Advice: Getting back into collecting

[tyko]

Looking for some advice from all the seasoned (and not so seasoned) collectors out there. I am looking into getting back into collecting cards again. I loved it in my youth, and after buying a few random boxes I realized the love never died. What I have noticed is the prices have changed, and there are so many products available. I would say I could justify paying $100 - $150 a month on cards (and by I, I mean my wife). I love opening up packs and am not as interested in purchasing singles. I would like to purchase products that have a potential for a larger hit, but is still affordable. I sure thats what we are all looking for, but I'm not interested in purchasing a box for $150 that contains 1-3 cards. On the other side of the coin, I'm not overly interested in purchasing a box for $50 that has a super limited number of hits. I see myself as someone to pick up a box of Topps Series 1 or something along those lines.

Basically, I am looking for any advice you would like to pass along to a collector looking to re-kindle his love of sports cards.

Thanks in advance!

[durazoaz5]

Good to hear you're getting back into the hobby. I was in your shoes last year when I decided to get back into it for the long haul..The only thing we differ on is the singles aspect of purchasing. Since my monthly budget doesn't really warrant me buying boxes to often, I purchase a lot of singles of players I like. There's always a gamble with boxes so I settle for the sure things. I purchase a lot on ebay so that helps along with trading on this great site with folks with similar interests. Not sure what your preference is sport wise but there's a lot of different choices out there within your price range (without getting too wordy) and what you're looking for in a box. Good Luck!!
~Manny