9.8 Versus 9.6: How Different Are They Really?

In this two-part video series, we examine the difference between 9.8s and 9.6s from the physical and financial perspectives. This video is part one and part two is available at White Whale Comics: goo.gl/ZrQRiR
Become a COMIC SWOLDIER to get exclusive content and other things!
/ regiecollects
Shortboxed is the premier marketplace app to buy and sell graded comics.
Download on iOS: bit.ly/shortboxedios
Download on Android: bit.ly/shortboxedandroid
Join Discord: / discord
100K Comic Collection:
• I PURCHASED A 100,000 ...
Need to send books to CGC or to be graded? Check out this playlist: • Submitting Comics to CGC
Confused by comic terms? Check out this playlist:
• Comic Book Lingo Expla...
Enjoy comic book hunting videos? Check out this playlist:
• Hunting Comics
💎 PARTNERS / AFFILIATES:
@ CGC Affiliate Link: referrals.cgccomics.com/l/REG...
@ eBates: www.ebates.com/r/RSIMMO184?ee... - (Save 2% on eBay purchases)
@ Other discount codes can be found here: regiecollects.com/
💎 FOLLOW ME HERE!
/ regiecollects
/ regiesimmons
regiecollects.com/
💎 ABOUT REGIE COLLECTS:
Regie here, your friendly neighborhood bodybuilder and comic book collector, and I want to welcome you to my KZbin channel.
If you are new to comics, newly returning to comics or are a long-term collector, there is something here for you. My channel is a mixture of comic book hauls, CGC unboxings, and practical advice that is designed to make us ALL smarter about comic book collecting. I don’t tell you what to think but I do give you a few things to think about.
Videos are uploaded daily from Monday - Thursday at 3:30 PM Pacific. I also go live a few times a week including my ongoing stream the Ready, Set, Go, Preview show which airs Sunday’s at 7:30PM Pacific.
#regiecollects #comicswoldier #9.8

[@tracyisbest]

1. I agree with you Regie. When it comes to buying a book, a 9.6 to me is as good as a 9.8. In fact, I would say if you took two copies of a certain book, one a 9.8 and one a 9.6 and popped them out of slabs, that you couldn't tell which was the 9.8 and which is the 9.6 book. 2. But when they ARE slabbed, buyers just go nuts for the 9.8 books and I think they're often just wasting money. You're basically paying for a piece of plastic with a paper placard that says "9.8" right? :) 3. Now.....answer me this: with all of the different grades on books that are available, how can off-white pages be allowed on a 9.8 book? To me, this is a deal-breaker and worthy of sending a book down one grade at least-even if the cover is superb. Wouldn't you agree? I mean, the 9.8 book should largely be flawless and I say this because I only rarely see a 9.9 or 10.0 book. The 9.8 comic book pretty much should represent perfection, only allowing maybe one of those flaws that are listed as "permissible". If you think this topic here is tough differentiate, I can't image what justifies a 9.9 or 10.0 grade. I bet on a 10.0 that there's a certain "allowance" for the size that the holes can be for the two staple prongs that secure all the pages together. :)

[@RegieCollects]

I would agree with the page color comment. In my mind the 9.8 should be pretty close to mint. And, mint isn't off-white pages. (Insert shrug here). If I am submitting a book, I'm looking for 9.8s because why not!?! If I am buying a book and the 9.8 is stupid expensive--for no reason--I will happily take a 9.6 all day. A lot of it comes down to what makes the most sense for you and your wall. I thought 9.9s and 10s were unicorns until I said something about those grades in a video then got an influx of images where people were showing me those books. I guess they do exist. :-)

[@donaldriley9724]

First off, to each his own, so everyone has the right to their opinion in this. But I feel that the 9.6, 9.8, 9.9, & 10.0 grades are the closest thing we have in the industry to pure hype buying. Most people couldn't tell them apart, they only really apply to modern books (which are speculative anyway), and the higher grades draw ridiculous premiums. For my money, i collect higher grade books that are 7.5-9.0. I leave the silly grades to those willing to Shell out multiples times value because a book looks a tiny bit better to a few people on a certain grading day. The fact that you can send in 100 books to cgc to have them screened for a 9.8 is just facilitating the cash grab. Again, I want everyone to collect and buy what they want. Just my 2cents. Again great topic and I love your channel. Keep em coming!

[@RegieCollects]

Thanks for adding to the discussion Donald. You raise some great points. It sounds like you' have found a sweet spot for you in the 7.5-9.0 range which I think makes perfect sense. 👍

[@arzola2]

Thanks Reg! Can’t wait for White Whale Comics 2nd part!!

[@Matt_Thanatos]

Great information Regie, I only want a 9.8 in specific Modern's that mean a lot to me (Green Lantern #1 sketch, Zatanna #16, etc). For the most part I am completely okay with anything over a 9.0 for most part. Headed over to White Whale Comics!

[@TonySanders]

Great video bro as always good for new collectors

[@PanelsPagesPixels]

Very good video and run through of the minor grading differences between these two grades which are both very high quality books at the end of the day ha. Interesting about the discrepancy between Overstreet and CBCS guidelines as well. Generally speaking I have my own reasons I collect at both grades, which I responded on a comment on Alec’s channel. Great video series to you both!

[@RegieCollects]

There is a tiny amount of difference between the two. I’ll head over and check out that comment because I’m curious now. Lol.

[@mattyjo3564]

Well said, I dont have any slabs but when I get that deep into collecting, I'll remember this video.

[@cornishmadematt]

Perfect! Just what i was looking for Regie! Thank for referring me here, will now check out the 2nd part!

[@RegieCollects]

You are welcome bro. The truth of the matter is that the difference between the two are very very tiny. The best advice that I can give is to inspect your books fully. Look for those books with literally no flaws and submit those. If you have any doubt, make use of the CGC screener and set the level to either 9.6 or 9.8. The cost is only $5 per book.

[@jaydee4256]

Nice, now I do not feel bad when a 9.6 comes back. Very Cool video

[@WhiteWhaleComics]

Awesome job, as always, brother! Really did a nice job of outlining the differences clearly. 🏆

[@RegieCollects]

Thank you sir. It was a fun project. It's amazing how well the videos complement without trying.

[@WhiteWhaleComics]

Regie Simmons IFBB Pro I thought the same thing haha I was both surprised, and not at the same time haha

[@Loscomicjourney]

Great video Regie. You guys did an awesome job with this 2 part video series. Very informative and I think it will help a lot of people really think about just jumping in to buy a 9.8 over a 9.6. Again of that is your thing and you only what 9.8's and have the cash go for it. But it does give people a different view and that's always a good thing. Great job guys.

[@RegieCollects]

Boom! That was the goal...to give people information to make an informed decision. At the end of the day, we each need to do what's right for our collections and wallets. :-)

[@jamest1955]

Very informative vid, thanks.

[@RegieCollects]

Thank you James. I try. I appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@ak9989]

Thanks for the video Reggie

[@RegieCollects]

You are welcome!

[@tjwatson2112]

Great job to the both of you ❤️

[@RegieCollects]

Thank you TJ. We appreciate it.

[@tonytrombetta2562]

Great Job by the Both of you Guy's!!

[@RegieCollects]

Thanks Tony. I appreciate it.

[@stevecange8171]

how did i miss this video? really informative. I watch all you videos. At less i thought i did. Great video

[@RegieCollects]

Thanks bro. This was an old video but a really fun one to make. Glad to know that folks still find value in the video. 😂👊🏾

[@daimons7261]

Oh dam nice collection 😍

[@drakedragoon4660]

Regie. You're right about shopping for 9.6 graded comic books. But only because I look for 9.6 graded comics that can be cracked and pressed into 9.8's! Always read graders notes when available. Avoid blunted corners, edge wear, scratches, tears, and staple issues. To find a 9.8 candidate, look closely at pictures of a 9.6 slab for slight bends in the cover (from opening pages, or slight waves) or small non color breaking spine ticks that can easily be removed. Crack, press, re-submit, and double your money. But that method comes with a small gamble (you might get the same grade and break even, minus press and re-slab fee's). It's all the rage.

[@TheCliffy007]

Subbed, great vid

[@RegieCollects]

Xxen Boom! Welcome to the channel brother. Glad that I could earn your sub. Take a look around and let me know if you have questions.

[@jsalsa2369]

Great video Regie with 1 G. Lol I just watched WW video as well.

[@RegieCollects]

Thanks Javier. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.

[@metarog]

I’m not in the market for graded comics but I did find the differences in grade interesting. I’ll check out WW’s vid next. Take care.

[@RegieCollects]

Thanks for the continued support brother.

[@chrismaier7420]

I've been collecting comic book since I was a kid off and on through my adulthood I recently came back to it this year learning about graded comic books I found what you said was very helpful thank you

[@RegieCollects]

You are very welcome. There is a ton of content on the channel that is geared towards helping folks like you get up to speed. You are me back in 2017/2018. 👊🏾 Welcome back, Chris.

[@Church1926]

Great information! This is one of the few topics that gets me in rant mode. Going over to checkout @whitewhalecomics video. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!

[@RegieCollects]

Thanks for the support Thomas. I hope you enjoyed the videos.

[@hosermacgee2422]

Great video Reggie, I've always wondered how little of wear knocks a grade from 9.8 to 9.6

[@RegieCollects]

It’s a tiny amount brother. There can be a hairs difference between the two at least based upon my understanding.

[@danielperkins9347]

@@RegieCollects hairs difference between the books. But not the prices.

[@martinberiault6214]

Love it !

[@GreatLegendShow]

Great video for the new folks and great video for the old guys like me. I highly recommend Overstreet Guide to Grading Comics. It will help with the differences in a 9.6 and 9.8. So glad you don’t have that pressure for a 9.8. Why stress about 9.6 to 9.8? I guess flippers want 9.8 for the money value, but for me I am just glad to own a copy of a book.

[@RegieCollects]

Old guys?!? Please. I saw a video or photo of your san hat and beard and thought I was looking at a 20-year-old! I have honestly never felt the pressure of a 9.8 from a purchasing standpoint. Nothing against those that desire the 9.8. My goal is to purchase the book that makes the most sense for my wallet and collection. Sometimes that a 4.0 which was the case with my FF 48. I am not afraid of the low grade books. Thanks for watching and commenting brother. I appreciate you.

[@GreatLegendShow]

@@RegieCollects Amen brother. I love all the slabs I can get! They are so addicting though. Haha!

[@RegieCollects]

I heard you almost have a full FF run slabbed. True or false? If true, that some beast mode stuff brother. And, yes, getting books slabs is an addiction. I was all over that in early 2018. I've slowed my roll a little in the last few months. I still haven't slabbed my ASM 1 yet. :-)

[@RegieCollects]

Wait, you have almost 5000 subs! That's crazy. You are indeed the great legend. #AllHail :-)

[@GreatLegendShow]

Regie Simmons IFBB Pro I have every single issue. Just missing some variants here and there. Most of the key issues are in slabs. I have a playlist on My Channel page that has me showing off the first 200. They are my favorite super hero team of all-time. The Thing is my favorite of that team. It’s Clobberin’ Time!

[@JPBudgetCollecting]

Great video. I generally avoid paying the premium for. 9.8. I don’t mind minor flaws. If I am gonna go with a slab versus a raw on a modern book I actually hunt for 9.6’s and will even consider 9.4 or 9.2 just to avoid the premium because my collecting is on a very tight budget. But even if my budget was a little bigger I want the book not the label as long as the flaws aren’t obvious and eyesores I am good. I recently bought 9.4 slabbed modern that the grading notes say has a dent on spine near the bottom. You can not see it in the slab. I have looked for it hard. The book is gorgeous and looks just as perfect as a 9.8 and cause I got a good deal even for a 9.4 I payed way less than half the 9.8 cost. Can’t wait to watch white whales 1/2 headed there now.

[@RegieCollects]

Congrats on that 9.4. It sounds like you are being smart about your collection and wallet which is never a bad thing. Thank you for contributing to the discussion and helping people to see that there are options out there. I appreciate you.

[@ComicCryptoStock]

Crack and press that 9.4 and you might just turn it into a 9.8.

[@dscomics5603]

Good stuff as always! You know my opinion on this already LOL. 9.8's are essentially books that have never been read and are, for all practical purposes, perfect. 9.6's are books that have been read only a couple times and have some minor imperfections. When it comes to moderns, it makes sense that a lot of collectors want a perfect copy, setting it above the sea of very nearly perfect, high grade copies that are out there. There's something special about owning a perfect copy of ASM 300, or XMen 141, or ASM 252. There are completists out there, and there are perfectionists out there. Completists want every issue, perfectionists want perfect issues. Which is worse, lol.

[@RegieCollects]

I probably could have written your response. Lol. I don’t think there is anything wrong with being a completist or a perfectionist. Both are necessary. 👍🏾 You know me brother...I just like sparking a healthy debate that leads to improved understanding. If you look at the robust yet respectful comments on this video I have achieve my mission. 😜 Thanks as always for adding to the dialogue. For the record a 9.8 ASM300 or 252 🔥🔥🔥

[@GuitarRJP]

There is NO evidence that an 9.6 was read and an 9.8 wasn't read. A 9.6 has an additional possible bindery defect that wasn't present on the 9.8

[@MatildaGothika]

I just read and don't do grads but this was interesting Mr. Regie :)

[@RegieCollects]

Thanks Matilda! Hope you are well.

[@MatildaGothika]

@@RegieCollects Hope you are too☺

[@JD-nh4qt]

Great vid, I guess for me the value of a 9.8 would be worth it depending on the print run of a book. If the book has a high print run, the chances of a 9.8 might not be as rare, but if the print run is low then it might be worth it. You also have to look at how much of demand exists for that book. Just cause it is in demand today doesn’t, mean it will be in demand tomorrow. Like Reggie says, you have to do your homework.

[@RegieCollects]

J D Excellent points brother. Some of the points you make here are covered by Alec but you are spot-on. Thank you for watching brother.

[@chrisjoy5059]

Regie, Well thought out topic. I personally think it's rather wacky in the price difference between the two. I laugh when someone does a CGC unboxing and is so defeated w/ a 9.6. It's not like it came back a 3.5. But, due to the discrepancy in $, I understand.

[@RegieCollects]

I get it too but grading is a mixture of art and science. Sometimes the art swings your way and sometimes it doesn’t. Or, is the ball that bounces? Whatever...you get my point. 😂 The line between the two is very thin. Personally I struggle with the dollar amount difference between the two.

[@veeka_cgclosetgeek5011]

Great video, I myself go for 9.6 if the price difference is great when purchasing. I’m good with it, would 9.8 be great on a comic... of course. In that same statement a 10.0 would be better, but you hardly ever come across that. So if I can’t be a perfectionist in this aspect then I’m happy for just settling.

[@RegieCollects]

Well said. If the price is prohibitive that 9.6 is okay with me. I once said 10s were like 🦄 then people started sending me images of 10s. 🤪😂

[@kryptoniterocks8245]

All I know is if I don't get a 9.8 AF 15 il have a massive stroke soon lol

[@RegieCollects]

😂😜🤣 Johnny, snag me one too. I’ll pay you back on the 32nd. 😝

[@renegarcia7784]

Hey Reggie,, Is collecting Newsstand better than Direct edition?

[@erolmolnar8482]

It is if u have a UF4 then all bets are off

[@brianhood4555]

First off great video,but the difference between a 9.4 & 9.8 is barley visible to the naked eye. 9.4 is technically NM! Plus,I have a Limited Edition Dark Ivory in a 10.0 Gem! Of course that would come back at that grade and the 181’s came back 9.4. Looking at this books you can’t tell with the naked eye. The great thing about CGC is you will know if the book has restoration. That to me is all slabs have over micro-chamber paper and Mylar in a top loader. Great video once again.

[@johnnyfuture3524]

What is the link for Alex' youtube channel? Thanks!

[@WhiteWhaleComics]

Johnny Future bit.ly/WhiteWhaleComics 😅

[@GodParticleZero]

I only get slabbed stuff of certain books I want guaranteed to be in good condition, and generally go for 9.4 or 9.6. There's no way I'm paying the premium for 9.8 stuff

[@deathbytyrannypodcast2414]

I'd rather have a 9.6 signed if the price is lower then the 9.8

[@goinharder57]

Some new comics come in a little ripply or wavy off the lcs rack does that count against it being a 9.8 should they get pressed out 😿

[@RegieCollects]

I want to say that CGC counts that as a production defect but personally, I would press the book to avoid taking the chance. Plus a wavy book is less attractive. Printer's defects: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZKYeIGgZr6YZ9E

[@goinharder57]

Regie Collects I agree with you wavy books aren’t attractive I do notice 9.8 books with printer defects and try to compare them with mine that have the same defects. Thanks for the link I watched your video when it dropped 👍🏽🔥🔥🔥 it’s very helpful keep up your work man

[@RegieCollects]

Good luck brother. Hit me if you need anything.

[@goinharder57]

Regie Collects I will do thanks Brother ✌🏽

[@zackamania6534]

I'd love to send you a pic of my X-men 277. I think it's a 9.8.

[@RegieCollects]

It’s really tough to grade a book without having it physically in your hands. You can see things that would disqualify a book as high grade but to evaluate a 9.8 versus a 9.6 would require a hands-on examination.

[@keyboard_nation8389]

Most of my comics are GEM MINT 10.0 and 9.8 ratings, basically brand new! I have over 200 of them LOL! I'll be showing them off very soon. I'm editing the videos for a KZbin upload... Be on the lookout y'all!!! You're gunna love my Amazing Collection.. PEACE! Be safe out there, amigos & bambinos! Ciao 🙏👍😎😷😷😷

[@bairdmurphy4438]

Americans and your inches

[@RegieCollects]

I'm American. Comics are American. Not sure what to tell you. LOL