Too Many Splashes? Are Color Blasts, Downtowns & Inserts Losing Value in Today’s Hobby?

A few years ago, hitting a Color Blast, Downtown, or Kaboom insert felt like striking gold. These flashy, limited-run cards were the cream of card-chasing culture. But recently there’s a growing concern: has Panini (and others) pumped too many of these inserts into the market—causing values to fade?

The Rise of the SSP Insert Wave

Inserts like Color Blasts, Downtowns, and Kaboom! were marketed as super-short prints, with rarity driving demand. Early releases were case hits or even rarer, and the chase appeal drove box breaks and resale values to impressive heights.

Signs of Saturation

• Too many variations: What was once a once-per-case rarity has become common across multiple product lines and sports.
• Pricing correction: Raw and PSA 9 versions of inserts have seen significant price declines since their peak in 2021–2022.
• Collector fatigue: Many collectors are voicing concerns that inserts have lost their magic due to overuse across releases.

Marketplace Trends

Resale data shows that while high-end PSA 10 versions of Color Blasts or Downtowns (especially of top-tier stars like Shohei Ohtani, Tom Brady, or Victor Wembanyama) still fetch strong prices, mid- and lower-tier inserts are softening.

• A raw Downtown or Color Blast of a mid-level rookie might sell for under $100.
• PSA 9 copies often struggle to recoup grading fees.
• eBay and Goldin listings show consistent supply, especially for recent years (2022–2024).

Collector Sentiment Is Mixed

Some longtime collectors compare the insert boom to the junk wax era—fun and flashy, but diluted. Others still see value if inserts are truly rare, feature top players, or debut in a standout design year.

“Inserts used to be special. Now it feels like every product has a ‘must-have’ case hit, which kind of defeats the purpose.” – Hobbyist on a sports card forum

How to Collect Smarter

If you’re chasing inserts, consider these strategies:

• Focus on PSA 10s or low-serial versions if available.
• Stick to rookie-year inserts or historically strong design years.
• Prioritize star players or Hall of Famers over speculative rookies.

Final Thoughts

Inserts like Color Blasts and Downtowns still bring energy and excitement to the hobby—but their value depends on true scarcity, player relevance, and collector trust. As brands expand product lines and reuse insert styles, it’s important to stay sharp.

At Tangiers Collectibles and Cards, we specialize in helping collectors find insert cards that actually stand out. Whether you're chasing a 1-of-1 case hit or a PSA 10 Downtown of your favorite player, shop smart with us here.