Tapu Bulu Grading Guide: PSA vs BGS

Tapu Bulu card art from Shrouded Fable SV06.5 by GOSSAN

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Grading Tapu Bulu: PSA vs BGS in the Shrouded Fable era

Tapu Bulu saunters onto the field with a stat line that looks like a challenge and a celebration all at once. This Grass-type Basic Pokémon from the Shrouded Fable set (SV06.5) carries 140 HP—a sturdy number for a modern-era card with a big payoff. Its centerpiece attack, Wood Hammer, demands a hefty energy investment: two Grass and two Colorless, delivering a blistering 220 damage. And yes, it comes with the classic caveat of recoil: this attack also deals 30 damage to Tapu Bulu itself. For players, that trade-off creates spicy decisions about the pace and positioning of the game; for collectors, it elevates the card’s aura as a high-risk, high-reward centerpiece. The art by GOSSAN—bold, dynamic, and unmistakably tactile—captures a moment of primal might that translates beautifully onto a slab, whether you’re chasing the bold holo or the clean reverse holo variant.

When we talk about grading this card, two titans of the ecosystem—PSA and BGS—sit at the top of many collectors’ wish lists. PSA (Public Service Announcement… just kidding, it’s the PSA Grading Company) is renowned for broad market recognition, clean certification, and a simple 1–10 scale. BGS (Beckett Grading Services) adds a layer of granularity with four subgrades (centering, edges, corners, surface) and a composite gem-mint 10 that can accompany a pristine outer shell and glow-in-the-foil descriptors. For a card like Tapu Bulu, the choice between PSA and BGS often comes down to your goals: quick, widely accepted resale value versus the prestige and diagnostic insight of subgrades that accompany a rare holo pull.

From a gameplay-leaning perspective, the card’s power is compelling but not unconditional. The 220 damage for Wood Hammer is spectacular if you can ride the momentum—yet the energy cost and 30-self-damage require careful energy acceleration and disruption of your opponent’s plan. In grading terms, that translates into a few realities: if your holo Tapu Bulu is pristine, a PSA 10 is widely recognized and can fetch a premium for a popular print from Shrouded Fable. A BGS 9.5 with all subgrades at 9 or better can also command attention, especially when the subgrades tell a clean story of near-perfect centering, edge integrity, and surface gloss. The decision becomes about whether you value a single, globally recognized “10” (PSA) or the diagnostic clarity of BGS subgrades that reassure buyers about the exact facets of the card’s condition.

Card snapshot: what to look for in this SV06.5 print

Category: Pokémon
Name: Tapu Bulu
Set: Shrouded Fable (sv06.5)
Rarity: Rare
HP: 140
Type: Grass
Stage: Basic
Attack: Wood Hammer — Costs Grass, Grass, Colorless, Colorless; 220 damage; This Pokémon also does 30 damage to itself
Retreat cost: 3
Regulation: Mark H; Standard and Expanded legal
Illustrator: GOSSAN
Variants: holo and reverse holo exist; not first edition

Market context matters here too. Cardmarket shows holo copies typically trading around the cents-to-dollars range, with averages hovering modestly higher than non-holo prints. The data indicates holo averages around roughly €0.09, with low entries in the 0.02–0.04 range and episodic spikes driven by interest in holo collectibles. For non-holo copies, averages are a touch lower, but the coin still flips on supply, condition, and the card’s ongoing popularity in both deck-building and display collections. Even in a card that’s not a powerhouse in modern play, the Tapu Bulu holo holds a place in many binder sets, thanks to its striking artwork and the nostalgic pull of the Shrouded Fable era. ⚡🔥

Grading tips for Tapu Bulu sv06.5-006

Centering: For PSA, centering drift is a major factor in grade decisions. Tapu Bulu’s holo finish can reveal edge shimmer and border inconsistencies; aim for a clean 60/40 or better if possible, especially on the holo variant.
Foil integrity: Holo surfaces are more susceptible to micro-scratches and foil ping. A pristine holo Tapu Bulu with minimal edge wear is your best bet for a high PSA 10 or BGS 10 submission.
Corners and edges: In both PSA and BGS submissions, corners should be sharp with no whitening. Edges should be clean and free of chipping, particularly along the foil boundary on holo cards.
Text readability and surface: The Wood Hammer description and energy costs should be crisp; surface gloss should be even across the card face without major dents or indentations that could affect BGS surface subgrades.
Subgrades (BGS): If you’re leaning toward BGS, capture near-perfect centering (10), clean edges (9–10), crisp corners (9–10), and a flawless surface (9–10). A BGS 9.5 with 10s across subgrades can still present beautifully as a gem facility, but a BGS 10 requires near-flawless execution across all categories.
Value vs cost: Given the holo’s relatively modest market numbers, weigh the grading cost against potential resale premiums. For a low-cost card with high-grade ambitions, PSA often remains the more liquid route, but if you have the exact-tolerances to achieve a BGS 9.5/10, the subgrade story can be compelling for niche buyers.

Collectors also weigh the set context. Shrouded Fable’s SV06.5 is a mid-sized chapter in the broader TCG timeline, with a total official card count around 64 in the sv06.5 print run and 99 across all variants. Tapu Bulu’s status as a rare within this print run adds to its allure, particularly in holo form. The illustration by GOSSAN resonates with fans who appreciate bold, nature-infused design and a touch of mythic grandeur—perfect for display alongside other favorites from the era. 🎨

For players, the card’s capability remains a reminder that raw power needs careful resource management. In a deck that can accelerate energy or patch recoil with trainer support, Tapu Bulu can be a dramatic closer. In a grading portfolio, it’s a compelling example of a print where the decision to pursue PSA or BGS hinges on your personal collecting philosophy and the kind of shopper you want to attract to your slab. 💎

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Magsafe Phone Case with Card Holder (Polycarbonate Matte or Gloss)

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Tapu Bulu is more than a card; it’s a moment in time from the Shrouded Fable era, a reminder of the balance between raw power and careful strategy. Whether you chase PSA 10 sheen or the diagnostic clarity of BGS subgrades, the decision enriches your collection with a story about value, artistry, and play—from the battlefield to the slab. ⚡🎴