Steel deck pass trainer

[kdklown]

Anybody have any experience in training with a steel deck?  I was wondering if it was a worthwhile investment for practicing my passes.  Thanks.

[Don Boyer]

Anybody have any experience in training with a steel deck?  I was wondering if it was a worthwhile investment for practicing my passes.  Thanks.

I've seen clear plastic decks with heat-treated sides to make them appear like regular playing cards from the sides.  Put a card or two on top, don't show the bottom and you can make some interesting effects.  It's called the Omni Deck.

I've never actually seen steel ones.  They sound a lot more expensive than plastic.

Also, check out the new effect at TBC: Phantom Deck by Joshua Jay.  Make a whole deck consist of transparent cards.  The accompanying video teaches how to switch decks.

Where would you find yours?  If you're talking about a solid block used as a training device, a search at Tannen's turned up nothing.  If you're talking about stainless steel playing cards, why would you want them for magic?  They're hard to crimp and palm, among other things...

[kdklown]

Couple examples here...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360491161708?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

http://www.amazon.com/Pass-Trainer-Steel-Deck-Hondo/dp/B008Z297QS

[Don Boyer]

From my own perspective, while it sounds like it could be useful, it also sounds like it could induce carpal tunnel syndrome.  Since I'm already struggling with that, I'd pass.  Those steel slabs look like they have a bit of heft to them - perhaps you'd be better off taping together a few short card stacks & working with those.  If you include jokers and extras, you could make eight seven card stacks, equal in size to the slabs, but much lighter.  I think I've also hear of other magicians trying these but preferring to use cards because of the difference in weight changing the way the slabs are handled compared to cards.

[Curt]

From my own perspective, while it sounds like it could be useful, it also sounds like it could induce carpal tunnel syndrome.  Since I'm already struggling with that, I'd pass.

Very funny.

I have seen them before, but never really felt the urge to pick them up. I think I would have an issue going back to a standard deck of cards just because of weight differences and how cards bend and the steel won't. If you do decide to pick some up, let us know your thoughts on them.

[DelMagic]

Just a thought: Perhaps they can be incorporated into an Industrial Revelation routine.

[Jin Jian]

Training your pass with steel is pretty good i guess .. i know a guy who is excellent at pass uses this technique too ..

Akira fuji also uses this steels

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsJNTeZgxMU

[CrankUP]

I would just personally practice with a regular deck of cards. I've heard about people who used rubber bands to create more resistance, but that's as far as I'd personally go.

In the past, magicians perfected the pass without all of these little gimmicks. The gimmicks may help some, but in the end, good ol' fashion practice is the ultimate decider.

[WhySoSerious12]

Anybody have any experience in training with a steel deck?  I was wondering if it was a worthwhile investment for practicing my passes.  Thanks.

i have 1 at my drawer, but rarely practice it since i'm busy.

it depends on you how much u willing to spend on practicing on passes, if u like to master like akira fuji then is worth for investment, but if just want to make your passes go smooth i don't recommend you to waste money.

passes just need few a distraction if u r performing to audience.

here is the vid of akira practice with steel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsJNTeZgxMU