One of the first decisions Pokémon collectors encounter is whether to buy a card raw or graded. Neither format is automatically better for every collection. The right format depends on what you want from the card.
What is a raw Pokémon card?
A raw card is a card that has not been encapsulated and assigned a grade by a professional grading company. Raw cards are commonly stored in sleeves, top loaders, semi-rigid holders, or binders.
What is a graded card?
A graded card has been evaluated by a grading company and encapsulated in a protective holder. The label normally identifies the card and displays the grade assigned by that company.
Why collectors buy raw cards
Raw cards are convenient for binders, set building, decks, and collectors who simply prefer handling and displaying cards without slabs. They can also be less expensive than high-grade examples of the same card.
Why collectors buy graded cards
Graded cards provide third-party authentication and a standardized assessment from the grading company. Slabs also provide physical protection and can make it easier to collect a particular grade or build a graded display.
Condition still matters
When buying raw cards, look at centering, corners, edges and surfaces. A card described as Near Mint is not the same thing as a guaranteed future grading result. Grading companies apply their own standards, and a raw card's eventual grade cannot be guaranteed.
Shop your way
Stratlock Collectibles carries both raw Pokémon singles and graded cards, making it easier to choose the format that fits your collection.