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What are comic book loaders? Also known as top loaders or toploaders, these are rigid plastic sleeves with an open top. They add an extra layer of security and protection to your comic books after you sleeve and board them.
After you put a comic book in an acid-free Mylar sleeve with a backing board, you then put it in a top loader. These are just extra steps you can take to protect each individual comic book you own without grading or slabbing them.
Top loaders are very rigid, do not bend easily and protect comics from bending and warping.
The extra layer of protection also protects your comic books from the elements and helps them last longer. Here are 8 of the best top loaders available on Amazon.
1. Platinum Protectors Top loaders (10-Pack)
Image source: Amazon
These comic book loaders are made with high-grade plastic treated with 3% calcium carbonate. These top loaders are acid-free and are of archival-grade quality. Your comic books could last for years or decades when stored correctly.
Here are the dimensions of the product: 7-1/4″ x 10-1/2″ x 3/16″.
This product includes 10 top loaders, which are made of rigid plastic and are very transparent. They are optimal for use with Silver and Modern Age comic books. You can buy this now for $20.98 on Amazon. They also offer 20 for $39.99 or 40 for $69.99.
2. Prilino Comic Book Loaders (10-Pack)
Image source: Amazon
The manufacturer states that this product is made from premium virgin PVC that is also acid-free. This product is optimal for use with Modern Age comic books only.
Here are the dimensions of the product: 11.02″L x 7.4″W.
It is scratch-resistant, crystal-clear, transparent, and very durable. You get 10 comic book loaders per order. Get it now on Amazon for $19.99.
3. Cardboard Gold Comic Book Loaders (10-Pack)
Image source: Amazon
CBG makes quality comic book protection supplies. The company claims its comic book top loaders are “Ultra Archival Quality.” This product was made to fit Modern Age comic books.
While the manufacturer claims this product is archival quality, it never states that it is acid-free. These top loaders have crystal-clear transparency and are made of high-grade PVC. The rigidity of the PVC may account for its “archival” quality rather than being acid-free.
Here are the dimensions of the product: 7 1/2 x 11 1/16 x 1/4.
Get 10 for $21.99 on Amazon now.
4. Evoretro Top Loaders (10-Pack)
Image source: Amazon
This product comes with 10 top loaders made from high-quality and acid-free PVC. The manufacturer claims that this product is of archival quality. It also protects comic books from fading, discoloration, and deterioration from exposure to sunlight.
Here are the product’s dimensions: 7.25 X 10.75 X 0.10 inches.
Evoretro Top Loaders are made for use with Silver, Bronze, and Modern Age comic books. The manufacturer also claims this product can last a lifetime.
Buy 10 for $22.99 now on Amazon.
5. CollectHall Top Loaders (12-Pack)
Image source: Amazon
CollectHall makes its comic book top loaders from polyethylene terephthalate, or PET. PET is a recyclable plastic made from a polyester resin. Manufacturers use it to bottle, package, and protect food products. Here are the product’s dimensions: 7.5 X 11 inches.
CollectHall top loaders also have a helpful feature. Each loader has a crescent-shaped opening at its top, allowing for easier access to the comic.
It is acid-free and environmentally friendly. The manufacturer claims that PVC particles will microscopically transfer to your comics over time and that PET is a safer material. This product is best for storing Silver, Bronze, and Modern Age comic books.
Get a 12-pack for $17.99 on Amazon now.
6. Hyaruat Top Loaders (10-Pack)
Image source: Amazon
Hyaruat Top Loaders differentiate themselves from the others on this list by being light blue in color instead of being crystal clear transparent. The manufacturer claims that the blue color of its top loaders protects comics from fading due to sunlight exposure.
Here are the product’s dimensions: 7 1/4 x 11 x 1/4 in.
This product is acid-free, archival quality, and designed for use with Modern Age comics. Get 10 for $19.99 on Amazon now.
7. Leeflit Silver Age Comic Book Loaders (10-Pack)
Image source: Amazon
This product is for Silver Age comic books only. It is acid-free and has a crystal-clear transparency. High-quality and rigid PVC is what makes this top loader so durable and long-lasting.
Here are the product’s dimensions: 7 1/4 x 10 3/4 in.
Get a 10-pack for $18.99 now on Amazon.
8. BCW Silver Age Comic Book Top loaders (10-Pack)
Image source: Amazon
BCW is an industry leader in manufacturing protective comic book supplies. BCW has a great reputation for making quality comic book loaders. This product is made of Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC, and is specifically made for storing Silver Age comic books.
Here are the product’s dimensions: 7 1/4 x 10 3/4 x 3/16.
So, if you have valuable Silver Age comics that have yet to be graded or slabbed, this product would be a great option.
Get 10 for $25.99 on Amazon now.
Comic Book Top Loaders
Do you have to buy a top loader? Well, that depends on your organizational needs. However, you shouldn’t buy everything you see. Get to know the value of your comics and establish a good organizational system before you purchase top loaders.
If you have hundreds or thousands of comic books, top loaders can start to be an expensive part of your hobby. Also, keep in mind that a raw comic book without a sleeve or board could sustain damage whenever you use a top loader. Make sure you are buying top loaders for the right reason.
Unless you have the money to spend, your best option might be to use top loaders to protect the most valuable comic books in your collection. If that’s the case, you can’t go wrong with any of the suggestions on this list.
I often recommend that if you are new to comic books that you should start by reading digital comics. Amazon’s Comixology is only $6 monthly and offers you access to tens of thousands of digital comics to read. You can also research the best tablets to read comic books on digital comic subscription sites to start.
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The post Protect Your Comics Like a Pro: The 8 Best Comic Book Top Loaders for Serious Collectors appeared first on Personal Finance Advice.
