Game-worn VS game-issued.......opinions?

[87sluggo]

Is there a HUGE difference between an actual game-worn jersey as opposed to a game-issued jersey?

Isn't it just the same jersey after the dry cleaners are done with it? And if it's autographed then the player has touched it in some way at least and isn't that good enough?

Or am I out of my mind?

 

[RGM81]

Same jersey, but it's not likely to have any on-ice action.

If, for example, you go to the Habs website and look at their game-used jersey section, you'll see various discounted game issued jerseys for players that never suited up for the team during the season. All professionally done up, stitched, fight strap, tags, etc., but no "game worn" wonder.

 

[87sluggo]

Yes, the "game-issued" tag definitely means not worn on the ice, but in this case it was still handled by the player when he signed it. Would that still be a deal-killer for you?


Plus there's the fact I'd be wearing it, not framing it up in some sort of Holy Cathedral of Kesler..............

 

[Leafsfan1967]

Nevermind, I thought you were talking about card swatches, not actual full jersey's. Carry on!

 

[MMarch]

Just because it is a game issued jersey doesn't mean it was never worn by the player on the ice. It may just have never been worn in an actual game, but I have a jersey that is considered game issued but the player did wear it and skate during the pre game warmup in the jersey a few times. Either way, it does affect the "value" of the jersey to most collectors in the hobby.

If you're buying one to wear around, game issued is fine, but if you happen to alter the appearance whether it be staining or rips/tears/holes, it will lower the value when/if you try to sell it later on. If you want something to just wear around town or to games, I would buy a replica or authentic, unless you can get the GI for dirt cheap.

 

[FrozenInferno]

Worn on the ice is the only way to go. Game-issued was just carried around in an equipment bag waiting to see action that never came.

 

[bigzippy]

Game issued I like,

You can usually grab these for lesser players for a cost not far from the cost of getting a good replica,

I have a few pre-seaon, game issued and game used. I love them all

 

[IrbeFan4Life]

Game-issued is nice, however does not get you into the game at all. It is essentially as real as you can get without the sweater ever having been a part of NHL action. The next step up is a pre-game warm-up worn, or back-up worn jersey which usually has the slightest wear and is closer to the game as it was actually used during certain events of an NHL contest. Game-worn, no explanation needed, it is the bee's knees.

 

[87sluggo]

I'm looking at $550 US for a Vancouver Millionaires jersey prepped for the first time they ever wore them againt Detroit. Which is what.......$150ish more than the highest-grade replica? Good deal? Not good deal?

 

[MMarch]

That's a bit of a different animal, the specialty jerseys like the Millionaires hold a premium, even if it's game issued. I would bet the player wore it in the pregame warmups on the ice unless he was injured. $550 for a GI Millionaires is not a terrible price at all. If you have the funds and you like the sweater, grab it if it makes you happy. Most people spend more then that on coffee or cigarettes in a few months and don't have anything to show for it, you will always have the jersey you like for a fair price. Go for it!

 

[bobbyp6565]

Just because it is a game issued jersey doesn't mean it was never worn by the player on the ice. It may just have never been worn in an actual game, but I have a jersey that is considered game issued but the player did wear it and skate during the pre game warmup in the jersey a few times. Either way, it does affect the "value" of the jersey to most collectors in the hobby.

If you're buying one to wear around, game issued is fine, but if you happen to alter the appearance whether it be staining or rips/tears/holes, it will lower the value when/if you try to sell it later on. If you want something to just wear around town or to games, I would buy a replica or authentic, unless you can get the GI for dirt cheap.

Game-issued could also have been worn in a game or two previously by another player and then recycled and only issued to that 2nd player or been briefly worn by that same player a previous season and recycled to the new season and only issued, so GI's can have some light wear (pilling, stickmarks).

Also, if a player customizes his jerseys (2nd fight strap, shortened sleeves or jersey body, etc.) the gameworn version would have that modification and the GI probably would not, also differentiating the costs between the two.