by Rufio » Mar 2nd, '13, 02:10
Magic often feels like a labour of love, especially at the end of the evening, when all props go into a certain order, in your intricately arranged system of magic props. Decks of cards go in a certain allocated section, and "go to" props in readily accessible areas. On the point of "go to" there is a feeling that when unpacking / dismantling Magic Smoke v2 by Illusioncraft, which comes in its simple but practical (Perspex? Plastic?) box, that this is almost like a third arm. There is the uncanny feeling that you have a very sophisticated toy / tool that completely overhauls and enhances your magic by adding a mystical touch.
Despite ordering this from Alakazam, particular mention has to go to Adam, the creator, as I emailed an initial query and his response was to telephone, which goes the extra mile in complete customer service and aftercare. Essentially, this will always be a staple of your magic, and unlike issues I have heard about with Pure Smoke, all can easily be replaced (if lost, for example) / repaired.
The quantity of the smoke can be controlled. My initial issue was that I wasn't producing enough smoke but realised such was due to my own mistakes in not adding enough of a certain something. Once this was sorted, it became somewhat addictive producing thick plumes of smoke.
Those fearing some kind of chicken dance to execute the smoke need not fear, as there is a set up that makes it perfect for jacket wearers. Not sure how this would translate when the jacket-less summer months arrive, but for some it could be hooked up for use with a long sleeve shirt, as per the demos.
The refill cost is incredibly reasonable, and a whole evening of over use will be more than covered without having to refill.
All in all this got me so excited to revitalise routines, and it may, in the same way reading Strong Magic by Ortiz does, prompt you into thinking creatively as to what routines will benefit from the same, and sparingly. iLogo and Bag 4 Life and Coinvexed are positively enriched for it.
A big fan!
Worth getting now rather than further down the line. Just not sure if it is something you could take as hand luggage when taking it out of Blighty!