We have done this before, but I think we all will take any excuse to talk about it again, I know I will.
For the NBA, my favorite set is 1996-97 Ultra. The design, the photography...it has it all. The subsets are fun and the inserts are great. The debut of the Platinum Medallion and the first time Gold Medallion covers the whole set. What sets it off are the memories. I discovered the NBA in February 1996 so the 96-97 releases were my first full season with the sport. There's not a single set from that season I don't love. In fact 1996-97 is my favorite season for NBA cards.
For NASCAR I flip back and forth between two sets- 1991 Maxx and 1994 Action Packed. Right now Action Packed gets the nod. It has no real theme to the set...it's got about a dozen different base card designs. But every one is embossed and most feature a lot of gold foil, which, as a 9 or 10 year old, I thought was great as I was getting them new...now that I scan, not so much. But I still love the set. I'm getting really close to completing it, too. Interestingly, 1994 was my 2nd year in that sport but is my favorite year in it's history as well.
While I'm still new and learning about NHL, 1990-91 Pro Set has my early lead as a favorite. A large set, very colorful, and several relevant subsets such as all stars, award winners and more. The team history subset from series 2 is just about perfect. Even has coaches and referees! What it doesn't have much of is inserts. There are a couple of very rare holograms and a one per pack ad card, and that's it.
For non-sports my favorite is 1954 Topps Scoop. As a history nut there's no set better...it actually covers history, it doesn't just pretend history started with the USA. I've actually got about 3/4ths of the set now...not bad for a set issued when my parents ages were single digits!
I don't really have a favorite Olympics set. They are all kind of lackluster. I want a set that actually documents the Olympics and the winners of the events, that's NEVER been done. Every Olympic set has been issued before the games, and generally only covers the US team. While I gladly collect them, it's not the way it should be...but it's better than nothing, which is traditionally what they got.
I've recently been thinking and I've come to the conclusion that the 2nd Sports Illustrated for Kids set (1992-00) may be the best sports card set ever. I'll talk more about that in a future post on Cardboard History.
VERY slow trading due to health problems. Not transferrable so safe to trade with, just moving is painful and can't always access the cards.
Cardboard History My COMC
New Collection Website: Cardboard History Gallery (Still under construction)
Tips on how to make your scans look like the card does in hand (No more washed out, fuzzy scans!):