2024 Panini Illuisions Football - Recent RIPs

 

Blaster Box - Retail

    With Illusions finally released by Panini back around March 13th, it's finally making its rounds out in the retail world. Came across the last box on the shelf at my local Meijer and it was good little RIP. 

Cousins #10

    I have never been a fan of Illusions. Feels like cheap cardboard, with constant quality issues. The corners and edges frequently have wear, rub of, creases and nicks. Pulled a Operation Detonation Insert Kirk Cousins #10 that has a big press line or crease line that runs across the entire card just beneath where it says Kirk Cousins(See Image). This isn't any special card or insert, but if anyone was ever looking for their PC, the card would be worthless.  

    These Mistakes are what kill me about Illusions. It's almost consistent to the point where you might believe its intentional. For the price of cards these days, and how the hobby has exploded, you would think Panini would have a better QC. system in place. 

    All of the quality issues aside Illusions saving grace has always been its inserts. The acetate inserts are one of the coolest and most unique designs out there. They are vivid, eye catching, and the acetate card stock just adds a different feel. It's worth grabbing a blaster or two just to see the inserts. 

-The RIP-

    In one blaster I lucked out and pulled 2 Mystique acetate inserts, one base and one emerald. Two rookie pull inserts in one box is a win. I love this Sam LaPorta Mystique Insert, and might consider hanging on to it just because of the way it looks. The emerald Jaren Hall Mystique has such a different look and the green and purple stand out so much. Who knows what direction the Vikings are going in this coming season, but here's to hopping this kid gets a shot and can do something big. 

    Pulling a Zay Flowers RC is always nice, and this Amazing insert is sharp. Nothing spectacular about it, but the silver line work stands out. 

    Rounding out the RIP, another Jaren Hall Base rookie along with a JSN RC are worth hanging on to just in case they every pop. The Kelce dots is nothing that impressive to me. It looks grainy and faded and not a parallel that I would ever want to chase. Great player, great year, and great Super Bowl win, but not a card I'm hanging on to. Something that might end up in the donation box. 

    Not a great RIP, but not a horrible rip. Overall I would have to give this a 6/10 RIPS. Some people really like this product, but it's not something that I am going to chase down or go on the hunt for. Let me know what you pulled and what your thoughts are on 2023 Illusions Football in the comments.

As always happy Ripping and keep living. 

LaPorta #31, Hall #16, Flowers #25, Njigba # 91, Hall #74, Kelce #55

Rest of the rip notables- 

• Emerald Jefferson #72, McLaurin #14, Thielen #97
• Base RC Tilman #25, Bennett IV #66, Mingo #16, McLaughlin #32, Reed #41, DTR #26

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