I bought this about four years ago or so and since then it's been my closer for all my stage shows. The way the props are designed makes the handling of the effect smooth and clean. Gone is all the fumbling most handlings and gimmicks suffer from. This is clean. Marc DeSouza has a fantastic handling of the Porper Linking Finger Rings on his DVD set worth checking out as well. This set Porper has designed is the very best version of the effect on the market. All the best parts of the effect are still there--including the hands off very visual unlink of the last two rings. Take time to study the effect and learn it properly and it will make your reputation.

The overall product is beautiful and gimmicks are well made, however, according to the design of the ring's gimmick, this small item is not suitable for extreme close up (except on TV show which limits the angle of view)! The pen's gimmick is so clever but it really doesn't look like a pen, I would rather think that it is a mini wand.....
Finally, I use the pen and the other type of ring(which also can be "openned and closed" with one hand and can be casual examined by spectator) to do the effect.
So I would think that it is very overpriced if I can only use the pen. That's why I like it but just give it two stars only.

Effect:
This is a good effect. Would have to be careful in extreme close up (claims it can be done right under their nose). The response to the effeect is great when given the practice it deserves.

Gimmicks:
The gimmicks are reasonably well made and sturdy. The active parts of the gimmicks are well hidden. The ring is quite easy to handle (can be done with one hand, as opposed to other hymber ring styles). The rings could have been finished a little better to make them look "more expensive" (and hide better with the borrowed rings) - instead it's semi-brushed type finish which cheapens them a bit.

Instructions:
It only comes with written intructions - I think for the price an instructional and performance DVD could have been included.

Price:
I do understand you are paying for the effect, as well as the materials and creaftmanship,but...... I still believe it is overpriced for the end product - even though Penguin Magic had it significantly discounted: 25% off the RRP of $695 (Penguin, reliable as always).

Overall:
a good effect that can really pack some punch, however, I think it is overpriced for what you get. For the price I was a little disappointed that there was no DVD and the finish quality could have been tidied up a bit - hence the reason why I like it but only gave it 3stars.