I need to find a cups and balls set but most of the ones I have seen have been anywhere from $100 on up. Where could I find an inexpensive set? I apologize for my ignorance but why are these sets so expensive? I've seen Penn & Teller use plastic cubs and tinfoil balls. I want to buy a set because it looks more professional. I'm not asking for exposure (I don't know if certain Cups have a gimmick of some kind) and again I apologize for ignorance.

Any and all help appreciated!

~Zenn

I have the Bazar de Magia Aluminum cups, and they work fine for me for practice.

-JT

Thanks guys! I did some more research and found that there is a gimmick in some of the cups.... do either of these sets have a gimmicked cup?

~Zenn

Standard cups and balls is performed ungimmicked.

Haha SEE how lost I am? lol I was under the impression that all Cups and Balls were ungimmicked, then I find out that some have gimmicks, then I find out that for the most part you DON'T use the gimmick lol. Was I correct in assuming that the more expensive Cups HAVE the gimmick?

The reasons cups are expensive is highly dependent on the cups themselves. The primary reason cups are expensive is because they can be. People that want quality will pay a higher price. Some companies want their cups to be limited, so they raise the price so that only the pros will be using them, which also makes the pros want them, since not every two-bit magician wannabe will have them. Some, like the Johnson Cups, have you paying primarily for the price of the cups themselves. The Johnson Cups are actually carved from a solid piece of brass. They aren't poured like many cups. Then you get the Sherwood cups, which are around $1000 or more per set. Those are hand engraved and beautiful to look at.

Ok thanks for explaining! I think I might get the aluminum ones since I am a fan of silver over gold/brass/copper

I'm with you on that one. Unless you're working professionally quite a bit, the more expensive cups aren't really needed. The cheaper ones will get beat up a lot quicker, but I've had a set for years and just passed them on to my fiance, who's starting to get really hooked on magic. They're her starter set. I upgraded to a set of Phoenix Cups, where the only issue I have is that they're copper. All of my metal gear, whether jewelry, coins, wands or other props are silver. I'll get there when I find a good set that I can afford.

Thats exactly the same with me lol

I started out with the Penguin Cups. I got them so I had a set to learn the Cups and Balls with. Now, the Cups and Balls are a staple in most of my shows and I am fortunate enough to own a set made by James P Riser.

Anywho, I suggest getting a set that is going to have some weight to them. I find that heavy cups handle better.

I've been using a cheap brass set I bought from Penguin's a couple years ago for $17. They've served me well and I have a lot of time logged on them.

Most cups are not gimmicked although you can get a combo set that is a regular set where one of the cups is a chop cup (gimmicked).

Not too expensive and work pretty well plus if you want you can get the combo set.
http://www.morrisseymagic.com/morrissey_closeup1.htm?zoom_highlight=cups+and+balls

Im just wondering which is a better choice? Regular cups and balls, or cups and balls with a chop cup? It sounds like ur getting a better deal with the chop cup, and it gives your more versatility, but is it possible that during your routine, the chop cup might actually cause problems? (i know that would probably base on your routine) but is it a common issue at all?

Regular cups, definitely.

Chop Cup is a different routine entirely and usually warrants a different kind of cup.

The "Combo" Cup and Ball sets can do a regular routine, but some can't be examined if you're into that kind of thing. For the most part, there are only one or two variations that require a "chopped" C&B cup. You're better off learning and performing the ungaffed routines before narrowing your focus to specialized variations.