talkmagic.co.uk

Hey TM,

Does anybody that has the Magic smoke from anywhere version 2 (By Illusioncraft) and would be so kind as to post a review for it?
Quite interested in this one!

Regards!
-Saav

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!

Thank you very much for the review Rufio - i had a pure smoke unit but it had broken and i've been waiting over 4 months for a replacement as Ellusionist have not sent stock to the magic shop i got it from. I suppose it is not the magicshop's fault but Ellussionist as they have still not given any new units to the shop. I called Adam about his unit as the only thing i was worried about was that his unit would not give thicker/milkier smoke than PS. He told me that people had called him and said the smoke was actually thicker than PS not to mention easier to activate. Looking foward to getting this soon!

It is very durable. Not sure if this is exposure, as the effect description refers to it, but I had a paranoia about the bulb, as you just insert it into the tube (Mods edit / delete this if this goes too far), rather than it being attached as such, so I used sellotape to give that greater assurance. I initially had the bulb on one arm and the unit on the other, but it feels comfortable on one arm. Plus, whilst it works best with the bulb dangling loosely, I fed the tube going to the bulb right into my pocket, and if I knew I would be using it, would then retrieve it and keep it dangling. But with a good secure masking tape it now means I can leave it dangling all the time so it is always ready, without worrying that I would lose it. In that event I imagine Adam would be able to replace it. Now that I have everything working (when I sent it back I thought it wasn't working but, as above, this was just because I didn't put enough of the refill in). The Green Place posts referred to how you shouldn't put too much in: obviously don't overload it, but if you initially get it and, as I did, assume it is not working properly, it is probably as you haven't put enough drops in.

I can't imagine Pure Smoke producing as much smoke as this.

I got this specifically for performing it on a show reel (I have been saying this for years, but will put a site together soon), and am so glad I took the leap. Probably one of my favourite purchases.

Looks great but the price is outrageous

It does look outrageous - I'm looking to get this for a school magic performance and may get a refund for my pure smoke (as it hasn't been replaced for 5 months now). Hopefully if it works out I will have this device very soon. Also what are other people's suggestions in which routines the smoke would work in combination with? I watched the SOMA phone act and was blown away by the phone + coins disappearance whilst using the smoke!

Though there's some assembly to be done on your end Shin Lim's S.S.S. is very practical and far more affordable @ $30.00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fyeGnXoK-Y

Magic Smoke is the best I've seen so far. Its practical, comfortable, very effective and cheap to run. I think you definitely get what you pay for when it comes to smoke gimmicks.

Craig Browning wrote:Though there's some assembly to be done on your end Shin Lim's S.S.S. is very practical and far more affordable @ $30.00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fyeGnXoK-Y

I liked the idea of this when it was released, but according to many reviews it was not practical for walk around in any way and mostly limited to a table.
I think the Smoke v2 is a better system as it is a product that can be positioned anywhere

-Saav

saavanstreet wrote:

Craig Browning wrote:Though there's some assembly to be done on your end Shin Lim's S.S.S. is very practical and far more affordable @ $30.00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fyeGnXoK-Y

I liked the idea of this when it was released, but according to many reviews it was not practical for walk around in any way and mostly limited to a table.
I think the Smoke v2 is a better system as it is a product that can be positioned anywhere

-Saav

You can build it however you like. The table version is good but you can adapt it to non table versions easily.

Just received this today and I have just one word to describe it... WOW!

This is an awesome bit of kit. I'm going to get to grips with the hookup tomorrow when I've got a bit more time.

K

The hookup was extremely simple when I got this - I've even managed to make a rough sleeveless t-shirt hookup!

saavanstreet wrote:The hookup was extremely simple when I got this - I've even managed to make a rough sleeveless t-shirt hookup!

I might PM you for some advice in a bit. I have an idea how I want mine but since there's no DVD or diagram you just have to wing it. I want to make sure it right!

K