talkmagic.co.uk

THE PANDORA BAG by Creative Magic

The Effect
Not an effect as such, but a utility prop. A well-made transparent (mesh) force bag with a little something extra.


Cost
$65 plus shipping for a set of two (smallish and medium-large) and DVD.

Magicseen readers: Check Creative Magic's ad in the current (March 2010) issue to get a special deal: $75 plus shipping for the set as above plus the new extra-large size.


Difficulty
1-2 depending on exactly what you intend to do. No sleights required, but the use of some items in the bag will require more delicate handling.


Review

First of all, the Pandora Bags are very nicely constructed force bags made of fine white mesh fabric with black trim. They look and feel like the sort of pouch you might buy for washing delicate lingerie, or for keeping your drink cans cool in a stream when camping. And they can be used exactly like any other force bag, pre-loaded with items in the usual way.

What they can do that other bags can't is this: load themselves. In other words, you can show the bag utterly empty, have spectators drop in their own slips of paper, cards, or whatever, and then go ahead and force the result you want.

The self-loading action is completely masked by the innocent act of shaking the bag to mix the objects. As described on the DVD, even when magicians were told what was going to happen, they still couldn't see it!

The "Pandora principle" works best with small light objects like billets or business cards. Heavier objects such as coins, poker chips, pencils, sweets, etc. are more problematic. If you want the bag to self-load items like these, you will need to make certain modifications and be rather more careful with your handling.

The bags come with a DVD that fully explains how to use and care for the bags, and how to modify them to handle heavier objects if desired. The DVD also includes a raft of presentation ideas, and PDF artwork where this is required for some of the presentations.


Overall

The price is a bit stiff, especially at today's exchange rates, but you're getting an excellent product for the money. I was looking to buy a force bag anyway, and I don't regret opting for the Pandora set.

I'm trying hard to think of something I can criticise about the bags, for the sake of a balanced review, but for the life of me I can't find anything! The only reason you might want to think twice -- other than price -- is if you want to use it for heavy objects.

A special thanks to Rebekah at Creative Magic, who answered all my questions, took my order via e-mail, and shipped it out at the speed of light!

Thanks for the review. I hadn't appreciated their 'USP'. I noticed they are also available at Alakazam for £45. Not sure which sizes these are...

thanks for the review as this took my eye when I saw the advert. Two questions for you robie.

1. Is there any major difference apart from size betwen these and Craig Petty's attack of the bag?
2. when was the last time that you washed delicate lingerie?

They look and feel like the sort of pouch you might buy for washing delicate lingerie,

dat8962 wrote:1. Is there any major difference apart from size betwen these and Craig Petty's attack of the bag?

I don't know Petty's, so am not really the best person to ask! Creative Magic certainly thinks it's something unique.

dat8962 wrote:2. when was the last time that you washed delicate lingerie?

Not for quite a long time now! I am female, but strictly a T-shirt and jeans type.

I do have a laundry bag for washing my slippers, though, so they don't clank around. It could handle delicate lingerie in a pinch. If I had any.

There was an assumption that you're a bloke Robbie so my apologies

That'll teach nme to assume

dat8962 wrote:There was an assumption that you're a bloke Robbie so my apologies

That'll teach nme to assume

No probs. Colin was called a lady today, so now we're even. (Admittedly, he was being viewed from behind at the time, while sitting down, but even so... It was especially good 'cos he has a beard.)

Robbie, I picked up a Pandora Bag at the Magic Live Convention 2009, here in Las Vegas. I agree that it is a real Gem. I have been using it in performances since I purchased it. The Pandora Bag has such a clever design, it just looks innocent !! I highly recommend it to anyone considering the Pandora Bag.


Best Magical Regards,

Mark Williams