Name: The James Riser/Dennis Loomis Micro Chop Cups
Available from: Dennis Loomis (click here)
Price: Several different packages are available at different prices - check at the link above
Maker: James Riser and Dennis Loomis
Examinable: Almost entirely, yes
Difficulty: Based on personal skill, a 1 to 2 out of 5
Out of 10: 10
Effect The same as any chop cup routine, only on a tiny basis and able to be done completely in the hands
Comments Wow. What more can I say? Well...
When my package arived (I purchased by money order and received my set in less than a week) my hands trembled as I opened it up. Really, the reason for my excitement was that I looked at the picture of the set and I'm used to getting stuff that isn't quite as nice as what I had seen in the pictures. This is what I saw on the site:
Looks pretty nice, eh? Yep, I ordered the whole set, no joke. I looked at the pricing for these products if bought seperately and figured I'd be losing money by not getting the full set. So, my expectations ran high as I ripped the tab to open the package. Inside, I found the set, in a large zip lock bag, with everything lovingly packaged seperately, each metal item in it's own little carrying bag. As I gazed at the package and the care with which it took to properly prepare it for shipping, I was already impressed. I opened the zip lock bag and pulled out the first item - a dainty, hip style flask in it's own carrying bag.
With the flask came instructions for how to care for it and store it. Even my wife admired this very pretty piece. If I were to carry a flask for a nip every now and again, this is the flask that I'd carry.
Next, I opened the little carry bag for what turned out to be the copper chop cup. I set it on the table and admired its craftsmanship. The cup was a bit pasty - it was coated in an easily cleaned off wax to ensure its perfection upon arrival (it's copper, you know?). I didn't clean that wax off, it was overwhelmingly obvious just how beautiful a prop it was with the wax still on it. In my desire to rip everything open I still took my time. What was displayed on the table, that little, copper cup, was worth savoring. I rewrapped the cup (even in the carry bag, inside the zip lock bag, they still took the time and effort to wrap the cup in tissue paper) and placed it back in it's bag.
On to the next bag...The stainless steel cup. How beautiful, how dainty and yet, even by the feel, you know you've got a prop that can take a beating. That isn't to say you should pitch it against a wall! Still, by handling the item, you can tell just how rugged it really is. Ah, on to the crocheted balls and play time!!
For the next half hour, I just used what I know of cups and balls and chop cups to work out quick, impromptu routines using the the micro chop cup and balls supplied. The gaffing is perfect (chop cup fans will know what I speak of) - not too much pull, not too little. I was having far too much fun to even worry about the extra stuff inside the package, which was a booklet on routining and a special, extra item for vanishing the silver cup, filled with liquid (not to mention the final load balls). Honestly, I wasn't real concerned with the vanishing gaffe, something I've understood since childhood, so it didn't draw too much of my attention.
I had to pick my kids up from school, so I left a half hour early to be able to sit back in my car and read the routining booklet supplied, written by Mr. Loomis, while I waited on school getting out. Gotta tell ya, the booklet is an excellent addition to this overall package. As I read it, it gave me further insight into routining and dealing with a chop cup, everything that I already know not withstanding. A good read, professionally written and excellent insights included throughout. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?
Did I get my money's worth? Beyond a shadow of a doubt. Would I buy it again? Yes, even at a higher price.
I cannot recommend this set highly enough for any aspiring walk around magician, or any magician who is already firmly entrenched within a walk around job. Fully done in the hands, either the copper cup or the stainless cup, you should give this prop full consideration as your next purchase. In fact, I would go so far as to suggest that you purchase the entire set, and not one of the lesser sets. These cups are designed and made to last a lifetime. I hate to say this, but even if you are a lazy magician who treats his props with little care, this set will still last you a lifetime - they are that high of quality.
It is not often that I will thank someone for getting me to spend $100.00. That in mind, thank you Mr. Loomis and Mr. Riser - you are both quality men supplying our art with quality props (which really is not the norm, these days).
As a final note, if you visit the site, there is discussion over whether the vanishing of the cup of liquid should be done with a reel, or with the system that is supplied (you'll find that in the FAQ section). Going against the grain of the suggestion that a reel is the better way to go, the system supplied in this package is, in my opinion, the better of the two techniques. Although, not being a "reel man" (you guys better not jump on that pun
) I could be simply jaded in my opinion. Never the less, what they supply you with for this part of the routine goes beyond the call of duty - far beyond.
Mike.
Reprinted - already published elsewhere
