I had a fun mail day today, including but not limited to a test sample of Pro-Mold‘s new EZ-SNAP trading card holder. Is non-mag the future of hard plastic cases? Let’s take a sneak peek at this coming-soon item.
Look Ma, No Magnets!
The first thing you will notice: no magnet at the top! Or anywhere else for that matter.
Magnets are expensive, and also bad for the environment. So if we can lose the mags and keep the case tight, it’s a win-win, right?
How Does It Work?
At the bottom, the front of the case has 2 little teeth that lock into corresponding holes on the back of the case, similar to most magnetic holders.
The top is where things get interesting. The case uses a friction-fit design, with 2 little “posts” at the top of the back. These posts slide into 2 corresponding holes on the case front. The case makes a little “snapping” noise when secured, but it’s not a mechanical fastener–just friction.
There’s a small groove in the top where the case can be pried open. On my test model, I was able to pry with a fingernail easy enough, with about the same amount of force or effort as opening a mag holder.
Design Benefits
Here’s what I like about the Pro-Mold EZ SNAP as tested:
- I really like the look of plastic holders without the magnet or screw–it’s a nice clean presentation.
- Lower cost to manufacture, which should mean . . .
- Lower cost to customer
- “Arrowhead” corner cutouts to protect card corners
- Pro-Mold claims 5+ year UV protection
- Pro-Mold also claims that the case will not pop open when dropped, unlike mag cases
- Made in the USA
I’m not going to drop my case to test the claim–Joe is resting comfortably inside. And further, my tester is a pre-production sample. Pro-Mold VP Ed Neugebauer Jr. reports that the friction fit is still being dialed in to perfection. Not to get too far into the weeds on fit details, but we’re talking about ten-thousandths-of-an-inch tolerances here!
I’m a Pro-Mold fan and have no doubt that the production model will perform as advertised. The EZ-SNAP should be a great-looking economical choice for display of your raw cards.
This product has “Coming Soon!” status. I will update on launch.
Disclosure: Cardhound does not do paid reviews, and Pro-Mold is not currently an advertiser on Cardhound Vintage as of the date of publication. I will review just about any card-related product, for free, regardless of advertiser / supporter status, and I always disclose these relationships or lack thereof!
