordable and have Credentials and Essential Credentials card in them. I'm definitely with you with liking the inserts/parralels alot more than the autos. If I think of any more I will let you know. Those were just a few I can think of off of the top of my head.

[jmaus017]

I love topps Serries 1 and 2 from 1999 to 2004...big hits are possible for maybe 20ish a box

[Ajax1723]

I saw where BBCE had a box of 98 EX 2001 for $70. So they arent to high. To me the Credentials from those boxes are the best looking cards from the 90's. PMG's from 1998 and 1999 are super nice also. Rubies from 1998 and 1999 Skybox Premium are some of the nicest looking cards that you can get but them and the PMG's are only /50 and VERY tough to pull. 1999 Bowman's Best has some nice parallels and inserts for around $30 per box. The Atomic Refractors are super sweet cards. 1994 Finest Refractors are really nice and ALL of the good players are in Series 2(Griffey, Ripken...etc) and those boxes can be had for 25-30. 1997 EX 2000 boxes are really affordable and have Credentials and Essential Credentials card in them. I'm definitely with you with liking the inserts/parralels alot more than the autos. If I think of any more I will let you know. Those were just a few I can think of off of the top of my head.

Unfortunetly it looks like these boxes are pretty tough to find, and don't feel like overpaying other places I've found it (I'm looking at you, eBay.)

[Zoop]

1999 Gold Label is my all-time favorite.

[Ajax1723]

1999 Gold Label is my all-time favorite.

What do you like most of this product?

Getting excited to buy some of these haha, really want to see these cards, and already picked out like 4 boxes I want!

[card_monk]

I love e-x, gold label, flair showcase 1997-1999. Best looking base sets ever imo. I would be all over those boxes at any sort of reasonable price.
Best of luck in your search.

[mgugs46]

2000 Topps Tek has great inserts too, but boxes are more like $90

[mgugs46]

I saw where BBCE had a box of 98 EX 2001 for $70. So they arent to high. To me the Credentials from those boxes are the best looking cards from the 90's. PMG's from 1998 and 1999 are super nice also. Rubies from 1998 and 1999 Skybox Premium are some of the nicest looking cards that you can get but them and the PMG's are only /50 and VERY tough to pull. 1999 Bowman's Best has some nice parallels and inserts for around $30 per box. The Atomic Refractors are super sweet cards. 1994 Finest Refractors are really nice and ALL of the good players are in Series 2(Griffey, Ripken...etc) and those boxes can be had for 25-30. 1997 EX 2000 boxes are really affordable and have Credentials and Essential Credentials card in them. I'm definitely with you with liking the inserts/parralels alot more than the autos. If I think of any more I will let you know. Those were just a few I can think of off of the top of my head.


Love the Rubies. Great looking cards. I too wish cars were back to the nice looking cards with cool insert sets.

[JohnnysBench]

Here you go man, I'll break it down for you. I bust a boat load of this stuff.
1. 1998 EX 2001
2. 1998 Metal Universe
3. 1997 EX 2000
4. 1998 Skybox Premium
5. 1999 Bowman's Best
6. 1999 Bowman Chrome Series 2
7. 1997 Finest Series 1 or 2
8. 1999 Metal Universe
9. 1999 EX Century
10. 1994 Finest Series 2
11. 1995 Bowmans Best
12. 1999 Molten Metal
13. 1997 & 1998 Flair Showcase
Some Newer ones that I like
All 2005 Donruss/Leaf/Playoff stuff. Limited, Certified, Throwback Threads...etc
2001 UD Sweet Spot
2001-2005 Legendary Cuts

IMO, this is a PERFECT list right here of what you are looking for...

[Tyler]

Whatever you break, post it so I can drool! I'm the same age as you, and these cards are my childhood memories too.

[stera8]

97 upper deck series one

First ever jersey cards... It was griffey Gwynn and somebody else


Very very hard to pull

[saraceno21]

97 upper deck series one

First ever jersey cards... It was griffey Gwynn and somebody else


Very very hard to pull

Rey Ordonez was the third guy.

[Ajax1723]

Thanks for all the input guys! Narrowed it down, and making an order tonight, so definitely excited!

Will definitely post here when I break!

[Ajax1723]

Found 7 boxes I wanted. Just ordered, and will be receiving the following soon:

1997 Fleer E-X 2000
1997 Topps Finest Series 1
1998 Flair Showcase
1998 Skybox Metal Universe
1999 Skybox Metal Universe
1999 Topps Gold Label
1999 Skybox Molten Metal

Will update once they get here and post in the box breaks section!

[anttheman]

Thanks for all the input guys! Narrowed it down, and making an order tonight, so definitely excited!

Will definitely post here when I break!

Where will you be ordering from? I am a fan of the 90s inserts and was looking to pickup a few boxes myself but I am finding it very difficult to track down most of them.

[mfw13]

For "junk" wax, I like to rip 1988 Topps BB, and 1992/1993 Upper Deck.

All less than $10/box.

[jubjub47]

1998/1999 bowmans best, skybox anything, e-x anything, pinnacle certified boxes (though some may be more than $75). 1998 Donruss boxes are cheap and you have a shot at crusade inserts.

98 Bowmans Best was very condition oriented and had a lot of printing damage, but did have Adrian Beltre Rookie autos.

[Ajax1723]

Well don't/can't want to post here where I bought them from, but if anyone is interested, PM me.

[Doublexthebeast]

Nice box choice. 99 Molten Metal has the most awesome packs ever made. They aren't packs they are "pouches". Love the heavy metal fusion cards. Hope you hit a credentials, PMG's, Embossed Gold Refractor, Showcase Legacy(possibly masterpiece), and a Gold Label- Red Label. That would be awesome. If you hit any one of those you will be killing the odds.

[Ajax1723]

Nice box choice. 99 Molten Metal has the most awesome packs ever made. They aren't packs they are "pouches". Love the heavy metal fusion cards. Hope you hit a credentials, PMG's, Embossed Gold Refractor, Showcase Legacy(possibly masterpiece), and a Gold Label- Red Label. That would be awesome. If you hit any one of those you will be killing the odds.

Awesome, now I'm even more excited haha.

Hopefully I pull something cool. Everything will be FS after I break, as I know there a bunch of people out there that like these 90s inserts.

[mgugs46]

Found 7 boxes I wanted. Just ordered, and will be receiving the following soon:

1997 Fleer E-X 2000
1997 Topps Finest Series 1
1998 Flair Showcase
1998 Skybox Metal Universe
1999 Skybox Metal Universe
1999 Topps Gold Label
1999 Skybox Molten Metal

Will update once they get here and post in the box breaks section!

Hopefully you will get one of these in your Flair Showcase box :)!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/mgugs46/8698ba1b-70eb-4d11-9929-d2aec3a47dac.jpg

[Ajax1723]

Hopefully you will get one of these in your Flair Showcase box :)!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/mgugs46/8698ba1b-70eb-4d11-9929-d2aec3a47dac.jpg

Unfortunetly, the place I ordered from e-mailed me today and told me that 1997 EX 2000, 1998 Flair Showcase, and 1999 Gold Label were out of stock :( Really sucks, they asked me for a list to replace them with, so I told them 1999 Bowman's Best, 1999 Skybox Premium, 1999 Skybox EX Century, and 1998 Topps Stars. We'll see what happens...

[RipitRipken]

Dangit guys stop it...you're making me wanting to find this stuff again. I have busted almost all the cards mentioned so far and it's bringing back memories!

[mgugs46]

Unfortunetly, the place I ordered from e-mailed me today and told me that 1997 EX 2000, 1998 Flair Showcase, and 1999 Gold Label were out of stock :( Really sucks, they asked me for a list to replace them with, so I told them 1999 Bowman's Best, 1999 Skybox Premium, 1999 Skybox EX Century, and 1998 Topps Stars. We'll see what happens...

Oh, bummer - I think I saw a few boxes on eBay ...

[Ajax1723]

Oh, bummer - I think I saw a few boxes on eBay ...

There are, but they are very overpriced.

[SportCardBuffet]

You have to break live so I can watch :) should be fun regardless. If you have the coin I love the 2005 Leather & Lumber set. Extremely hard to find right now especially at agood price but a fun break!

If you have a moment could you PM me those "details" as well.

[Ajax1723]

You have to break live so I can watch :) should be fun regardless. If you have the coin I love the 2005 Leather & Lumber set. Extremely hard to find right now especially at agood price but a fun break!

If you have a moment could you PM me those "details" as well.

haha, I'm not sure where I'll be breaking them yet, whenever they get here. Will definitely post results when I do bust them though.

[mgugs46]

I've got a couple of boxes of 98 metal universe, 98 pinnacle plus, 97 pinnacle select certified, and 99 bowmans best coming in as well.