AbeG85 wrote:
And just how many TTs do you know of that have different skin tones intentionally? The Vernet soft is just fine, MUCH better than a pink TT, heh. And the reason that they make them with different amounts of wrinkles/nails is to make the consumer think that there is a great difference; in other words, MONEY. Now our friend wants to be successful and spend as little as possible (I would imagine), and the soft TT is perfect.
I know quite a few. I don't know where you're at; but if you ever go to Daytona, Florida; walk into Daytona Magic and ask to see their TTs. You'll be surprised at the variety there. Metal ones, plastic ones, vinyl ones, rubber ones...all with every conceivable skin tone you can think of. Shoot, I've got one made from PVC that is extremely realistic. So much so that it has pores and you can apply makeup to it to match your skin tone.
I have a few of the Vernet softs and I have to agree with you that they are PERFECT. They don't match my skin tone, but I use them constantly. They are soft enough to be a comfortable fit, but firm enough to do bill switches and cigarette vanishes and other things normally done with a harder TT. Additionally, it has a slightly larger load than other standar TTs; so it gives you more room to work with in vanishing and procuding various items. It's a wise choice in a TT; regardless of skin tone.
...But don't say that the color of the TT doesn't matter. Because, depending on how you wish to utilize it and your skill level, it is an important factor.
I've been doing TT magic for years and never leave home without at least two on me somewhere. I have several different types and brands and shades, (though the Vernet Soft is my favorite). They don't all match my skintone, but even though I've never gotten caught, I still feel more at ease with the ones that are closer to my skin tone. That comfort may increase the confidence in a young magician just starting out. For that reason alone, the color of the TT can be effective and important.
I just hate it when people answer someone asking a question about skin tone on a TT with a comment about how it can be bright green or fire engine red or whatever. Sure it can...to a seasoned TT worker. But not to everyone utilizing TTs and not even for all applications for a seasoned TT worker. It's a mean, arrogant and ignorant statement and it sets me off every time I read/hear it.