I don't get it. What is this even advertising? Confusing, to say the least.

-Archangel_G

Though I don't care for these weird types of cards that Theory11 and Ellusionist make, I had seen the trailer (why do cards need a trailer?) for Theory11's new deck. This video is a "spoof" of it.

If I had one wish it would be to burn all the custom cards in the world

Lol nice one Erik!

That would be a dumb wish. While some custom cards are just show there are many others that are printed on high quality stocks and use the web press. Standard Bikes, Bees, and Tally Hos are generally printed and the standard press with low grade quality controls. That's why you usually get cards slightly misaligned and rougher edges on those cards. Custom cards allow you to get access to the same quality cards, and sometimes the same stocks and finishes, that the casinos use on there cards. Don't get all pretentious thinking that custom cards are just some marketing ploy used to dupe 15 year olds out of their allowance....well actually they are.. but they are a marketing ploy that has been around almost as long as card manufacturers. Prior to "magic companies" producing their own custom cards, cigarette companies, alcohol companies, and all kinds of companies would release limited run decks of cards that were generally printed on high quality paper and presses. So contrary to popular belief, at least the one falsely promoted amongst the "Red Backed Bike Nazis," custom cards are NOT new or unique to the rise of the Internet magic shops. E and T-11 jumped on the custom card band wagon after the big name Vegas Casinos, after RJ Reynolds, and after many other major companies. The worst thing about having a superior attitude against custom cards is that it ignores the fact that card collecting is a viable hobby in its own right.

All that said....the Bike Titanium's look like crap to me. But, to somebody out there they might be a ting of beauty. It's not my place to judge them....is it yours?

lol...wasn't me. Some kid at T-11 of all places

Yeah I guess you're right.
Then I change my wish to burn all the E and T11 custom cards, all those black-tiger\suicidal-hamster cards, they represent everything I hate about the magic scene these days

That is an opinion that, while I might not totally agree with, I can support and respect. Indeed...the suicidal-hamster cards are AWSOME! lol

Of all the choices out there I am still waiting for someone to come out with a design I like. There is one deck of Bikes that are appealing but they went ahead and printed "Bicycle" on all of the backs and killed the design. And the LARGE "K"s on the faces don't cut it either. (Yes, pun intended.)


Anyone else agree and just stick with the regular Bikes just because?

Bycicle has a ton of great old designs. Over the years the Rider back has become the standard but occasionally USPCC rereleases one of the older designs. They don't do this because they are a benevolent Monopoly that loves and cherishes their history and their customers....actually they do it so they don't lose any trademark rights...but we are still the benificiaries of these designs. If you are interested in some of the older designs just keep your eyes peeled in some of the respectable secondary market sellers. They are more likely to get re-released back designs than the on-line magic shops.

When it comes to all these different style decks, I have a few thoughts in mind. I've always used regular bicycles. So what if they are not of the greatest, they are one of the most common and most recognized. I've played with higher quality cards and it affects my handling. I suppose I could get use to it, but at what cost? Now I need to purchase nicer cards every time I've practiced enough to wear them down? I have to invest in gaffs of the same quality? I already have alot at my disposal that I can use now that do not affect the layperson really. It's not like they do alot of the handling anyways.

But, I can see how some of these decks appearance can affect character and style.

For me, it doesn't make sense to get these specialty decks.

-ArchAngel_G

Good points, AAG. I definitely have to agree with you.

Thank You, eostresh. I'll continue to keep a look out. For me some of these decks have a REALLY cool aspect about them but then there will be something else about them that turns me off. But hey, we get to be picky. This art is just perfect for those who are picky.

i just use normal bikes for peformance