I chose to go this route instead of Tool, because I figured I'd get more use out of the concept when
used with the deck rather than the card box. I'm pretty happy with my decision, though I'm sure
I'll eventually opt for Tool as well.
I've never been much of a fan of Ballinger to be
honest. He's always been a bit over the top for me, but he's definitely hit the sweet spot with
this effect. I love the working, the multiple presentation options, the flexibility, and the ease
of use of this gimmick. It's excellent to be able to bring this thing in and take it out as easily
as you can, and the reactions have been tremendous. In my experience the T&R effect goes over the
best and cleanest by far, but even the lesser effects are better than some of my other routines.
I'm very impressed.
On top of the instruction in the DVD, Ballinger goes through the
construction and reparation of the gimmick, which I believe happens far too rarely these days. It's
wonderful that people choose to share their ideas and magic with us, but we are paying for the
privilege, and I get mildly annoyed and having to pay for another "gimmick" when mine begins to show
signs of wear. I know that people need to make a living, but where it's applicable, there needs to
be instruction on building your own, and Ballinger supplies that in this DVD.
One thing
that rubbed me the wrong way was Ballinger's plea at the end of the DVD. He wasn't wrong in what he
says, I just believe it shouldn't have been said at all. To admonish people for their poor
performances on YouTube was a bit presumptuous, especially considering his relatively weak
performances in most of the Magic Geek demo videos. Granted, he's not often revealing a trick
through outright ineptitude, but he is horribly mechanical, which I believe means he has no right to
give a blanket critique to everyone who purchases his product.
Overall I would highly
recommend this effect, as I believe you're going to get a ton of mileage out of it. I know I have,
and will.
