review : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poWT9D_Besk

A classic deck with mesmerising features, the Mechanic Optricks deck is truly like no other. Simple in its concept, the geometrical design on its backing is anything but! Bold black and white lines are purposefully arranged to create an optical illusion that is perfect for card flourishes and tricks. Of course, these are excellent playing cards for a friendly game as well.

Extra gaff cards have been incorporated into this deck to make tricks and flourishes more surreal and eye-catching. Hypnotize your audience and watch the cards come to life with this amazing Mechanic Optricks deck.

Main Features:
52 cards
Bee Stock with Magicians Finish
Additional custom gaff cards

buy yours here: https://rareplayingcards.com/collections/playing-cards/products/mechanic-optricks

UPDATE:

deck will be available in RED & Blue !!!!

New Stretch goals:

325% INTERIOR BOX DESIGN

If we reach 325%, there will be a butterfly pattern all over the interior of the tuck case.

350% UNMARKED BUTTERFLY PLAYING CARDS
If we reach 350%, we'll also print the exact same decks - only with no markings.

Think of the possibilities !!!!

An unmarked deck gets very handy for that one spectator who is determined to find anything sneaky about the cards at all costs. If you switch the marked deck for the unmarked one, he doesn’t stand a chance.

You can also take any card from the marked deck and put it in the unmarked deck as an ultimate key card. Combining these two decks opens a new door to another room full of possibilities.
You can play card games with these. Or it is more fair to play card games with these.

You can give them to a non-magician friend as a gift.

The unmarked decks will be available in both red and blue and you'll be able to choose them through BackerKit. Every backer will be getting a BackerKit survey in early January, where you’ll be able to specify how many unmarked BLUE decks and how many unmarked RED decks you want.

link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRs0WNxLW9s

Purchase: http://sovereignplayingcards.com/

We are proud to announce the release of the latest version of the DMC ELITES – the ROUGE deck, created with the intention to be nothing short of the greatest deck of playing cards for performing card magic available today.

The new DMC ELITES : ROUGE deck is the fifth signature deck produced by Sovereign Playing Cards for elite British magician Drummond Money-Coutts and the fourth featuring our unique Optical Marking system. Each deck has been a collaboration between DMC (star of TV special Card Shark and 2015’s Nat Geo series DMC Beyond Magic) and designer Phill Smith (author of mentalism textbooks Mitox, Yokai and Mokele) combining their perfectionism and creativity to create a unique series of incredible decks. With a brace of serious improvements and upgrades, the ELITES : ROUGE deck is, quite simply, the best deck we have ever produced.

review link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2istG_6pNo

Purchase: http://bombmagic.tw/store/product/blue-bomber-playing-cards/

The design is all about paying our respect to the code effect in the movie ” The Matrix “, we’ve eliminated tons of drafts and made this our final choice, which also represents our brand image: time is constantly changing, we should always keep ourselves abreast of time,try to go beyond ourselves, and make sure we stick to our original design style at the same time. The high-tech style of the back design is aiming to demonstrate the code effect, which also conceals the whole marking system. I’d say, this deck of card is definitely meant to be used in performing magic tricks!

Title: Billfold
Creator: Kyle Marlett
Publisher: Vanishing Inc.
MSRP: $ 20
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 1 hour 13 minutes

​Type of effect: dollar bill transposition.

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Simple and stunning! In this highly visual effect, you can morph credit cards, playing cards, candy wrappers, tickets, and checks into real currency! The objects melt away and change into dollar bills without any perceptible finger movement.

Many effects are possible with "Bill Fold" but this one is a favorite: you wager a dollar that you will be able to find the spectator's card. You place the dollar in her fist. Then you reveal the WRONG card. "I guess you get the dollar," you say as you change the playing card INTO a dollar bill! When she opens her hand, she discovers that the dollar she was holding has changed into her folded selection. Use ANY currency-even plastic money.

The most attractive feature of "Bill Fold" is the idea that you will learn to customize this trick to any small paper object that you like. Use YOUR ticket stub, or a client's business card, or anything you want... and change it into real money!
 
How accurate is the ad copy? I don't know that 'many' effects are possible with "Bill Fold." There certainly are many 'applications.' But the 'effect' is the same.

What's in the box?  Includes instructional DVD and pre-made gimmick

How are the production values: Aside from the two times Kyle walks you through the arts and crafts portion - The entire video is Kyle against a blue backdrop with a stationary mounted camera.
 
Is it well made: Its is "goodly" made. For the most part, it's a disposable gimmick and it's not made to pass inspection. You're really paying for the DVD and the knowledge to make this device.

Is it well taught: Kyle covers the initial workings of the effect within the first 8 minutes. The next 12 minutes is all gimmick construction, because your gimmick depends on a folded playing card, eventually the card will wear out. You get 4 minutes of a behind the shoulder shot and then Kyle goes into a full routine.  Kyle also covers other applications of the gimmick.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I liked the creativity and the flash to this effect, although when I was a young magician, I had a "dollar bill to card" that had zero working parts was all performed with speed and a wave of the hand. And was pretty much this same effect (except in reverse).
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" it's all the size of a folded playing card
 
Does it "play big?" it does get great reactions as long as it is connected to a larger routine.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: this is a pretty easy effect.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? very little, but if you have to build it from scratch, it could take a couple of minutes.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Can't be done surrounded obviously and there is some clean up involved, i'd be a little concerned that the gimmick "talks" in some situations - so be wary of that as well.

Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____Very Satisfied
    X   Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
This trick is fun and flashy, but I don't know if it's my "style" nothing against Kyle's creation though. To me it feels more like a "how did he do that" effect than it does actual  "magic." The movement is obvious "something" happened and it was too quick to see and I think the spectator subconsciously picks up on it.
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMjrcCio1js

Hey everyone - celebrating the holidays and black friday by giving away some decks all generously provided from Midnight Cards!
Contest ends December 2

Click straight to the contest here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDsxHZ1FV-o

1st prize

Complete set of cosmic lanes decks (3 decks)
A set of Grinders decks (2 decks)
The Gold Imperial deck (1 deck)
A grinders coin
A Gold Imperial coin
and a stack of Rome prototype cards

2nd Prize

Complete set of cosmic lanes decks (3 decks)

3rd Prize

A set of Grinders decks (2 decks)

Title: Zodiac Prediction
Creator: Liam Montier
Publisher: BBM
MSRP: $ 25
Skill Level: All
DVD Run time: 12 minutes

Type of effect: three phase prediction effect

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
An incredible, three phase routine that allows you to predict your spectator's star sign AND selected card... and then turn the rest of the playing cards blank. All with NO moves or sleight of hand. This is mega commercial magic that anyone can do. It's a keeper!!!

Includes all the gaff cards you need to perform (25 Bicycle cards!), a beautiful A7 mini booklet, two black mini envelopes with 'zodiac stickers' affixed, plus downloadable HD video instructions!
 
How accurate is the ad copy? This is spot on

What's in the box? Gaffs cards, small written leaflet, black envelope and the download code for the video
 
How are the production values: This video was shot in the BBM library/set with Liam performing for a single spectator. BBM makes great videos and this one is no exception.
 
Is it well made: This is made with red Bicycle cards

Is it well taught: You know, it doesn't have all of the tips, tricks, care, inspiration and what not typically included, but you don't need it. The video gets right to the heart of the magic and holds your attention from beginning to end.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" All of this will need to be "pre set" up into a deck stack So you will need the entire deck ready to go along with the little black prediction envelope.
 
Does it "play big?" I love how this also casually adds revealing someone's star sign. Don't discard that element, that can play very strong for people.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: Very easy, the cards and deck stack do all of the work for you.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? maybe a smidge
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Absolutely just so long as you have a table to perform on.

Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
   X     Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
Another winner from Liam Montier and the folks down at Big Blind Media
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94Olzczcefc

Title: Deceive
Creator: Sans Minds
Publisher: Sans Minds
MSRP: $ 25
Skill Level: Intermediate
DVD Run time: 41 minutes

Type of effect: signed card transposition

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
SansMinds Creative Lab team is always pushing boundaries in revolutionary ways to enhance audience experiences.

SansMinds is proud to present to you Deceive. A revolution in spectator's hand card change that not only the spectator you are performing for can feel the magic, everyone around can SEE the visual change too!

Text description doesn't justify how powerful this is. Check out the trailer, NOW!

* Fully customizable with your favorite playing card designs
* Package includes gimmick material

* TV rights not included with purchase. Please contact SansMinds for TV rights.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? in the commercial. Christopher Dwyer states that after the transformation you are left "completely clean." That statement is not true as the deck will still be "dirty."

What's in the box? DVD and "pieces" to build your own gimmick

Key points: build the gimmick well and it should last you a long time.
 
How are the production values: SandsMinds knows how to make professional looking DVDs
 
Is it well made: as with most sansminds products - you make it and to be honest I am not an arts and crafts guy. This trick relies on an old card gaff (with a new twist) coupled with a familiar "ambitious card" ending. BUT.... this type of card gaff does not "look" (or feel) right under scrutiny. So be very wary of your performance areas and be extremely careful when you build this.

Is it well taught: Similar to other SansMins products, Jason does the trick on the street and Herman teaches it back in the studio. 12 minutes is entirely gimmick construction, which for a "first timer" will take you longer. In addition to all of the teaching, they also teach you the double lift, swing cut, double under-cut and the pinky break.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" the gaff is the size of a playing card
 
Does it "play big?" this trick does get strong reactions.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: This is certainly for a magician who is already proficient at card magic and has had some experience working with an audience.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? tons
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Yes it can with some work, bear in mind this is a deck "set up" and can't just be slipped into your deck in the middle of your routine.

Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____ Very Satisfied
    X    Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
Sadly another effect where I wish there was an option to have this professionally made, I realize this drives up the price, but I think this is one of those gimmicks that will require some precision and careful attention.
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIXi68ZZ4gw

what the what?

video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxIda8QTxGE

A fully custom limited edition deck of playing cards featuring gloss ink you can feel on designs you will love. Printed by Legends PCC.

kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/585926215/prism-night-playing-cards-relaunch

learn more at: http://elephantplayingcards.com/

video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHTuE0c5vGk

Bloodlines derives it's name from the tradition of playing cards - 4 royal families.

A new deck of custom playing cards, printed by the United States Playing Card Company, with unique faces, backs and card box.

kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/billyfrench/bloodlines-custom-playing-cards

Learn more from: http://www.billyfrench.com/

An unique playing card series inspired by my Chinese culture and heritage, designed and illustrated by Brendan Hong.

GREEN DYNASTY REVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4H7COPK-jc

RED DYNASTY REVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usv9eS2HaZs

Learn more here: http://www.brendanhong.com/

Kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/526480055/dynasty-playing-cards-by-brendan-hong/description

Title: Second Form
Creator: Nick Vlow and Sergey Koller
Publisher: Shin Lim Presents
MSRP: $ 15
Skill Level: Intermediate
DVD Run time: 54 minutes

Type of effect: DVD of sleights and effects

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Second form is a collection of 15 modern thoughts in card magic focused on visual and practical applications. Here you will find completely new ideas and reassembled classical moves for your performances. Nick Vlow & Sergey Koller go into great detail on the moves and motivation surrounding these new applications.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? these are not "new" but actually variations of what is already out there. Nor do they go into "great detail" on teaching, most of it is done very quickly.

What's in the box? DVD only

Key points: This DVD is entirely amateur. It looks like the DVD was made over time using different cameras, webcams and cell phones. I think the DVD itself was made using DVD Flick (which is a free internet program) Also the subtitles have spelling errors.
 
How are the production values: The performances and explanations are all shot without audio instruction. Everything is done as on screen text. The music is generic techno/house with electric guitar with no fade ins or outs.
 
You do get a base "explanation" shot which is over the shoulder with a card mat. But most of the time you never hear the performers voice, or see their face so I have no idea what Nick or Sergey look like - they could have been the same guy (or multiple guys) for all I know. The trailer was shot better than the DVD.

Is it well taught: no audio with only on screen text might as well be a book.
 
Here is what you learn:

Sprout - a visual pop-out from the middle of the deck. The card could be produced as appearing in front of the spread, or fly away from the deck towards spectator. As a bonus you will learn double lift variation.

Penguin Steal - useful card move for a color change or stealing of the selected card.

NZ Change - fast and direct color change based on classic palm changes. Several variations are included.

Rotation Change - unbelievable move that allows you to change a card by revolving it between your hands.

Astra Cascade - remastered version of classic F. Miller Cascade Control. The method allows you to control multiple cards or use the cascade as a color change.

Mason Addition - simple and direct switch of a single card in your hand. Perfect for transpositions and prediction tricks.

Swindle Double - a clean double lift from the top of the deck. Top cards are flying away to your other hand.

Exmor Trilogy - another great move using in the hands card spread. Exmor could be used as a switch, color change or force.

Mac Change - clean transformation of a single card with an open hand.

1337 Load - angle proof switch for a single card that also could have used as a force.

Glenn Addition - remastered work on a classic Vernon's Bottom Addition. The move is more clear for a single card, that allows you to use it as force.

Bertram Plus - new modern touch for legendary Tebe Change from R. Bertram. This method allows you to do the change twice.

Nova Sandwich Move - a visual single or multiple cards production in between the sandwich cards. The move is fast and clear, without any finger movement at all.

Citro - new variation for a Cardini Snap Change. You can palm the card or steal it from the top of the deck for a moment.

Tasso Change - variation on the R. Walton's Paint Brush Change that makes it easier to perform. Also the change could be done two times on a row.

DNB Spread Control - method of convincing card control in the spread based on the work of E. Earick. The move is used for a single card control to the bottom of the deck or bottom palm.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): this was a big disslike for me. I got bored really fast. Most of the time I could not even follow what was being done. Or if this was a "trick" or a "sleight" or what the effect would be used for in a performance.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: these effects appear to be an intermediate level
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? none
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) no idea, didn't watch the DVD long enough to figure out.

Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____ Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
      X  Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
You can't even watch the DVD from beginning to end, it stops and starts at each menu
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk3sTp1DLyQ