So you’re thinking about taking the leap into double sleeving your Magic: The Gathering deck? Welcome to the club. Many players take protecting their cards to the extreme by not only putting them in one sleeve but two. Is double sleeving necessary? No. But it does add an extra layer of protection to your cards and makes your deck feel more solid. So what are the best inner sleeves for MTG? Read on.
What Are Inner Sleeves for MTG?
The sleeves most players are familiar with (and the ones almost every player uses) are technically considered outer sleeves. Think of these as the sleeves serving as a barrier between your cards and the outside world.
But what are inner sleeves for MTG? This is a smaller, simpler sleeve that fits tightly around your card and is designed to be put into an outer sleeve. Inner sleeves offer extra protection by putting another layer of plastic between your cards and the outside world. They also make each card thicker, which can make shuffling feel smoother and add a resounding “snap” when you play a card.
Should You Double-Sleeve Your MTG Deck?
Whether or not you double-sleeve your MTG deck is up to your preference as a player. Many competitive players prefer to double sleeve because it limits the chances of a foil card being curved and called out as “marked” by a judge. Others prefer two sleeves per card because they want the highest level of protection they can get while still being able to play with their cards.
So, there isn’t a definitive answer on whether or not you should double-sleeve your MTG deck. But here are a few points to consider.
Benefits of Double Sleeving
The benefits of double sleeving your MTG deck are numerous. If you have the patience for putting on two sets of sleeves and can afford to do so, there aren’t many reasons not to. From improved durability and shuffle feel to safer consistency for tournament play, here are a few key benefits:
- If you want the best protection for your cards, consider investing in two sets of sleeves. The extra thickness makes your cards more durable and prevents accidental bends and damage.
- Tournament players who expect to be handling their cards a lot or want the most consistency to avoid marked cards should double sleeve.
- Double sleeving your MTG deck is a good idea when you play a lot of double-faced cards or cards that will frequently go in and out of their sleeve.
- If you want the smoothest shuffling experience, consider double sleeving.
Drawbacks of Double Sleeving
While the benefits of double sleeving your MTG deck are numerous, there are a few potential drawbacks. For one, players may not like the bigger size of their deck compared to when it’s single-sleeved.
- If you have small hands, you might want to avoid double sleeving since it makes your deck bigger and harder to shuffle.
- Buying two packs of sleeves for every deck can get expensive. If your budget is tight, you can probably hold off on double sleeving.
- Double sleeving your deck is also time-consuming. So if you’re trying to sleeve up before FNM in a hurry, stick to one set.
How to Choose the Best Inner Sleeves for MTG
If you’ve decided that double sleeving is right for you, then you’ll need to get your hands on the best inner sleeves for MTG. These are designed to fit perfectly inside your favorite outer sleeves while keeping your cards extra safe. Here are a few important factors to consider when looking for inner sleeves.
Fit
When shopping for inner sleeves, it’s crucial to consider the fit. Inner sleeves should fit snugly around your MTG cards without being too loose or too tight. Sleeves that are too loose may result in cards slipping or moving inside the sleeves. But sleeves that are too tight may damage your cards or make sleeving and unsleeving your deck more difficult. Look for inner sleeves that are specifically designed to fit MTG cards and provide a secure and precise fit for the best protection and playability.
Toughness
The toughness or durability of the inner sleeves is another important factor to consider. Inner sleeves should be made from durable materials that can withstand frequent shuffling, handling, and transportation without easily tearing or splitting. High-quality sleeves with reinforced edges or extra layers of protection can offer increased toughness and help prevent your cards from getting damaged or bent during use.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the transparency of the inner sleeves. Clear sleeves allow you to easily see both sides of your cards and don’t hurt the appearance of the artwork. Look for inner sleeves with excellent clarity that don’t develop fogging or cloudiness over time.
PVC and Acid-Free
It’s important to consider the materials used in the inner sleeves, specifically whether they are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and are acid-free. PVC sleeves are generally cheaper, but they can contain harmful chemicals that may damage your cards over time. Acid-free sleeves are made from materials that do not contain acidic components, which can help prevent card discoloration and fading. Choosing acid-free inner sleeves is essential for preserving your cards and protecting their value.
Best MTG Inner Sleeves for Double Sleeving
Now that you know what to look for when shopping for inner sleeves, let’s look at the best ones on the market. These are perfect for double sleeving your next deck and are trusted by countless Magic players around the world. If you’d like to support Bolt the Bird, consider clicking on our Amazon affiliate link when shopping for these products and other MTG accessories.
1. KMC Perfect Hard
If you’re looking for the best MTG inner sleeves, look no further. KMC has been known for its quality for years and its Perfect Hard inners are no different. These sleeves offer remarkable clarity and are made of a sturdy plastic that gives your cards a feel like no other. They dramatically enhance the shuffle feel and playability of your cards while providing premium protection against bending and scuffs. They also stay very clean over time.
If you have foil cards turning into “pringles” on your hands, these are the sleeves to buy. Their extra rigidness helps resist the curve and keep your cards flat. Plus, once you have your cards loaded up into these sleeves, they won’t budge while you play.
2. Dragon Shield Perfect Fit
From the makers of the Dragon Shield outer sleeves you know and love come these stellar inner sleeves. They offer a great fit around your cards to keep them from sliding around. They are also PVC-free to protect your collection over time.
Dragon Shield’s offering is a bit more affordable than KMC’s Perfect Hards, so they are a good choice if you want to double-sleeve a large number of decks. That said, they are still more expensive than some of their competitors.
3. Ultra Pro Standard Pro Fit
Ultra Pro, another sleeve dynasty in the MTG world, has several inner sleeve offerings. We prefer the Standard Pro-Fits as they offer a great balance of protection and playability. These fit incredibly close to your cards. Since they’re made by Ultra Pro, they also fit perfectly inside any of the brand’s other sleeves or binders. PVC- and acid-free, these are a solid choice for keeping your collection safe.
4. Pro Support Perfect Fit
A lesser-known name in the accessories world, Pro Support offers some solid Perfect Fits for your double sleeving needs. These sleeves are very affordable, making them a good choice if you’re on a tight budget. Some buyers say they are more flimsy than other perfect fit sleeves, but they fit snugly around your cards so once they’re on, you probably won’t notice. Since you can get them for such a great price, they are also perfect for sleeving up any other card or board games you have lying around. Though, if you’re looking to sleeve higher-end MTG cards, you may want to look for something sturdier, like KMC’s Perfect Hards.
5. TitanShield Inner Sleeve Protectors
Last but certainly not least, we have TitanShield’s Inner Sleeve Protectors. These are another great affordable option and give you the most bang for your buck. You can snag 1000 of them for just over $20 so you’ll never be short when sleeving your library of Commander decks.
These inners offer great clarity and good thickness, just over half the thickness of the Perfect Hards. Still, this tradeoff is worth it for many players who aren’t seeking premium inners. If you need a solid everyday inner sleeve for your MTG deck, look no further.
Conclusion
Inner sleeves are a great way to keep your MTG deck safe and improve its playability. Whether you’re a tournament spike or a casual EDH fan, these inner sleeves are the best out there. Snag a pack today and join us on the dark side of double sleeving.
What are your favorite inner sleeves for MTG? Let us know in the comments below or on social media!
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