by Michael Kras » Jul 7th, '07, 16:50
XL, a semi-recent release by magic genius Jay Sankey is one of the most creative effects every released by Sankey Magic: a visual playing card stretch. The effect comes with two Bicycle card gaffs, one in red and one in blue. Both cards don't really have thank Bicycle texture to them, but spectators are going to be the last people to notice that. I only wish Jay would sell XL replacement gaffs, because the stock they are printed on isn't very good quality and would definitely go through some wear-and-tear pretty quickly. The two gaffs come packaged in a Sankey DVD which is nicely produced and is FULL of many different handlings for the effect. My favoutite handlings are:
Not A Levitation: After a card is selected and lost in the pack, a single card is seen to slowly rise from the centre! But is doesn't end there! After that, the magician reveals that the card hasn't risen at all.... It has just stretched a full inch! This is quite nice, although the initial card rise isn't too spectacular, as the rise is very minimal. Still very impressive though!
The Classic Handling: A card is frely selected, removed from the deck, and stretched in the magician's hands! This is the most direct and to-the-point handling, and I use this hansling the most.
Stand-Up Stretch: A sleight of hand, stand-up variation that is insanely visual!
In Their Own Hands: The spectators squeeze their selected card between their hands, and the card flattens out moreso than before, making it longer. Very cool!
The cards can be examned at the end, and there is nothing to find (depending on which handling you use). The gaffs are normal cards and can be examined as thoroughly as anyone wanys because there is nothing to find! It's a stretched card! Maybe Jqy should mass produce these gimmicks and sell them in packs of 100 so we could give the cards away as souvenirs. There is also a fabulous Holy Relic handling which I have yet to try, but the method is quite good!
The DVD also has some tips and other things included, as well as some Sankey Magic demos at the end. As stated before, it is well produced and justifies the price.
Overall, I give this effect an 8/10. Solid, visual, and bizarre magic that hits and hits hard.
Does anyone else here own this? What are your thoughts on it?
Michael Kras