2009-10 Panini Threads Basketball
Panini brings some fun to this release, including die cut insert cards cut in the shape and designed in the form of NBA jerseys.
Set Features;
Each sealed box contains 24 packs of 5 cards each in a 135 card set. >>> Each box contains FOUR Memorabilia and/or Autograph cards. Parallel sets: Silver Century Proof (Silver > #`d to 499, Gold > #`d to 99, Platinum > #`d to 25), Threads Jerseys (#`d to 499 and Prime > #`d to 50), and Signatures (#`d to 99). Inserts: Team Threads Home 1:6 (Autograph parallel > #`d to 249), and Team Threads Away 1:6 (Autograph parallel > #`d to 249), Century Collection (Materials and Materials Prime > #`d to 50), Generations 1:24 (parallels: Century Proof > #`d to 100, Materials > #`d to 250, Prime Materials > #`d to 50, and Autographs > #`d to 50), Century Stars 1:12 (parallels: Century Proof > #`d to 100, Materials > #`d to 499, Prime Materials > #`d to 50, and Autographs > #`d to 50), Legends 1:24 (parallels: Century Proof > #`d to 100, Materials > #`d to 250, Prime Materials > #`d to 50, and Autographs > #`d to 50), Triple Threat (parallels: Century Proof > #`d to 100, Materials > #`d to 250, Prime Materials > #`d to 50, and Autographs > #`d to 50), Rookie Collection Materials (parallels: Signature > #`d to 50, Prime > #`d to 50, and Signature Prime > #`d to 25), and ABA Legends (parallels: Century Proof > #`d to 100, Materials > #`d to 499, Prime Materials > #`d to 50, and Autographs > #`d to 99).
Here's what I pulled in our box of 2009-10 Panini Threads.
The basic threads cards, though not one of the more original designs of recent times, are nonetheless straightforward and to-the-point. Solid photo shots are on the front with the player's number, name, and position below, along with the team name even further below in the design.
Parallels include silver, gold, and platinum Century Proof. We pulled some silvers, and a nice gold of Rasheed Wallace pictured above. Jersey parallels are also included, and we pulled one of rebounder supreme Gerald Wallace.
Rookie Cards;
The focus of the rookies in this release is in insert sets, including Lettermen. We pulled a regular jersey insert parallel of Warriors up-and-comer Stephen Curry along with an excellent letterman autograph of Timberwolves rookie Wayne Ellington.
Insert Cards;
The most noteworthy point of Panini's Threads release is the inclusion of jersey insert cards. They have been done before, but this is the first time they are the primary attraction of a given basketball set, to my knowledge. We pulled nine jersey cut cards in total, including one autographed on the back by Nets star Devin Harris (numbered to just 25). These aren't memorabilia cards, but instead are inserts cut and designed in the shape of NBA jerseys. Both home and road uniforms are included in the insert set. Threads has other, more typical insert sets as well, such as the Triple Threats insert set pictured above (we pulled Dwight Howard).
Final Thoughts on 2009-10 Panini Threads
Panini Threads is an otherwise solid release bolstered further by the inclusion of a very entertaining jersey-based insert set. Besides that, I think Panini did well to avoid gloss on the card backs. Gloss can be magnets for fingerprints, so restricting the gloss to the card fronts makes it easier to handle the cardboard. All in all, this is isn't a bad set at all. The die cut jersey inserts are an exceptionally nice touch, particularly in a market where autograph and memorabilia cards have dominated stale insert sets in recent years. Perhaps Threads can start a much-needed insert set resurgence.
Here's how I would rate this product;
- Value = 4
- Innovation = 4
- Fun and Experience = 4
- Rebuy Value = 3
I rate this product "B" for Panini.
NPN Information;
NPN, 2009 Panini Threads Basketball
2300 E. Randol Mill
Arlington, TX 76011-6333
NPN is open only to U.S./Canadian (except Quebec) residents, and submissions must be sent by March 3, 2010. Requests are limited to two per household. The skill test question for Canadian residents is as follows: 928 + 87 / 435 x 645 - 570 = ?
I would like to thank Trader Retreat for giving me the chance to review this new product.
Support the sponsors that support Trader Retreat.
