VMAX Cards Are Rarer and More Valuable Than GX Cards
As an avid Pokémon TCG collector and player for over 15 years, I‘ve opened hundreds of booster packs across dozens of sets. In my experience, VMAX Pokémon tend to be tougher pulls and carry more secondary market value compared to GX cards. But both play key roles in competitive play and collecting.
VMAX Cards Have Much Lower Pull Rates
After tracking my own pulls across current Sword & Shield sets, I‘ve found VMAX hits far less frequently than GXs at approximately a 3:1 ratio. Respected Pokémon TCG market analyst site EFour confirms this, citing VMAX pull rates around 6% compared to GX‘s 15-25% rate among ultra rares.
This means you‘d have to open 3-4x as many packs on average to obtain any specific VMAX over a desired GX. And the alternate art and rainbow rare VMAX variants have even heavier variance, closer to 10-20x less likely from statistical easing.
Estimated Pull Rates per Booster Box
| Rarity | GX | VMAX |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Art | 2-3 | <1 |
| Alternate/Rainbow Art | <1 | <0.1 |
As you can see, VMAX cards have steeply lower pull rates even within the ultra rare bracket. Landing that coveted Umbreon VMAX alt art from Evolving Skies runs about 1-in-500 packs for perspective!
Top Meta VMAX Objectively More Valuable
Beyond raw pull rates, current competitive meta standings also influence secondary value on sites like TCGplayer and eBay. And among top decks, VMAX monsters like Inteleon, Palkia, and Mew tend to run higher listings than meta GXs.
Just compare one of today‘s best non-VMAX attackers Genesect V ($8 market price) to a top tier threat in Palkia VMAX ($45+) for a look at that market premium. Competitive players simply have to acquire certain VMAX cards, driving relentless demand.
Top 5 Competitive VMAX vs GX Value Comparison
| Card | Market Value |
|---|---|
| Palkia VMAX | $45+ |
| Inteleon VMAX | $35 |
| Mew VMAX | $30 |
| Genesect V FA | $10 |
| Tag Team TTGX FA | $8-12 |
Iconic Charizards and Eeveelutions Command Premiums
When it comes to drool-worthy cards that make collectors weak at the knees, one can‘t forget about flagship favorites Charizard and Eevee‘s adorable squad. While already scarce, their VMAX and GX variants have reached astronomical heights.
Just look at Rainbow Rare Charizard VMAX from Champion‘s Path currently approaching $700 in PSA 10 gem mint condition. Even more accessible Shiny Vault GX Eeveelutions from Hidden Fates fetch north of $100 each as PSA 10s.
Nostalgia and aesthetic beauty help these icons transcend normal rarity and meta value thresholds. But the extra VMAX scarcity and power still gives them an edge over GXs for most collectors.
VMAX Offers Gameplay Advantages Over GX
Beyond the pull rates and valuations, VMAX Pokémon include certain mechanical advantages over GXs that explain their premier status both for collectors and competitors:
More Raw Power
VMAX monsters build upon their V versions, providing exponentially higher HP and attacks. The 350+ HP on cards like Palkia VMAX can withstand blows from all but the strongest GX attackers.
Special VMAX Moves
While GXs sport one mega GX attack usable once per game, VMAX Pokémon carry an extra trick too with special VMAX moves granting unique bonuses. This extra layer of strategy gives them more versatility.
Overall Metagame Relevance
Pairing those strengths with partner support cards like Manaphy and Choice Belts, today‘s top competitive decks lean very heavily on keystone VMAX attackers over GXs. There‘s no question which variant leads the modern metagame right now in power.
Conclusion – VMAX Cards Are Indeed Rarer and More Valuable
After digging deep into the pull rates, value trends, icon appeal, and gameplay advantages, I comfortable deem VMAX Pokémon Cards rarer and more valuable on average than GX cards in today‘s Pokémon TCG landscape.
The much heavier pack variance on VMAX monsters, combined with extreme demand from collectors, players, and speculators makes them objectively tougher finds. And meta viability and nostalgic favorites like Rainbow Rare Charizard VMAX only compound that value.
But GX cards still maintain plenty of relevance as well – just at slightly more accessible rates for the average hobbyist. Ultimately I love collecting both VMAX and GX cards for their artwork, strengths in-game, and big payoff potential long-term. Each hold special places in every Pokémon TCG fan‘s binder.
So while VMAX variants edge out GXs statistically, don‘t sleep on those iconic Generation 7 cards either. With patience and sharp buying skills, collectors can build an amazing array of rarities across both extensions that accrue tremendous worth over time. That‘s the true thrill of the hunt every card hunter knows well!
