Hot packs have what stated in them normally because the dealer opens packs and then reseals them if its a scrub auto/jersey.... They might put one or two success stories in the middle of thousands of scams.... STAY AWAY!!!
As for as best quality of cards for a new collector, buy singles of what you want instead of packs.... you'll be a lot happier financially wise.... in all reality, if you get half of what you spent on a box out of it, its a good box... if you break even you hit a heck of a good card in that box....
With that in mind, buy boxes only if you are hoping to put that set together or really like the hits in the box.... a good starter at a good price is 06 Topps Pros and Prospects... good chance at putting the set together 2 jerseys and an auto per box if I recall correctly... 07 Upper Deck is pretty nice as well with 2 jerseys and an auto... or for $20 more go after Ultra, less packs, but 4 jerseys and an auto....
My personal top 5 for a first time collector of 2007 product thus far:
1. Ultra SE
2. upper Deck
3. Topps Pros and Prospects
4. Score Select
5. Topps (JUMBO BOXES ONLY!!!! Cost more, but better odds on the better autos, and in one box you get 2 hits instead of the 2 hits in a 12 box case you would get out of regular packs)
PS Welcome to the Hobby.... Its the Better than Anything.... Never forget that.... and spread the word.... LOL
