The 2021 Topps Rip Review gives you the verdict on the Topps release featuring cards you can rip. Click to find out if this is a buy. an exclusively online product, which the company is now releasing for the second time. The Montgomery Club gets first dibs on the product on the day of release, October 7th.
You know what a rip card is if you have even a passing acquaintance with the Allen & Ginter release. If not, they are cards that can be literally ripped open and contain a mini-card inside. Part of the fun (or frustration) with Allen & Ginter rip cards is that you cannot be sure until you rip what is inside. Therefore, you may tear a valuable card to get something of lesser value. Therefore, collectors sometimes face a difficult choice if they like the card on the outside.
Topps Rip doesn’t entirely create the same dilemma. After all, you are buying this product to rip it. I mean, it is literally in the name. Nonetheless, Topps makes it a bit harder by numbering the cards on the outside. With many cards numbered /50 or lower, it is a low print run product.
If you have ever ripped Allen & Ginter cards, you may think you know how it’s done. However, the Topps Rip cards are sturdier and more challenging to open cleanly.
Carefully, of course. The cards are intended for ripping from the back at the center of the card. Then you can peel out the sides and unleash the mini-card within. When you peel the strip in the center, get a good grip on the sides, as this will increase your leverage and make the mini-card removal easier.
The process of ripping the cards is pretty straightforward in theory. But the cards offer some resistance, and it can be tempting to use too much force and damage the mini-card. One of the main issues is the use of fingernails. It can be tempting to use your nails to get a grip on the inside while ripping. But avoid that at all costs, as you may leave a dent on the card.
In some cases, you may lose grip on the strip in the middle. Once you do so, it becomes challenging to tear open carefully without damaging the mini-card. But remember, do not stick a finger inside to make the hole bigger, and avoid using any implements like a screwdriver or scissors.
Instead, stick tenaciously to the middle strip until it gives. After all, that part was designed to rip so it would surrender quicker than the sides.
Keep in mind that the base set in Topps Rip refers to the bigger cards. You know, the ones you rip to get to the coveted mini-cards.
The set numbers 100 cards in total. The players in the base set are mostly current players, but some legends such as Tom Seaver and Hank Aaron are also represented. With veterans and Hall-of-Famers scattered throughout the list, it is relatively light on rookies. Nonetheless, Joey Bart, Alec Bohm, and Casey Mize are there. But that is it.
The base card set comes in the following parallels:
The mini base cards are generally more desirable than the base cards. This is because there are more parallels on this set, including orange and blank back, which are not present in the regular base checklist. The parallels are also generally lower-numbered and therefore of increased value.
The mini base set also numbers 100 cards. Much like the other base set, it offers a mix of veterans and retired legends such as Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson.
However, there is a significant difference. It includes several rookies excluded from the main base set. They include Alex Kiriloff, Bobby Dalbec, Dylan Carlson, Jazz Chisholm, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Trevor Rogers, and even Yermin Mercedes. Meanwhile, it also has the RC’s represented in the other set, such as Alec Bohm. So the better rookie class is yet another incentive to rip the cards.
One in every five boxes of 2021 Topps Rip includes an image variation. There are 100 overall, with one for every card present in the mini base set. There are no parallels or autos in the variation set.
The top draw for ripping the cards are, as always, the autos lurking inside. Since there are no autos in the regular base set, ripping is a no-brainer. Topps promises one auto in every two boxes on average. So for you hardcore John Hancock chasers, that is an investment of $200 per auto.
There are 68 auto cards overall. They include the following parallels:
Is the auto list any good? Let’s take a look.
The elite young players of the game are well represented, with Vlad, Acuna, and Soto in the mix. But Shohei Ohtani and Tatis are notably absent. There are also some strong legends like Griffey Jr. and Jeter on the list. So, it’s a pretty good one overall.
The rookie auto list is pretty good, including standouts like Ke’Bryan Hayes and Alec Bohm. The addition of an Alex Kirilloff auto is a particularly appealing one. But we would have liked to see a Jazz Chisholm or Trevor Rogers, among other notable omissions.
Topps Rip is a new release line, dating back only one year. Therefore, we do not have too much depth of comparison to ascertain the value of these cards. It is also unclear if this will be a popular release long-term (especially with the imminent Fanatics takeover of baseball cards). But, we will do our best.
You can get an unopened 2020 box online for $115 on eBay. With the 2021 release preselling for $155, it does not seem to be a smart hold. However, it may end up being a rare or nostalgic favorite. It is hard to tell. However, my hunch is that this is not a product with long-term value.
Topps Rip includes a good amount of low-numbered cards and autos. How much do they fetch on the open market? Will you be able to return the investment?
Let’s look at some 2020 Topps Rip cards that sold on eBay for relatively high prices.
| Shohei Ohtani 1/1 | $500 |
| Bryce Harper Auto #/5 | $160 |
| Tom Glavine 1/1 Blank Back | $155 |
| Nolan Ryan #/75 unripped | $150 |
I noticed when perusing Topps Rip sales that almost all of them were “best offer” sales. That indicates that owners had trouble getting the posted prices for the cards. Indeed, even the highest prices Topps Rip cards get are not all that impressive. Remember that autos are one in every two boxes, and most autos aren’t worth much. So I don’t see much potential in making significant money on singles from these boxes, but it is not impossible.
Personally, I am not a fan of mini-cards in any variety. If you share that view, this product isn’t for you. Similarly, my desire to rip open cards is limited. Finally, there is a chance of damaging the cards when you rip them open. So I am not a fan of this product.
As it currently stands, the value of Topps Rip, both in terms of wax and singles, is unimpressive. Therefore, we would give it a miss at current resale prices unless you absolutely love ripping cards and mini-cards.
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