How Rare is a Gallade EX Card and Why It‘s So Valuable

Gallade EX is one of the most sought-after Pokémon cards from the popular XY Roaring Skies expansion. This guide will explore every aspect of what makes Gallade EX so rare and valuable for collectors and players, from pull rates and pricing to lore and competitive viability. Whether you‘re looking to add one to your collection or just appreciate rare Pokémon cards, read on for the full story behind the Gallade EX!

What Exactly is Gallade EX?

Let‘s start at the beginning – Gallade EX is an Ultra Rare Pokémon-EX card numbered 34/108 in the Roaring Skies set. It was first released in May 2015 as part of the XY expansion block.

Gallade EX features a stylish full art illustration by artist 5ban Graphics showing Gallade poised and ready for battle. It‘s a Psychic-type Stage 2 Evolution Pokémon with an ability called Premonition and a damage-dealing Piercing Gaze attack.

As an EX card, Gallade EX has higher HP (170) than normal Pokémon, signifying its status as a powerful heavyweight. The EX classification was a popular subset of Ultra Rare cards during the XY era that players could use as extra impactful attackers.

Rarity Breakdown: The Pull Rates for Gallade EX

Now let‘s examine just how difficult it is to obtain a Gallade EX by looking at the official pull rates:

• Total Cards in Roaring Skies – 108
• Common Cards – 50 (46.3% of the set)
• Uncommon Cards – 50 (46.3%)
• Rare Cards – 45 (41.7%)
• Rare Holofoil Cards – 45 (41.7%)
• Ultra Rare Cards – 7 (6.5%)
• Secret Rare Cards – 4 (3.7%)

As you can see, there are only 7 Ultra Rare cards in the entire set. This puts Gallade EX in rarified air right off the bat. Based on the official pull rates, your average odds of pulling a specific Ultra Rare like Gallade EX are about 1 in 18 packs (5.6% chance).

That may not seem too bad, but it took most collectors hundreds of Roaring Skies packs opened before they finally hit a Gallade EX. Some unlucky souls even opened over 500 packs without seeing one! Its actual pull rate in practice was likely closer to 1 in 20-30 packs across multiple print runs.

To put Gallade EX‘s supreme rarity into further perspective, check out its population numbers from grading company PSA:

• PSA 10 Gallade EX‘s graded: 143
• PSA 9 Gallade EX‘s graded: 459
• Total Gallade EX‘s graded: 971

With thousands of PSA graded Roaring Skies cards, the fact that less than 1,000 Gallade EX‘s exist (mostly in lower grades) shows how elusive this Pokémon truly is!

Gallade EX Card Values & Price History

Rarity inevitably translates into value when it comes to Pokémon cards. As one of the most sought-after Roaring Skies offerings, Gallade EX has maintained a high price point ever since release. Let‘s look at how its value has evolved over time:

Near Mint Pricing History:

• May 2015 (Release) – $70-80
• 2016 – $50-60
• 2017 – $40-50
• 2018 – $30-40
• 2019 – $25-35
• 2020 – $20-30
• 2021 – $25-35
• 2022 – $25-35

As you can see, Gallade EX reached peak prices around $70-80 upon launch in 2015. But even 7 years later, Near Mint copies still hold a value of $25-35, which is very impressive longevity for a modern Pokémon card.

Lightly and Heavily played copies can go for even less. Here are typical price ranges:

• Lightly Played – $15-20
• Heavily Played – Under $10

So while top condition Gallade EX‘s are expensive, you can still obtain this iconic card at more affordable prices if you don‘t mind some wear.

Current Value Comparison to Other Roaring Skies Ultra Rares:

Card	Average Value	Highest Sale
Shaymin EX (Full Art)	$400	$799
Rayquaza EX (Colorless)	$80	$350
Latios EX (Full Art)	$60	$225
Gallade EX (Full Art)	$35	$165
M Rayquaza EX (Colorless)	$25	$99
Kyogre EX (Full Art)	$25	$130
Groudon EX (Full Art)	$15	$85

As you can see, Gallade EX sits firmly among the top valued cards in Roaring Skies, behind only the hyper-rare Shaymin EX full art. It has consistently outsold and outpriced most other Ultra Rares from the set over the years.

Why is Gallade EX So Popular and Valuable?

Now that we‘ve established the sheer rarity and value of Gallade EX, let‘s discuss why this card is so sought after among collectors and players.

#1 – Gallade is a Fan Favorite Pokémon

Gallade has been a popular Pokémon ever since its debut in Generation 4, endearing itself to fans with its knightly design and honorable personality. As Gardevoir‘s masculine counterpart, Gallade strikes the perfect balance between looking fierce and graceful.

The Pokémon TCG noticed Gallade‘s popularity and has printed many cards featuring this Psychic/Fighting-type warrior over the years. But the Roaring Skies EX version stands above the rest as Gallade‘s definitive card thanks to its memorable full art interpretation.

#2 – Roaring Skies Had a Strong Competitive Legacy

WhileGen 6 XY was winding down in 2015, the Roaring Skies expansion made a big competitive impact in the Pokémon TCG. Powerful cards like Shaymin EX turbocharged deck consistency while Rayquaza EX provided big damage.

As a result, Roaring Skies-era decks dominated tournaments for years. Gallade EX itself proved a versatile attacker that could pair nicely with Shaymin EX. This sustained playability contributed to long-term demand.

#3 – The Card Artwork is Gorgeous

Gallade EX‘s stunning illustration by 5ban Graphics is arguably the most beautiful version of this character ever depicted. It captures Gallade‘s poised fighting spirit and regal cape perfectly.

The EX era marked a high point for Pokémon TCG artwork, and Gallade EX exemplifies this with its dramatic angle, vibrant colors, and flawless portrayal of its namesake. The card just pops in person.

#4 – XY Roaring Skies Nostalgia

For Pokémon fans, XY Roaring Skies conjures fond memories. It closed out the groundbreaking Mega Evolution XY era in style. Chasing a Gallade EX brings collectors back to the excitement of opening fresh Roaring Skies packs years ago.

This nostalgia factor keeps interest and prices high. Vintage sets like Roaring Skies will always hold significance in the hobby.

#5 – Strong Collector Demand For All EX Cards

As one of the most beloved Ultra Rare subsets, Pokémon-EX cards will always be in high demand. Their iconic elongated artwork, elevated HP, and Exclusive attacks made them extra enticing pulls.

Top EX‘s like Gallade EX are flagged as "chase cards" for Master Sets. Collectors know EX‘s represent an important era, so they pursue every one for their collections.

Where Gallade EX Stands Among Other Gallade Cards

Gallade has been featured on many stylish Pokémon cards showcasing its slick design. But how does Gallade EX compare to some of the other most notable Gallade cards?

Gallade LV.X (Rising Rivals – 2008)

• Ultra Rare LV.X subset
• More subdued pose/artwork than EX
• Rising Rivals was less opened set

The LV.X mechanic replaced EX in the Diamond & Pearl era. Gallade LV.X is coveted by collectors of that generation, but lacks the wow factor of the EX.

Gallade ex (Next Destinies – 2012)

• Full Art Ultra Rare ex variant
• Hard to find in PSA 10 due to print lines
• Next Destinies was overprinted

Gallade ex has stunning full art in the older ex style. But condition issues and higher populations make the Roaring Skies EX more desirable overall.

Gallade V (Sword & Shield – 2020)

• Cool "swords behind back" pose
• Modern SWSH-era V card
• Lower value due to still being in print

The V mechanic replaced GX in 2019. Gallade finally joined the V ranks via Sword & Shield. A great modern card, but EX still rules for vintage collectors.

Gallade (Cosmic Eclipse – 2019)

• Full Art Ultra Rare Character Rare
• Dynamic "swords crossed" stance
• Part of less popular Sun & Moon block

Character Rares spotlighted popular personalities with unique art. Gallade finally got this treatment in Cosmic Eclipse to a great reception. But EX Prestige still wins out.

Consensus:

While the other Gallade cards have their own merits, the Roaring Skies EX is still considered Gallade‘s pinnacle card thanks to its perfect combination of artwork, nostalgia, competitive history and Master Set demand. It remains the definitive Gallade card for collectors even 7 years later.

Key Reasons Gallade EX Maintains Such Strong Value

We‘ve discussed Gallade EX‘s rarity and appeal. Now let‘s examine why it manages to hold such consistently high value years after release:

• Pure Nostalgia – Collectors are always chasing childhood cards that gave them joy. Gallade EX brings back memories of xy era collecting.

• Competitive Relevance – Some EX-era decks still do well. Gallade EX retains solid utility as both an attacker and collector‘s piece.

• Master Set Appeal – Every EX is a chase card. Serious Roaring Skies collectors can‘t complete their sets without a Gallade EX.

• Artwork Excellence – Stunning cards hold value. Gallade EX‘s unconventional yet captivating illustration will always be sought out.

• Limited Population – With only 1,000 Gallade EX‘s graded, there‘s more demand than supply. Its rarity ensures healthy prices.

• Brand Power – Anything Pokémon and EX-related sells. Gallade EX delivers premium collectibility.

Overall, Gallade EX optimally blends nostalgia, playability, artistry, and scarcity into a sought-after card that should maintain value for years to come.

Where to Buy a Gallade EX – Tips & Advice

I hope this guide has given you a comprehensive understanding of why Gallade EX is so rare and valuable. Let‘s wrap up with some tips on how to obtain this iconic card for your collection:

• Buy Graded – Pay the premium for PSA/BGS versions. You‘ll get guaranteed authenticity and condition. A Mint 10 or Gem Mint 10 Gallade EX is the dream!

• Raw Can Be Risky – Ungraded copies bring chances of fakes and hidden damage. Inspect thoroughly and buy only from reputable sellers.

• Consider "Damaged" – Lightly played raw copies can still look nice and let you get Gallade EX more affordably.

• Patience Pays Off – Gallade EX prices fluctuate. Watch the market long enough and you can snag a good deal.

• Hunt For Deals – Check seller websites, app deals, auction lots and trade groups for people parting with Gallade EX for cheap.

• Display With Care – However you obtain it, be sure to protect your Gallade EX in a sleeve and toploader, or graded slab of course! Display it prominently.

I hope you‘ve enjoyed learning about the immense rarity, continuing value, and enduring popularity of Gallade EX. It‘s the pinnacle card for any Gallade or EX-era collector. This guide provided everything you need to know about this iconic Roaring Skies Ultra Rare. Let me know if you have any other questions – if Pokémon card knowledge is power, I‘m happy to share what I have!