My First Box: Topps Gallery 2002

I am in the process of slowly breaking my first ever box (I want to savor it). My brother and I once had a box of 1992 Donruss, but it was not factory sealed as much as it was an opened box filled with the right amount of packs. Of course, in splitting the box my brother had the biggest hit: a Donruss Elite Barry Bonds, and he didn't know how big a hit that was. It was pretty big at the time, certainly the biggest hit possible in 1992 Donruss, maybe not in terms of players but at least in terms of insert seeding.

I actually got this box on ebay along with that previously posted Anderson Hernandez plate for what I think was a really good price. I have always enjoyed the all painted sets. I am on my fifth pack (which is chronicled over at a Pack to Be Named Later) without any hits yet, but I am still enjoying each and every pack. While there was no box topper, there was a checklist and a sticker which I will probably put on whichever binder I decide to build the set in.

I cannot wait for the hits!

Question for anyone who would like to weigh in: I am thinking of getting a box of Upper Deck Masterpieces 2007 or 2008. I need to decide whether to get a hobby or retail box.

It seems like hobby boxes are $35-40 while retail boxes are around $25.

Hobby boxes have box toppers and supposedly better ratios of relics and autos, but only 72 card as opposed to 96 in a retail box.

I would want to build the set if I got either one as I really like the base cards, I think of Masterpieces as Upper Deck's version of Topps Gallery.

Any suggestions?