talkmagic.co.uk

Hi,
I was just wondering if anyone could give me their opinion on which of the 2 decks is better, masters deck or gold standard?
I am currently, like I'm sure most of you are, using red backed bikes but seem to be going through them at quite a rate and also am looking for a really good quality deck. However I want to stick to the red back bike design due to various gimmicks etc. So naturally i have been looking at ellusionist's masters deck and the gold standard deck.
The masters deck seems more widely available but that to me doesn't necessarily say to me that they're better....just ellusionist have the right name. However they do have a different Ace of Spades which I don't particularly like as it draws suspicion. But they are also cheaper than the gold standard deck.
The gold standard deck by Richard Turner doesn't seem to very common at all but reading the description of them they sound like a very high quality card, and they maintain the same box and same ace of spades....Ideal for when swapping decks mid routine, say to perform the ID.

I was just wondering whether any of you guys were using these decks and if you had an opinion on them?
Thanks for your help

I think the best option is to adjust the way you handle normal cards.

I know several professional card workers and all of them use standard bikes, or other very standard cards.

I have a couple of the gold decks and have used masters in the past. Masters are probably better for you if you're used to handling Bikes. The Gold cards are Bees in disguise really. Also, the marketing about the Gold decks mentions how easy they are to faro. Again it depends on how you faro. I use Close's in the hands method which weaves from the bottom, and the Golds (mine at least) seem quite stubborn for that. I suspect they are more forgiving of top down faroing.

Has anyone else noticed that the red backs on the masters are a more matt or deeper red than on the standard Bikes?

Personally I'd recommend that you give them both a wide berth and just stick with standards, particularly as you've mentionned that you use gaffs and don't like the AoS.

They're a lot cheaper too and therefore better value.

There is that. I tend to use standards and seconds.

Thanks guys for the advice, I really appreciate it. I have ordered one deck of masters just to see if there's any noticeable difference...Only way of truely knowing really.
I will probably stick to normal bikes though based on what you guys have said.

The only reason I bought the Bicycle Masters is because of the Ace of Spades. I didn't really feel a quality difference between regular rider backs and the Masters Edition. So why spend 7 $ on masters if you can get rider backs for 2$.

If you're a card collector on the other hand I would suggest you get both decks

If you're a collector, then snap 'em both up. Otherwise just stick with the standard decks. They are cheaper and perfectly adequate for the job. Not unlike myself. Ha.

I was very, very impressed with the Gold Seal deck. Knocks the Masters for six in my opinion, but whadya know, i cant afford to be splashing out 5 quid a time for a deck of cards, so always venture back to the standard of bog.

Gold Seal. I find they work better for second and bottom dealing. Also, while I like the Masters decks, the Ace of Spades in the Masters deck will, in my opinion, will raise suspicion, and I do not want eh cards getting credit for my work.

Not used the Masters Deck but I love the Gold Seal Bikes. They are far superior to any other deck I have used including Phoenix. Although have to say I do like Phoenix decks also Tally Ho as well.

Wow this thread goes back. First keep in mind doesn't matter what deck you use, the deck won't make you a better performer, much like a Steinway grand won't make you a better piano player. I prefer standard poker sized bicycle decks. Keep my hands clean, break them in on a clean surface and they will last a little longer but really, for the price of a deck and the amount of use you get from it? Versus the price of a fancy deck and the amount of use you get out of it? Regular bikes are the better deal. Plus you really want people to sign the cards, and torn and restored card and folded cards, and throw in where you are performing. Yup it is standard decks all the way.