The Pokémon 151 Binder Collection: A Hands-on Review

Welcome to collection/bundle review #1 of the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet 151 set!

The Pokémon TCG universe has expanded once again with the release of the new Scarlet and Violet 151 card set. Among one of the few ways to obtain booster packs (no single booster will be sold for this 'special' set), the Binder Collection has garnered significant attention from collectors and enthusiasts alike, quickly reaching Amazon's #1 spot in the 'Trading Card Albums' category.

In this review, we take a closer look at what makes the Binder Collection stand out, its quality, and its value for money.

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Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet 151 Card Binder Collection (9 Pocket Pages & 4 Booster Packs)

Looking for something else in the Pokémon 151 collection / bundle range? Visit our full hands-on reviews of the Poster Collection and the 6 Booster Bundle (including our pulls!)

What is the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet 151 Binder Collection?

A package containing a themed Pokémon 151 binder with 20 9-pocket pages (holding 360 cards total), as well as 4 booster packs each containing 11 cards (comprising 3 holographics, 7 standard cards, and 1 energy, which also has a chance of being a 4th holographic)… That's 44 cards in total. For a full run-down on the new 151 set, visit the Official Pokémon TCG 151 expansion webpage.

The Quality and Usability of the Binder

To be honest, we weren't expecting the binder to be of such high quality. Its 20 unremovable 9-pocket pages are all double-sided and side-loading, meaning the 360 quoted cards can each be stored comfortably in an individual pocket and not back-to-back.

Each card from the Pokémon 151 set is a nostalgic piece of art for many collectors, and the binder artwork does justice to the bright colours and intricate details of each individual card, matching them perfectly. The artwork wraps around the curved spine which is also aesthetically pleasing. If stored in a very safe place we have no doubt this binder will ensure that cards remain in mint condition.

Made from a soft and flexible plastic, the binder feels soft to the touch, with the cover being just thick enough to provide some meaningful protection to your cards, but we would worry about our more valuable cards due to the lack of padding and rigidity to guard against external damage sources.

The attached fabric strap is flexible enough to keep the cover closed whether the binder is full or empty, but a zip would have been a great (though likely more expensive) touch.

The Binder Collection's Price and Value

With retail starting at around £25/$31, some might argue that the Binder Collection is on the pricier side per booster pack if the included binder isn't taken into account, at roughly £6.25/$7.75 per pack.

Given the binder's quality however, and the fact it retails alone without booster packs for £12/$15 (effectively dropping the price to £3.25/$4 per booster pack), it offers substantial value for enthusiasts and collectors alike who are in the market for a new binder.

That value does drop with each subsequent purchase for those not looking to own multiple binders though (although the binder itself could become a sought after collectible in years to come, potentially making the it a worthy investment in its own right).

The 151 Binder Collection is currently available on Amazon here.

151 Booster Pack Pulls

Whilst this section won't impact our review, as the cards in a booster pack are random. We couldn't write a review without also revealing our cards pulls! No secret rare full-art like we got in our Poster Collection review, but we're more than happy a Raichu holo and some holo Eeveelutions, including a reverse holo Jolteon!

Pack 1

Pack 2

Pack 3

Pack 4

Pokémon 151 Binder Collection: Pros

• The binder is surprisingly high quality with double-sided/pocketed fabric pages (similar to a much pricier Vault X binder)

• Side-loading card pockets give extra protection to your cards (and are often unheard of with cheaper binders)

• The design matches the 151 card set perfectly

• Excellent value for those needing a new binder

• Could become a great collectible investment in its own right

• Who doesn't love Mew?

Pokémon 151 Binder Collection: Cons

• Subsequent purchases drive up the average booster price

• One of the priciest collections/bundles per booster

• No included promo card (a Mew would have been nice)

• Could do with more padding/rigidity on the front and rear covers

• Early reviews suggest some of these collections come with missing booster packs (ours was fine, so take this with a pinch of salt, but still be mindful to check you receive everything you ordered)

Conclusion

The Binder Collection from the new Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet 151 card set is more than just a selection of cards and a storage solution, it's a celebration of the original Pokémon universe.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or someone just starting with this set, the binder promises to be an aesthetically pleasing addition to your collection, with the added bonus of 4 booster packs, and 0 buyers guilt due to them not being available individually elsewhere.

While it has its minor setbacks which can mostly be countered with careful storage, the overall collectability and quality the Binder Collection offers makes it a must-have.

Interested? Get yours from Amazon here!... Looking for something else in the Pokémon 151 collection / bundle range? Read our full hands-on reviews of the Poster Collection and the 6 Booster Bundle (also including our pulls!)

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• The Pokémon 151 Poster Collection: A Hands-on Review