Steelbook Protective Sleeves Master Thread

[jasminsain7838]

nice attitude

[CasuallyDressed]

I’m slightly out of the loop here, but how long have Steelbook Central been OOS of SC2? They don’t answer Tweets/emails/their phone so can’t get an answer from the source. What are people using instead?

[michaelclarke]

Originally Posted by CasuallyDressed

I’m slightly out of the loop here, but how long have Steelbook Central been OOS of SC2? They don’t answer Tweets/emails/their phone so can’t get an answer from the source. What are people using instead?

I've resorted to using blu-tac to keep my unprotected steelbooks apart! A temporary measure though their website says they're expecting new stock of SC2's on 30/04.

[CasuallyDressed]

Originally Posted by michaelclarke

I've resorted to using blu-tac to keep my unprotected steelbooks apart! A temporary measure though their website says they're expecting new stock of SC2's on 30/04.

Ahh yes, I’ve just seen that. Thanks!

[PoLskA]

i've used Cinegrail for SCF1s when SBC has been out...
they also have their own SC2 but also appear to be sold out at the moment... probably due to ppl finding a secondary source...
https://cinegrail.com/products/c2-op...41088991854741

[sojrner]

Originally Posted by CasuallyDressed

I’m slightly out of the loop here, but how long have Steelbook Central been OOS of SC2? They don’t answer Tweets/emails/their phone so can’t get an answer from the source. What are people using instead?

We have a discussion a few posts up from this on the alternatives and how they rate next to the SC2. Cinegrail, All Star Protector, and even Steelbook Central's own SC5 are options that do the same thing as the SC2. The reality is that the SC2 has gone in and out of stock over many years. It has always been hit or miss on getting some.

[caqu91]

Hi, I own several Blu-Rays in Steelbooks, Mediacovers & Digibooks.

Currently, I am using the original plastic wrap but it will tear by time, and does not offer great protection for such cases.

My collection is stored in a locked wardrobe and I take great care of them.
But accidents do happen and want to have some extra protection for such unforeseen occassions.

Are the sleeves & covers provided by steelbookcentral.com any good?
Do they last?
Do you use alternatives?

[johnnyscience]

I've been wanting to get these plastic covers for my 4k steelbooks for a while.

I want the spineless Ci3 version

I think I like these looser fitting ones better since I will be using and watching my movies regularly.

But do these plastic cases really put scratches on the steelbooks?

One of the rumors that kept me from getting them.

But maybe these looser fitting Ci3 versions won't scratch them as bad?

[LaddieMawery]

Anyone know what brand/size would fit Plain Archives Handmaiden Type B the best?

[sojrner]

Originally Posted by caqu91

Hi, I own several Blu-Rays in Steelbooks, Mediacovers & Digibooks.

Currently, I am using the original plastic wrap but it will tear by time, and does not offer great protection for such cases.

My collection is stored in a locked wardrobe and I take great care of them.
But accidents do happen and want to have some extra protection for such unforeseen occassions.

Are the sleeves & covers provided by steelbookcentral.com any good?
Do they last?
Do you use alternatives?

Look up a few posts back and you'll see some details on quality from a couple of us. The net result is yes, these are "good." Alternatives are listed in the above posts as well.

Originally Posted by johnnyscience

I've been wanting to get these plastic covers for my 4k steelbooks for a while.

I want the spineless Ci3 version

I think I like these looser fitting ones better since I will be using and watching my movies regularly.

But do these plastic cases really put scratches on the steelbooks?

One of the rumors that kept me from getting them.

But maybe these looser fitting Ci3 versions won't scratch them as bad?

Having both loose and tight open-spine versions, with my steels in them since about 2019, and have never found scratching at any time. I find the tight version to prevent dust ingress, which stops anything able to scratch. The loose version potentially allows dust as they sit and they could potentially rub for scratching, but I have not found any result of that on the ones I have in a loose version. Basically, scratching is a myth.

In the end, I like the look of the tight ones, with the loose being more suitable if you also have a slip. I simply don't like the slight floppy/bunched-up look of the loose fit when stacked next to each other.

Note that I listed in my earlier review that SBC's tight option (SC2) is very tight and difficult to remove if you access them often. The other tight-fit options are better for this.

Hope all that helps.

[Jim_Stark]

Two things:

1. Does anyone know if SC2 will be back in stock? At first it said new stock would be available May 30th 2023 (which was false), and now it says new stock due July 10th. Is this normal? They keep pushing it back.

2. Can someone please tell me what's the difference between SC5 (out of stock in SteelbookCentral too) and SC2? Which one is better? I've read these two models are pretty similar. Can anyone send a picture of their collection to see how it looks.

I'm from Europe so if anyone knows any alternatives I would appreciate it. Buying from the US is very expensive.

Also, sorry for my bad english.

[sojrner]

Originally Posted by Jim_Stark

Two things:

1. Does anyone know if SC2 will be back in stock? At first it said new stock would be available May 30th 2023 (which was false), and now it says new stock due July 10th. Is this normal? They keep pushing it back.

2. Can someone please tell me what's the difference between SC5 (out of stock in SteelbookCentral too) and SC2? Which one is better? I've read these two models are pretty similar. Can anyone send a picture of their collection to see how it looks.

I'm from Europe so if anyone knows any alternatives I would appreciate it. Buying from the US is very expensive.

Also, sorry for my bad english.

I'm pretty sure that you can guess as good as any of us on when they will have stock. Without someone directly from Steelbookcentral telling us, we have nothing.

SC2 and SC5 are the same sizes, with the 5's having a different end-fold. The 2's fold over like a traditional box (which has the flap on the inside visible on the "back" of the steelbook) and the 5's have a different lock system that you cannot see on the sides. For a while, the 5's also had two finger cutouts where the 2's only had one.

This (according to their description) has changed, which means that they have (again) changed the source for the 2's... Some history: The version of the SC2 that I have from years ago has two finger cutouts and fits more like the "All Star Protector" that I reviewed a few posts back. Then a few years ago SC changed their SC2 to be a tighter fit with only one finger cutout. This recent change back to two cutouts may imply that the fit is better, as the single-cutout version is very tight and difficult to slide the steel out. Pure speculation as I do not have this version currently. FWIW.

[laz305]

I’ve made the switch to ecotek. Have you guys seen these? They have an extra seal in the middle of the top and bottom for a solid closure.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/18544466197...mis&media=COPY

[sojrner]

Originally Posted by laz305

I’ve made the switch to ecotek. Have you guys seen these? They have an extra seal in the middle of the top and bottom for a solid closure.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/18544466197...mis&media=COPY

I'm sure they're fine if you want that fully-enclosed box. We've been talking about the exposed-spine sleeves. It depends on what you're after. (It would drive me nuts having that seam right on the spine with the movie title... why would they do that?)

Note: they call them "steelbook slipcover DVD cases." Yes, the image shows a Blu-ray, but the description is not specific. With how eBay works, they could send you something that doesn't fit and be justified. Be warned.

[El Rey]

I have just been buying the 20 pks on Amazon for $15.99

[X-rayvision]

I like the EcoTEK and Malko Protectors from amazon the best, roughly $20 for a pack of 20 (malko is slighly more expensive). I didnt provide the links cause they are easy to find on amazon

If you have trouble opening the tabs just use a butter knife and its easy peasy lemon squeezy. Malko is a slightly tighter seal but they seem to offer a tad bit more protection then Ecotek. Neither of them will fit the Lionsgate steels with the slip so you need to buy the more expensive G2 https://www.amazon.com/STEELBOOK-Pro...s%2C174&sr=8-4..

There is no seam on the EcoTEK spines that idiot ebay seller used a picture that has the steelbook inserted the wrong way

[DeadlyTorture]

I am looking for some advice on steelbook protectors….I need some to protect Standard Steelbooks without the Jcard….I was looking at SC2….but am reading mixed reviews of them…some people swear by them..and some people say they are so snug they cause scratches etc.

I am based in the UK..what would be my best bet protector wise? With minimal risk of damage?

[sojrner]

Originally Posted by DeadlyTorture

I am looking for some advice on steelbook protectors….I need some to protect Standard Steelbooks without the Jcard….I was looking at SC2….but am reading mixed reviews of them…some people swear by them..and some people say they are so snug they cause scratches etc.

I am based in the UK..what would be my best bet protector wise? With minimal risk of damage?

Steelbook Central is 100% your best bet in the UK. Just a few posts back, there are a number of us with comments on the quality. I think outside of unfounded, theoretical fears, reality shows that unless you live on a dirt farm or a gravel pit, where sand and dust cover everything in your home within hours of cleaning, scratches are not a thing on any of these.

The open-spine "SC" versions are all I use, and with 250 steels currently, I have none of them with scratches. I have mostly snug-fit protectors, but my breakdown is as follows:

• 40 SC3
• 140 SC2
• 50 Cinegrail Ci2
• 20 Allstar G2

I regularly watch movies, and these cycle out of the protector from time to time. Again, none have scratches. That is a non-issue and you should be free to buy whichever type suits you without fear.

[DeadlyTorture]

Originally Posted by sojrner

Steelbook Central is 100% your best bet in the UK. Just a few posts back, there are a number of us with comments on the quality. I think outside of unfounded, theoretical fears, reality shows that unless you live on a dirt farm or a gravel pit, where sand and dust cover everything in your home within hours of cleaning, scratches are not a thing on any of these.

The open-spine "SC" versions are all I use, and with 250 steels currently, I have none of them with scratches. I have mostly snug-fit protectors, but my breakdown is as follows:

• 40 SC3
• 140 SC2
• 50 Cinegrail Ci2
• 20 Allstar G2

I regularly watch movies, and these cycle out of the protector from time to time. Again, none have scratches. That is a non-issue and you should be free to buy whichever type suits you without fear.

I do watch my favourite films from time to time so they will also be in and out of the protectors….obviously not too often but still.

Would you recommend the SC2 or SC3 more?

[sojrner]

Originally Posted by DeadlyTorture

I do watch my favourite films from time to time so they will also be in and out of the protectors….obviously not too often but still.

Would you recommend the SC2 or SC3 more?

That really depends: SC2 has had some variance between batches over the years that you notice because they are a snug fit. I had one batch in 2020 that was so tight they were a pain to get at the movie. However, that seems to be a one-off as nothing since then revealed that issue.

With SC3 though, if you don't have a J-card or slip, they can have a floppy look to it on the shelf that (to me) looks sloppy. That is why I only bought that one batch and never went back. On the plus side for them: they do work well for steels with slips... if you want to protect that slip with the steel, the SC3s pull that off nicely.

Hope that helps.