Go to the hardware store and buy a product called Plasti-Dip, it's used to rubberize then handles of tools. Get the kind in a can, NOT THE SPRAY. Dip the handle of this Turbo Stick in the liquid rubber, let dry and repeat a couple more times. When dry you'll be able to do the move needed for this trick like a champ! It comes in various colors and clear, which can be used for such tricks as the Hot Rod.

The paddle you get IS NOT the same as the one he uses in the trailer/DVD. It's not even the same shape. The one I received is so sharp edged on one side, and so rounded on the other, that you literally will not fool anyone. My 67 year old mother could tell the difference with no markings on the paddle at all. I am pretty upset that I payed as much as I did for this thing. It isn't even actually "dry erase board" material, but that isn't actually an issue with me. The issue is that this is unusable for performance, but priced otherwise.

The Only reason I'm not giving it one star is because of the DVD. Although, if I want to use anything I learn from the DVD I will have to go out and pay to have a decent paddle made.

So far, Penguin has always made me happy if something wasn't right. Hopefully that will be the case again. If not, I just dunno...

This is a wonderful update of a great effect, but it's made from the wrong material. The paddle is translucent, which means that unless you do it in a low light situation, the audience can see what's on the other side, thereby ruining the whole effect. Someone needs to rethink this. Next time there's a production run, use an opaque material, please. In the meantime, I suggest that you save your money until there is some assurance that this has been done. Too bad it has this problem....

I performed this effect along with my regular close-up repertoire in a formal setting at the world famous Magic Castle a couple of weeks ago.

I introduced the prop as a low-tech, portable dry erase marker board with a handy little handle to reach for it from a shirt pocket for those last minute shopping items or to write the number of a young lady I might meet in a bar.

I told my audiences that I had an invisible midget hidden assistant beneath the table that handled all of the dirty work for me. I performed the "X" routine, did the marker reappearance and closed with the Name Game which blew them all away.

At the conclusion of the effect, I dropped the marker and paddle on the table for examination. One of my spectators signed the paddle and asked me to do it again with her personal signature. Need I say more? I took her up on the challenge and repeated many of the same visual antics which only served to finish them all off.

One of the regular professionals told me that he never would have ever believed in his life that a magician could get so much mileage and entertainment out of a mere "paddle" effect which forced him to reconsider his preconceived notions about the subject matter.

My wife knows the method of this trick. For some reason, it still fooled her. She didn't realize that it was the same old method in a "new" trick. The routine "X" is a lot for a spectator to wrap his/her head around. It's great.

I had some qualms about implementing a paddle into my routine. It screams "prop." However, I found the sponge routine to be a great way to introduce another "prop"- the spongeball. It's almost like two "wrongs" have made a "right." These two strange props, when introduced together seem to "fit." They give credence to one another.

The DVD is satisfactory, and most of the work is not original. A dry erase paddle trick entitled "Let's start over" can be found with a strikingly similar routine with lines instead of x's. Is Sander's handling worth the extra money? I don't know.

The craftsmanship of the paddle leaves a little bit to be desired. It is crudely cut. The corners are not rounded evenly, the edges are sort of sharp (but can be scraped smooth with a finger nail). However, the very top edge of my paddle has a bit of a "lip," which causes marker bits that are wiped off to "catch" and remain on the paddle when you'd like them to cleanly wipe off. Not a tremendous big deal, unless this happens at a critical moment in a routine you develop.

My paddle is also a bit translucent. In really bright light you can see the markings on the underside. Should probably be a non-issue for most people. Nobody would ever notice.

Overall, this is still a good buy.

Think of the potential of this principle. Words, symbols, numbers, etc. It's cool.

The version that was sent to me is not the video, the shape and size (smaller) is not the same, it was created smaller to fit in the cardboard case, I think the first version was bigger for the old plastic DVD case.
Obviously all these problems are not decisive for the success of the trick ... but, my version seems a very cheap construction compared to the first edition, I do not like this and I think do not like anyone to have a different thing from what you are paid ...

As I mention in my other reviews, I am a little to no talent "magician." I thrive on the gimmicks that do not require complicated sleight of hand--mostly because I'm too lazy to do the required practice. I was nervous about this because I have Sander's "Identity" trick and I have yet to do it because of the moves needed. THAT SAID, this thing is a snap to do. Really. Very simple. The gimmick is high quality, durable, clean (spectators can examine everything before and after). The best thing I can say is: if you like what you see in the promo vid get this trick because it is EXACTLY what you will be doing 5 min after opening the box up.

Great reactions. Totally practical. Not a card trick. Is an entire little routine rather than one second of magic. Compare this to the thing you spent 50 bucks for that is over in flash and leaves your spectators waiting for something else to happen. Starts and ends clean if you were inclined to hand out the paddle.
If are you are new to magic (I am not), an excellent beginner trick to work on your presentation. If you are experience and passing this by because it is too obvious be my guest, but I have had great luck with this
Although I doubt they will make it available would love to be able to buy a few spare paddles for less than the price of the trick.

The version that was sent to me is not the video, the shape and size (smaller) is not the same, it was created smaller to fit in the cardboard case, I think the first version was bigger for the old plastic DVD case.
Obviously all these problems are not decisive for the success of the trick ... but, my version seems a very cheap construction compared to the first edition, I do not like this and I think do not like anyone to have a different thing from what you are paid ...

I have many complex effects in my repertoire, however the best reactions come from this effect. It's fun and doesn't insult audiences. I've only used the X routine so far, but will soon use it to introduce sponge balls. This is a must have!