> ArcKey Bending Key by Taiwan Ben

Well made product, ad trailer and description not so much... Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on March 3rd, 2015
First let me say that this effect is extremely powerful. It is about as close to real magic as it gets, even to the magician performing it. However the ad trailer and description pull a few fast ones on the consumer. There are elements in the ad trailer that simply cannot be done in a real performance setting. Though the real world performance IS in the trailer to a certain degree. Also the description states to keep it on your key chain and perform any time....which is true...but not 100% impromptu.
It is not a bad setup time though, as it only takes about 1 to 2 mins and your all set to go. However the setup is not something you can do in front of the spectators. This is where the less-than-impromptu comes in. The instructional video does go in depth, and runs about 20 minutes, but its set to music with no dialogue.
Also it just seems to go through the motions, without giving a real world performance. It gets the job done on what needs to be done, but thats about it. The instructional video is only viewable online, with no dvd or download anywhere to be had, which is undesirable to many.
Now, I understand there are two versions of this effect, and used together can create a nice routine. I only purchased one version, and in my opinion, is all that is needed to do a really strong effect. As for the semi-impromptu nature, you need a couple things with you to get things going. In my opinion, just take what is taught in the video, and use your better judgement to turn it into a miracle, because the instructional vid does not treat it like one.
If I could have given this 3 and a half stars, I would have went with that, as the ad trailer and instructional vid docked major points in my book. If you can look past those issues, you will have a really well made prop, that will make you look like a true powerful individual. Just know that your own common sense and innovation will have to be at the forefront to really take this effect where it needs to go. I personally love this effect, and the prop is not ljke some others, as it is actual thickness and size of current foreign car keys. I actually own a Toyota and the key is an exact replica when put side to side. Sorry American car guys, no Ford or Chevy, which hopefully an Amercian styled one will be produced in the future.
So, in the end, this product is excellent, however the ad trailer and instructional vid knock the points off quite a bit. If you can see past that, and apply your own real world approach to this, it will pay off big. For some, the ad trailer can be a deal breaker, and for those I say, you will be disappointed. If you want to take your magic to another level though, and make it your own, I highly recommend it. 3.5 stars

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kmeaux
Dec 02nd 2016 7:39am
I wish a dvd came with tricks now this damned on line instructions leave me cold

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rjohnson66a
Feb 25th 2017 2:58am
Kmeaux, I couldn't agree more. If a manufacturer is not willing to spend the .50 cents to make a DVD, then the product is not worth buying.

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Curatolo4life
Jul 26th 2018 4:05pm
If you have to alter any temps on it then im not getting it, that's not self working.

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Penguin-1165263846
Sep 18th 2023 1:56pm
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME? I bought this ArcKey (bending version) and the link in the box to the instructional video does not work’ I have no idea how to use it. PLEASE SOMEBODY TELL ME HOW TO AT LEAST DO THE TRICK I BOUGHT!
They should not sell this anymore if the video link doesn’t work. I’m pissed and out of a nice chunk of money.

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