This is one of those things that it all depends on how you play with it. In my case, I have had a lot of fun with mine. I greatly enjoyed the instructional DVD as Mr Griffin is clear in his teaching and even adds in things you might not have thought to do with hot rods... Magic effects people would normally perform with cigarettes! I must say that smoking is out of taste for a lot of people and it just doesn't seem right to my taste to promote overtly smoking though the presentation of cigarette manipulation, especially for magic. (Still, I do perform NO SMOKING by David Stone on some occasions...)

Don't underestimate this trick! When I think of this effect I think of money paddle also. And about those two tricks... I have something to tell you guys. Not once but on many occasions, people who have been quite analytical about "magic". One of my friends actually said that this one effect I did with the hot rod was the best I performed for him. Imagine. I did some great card routines, my fibre optics, a card to mouth... and in the end, what beat it all for HIM was hot rods... and something similar happened to me with the money paddle deluxe.

Instead of thinking (MAN! I wish he would have said that trick which I put hundreds of hours of practice and thinking into...) I now can humbly say that what is most important is the pleasure that I and those friends had with this effect. I've done it about a hundred times. Noone was close to thinking a solution. And you know what? I let them examine the rod with half of it with the spots of multiclor and the other half with the spots red... Thats right... i make them examine the rods! And they shake them, trying to make the spots on the other side change color...

I lost a year ago one of my rods (God knows where it is, I don't!) I still have one and even though I have left it in my drawer for a while, and went on to do some more complicated things, I now recall the pleasure I had.

This routine is fun to perform, fun to watch, and being not that hard to master in the physical aspect of the effect, you can build on presentation and especially, feel much more easily yourself as you present the magic.

Sure, there are many other effects that are BLOWING AWAY MINDS, things like Hawk 2.0, Dresscode etc... They are great.

Still, I like to be able to just put the props in my pocket and not worry about a big setup beforehand. That is another reason why this is good.

About the quality of the props :
Well, they are not that fancy looking. Painted black, with colored dots, the rod itself made of wood. If you keep them loosely in your pocket with change and keys and other stuff, the paint will chip off over time. But over a 6 month period of presentations they were still in fine shape.

The props being of simple construction, you might think they look "cheaper" than other sets with jewels, or made of metal... But on the other hand, this has the advantage on inspection of not having a curious person chip off a jewel etc... What they see is what it is! (As I make it inspected as I told earlier)...
The dvd in itself is well worth the price. Still I wish there were a couple of more rods in the mix, and the possibility of buying some refills (since I lost that rod as I told you earlier.)

In my case, I was thinking of either re-buying this set or going towards a set made in metal without jewels. The only problem is they are hard to find as they are out of stock here at penguin and at my other suppliers.

At least, this one is available and a solid bet.

Whatever you choose to buy,

Have fun and enjoy the magic, the magic that is between you and the people you meet!

Billy.

I've owned the hotrod for many years. I have nice versions but when this dvd and small wooden hot rod was offered for free, i thought I give a try. At first looked like another made in china crap! Then I watched the dvd and this little stick became a great piece of magic! Now I carry this all the time with the full routine. I wish I can carry this on my key chain and have all the time! Thanks Penguin! Buy it even for advance routines.

This is a GREAT illusion and great for beginners. I happen to like the vanishes explained in the DVD. Although they are somewhat basic, they will still leave an outstanding impact on your audience. Having said that, do not think you will not have to practice the basic vanishes. They will require some practicing in front of a mirror. Once mastered, the vanishes will work well with small objects, such as cigarettes. The rods aren't too bad; however, they aren't as flashy as the traditional/modern rod with the gems. The wooden rods included are ideal for performing the vanishes.

I got my two little wooden, painted Hot Rods and didn't think much of them until I got into the great DVD. The small details on basic Hot Rod handling is worth the price alone. On the "cheap" little sticks part this has actually been a great asset - how can such great magic come from a simple stick that obviously doesn't have batteries or lights or jewels? Just a simple little stick! The vanishes are good but not great. Overall a great value, especially if you have never worked with a Hot Rod. I carry mine with me always - fun on busses, for kids and grandkids. Worth the small price just for the "pop" in most adult's eyes. Buy it!

Okay, now the hot rod effect is awesome! The quality of the actual hot rod... POOR!!! That is the reason that it only got 3 stars. I fooled so many people and I got it YESTERDAY and had it down in 5 MINUTES!!! Honestly, I'd buy this if you are a total beginner and aren't sure about magic. If not, buy the brass hot rod. Much better quality and has a second part.

I think that it's a great trick and easy to learn but the quality of the hot rods could have been better although if performed right, that won't really matter will it? Great trick though.

This combo is a great way to start out with a classic effect. The teaching is clear, and the format of the DVD takes you through basic and advanced moves that can be powerful. The Hot Rods are small, so it fits in your hand, but they are hand-painted, and not as visual as the gemstone ones, but still very good. The vanishes disappearances are also well suited to their small size. Some of the vanishes are powerful, but they aren't very clean, as the hot rod isn't actually gone, just concealed. Don't get it just for the vanishes! Get it only as an introduction to the hot rod. Great for anyone who is just starting out.

Excellent DVD that teaches basic and advanced paddle moves and vanishes that will serve you well when using hot rods, pocket knives, lighters, cigarettes and paddles. The two hot rods are hand painted wood - good, since there are no gemstones to pop off, but not as flashy as the gemstone rods. Great price!