Upper Deck Pro-Shots Series 1 and 2 Write-up

Coming soon - Studio pix of the Series 2 figures and photos of Pro Shots with other figures.

Series 1

Packaging

The Series 1 samples I received included the packaging, so I'll include photos of the boxes as well. Look for my observations below the photos.

Michael Jordan - NBA Finals Winning Last Shot - Retail Version

Michael Jordan - 1985 Slam Dunk Contest - Retail Version

Tiger Woods - 2000 PGA Champion - Retail Version

Tiger Woods - 1997 Masters Champion - Retail Version

Packaging Observations:

Upper Deck has done a really nice job of creating display-worthy packaging for these figures. I'm an opener so this isn't as big a deal for me, but you guys who like to keep your figures unopened will really appreciate how good these look.

The collector card included with each figure is displayed along the left side panel of the package. Very nice cards that you'd expect from Upper Deck (see the closeup above, in the second Jordan's photos), and it's great that Upper Deck was able to include the cards in a way that allows them to be seen - front AND back - without interfering with the view on the figure itself.

The packages I had did show some denting and wear, but these are sample figures and you kinda expect that. I've seen some packages in stores that looked great. The exterior is clad in cardboard, which is certainly subsceptible to damage, but I have found in-store figures that looked fine. Hopefully you'll be able to as well.

As with the All-Star Vinyls, the design of the Pro Shots' packaging allows you to remove the figures and easily put them back into the packages later on.

Series 1 Michael Jordan

Here are some shots of the two Michael Jordan figures from Series 1. Look for my observations below the photos.

Michael Jordan - NBA Finals Winning Last Shot (WLS) - Retail Version


As you can see in this shot, the facial likeness of Jordan is extremely good.


	I had a little trouble getting this figure to stand up straight (see above). I think if I tinkered with the post a bit I'd get it straightened out.

I don't know why basketball fans are so hung up on shoes but if that describes you, I think you'll be very pleased with the shoes on both Jordans. For this figure, they were able to include the tiny Air Jordan logo on the toes (above) and the striped sole, logo and jersey number (below).

Michael Jordan - 1985 Slam Dunk Contest (SDC) - Retail Version


I loved the detail on this figure. Notice how the gold chain is actually away from Jordan' skin in the back of his neck.


Again with the shoes . . . Great painting and detail on the shoes, including the bows of the tied shoestrings.

Series 1 Michael Jordan Observations:

For debut figures, Upper Deck has done a super job with the Jordans. The detail is excellent and the paint/decal work is extremely good. The likeness to Jordan was also very good.

Size-wise, these figures are a little larger than Sports Picks basketball figures, but the difference isn't so great that you couldn't display the Pro Shots with an existing Sports Picks collection. I'd like to see these set up with McFarlane's basketball hoop as I think it would be a very neat display. If I can find a hoop to borrow from someone I'll take that photo and post it here.

As I said above, I had some trouble getting the WLS figure to stand up straight but I probably could have bent the post slightly to correct that. Both figures fit snugly on their posts.

Series 1 Tiger Woods

Here are some shots of the two Tiger Woods figures from Series 1. Look for my observations below the photos.

Tiger Woods - 2000 PGA Champion - Retail Version

Tiger Woods - 1997 Masters Champion - Retail Version


Very good facial likeness on this figure!

I had a little trouble getting this figure to stand up straight (see above). The post is very short and thin - ultimately I did get it to stand up well, as you'll see in the combo picture down below here. CORRECTION: I spoke with Upper Deck and the figure I received was an early prototype, which had problems standing up. This problem was corrected before the figure was released.

Series 1 Tiger Woods Observations:

Like the Michael Jordans and basketball fans, the Tiger Woods figures are great collectibles for golf hobbyists. The detail is excellent and the paint/decal work is extremely good. The likeness to Woods is also very good, particularly with the Masters Champion figure.

Size-wise, these figures are a little larger than Sports Picks figures, but the difference isn't so great that you couldn't display the Pro Shots with an existing Sports Picks collection.

~~As I said above, I had some trouble getting the Tiger Woods figures to stand up straight. The posts are short and thin so they don't support the figures as well as the Jordan posts do.~~ As you can see in the picture to the right, however, I did get them to stand up well. The golf clubs are separate pieces and they fit easily but snugly into the hands.

CORRECTION: I spoke with Upper Deck and the figure I received was an early prototype, which had problems standing up. This problem was corrected before the figure was released.

Ready to get a good look at Series 2? Here we go!

Series 2 Michael Jordan

Here are some shots of the two Michael Jordan figures from Series 2. Look for my observations below the photos.

Michael Jordan -"The Move" (1991-92) - Hobby Version


	As you can see in this shot, the facial likeness of Jordan is extremely good.

Tremendous detail in the shoes, as with Series 1.

Michael Jordan - 1988 Slam Dunk Chamption - Retail Version




You may disagree with me, but I think this is one of the best likenesses I've seen on a 6" figure. Standing ovation for the facial sculpt.

Here are the sneakers . . .

Series 2 Michael Jordan Observations:

Upper Deck took the great Series 1 figures and made them even better. The poses on the Series 2 figures look a little more natural than the first figures. The detail is every bit as precise and the sculpt accuracy is out of this world.

Size-wise, these figures are the same as Series 1, a little larger than Sports Picks basketball figures.

I had a little trouble getting the Series 1 figures to stand straight, but there was no problem with Series 2.

Honestly, I tried to find something to criticize on these figures and couldn't. I really don't think you could ask for anything better than what Upper Deck has come up with here.

When I first heard about Pro Shots I was a bit skeptical. The concept of multiple figures of a few players didn't set well with me - why would I want so many figures of just Michael Jordan? Well, I got my answer - because they look DAMN good when displayed together.

We really, really need Pro Shots of some football players.

Series 2 Tiger Woods

Here are some shots of the two Tiger Woods figures from Series 2. Look for my observations below the photos.

Tiger Woods - Iron Shot





The figure doesn't have all the details you find with the Jordans - the basketball uniform is just more detailed than the sport shirt and slacks. But as you can see above, the detail work that is there is top notch.

Tiger Woods - Tee Shot



~~Remember when I said the Series 1 Tiger Woods figures had posts that were very short and thin?~~ Look at the photo below to see what Upper Deck did with Series 2 - They now have a thick, sturdy posts that fit snugly into the foot. (This holds true for both Series 2 figures, by the way.) I wish all figures attached to their bases this well! Notice the little Nike swoop on the heel? Nice touch.

Series 2 Tiger Woods Observations:

I didn't find much to fault the Series 1 Tiger Woods figures for, and what little I did point out has been fixed in a big way with Series 2. I really like how well the figures now it on the bases. All of the Pro Shots have a solid, durable feel and the new posts for the bases are a perfect fit.

Like the Michael Jordans, the Tiger Woods figures' detail is excellent and the paint/decal work is extremely good.

It's always exciting to see good figures get even better. We really do need football players now!

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