General Forum

I have been almost a 100% team collector every since I started collecting, but I am leaning towards actually build a set.  My question is, based on ease of finding cards and not breaking the bank, which year Topps would be a good set to start on. 

Thanks

1987-1991 Topps without a doubt.  If you don't want to go after Factory sets, then try 500 ct Vending packs, and if not that, then Wax Boxes, Rack Boxes, or Jumbo Boxes.

The 55 has been a fun set for me to try and complete. There is no Mantle in that set, but the Clemente and Koufax rookies will cost you.

More recent and cheaper, 1983 has a good design and three good rookie cards that can be bought without breaking the bank. Between $10-$20 a piece.

If you're looking for cheap cardboard, then go with late-80's or early-90's anything. The Topps Total sets from the early 2000's are good if you're looking for a comprehensive set to capture the most players. Personally I prefer base Topps, which I'd like to work on annually. Lots of people build Topps sets, so there's lots of trading opportunities.

Like the others have said, the junk wax era (late 80’s-early 90’s) is a good place to start. After that, I would suggest going backwards due to the confusing number of variations and parallels in the current day sets.

I had a lot of fun building a 1967 baseball set.

The '67T set has got to be one of the most difficult sets from the mid-'60s onward.  

If you don't want t obreak the bank, then I definitely recommend the 1987-1991 Topps route. You have 5 sets to choose from that won't cost a lot to put together through packs and/or trades. You will find many of the members here who have plenty of extras who will trade (or sell at a very low price).

I know I have extra complete sets of the 1987 set. I know it's still one of my favorites, and my son (14 years old) really likes (and has for a long time - for him).

Easy and cheapest?   Try the 1990 Topps.

I do have to agree that of the ‘87-‘91 sets, 1987 definitely has the best design, in case you are factoring design into your decision. The second best would be ‘91.