Last Updated on July 5, 2023 by dashespoke
Top Deck’s Top loader binder has the touch, look, and feel of a premium binder but does it hold up? Having the binder for over a year now, I can tell you what I LOVE about the binder and what’s not so great.
Top Deck’s Toploader binder is one of those premium binders that is extremely attractive to the eye. It features non pvc premium quality pages and PU premium leather.
The idea of a Toploader binder is to keep your cards safe. The Top Deck binder continues to keep cards securely in place where ever I travel; after all, my biggest pet peeve is loose pages.
For collectors and trading card enthusiasts, a binder should offer a level of protection from dust, moist air, scratching, and bending.
Pros of Top Deck’s Top Loading Binder
The binder has a durable construction with reinforced edges. Once you pick it up, you can feel the sturdiness. However, sturdiness usually comes with added weight. Weighing in at 4.02 lbs, the binder is definitely not the lightest on the market.
The Toploader binder pages fit perfectly inside the binder. The binder has no loose pages, unlike other binder pages that flop around (ring binders). My cards are in mint condition and need to stay that way!
Things to consider with a binder are the pages themselves. More than fit, Top Deck’s Toploader binder has non pvc sleeves. This is important because, over time, chemicals in sleeves can ruin your cards. I also keep my cards in an outer sleeve incase, but I consider this an extra layer of protection.
Not to be overlooked, an important detail in the binder pages is fit. Before putting cards directly into your binder, you must put them in penny sleeves. Moreover, sleeves come in different sizes. Depending on your binder pages, you may have to acquire “perfect fit” sleeves or standard-size ones.
Luckily, Top Deck’s Toploader binder pages fit every size. Check out this article on Pokemon card sleeve sizes.
Because Top Deck chose to build this premium binder, they chose wisely with the binder pages. The pages themselves offer premium clarity so that you may show off your most valuable cards!
The binder also has a multi-pocket system that allows you to hold four standard-sized cards in each row. The pages are also double-sided, maximizing the storage capacity of your collection. Keep in mind the binder has side loading pockets designed to maximize security.
The zipper helps prevent air from macerating your cards and unintentionally opening your binder. It features a ykk zipper design that feels smooth and hasn’t snagged on me yet! A part of me wishes that the zipper came with a pu leather tassel instead, but that’s just me being picky.
Cons of the Top Deck’s Top Loading Binder
PRICE. Top Deck’s Toploader binder isn’t cheap. The cost of the binder is currently $79.95. Does the premium feel and “ultimate security” sucker you into spending $80 on the binder? For me, it did.
However, I have read some reviews that the pages become loose. I haven’t run into that issue for over a year of having this binder. After all, if you did purchase this binder to keep your most valuable cards safe, I don’t foresee it becoming an issue if you are careful with the binder.
I mentioned weight before, so I have to reiterate that a 4lb binder isn’t the lightest to carry around. Add your cards, and you’ll need to work out your arms more.
The binder only holds 216 cards. Pokemon, Dragon Ball, Magic, and Yugio have thousands of cards. Unfortunately, you must select your favorites or keep multiple binders on your shelf.
Another issue with the binder is that the inside cover isn’t scratch-proof. Many other binders contain an anti-scratch cover that keeps the binder looking clean. I was expecting this out of such an expensive binder.
Conclusion
Pros
- Premium Quality Build
- Premium Binder pages (Non-loose)
- No snag zipper
- Side Loading Pockets (Maximize Space)
Cons
- Expensive ($80 USD at the time of writing)
- 4lb’s empty (more with cards)
- The inside cover isn’t scratch resistant
- 216 Card Limit
I do intend to use this as a longterm storage binder as the binder provides easy storage and has some of the best materials intertwined.
The money spent on the binder to protect my cards and keep my cards safe was well worth it! I would consider this binder “pro level gear.” Overall Top Deck’s Topl loader binder exceeded my expectations. So I must say, Topdeck delivers!