Set Boosters Are Better for Both Playing and Collecting Magic: The Gathering

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When it comes to Magic: The Gathering boosters, set boosters come out on top compared to draft boosters in my opinion as both a trader and long-time player. Here‘s a detailed breakdown of why set boosters are the best choice currently for both gameplay and expanding your collection.

Set Booster Packs Have More Hits

The main appeal of set boosters is the increased number of hits – rares, foils, and special treatments. Here‘s a comparison:

As you can see, set boosters give you nearly double the chance at rare cards compared to draft boosters. Let‘s look at what this means for an entire booster box.

More Mythics and Value in a Set Booster Box

Across a booster box, the set vs draft difference really starts compounding. Check out these averages:

Cracking open a set booster box gives you increased hits through more mythics, foil rares, and overall rares compared to draft boxes. This translates to measurably higher expected value.

Recent Hot Set Values – Lost Origin

Let‘s examine the value difference on a hot recent set – Lost Origin:

Based on current singles prices, Lost Origin set booster boxes deliver slightly higher average value per pack. But both draft and set offer a modest $10 margin above cost. Collector boxes are the real value heroes, doubling your money.

Collector Boosters Offer the Most Bling

Speaking of collector boosters, here‘s a peek at what you can expect inside:

• 3x foil cards per pack
• 1 foil rare/mythic guaranteed
• Extensive specialty treatments
• Over 20% chance of etched foil rare/mythic

Collector boosters are king if you love bling and premium versions of cards. Yes you pay more, but your shiny pull rates skyrocket. Definitely recommended trying at least once.

Draft Booster Boxes Best for Sealed and Draft

All that said, there are good reasons to opt for a draft booster box instead:

• Cheaper price per pack
• Better optimized card distribution for limited play
• Less random so more consistent experience

If your priority is enjoying formats like draft and sealed with friends, draft boxes make more sense to maximize fun gameplay. Just temper expectations around pulling high dollar chase cards.

Key Takeaways – Set Booster vs Draft Booster

Here are my main takeaways comparing set and draft boosters:

• Set boosters offer increased hits and higher average value – better for collecting
• Draft boosters provide a balanced limited play experience at a lower price point
• Collector boosters aren‘t the best value but extremely fun to open just for the insane bling

I tend to recommend set boosters for most players and collectors. The possibility of extra rares and foils in each pack is just too exciting! But it‘s ultimately about what makes you happiest when you crack those packs open.

Investing in Sealed Product Offers Long Term Value

Beyond the contents, sealed booster boxes themselves gain significant value over time. Let‘s examine appreciation of boxes on the secondary market:

Sealed booster boxes often double or more in resale value given 5-10 years of aging. Prospective "out of print" sets like Innistrad Midnight Hunt already demand big premiums.

Long Term Investing Tips

If investing for the long term, I recommend the following:

• Diversify across multiple sets instead of huge position in one
• Store securely and prevent tampering to maintain condition
• Focus on limited print run sets e.g. masters sets
• Research trends to find underpriced sets to buy in early
• Allot 3-5+ years for respectable returns

Wrapping Up – Enjoy the Experience!

At the end of the day collecting Magic: The Gathering is a labor of love. While monetary value matters, the real joy comes from the excitement of cracking packs and expanding your collection.

My advice is to choose box options that fit your budget and interests rather than purely chasing expensive cards. Whether you prefer set, draft, or collector boxes, simply relax and have fun opening your packs!