Question

[TwistedMetal]

I collect loose graded figures now if I were too buy a Baggie and send it off too get graded and wanted it out of the bag, would it be classed as a U grade?

 

[itfciain]

Not sure Frank would be a big fan of that !

From Shawn's site

"The U grade is the process in which a person will send a figure still sealed onto its original card or baggie to AFA, AFA then opens the package, inspects the figure, assigns it a number based on condition with a U in front of the number, and then seals it into an acrylic case with a sticker containing the U and number. "

http://powerofthetoys.com/afa/

 

[Lee77]

Hi Scott

Afa would happily rip it out of the bag and give it a U grade. Each to their own but I reckon it'd be better graded in the bag. I spoke to UKG about something similar, and for them to u grade it, the bag would have to be pretty ****ed.
I reckon there's loose figures that are good enough to grade without opening baggies. Up to you though buddy.

 

[TwistedMetal]

Thanks for the answers guys,I'm trying too understand the whole grading system better.

 

[theslider]

The whole grading system is a sham! (and U grades are the worst of the lot!) It's entirely subjective so in my eyes worthless, the whole idea of if is to increase an investment - **** for collectors.

 

[lee gray]

Really dont understand the whole U rating apart from another service to make money because really every single carded figure has a U grade figure inside the bubble but it doesnt get graded card 85 bubble 85 figure U 85, then the overall grade as really that figure is more of a U when its not been touched by removing it.

Not that I have anything against people who collect U grades as I have no problem with what other people collect.

 

[Lee77]

Well put Lee. I can't understand why sometimes a U graded figure sells for more than a moc! Every moc is technically a u grade I guess.

 

[Dublinjeff]

The whole grading system is a sham! (and U grades are the worst of the lot!) It's entirely subjective so in my eyes worthless, the whole idea of if is to increase an investment - **** for collectors.

Bit Harsh in my opinion... :? Everyone is entitled to thier view, as you say its 'subjective'. I for one like the look of Graded figures, the Luke Farmboy I got done by Steve at UKG with his Saber in Hand looks class imo........

Yes, some people collect for investment purposes, no harm in that either I feel, but "**** for collectors" isnt fair. I'm a collector and would reckon a pretty decent one at that and enjoy both loose and graded. On the flip side though, I dont agree with the whole U Grading thing, So Scott leave that Baggie alone..... :lol: .
Just my 2 Cents.............. :wink:

 

[TwistedMetal]

Lol Jeff I don't have a Baggie tbh I have never sent a figure or carded figure off too be graded, why? Few reasons, I'm too lazy, couldn't be bothered too wait the time they are away, fear of them getting lost, and I see them sell sometimes on eBay for less than they would actually cost too grade.

True Jeff the figures I think look great inside there cases and display well, I have some U grades, not because they are uncirculated but simply because they were there too buy at a good price now guys the reason I asked this question is simply because I see figures lets say a 1977 leia U grade at say £400.00 so I've been assuming this figure has been taken from a 12 back Moc, however when I saw a Leia Baggie for sale on here my head began too tick and I thought I wonder if some of these for sale are infact ones which had been removed from baggies, to which I had no idea that could and would be done by afa or ukg so that is where my question cme from ( felt I needed too say that since I feel there is a black cloud hovering above me now on this forum ) lol

Anyway it is good too see other peoples views about things, and I do agree a figure should stay on the card it was ment too be on, but this wouldn't stop me from buying a U grade since it would be coming too a good home.

 

[TwistedMetal]

P.s Jeff that Luke looks awesome mate, I'm on the look out for one of those

 

[Dublinjeff]

Thanks mate, He's one of my favorite figures. I Don't reckon there's any cloud over you here, it was a fair question. If anything I was wrong to assume thats what you were planning......... :wink:

 

[CRAZYHAZY]

Love the way UKG have done that with luke, it looks awesome jeff!
totally dont agree with u grading and i think its sad for any toy collecting hobby imo.
i have some minty loose figures which i will deffo have graded just because i think they look cool. Yak Face,imperial gumner,small head han,luke stormy disguise,brown hair luke fb,will be getting graded wIth UKG because i think they will look the dogs bollocks and their minty condition will be protected

 

[Dublinjeff]

Thanks man........100% agree about the fact that grading them protects thier 'mintyness', if thats even a word.... :lol:

 

[TwistedMetal]

Hey Jeff in total mate with p&p included how much did it cost too get him graded? And how long did it take?

 

[olisuds]

I collect loose graded figures now if I were too buy a Baggie and send it off too get graded and wanted it out of the bag, would it be classed as a U grade?

Not an expert on U grading but I thought that tape sealed baggie couldn't get a U grade but a heat sealed one could! Could be wrong though.

now guys the reason I asked this question is simply because I see figures lets say a 1977 leia U grade at say £400.00 so I've been assuming this figure has been taken from a 12 back Moc,[/quote

Probably taken from a MOC but I don't think you can assume it was a 12-back. It's pretty difficult to associate a particular figure with a specific card back. Could easily be a ROTJ Leia - it would still have the 1977 copyright.

Love the way UKG have done that with luke, it looks awesome jeff!

Totally agree. I'm really not into grading figures and think grading is very subjective but I have to admit Steve does do a good job with the cases. I've bought a few UKG graded figures to bust open and almost wanted to keep them sealed up cause they look so good

totally dont agree with u grading and i think its sad for any toy collecting hobby imo.

I dont want to get all riled up about U-Grading again but it really amazes me how ignorant U-grade collectors can be. There is absolutely NO difference in condition between AFA 85 and AFA U85. The standard for grading is exactly the same.

You either collect loose or carded. I really don't understand why a loose figure collector would want to tear a figure off an original card and then seal it up in a plastic case.

 

[Ukgarisson]

Is it more the mental aspect of a figure not previously being touched and then being graded and stored in a protective box that appeals?

Perhaps eh?

 

[aussiejames]

Oli is correct, taped sealed baggies are not meant to be U graded (but I'm sure they let some slip through, someone on here or SWCC also sent in a heap of loose, bagged & MOC figures & some came back U graded that were loose to start with :lol: ). Also loose figures being 'preserved & protected' when cased is a myth. Loose figures can bash around inside a case (especially during postage) I have 2 AFA85 loose figures that are ****ed.
Sure, for resale grading has advantages. But if you're collecting mint loose figures in cases for the look ( & I can see that appeal ) just get cases from GWacrylic- it will save a shitload of coin.

 

[Grant_C]

Learning not to get involved in U Grade threads.

300 million star wars figures around the world. I'm sure you can find a decent one without destroying a MOC or Baggie.

 

[Dublinjeff]

Hey Jeff in total mate with p&p included how much did it cost too get him graded? And how long did it take?

Hi Scott, It cost around £22 if I remember right and took about 3-4 weeks, but that was posting from here to UK and back. Postage I guess would be quicker for you and less money....

 

[Lee77]

Scott mate. There's no black cloud buddy. It's a perfectly valid question.
Just a touchy subject.