How we choose and verify products
Selection rules, sources and the Fit Finder's logic, in full.
Which products qualify
- The maker publishes the number that matters. For a holder, that's its thickness rating or internal size. For a binder, which holder its pockets take. For a slab product, which grading companies it fits. No published number, no pick.
- We can show the exact product. Every product has a photo from its maker's own product page, matched to that exact product. If we can't get one, we swap the product. No stock images, no AI-generated product images, no Amazon images.
- The maker sells it directly, so the link goes to the source of the specs.
- Coverage over volume. We cover every common protection layer before adding a second or third option to any one of them.
Current catalog: 60 products from Ultra PRO, Vault X, Dragon Shield, KMC, EVORETRO, BCW. Specs and photos checked October 15, 2026.
What we don't claim
We haven't lab-tested or hand-measured these products. When we quote "archival-safe", "acid-free" or "UV", those are the maker's words, in quotes, not our findings. We don't show prices, star ratings or review counts.
Fit Finder rules
- Thickness: a card fits a rated holder when its thickness is at or below the rating. The smallest rating that fits, within the same maker's line, is the exact fit. Larger ratings fit with room. Above the rating, it won't fit.
- Near the limit: within 5pt of a rating we add a check-first warning. Ratings describe the card; a sleeve adds film the rating doesn't count.
- Sleeves: if a maker says a holder is "designed for unsleeved cards" (Vault X magnetic holders), a sleeved card won't fit. If a maker says nothing, we flag it. Double-sleeved cards in rigid holders stay unverified unless a maker addresses them.
- Card size: standard-size products don't take jumbo or booklet cards. Japanese-size cards in standard products stay unverified unless the maker sells a Japanese size.
- Binders and boxes: we use the maker's stated contents ("252 cards in 35pt Toploaders") and published inside dimensions. For example, BCW's 800-count box is 3-3/4" deep inside, so a 4"-tall top loader won't stand in it.
- Graded slabs: a product is an exact fit only for the grading companies its maker names. Vault X slab sleeves exclude thick-card holders and slabs with guards. Unnamed companies, including TAG, stay unverified.
These rules are fixed code, unit-tested across every thickness from 10pt to 400pt and every slab option, with no AI deciding results.