Diecast Protector Case Comparisons

In the following article, I will be thoroughly reviewing and grading six different diecast protector cases that are currently available on the [online] market. The cases are graded based on three important aspects (1) overall fit, (2) sturdiness, and (3) price. This article is specific to diecast "protectos" for mainline cars only.

1. Sterling Protector Case (https://sterlingprotectorcase.com/)

Overall Grade = A-

Fit = A

Sturdiness = A+

Price = C+

Let's start off with what most collectors would consider the "gold standard" in diecast protection - The Sterling. I personally do not use Sterling. It's on the pricier side and it's just too bulky for me. That said, I have to agree with most collectors that it's the top protector case on the market. While bulky, it is incredibly sturdy. You can sleep peacefully knowing that your high-end diecast are safely stored in their plastic vault. The fit is also great. You will not have to worry about pinched corners with this case, but what you may not have considered when buying Sterlings is that there's actually too much wiggle room. Some diecast sellers, traders, and buyers have learned the hard way that with enough movement and bad luck, the corner of the hot wheels card can slide into the blister opening and cause significant damage to the card (see picture below for example).This type of damage seems to be pretty rare and therefore did not impact my overall grades. If cost is not an issue, Sterling is the way to go.

2. Car Case by Protech (https://www.casepros.com/)

Overall Grade = B

Fit = B+

Sturdiness = B

Price = C+

If you would have asked me what the best "protecto" was before writing this article, I would have answered Protech. I was wrong. The Car Case by Protech is good, but it's not great. It's best quality is actually something I decided was not important enough to include in my gradings, "Look & Feel". What I am trying to say is that the "Car Case" has a simple and neat 2-piece design that stacks and displays well (in contrast to Sterlings more hulkish look), but it falls a bit short in some more important areas. The overall fit, for example, is good and meets the minimum benchmark (no bent corners), but unlike the Sterling, the fit is just barely enough... there is no room for error. The two-piece design may also be problematic when shipping these cars. During my "shake test" (i.e., vigorously shaking the case for 20 seconds), the bottom piece came undone, which could create big problems if you don't carefully pack your shipping boxes. While the price also isn't great, these are available on Amazon Prime. With free shipping, the price on these is a bit more manageable.

3. MeLyon Plastics (https://melyonplastics.com/)

Overall Grade = A

Fit = A+

Sturdiness = B

Price = A+

Newer to the "protecto" scene (or at least new to me) is MeLyon Plastics. What stands out right away is the price (75 cents per case!). They are even more affordable than the infamous clamshell case. I know what you're thinking... "you get what you pay for". That couldn't be more wrong. The quality and fit of these really does hold up again its competitors. The plastic does not seem quite as durable compared to the Sterling, but the fit is actually better. The opening is wide enough so that the corners on your card don't get bent but not too wide that it creates other problems (as mentioned above regarding the Sterling). I also appreciate that the rim around the blister opening is wider than other protectors cases (see pictures below for comparison). This wider rim will help prevent the card from falling into the blister opening. I will probably be switching to MeLyon from now on.

4. Clamshell (random eBay sellers)

Overall Grade = A-

Fit = A+

Sturdiness = B

Price = A

The Clamshell dates back to the early 17th century... no just kidding. These are, however, the most mysterious of the protector cases. I have not been able to track down who makes these or how long they have been around, but you can get them from various sellers on eBay. Aside from the MeLyon case, these are the most affordable protectors on the block - they typically go for $1 each plus shipping on eBay. They aren't much to look at but sure do the trick. Their overly simple design makes them less attractive, but because the design is so different from the rest you never have to worry about bent/soft corners. It's always good to have a few of these stored away for a rainy day.

5. Kar Keepers by Hot Wheels (https://hotwheelscollectors.mattel.com/)

Overall Grade = D

Fit = F

Sturdiness = C

Price = C+

Let me be very clear - do NOT use these... EVER.

Actually, let me amend that. These are OKAY if you are storing an RLC car or HWC mail-in. These are way too small for mainline hot wheels or older car culture (your corners WILL get bent). The plastic is flimsy and the case has these little annoying clips all around the edges that may put dents in your card. Best to avoid these protectors by all means possible.

6. Protecto-Pak (http://www.carneyplastics.com/home)

Overall Grade = C+

Fit = D-

Sturdiness = A+

Price = C

Last but certainly not least. The Protecto-Pak may have an even worse reputation than Hot Wheel's Kar Keeper. These are notorious for bending the corners on your card. Many collectors have prayed and hoped that the Super Treasure Hunt they purchased on eBay doesn't arrive in one of these dreaded Protecto-Paks. The problem is not so much the quality of the case (these things are solid), but the fit... they are just too damn small.

That said, upon reviewing the Carney website, it sounds like the latest model of Protecto-Pak (09/2019) has gotten a much needed update - a corner re-design. They now come with a 100% guarantee that the case will not pinch the corners of the card. With an A+ sturdiness rating, only time will tell if these become the new diecast protector favorite.

Here's a full summary of all six protector cases: