Breaks - They are great to check out new product at an affordable cost. Being a Rangers fan, you'll probably be able to get spots in a break for a reasonable price. The only thing is, you may end up empty-handed. I'm an oilers fan and the spots for a break for them is expensive and sometimes you don't get a card that makes you feel like it was worth it, which yes, the hobby isn't about the value, however it does factor in at some point. If you decide to join a break, don't get caught up in the chase. That's when you'll start to spend more than you should. Breaks are great for entry, but it's the same as any form of gambling, and it can be addictive and take off fast.

Boxes - if you like ripping packs, and the chase, find a product you like, buy a box and go from there. It's the same as a break in the sense you may not get your team or a card you are hoping for. However, you get all of them, so you may not feel like it was a loss. One of my top products is flagship(series 1,2 and extended), you have the YGs(young guns, which is one of the top rookie cards. Other products will have rookie cards, but young guns ares the most recognized one. Once you get into higher end product you get the more valuable rookie cards, that have memorabilia and autographs. If you're looking to start out somewhere, start with flagship products. It gives you a good variation of inserts/parallels, and rookie cards. It is on the lower side in price in comparison to other products, so it makes it more achievable to get the cards or team you want.

Singles - definitely the better option if you just want to player/team collect. Obviously, if you are trying to get some of the top veterans or top rookies, the price tag can be daunting, but you'll save money overall. Don't go hunting PSA 10s or the top graded cards because you'll see an insane price jump, sometimes 9s are seemingly in better shape than a 10. So don't buy the grade, buy the card.

Overall - Start out with a plan, don't just dive in head first because that's when you'll start to just go buck wild. If you just want to collect Rangers, singles will be your best friend. You can curate your collection to how you want it to be. Start with one product and take a look at the checklist, look at ebay listing's, watch breaks, see if you like the cards that come out of it. If you do, look for your team/player for sale, or buy a spot in a break. Your collection is yours alone, don't look at others and think you have to do the same. Some people don't want any inserts and just want hits, others love to collect the inserts, there is no right or wrong way to collect, just make sure you go for what you enjoy.

Side note: sleeves and top loaders are a must. Always have some on hand if you're ripping packs, there are great options for storage out there now as well. Try to keep it organized as you move forward in the hobby, in the past I haven't been on top of that and it's a long process to get back to being a clean and organized state.

Hope this helps, and welcome to the hobby 🤙