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New to collecting jerseys and have some questions.


joe092690

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Hey guys, long-time lurker but I'm starting to collect NHL jerseys and have a few questions to get me familiar before I get started.

I am aware Reebok's NHL jerseys come in two styles: the Premier (Replica) and Edge (Authentic). I'm wanting to make a collection of Premier jerseys with names on them. I'd much rather spend the ~$200 on the Replica than the ~$300+ for the Authentic. I know some prefer the Authentic, and can afford it, but I have my mind set on the Replica, as I think they're good for me.

Anyway, some questions I have:

1. I've read about RBK 1.0 and 2.0 Edge jerseys and the differences, as some players complained about the 1.0s hence why the 2.0s were released and the material is a bit different. My question is is there a 1.0 and 2.0 for the Premier jerseys or is it just Edge jerseys (Authentics) which were released as a 2.0? If I'm collecting Premier jerseys, do I have to worry about 1.0 vs. 2.0 and how to tell which ones I have?

2. Where do you recommend ordering from? I've purchased a ton of Buffalo jerseys from local sporting good stores who do the same lettering the Sabres do but for all the other teams, I'm going to have to order online. I've never purchased from Icejerseys before but I've heard tons of good things about them online and tons of not-so-good things on shop.nhl.com and have had one poor experience with them in the past, so I want to stay clear of that and eBay in general, as I want to know I'm getting the real, legit thing and a quality product. Also have heard good things about sportsk.com.

3. I live in Buffalo and I've seen a few non-Sabres Premier jerseys in stores (like big names you might see everywhere like Crosby and Ovechkin) like Laux Sporting Goods with only one layer of stitching and one letter of screen-printing. Why are these jerseys like this? Shouldn't the Replicas have the same stitched lettering that the Authentics have? Sabres jerseys I find in town all have stitched lettering and numbering but why is it that jerseys from other teams have that one layer of screen-print instead? I personally would never buy one of those.

4. In regards to patches, is it okay to buy a special patch (non-captain/alternate captain patch) such as a Stanley Cup Final or team anniversary patch and have it put onto my Premier jersey even though it's not an Edge jersey? Or are those types of patches more exclusively for the Authentics?

5. When Reebok changed from the logo to the wordmark on the back near the neck and on the left sleeve on the Premiers starting in 11-12, are the jerseys any different or did they just change to the wordmark?

6. Finally, what are some of the common ways to display a jersey for taking photos? On a white sheet over a table? On a bare wood surface? What looks the best?

Sorry if I'm asking a lot and I also apologize if this should be moved elsewhere. I'm just trying to get some answers.

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Welcome aboard. You'll learn a lot from the good peoples here if you stick around.

1. There's only 1 type of replica (Premier). So you don't need to worry about 1.0 vs. 2.0.

2. You can get replicas from IJ or NHL.com but I wouldn't get them customized by NHL.com. Get blanks and try to get them done by team customizers or other tried and true places like EPS (depending on the team). You can even get them off of eBay.

3. Some replicas have heat-pressed names/numbers others have them sewn on.

4. Your shirts so do what you want. Patches are universal.

5. I believe only the word mark changed.

6. Whatever is easiest for you. Just make sure you have good lighting so it can be seen. Avoid crazy patterned bedspreads.

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Alright, let's try to answer these.

1) 1.0 and 2.0 are for EDGE cuts only. Replicas are replicas, but for some special events (Winter Classic) the replicas are the old CCM 550 cut as opposed to the current cut with the rounded hem. Only thing you need to pay attention to with replicas (if you're picky like most of us) is vector vs wordmark. Some players may have only worn the vector with a particular team, some may have only worn the wordmark, most of the popular players have worn both.

2) If you're looking specifically for Sabres jerseys, JerseyExpress is the way to go. They do (or at least they did) the Sabres jerseys for the team, so what you're getting should be 100% accurate from the team customizer. You can get blank Sabres jerseys virtually anywhere and send them to JE, but you're probably better off just ordering from them directly.

3) Replicas purchased in retail stores or from NHL.com are sublistitched, which is what you're talking about. Only the bottom layer is stitched, and not very well. The other layers are dye sublimated. They're garbage, stay away. The jerseys themselves are the same quality as every other premier, but the lettering is what makes the difference. The ones you see in retail stores or from NHL.com don't even use twill like real jerseys (or in the case of the Sabres old 3rds, felt) and you're going to have to buy blanks and get them professionally stitched if you want them to be accurate. I know the Rangers sell their replicas at the team stores in MSG with fully stitched tackle twill just like the EDGE jerseys, not sure if the Sabres team store is the same way but you could look into that.

4) Patches are perfectly fine, as long as they're matched to the correct year and style of jersey obviously.

5) Only changes to the jerseys are the wordmark and where they're made, which only matters if you're buying authentic EDGE jerseys. When Reebok switched to the wordmark, they started producing their "authentic" jerseys in Indonesia, and they're essentially overpriced, glorified replicas with an abomination of a fight strap. We call those "Indo-EDGE" and they're nothing like 1.0 or 2.0. The only way to get 2.0's for the most part is to buy team-issued, but there are some teams available from places like River City Sports, and I think IceJerseys might even have a few. Again, if you're looking for Sabres, Jersey Express is the way to go and they only have replicas or the Indo-EDGE. Most sites differentiate between Made in Canada 2.0's and Indo-EDGE by adding "New 2012" to the item description.

6) I lay my jerseys as flat as possible on my bedspread and use a chair or a step stool to get a decent angle. It's the only thing I can use, and most people here either use that or a (clean) carpet.

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here's what I did last year when I became a member. I followed the "is it good or not" thread. This taught me how to spot fakes. Then I followed the deals and steals thread. When I saw deals on jerseys I was interested in, I pounced on them. Then (the most important), i stayed in the "trading post area". These are jerseys for sale by board members here. I got great deals and great jerseys. Buying replicas is cool, but if you're prepared to spend 200(or even around 130-200) you could actually land some decent authentics. I just landed a game worn jersey for 175.00 from ebay. Yes that is a great price and rare. The point is, don't limit yourself. You never know when you may come across a great deal, If you're thinking of making a purchase, post a link in the "is it good or not" thread, i guarantee you will get the help you need from the great members here. Welcome aboard and good luck to you.

Regardless which jerseys you decide to collect, you'll be very glad you decided to join this board. Nothing but great guys and great help.

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I'll second that if you are prepared to spend anywhere near $200 you can find authentics for that price if you are patient. I have done the same thing. Other than one i think the most I have spent is $225 maybe and all mine are authentic s.

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I was going to say that. As a fairly new collector myself, I always wanted authentics but didn't think I could afford them. My first two authentics ended up being $100 each, brand new. My 3rd was about $140, and my most recent will be about $215, but that one will include customization. If you look, and are patient, you can get an authentic for the same price as a regularly priced retail premier. I would reccommend doing that, because the difference in quality (especially with the RBK Edge jerseys) is night and day. Just find a store that carries both and look at the differences. My two cents.

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I recently bought two EDGE 1.0's on ebay for less than $150 a piece, that made them about $200-$210 after having them customized. Look around, if you do want replicas you should be able to get them done for less than $200.

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Like many people have said already, you can definitely find deals for Edge Authentics if you're willing to spend up to $200. Heck, you should find most teams for $100 or so for Edge 1.0s. If you're looking for Buffalo jerseys, a store in Toronto called Si Vous Play were carrying the slug style jerseys in Edge 2.0s for $40. It may be worth a trip up north for you.

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Those appear to be 1.0's. In my opinion, 1.0's are just as easily snagged/ruined as the premiers. Maybe I just had a bad experience, lol.

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Thanks to everyone for your responses. They've helped and I truly feel welcome. So thanks again. You guys seem to know your stuff. I've already got a ton of Sabres jerseys (about 20 I believe) so I'm kind of looking to collect the rest of the teams. I have Buffalo and Detroit but none of the 28 others so I'll be looking for those.

Anyway, the two stores in my area that I've purchased from use the same lettering and numbering twill that the Sabres use (I'm not sure what the company's name is off the top of my head) so these should be fine right? Also, I have two Sabres thirds with the felt numbers from these stores, so I'm assuming the places I've gotten them from are fine. I don't buy the screen-printed twill ever.

Another question I thought of: which sites do you guys suggest using to display photos of my collection online? The site brandon's used for his looks really nice. Love the display.

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The store by you might be able to do the Sabres properly, but might not be 100% accurate with the details with other teams. If you're like most of us here, that will irritate you to no end. If you have some time, I'll attatch a thread with NHL team customizers for you to read that could really help you out when deciding where to send a certain team's jersey.

http://forums.icejerseys.com/index.php?showtopic=2303

If you still have any questions with anything in the future, feel free to ask! Someone here will definitely help you out :D

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I'm pretty sure River City Sports has buffaslug authentics for like $50 on clearance, at least they did last time i looked

"Buffaslug" makes me laugh every time.

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