The Effect
Official blurb as follows: As a young man I had the good fortune to meet the legendary Dai Vernon and will never forget a pearl of wisdom he shared with me. "Good magic is like well written comedy" he said, "the audience shouldn't suspect the punchline until you reveal it at the end". The opaque black Eco-Box is identical in appearance to a small department store jewelry box and puts the punchline at the end of the routine leaving the spectators to wonder how the card teleported into the box, instead of watching for a clever switch. I believe both types of effects have situational merits, but when performing for laymen I prefer to not let them get ahead by knowing the contents of the box. There is much satisfaction in seeing the "magic moment" reflected in their faces when the box is opened and the punchline dawns on them. The Eco-Box is designed as the ultimate tool for working close-up or strolling magicians and mentalists. Here are some key features that really set it apart.
Cost
£28:99 at Alakazam at the moment:
http://www.alakazam.co.uk/product-ECO-BOX-(Black)-by-Hand-Crafted-Miracles-and-Mark-Southworth.html
Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
1 - Easy-peasy
Review
Put simply, this is a switching device. Do you own a Mystery Box or a Mystery Box 2? Well if you do, this is pretty much exactly the same thing but it has 3 distinct advantages. Firstly, it's half the price. Secondly, it doesn't look like a magic box (it's like a little jewellery box holder you get ear rings in). Thirdly, rather than just switching cards the Eco Box allows you to insert/substitute your own gimmicks. This allows you to do routines with bank notes, billets, newspaper/book corners etc instead of just limiting yourself to playing cards.
Disadvantages - It's not as sturdy as the mystery box for obvious reasons. I've also found the gimmick makes a noise when operated. This shouldn't be a problem in a noisy performing environment, but somewhere quiet may be problematic. The gimmick isn't as smooth in it's operation as the Mystery Box and has a tendency to 'fail/not operate correctly' but this can easily be covered and doesn't require any 'moves.'
Overall
Personally, I think this is better suited to a mentalism routine as it looks innocent and doesn't require explanation. A mystery box (sorry to keep making the comparison but they are basically the same thing) looks like a magic prop to me and is more suited to magic.
I'd give it a 6 out of 10. It's not going to win any awards for innovation but it's an innocent looking utility device that could easily fit into your repertoire.
Kevmundo the Great