I Tested 1987 Topps Complete Set: My Honest Review and Buying Notes

Securing the top spot in my rankings comes down to raw star power and completeness. This flagship release captures the magic of a vintage era through its massive 792 card checklist.

Buyers constantly praise the inclusion of essential rookie cards like Barry Bonds and Will Clark. I consider this my top recommendation for anyone chasing pure nostalgia alongside iconic wood grain borders.

This option is best for collectors who want the unblemished thrill of opening a pristine, factory-sealed archive. You get all the standard base cards exactly as they left the manufacturing plant decades ago.

I would point preservationists toward this format because the tamper-evident packaging protects the paper stock. But keep in mind that factory collation errors can sometimes lead to an uneven distribution of star players.

An unexpected feature of this gridiron release is how sharply its bright green field borders contrast against the famous wood grain aesthetic. Football enthusiasts get a complete run of 396 cards capturing a rough-and-tumble era of the sport.

I love how this specific set delivers cornerstone rookie cards for legends like Jim Kelly in one clean swoop. My only hesitation stems from the softer card stock Topps used during this era, which makes corner wear a common headache.

The most common complaint about this subset is that it lacks the massive star power of the main 792-card release, but it fills crucial roster gaps. You receive a smaller 132 card checklist featuring players who changed teams or debuted late in the year.

I think this specialized set is a smart secondary purchase for completenessists. Buyers note that condition issues are slightly less frequent here due to specialized box printing, though the overall value depends heavily on your dedication to the master checklist.

Unlike the pristine factory sets mentioned earlier, this bulk option throws organization out the window in favor of pure volume. You receive a massive 500 count box straight from regional vending distribution channels.

I view this format as a fun gamble for anyone who enjoys sorting through raw stacks of cardboard. Buyers frequently caution that vending boxes lack traditional corner protection, meaning you will likely find more centering issues and minor edge chipping.

This packaging style became legendary among vintage enthusiasts because it allows you to see the front and back cards through clear cellophane. Nostalgia seekers flock to this format to recreate the exact feeling of buying packs off a dusty store shelf.

I find the visual appeal of these hanging multi-packs charming, but I admit the pricing often runs higher per card than standard box formats. Buyers frequently warn that the outer plastic can pinch the edges of the cardboard over time if stored improperly.