If you’re googling proxyking.biz vs bootlegmage, you’re probably trying to answer a simple question: which one gets you MTG proxy cards that look right, show up fast, and don’t turn into a support nightmare.
Here’s my take after comparing how both shops actually operate. Bootleg Mage has a real following for a reason. But if you care most about quality, speed, and service, Proxy King is still the king.
What most people actually want from MTG proxies
Most players don’t need a philosophy debate about “what is a proxy.” They want cards that:
- shuffle like normal cards (especially when sleeved)
- have clean text and crisp symbols
- don’t look washed out or blurry
- arrive quickly enough to use for this weekend’s Commander night
- come from a shop that answers email when something goes sideways
That’s the heart of the proxyking.biz vs bootlegmage decision.
Print quality and realism: both are good, but Proxy King is more consistent
Bootleg Mage’s reputation for quality is strong. They also say they review cards for quality before listing them. That matters, because it suggests they’re curating inventory instead of just dumping everything into the store.
Proxy King’s angle is different. The whole brand is built around “realistic proxies” with attention to the tiny stuff players notice at arm’s length: symbol sharpness, contrast, and overall “this blends into my deck” vibes.
If you’re picky about realism, Proxy King usually wins on consistency. Not because Bootleg Mage is bad, but because Proxy King’s entire operation is optimized around making proxies that match the look and feel of standard MTG cards.
Speed: Proxy King is built for fast turnaround
This is where the gap shows up fast.
Proxy King publicly sets expectations around fast fulfillment, with typical processing measured in a couple business days, plus standard domestic delivery timelines. That means your order is usually moving quickly without you needing to babysit it.
Bootleg Mage is more community-driven. They push updates through Discord, and they publish rough shipping timelines (including international estimates). That approach works great if you live in their Discord. If you don’t, it can feel like you’re chasing updates.
If you’re the type who orders on a Tuesday and wants the cards in-hand by the weekend, Proxy King is the safer bet.
Service and communication: email beats “check the Discord”
Customer service sounds boring until you need it.
Proxy King leans on the standard online-store expectations: order emails, shipping notifications, and a straightforward “here’s your status” flow.
Bootleg Mage leans hard into community channels. Again, some people love this. But if your goal is “place order, get tracking, done,” Discord-first support can feel like extra steps.
And yeah, i know, it’s a proxy shop, not Amazon. Still, the closer a shop gets to boring and predictable, the better the experience usually is.
Ordering experience: Proxy King is simpler for “I just need cards”
Bootleg Mage is great if you like browsing drops and grabbing specific pieces. It feels like a curated inventory shop.
Proxy King feels more like a “fill the holes in my deck” machine. You can search staples, grab high-demand cards, and knock out problem slots without overthinking it.
That matters because a lot of players buy proxies for the same reason: mana bases, format staples, and expensive cards that make the deck work.
If you want the quickest path from “deck idea” to “cards in sleeves,” Proxy King usually wins.
Pricing: Bootleg Mage can be cheaper, but value is more than price
Bootleg Mage often gets praise for pricing. If your main constraint is cost-per-card, Bootleg Mage is worth a look.
But value is the full package:
- How often do you need to reorder because something looks off?
- How much time do you spend waiting, checking updates, or asking for status?
- How confident are you that what arrives will match what you expected?
Proxy King tends to be the better “total value” option when you factor in speed and predictability.
Legality and expectations (quick reality check)
Both shops are selling proxies for casual play. Proxies are not allowed in sanctioned Magic tournaments. Most people already know this, but it’s worth stating plainly so nobody gets surprised at an event.
Use proxies for kitchen table games, playtesting, cubes, and friendly Commander nights where the group is cool with it. If your LGS is strict, ask first.
So who should buy from Bootleg Mage?
Bootleg Mage makes a lot of sense if:
- you like curated inventory and community-driven updates
- you don’t mind checking Discord for timing updates
- you’re optimizing for price and are okay with more variability in timing
They have fans for a reason. This isn’t a “don’t buy from them” post.
Bottom line: why Proxy King is still the king
To wrap up proxyking.biz vs bootlegmage in one sentence: Bootleg Mage is a solid option, but Proxy King is still the best pick for quality, speed, and service.
If you want realistic MTG proxy cards that arrive fast and come with a smoother ordering experience, Proxy King remains the most reliable choice.