BlisterEye is calibrated to predict AFA and CAS outcomes — not to replace them. Every defect is backed by a concrete observation, every score by a weighted rubric. Here’s exactly how it works.
Bends, creases, hanger tab tear, edge whitening, corner dings, foxing.
The cardboard is what AFA / CAS look at first. A bent card caps your grade at ~8.0 no matter how clean the rest is.
Score 10 = factory-fresh, square corners, intact J-hook hanger. 0 = severely creased / torn.
Cracks (esp. the common hairline above the wheels), scratches, yellowing, lift at the seal, glue voids.
Yellowed blisters from UV damage are the #1 long-tail value-killer. CAS will subgrade it separately.
Score 10 = water-clear, fully sealed, no scratches. 0 = cracked / yellowed / detached.
Internal haze, dents/divots in the dome, trapped fiber, bubble centering over the car.
Anything that obscures the view of the car cuts collector value — even with the car itself untouched.
Score 10 = optically clear, evenly formed dome. 0 = collapsed / heavily clouded.
Left/right and top/bottom ratios of the printed card border vs the trimmed card edges.
AFA looks for ≤60/40. Cards off by more than that effectively cap your grade band.
Score 10 = perfect 50/50 on both axes. Notes always cite the ratio (e.g. 55/45 L/R).
Paint chips, scratches, wheel alignment (toe-in/out), tampo misprints, factory errors, axle bending.
Errors can actually boost value — Treasure Hunts and factory variants are flagged explicitly.
Score 10 = factory-fresh paint, all four wheels straight, full tampo. 0 = missing paint or bent axle.
Ship it. Worth the slab fee.
Borderline. Read the notes before deciding.
Likely net-loss. Re-shoot or wait.
Don't submit. Save the $25-40 fee.
AFA 85+ = collector-grade. 90+ = investment-grade.
Dominant grader for Hot Wheels. Subgrades card/bubble/paint.
Rare for diecast. Reported only when blister + card ≥ 8.5.
