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TheStoner's awesome post about how many decks you own brought up a question I have wondered about for a while. Bicycle are the awesome standard brand used by the majority (allegedly), but I notice quite a few people don't like them. So...

If you don't use Bicycle cards, why not? Which other brands are better (more awesome) and why do you think so?

Sorry if this has been done to death in the past, but a search didn't come up with anything.

Your thoughts would be awesome.

It's come up once or twice:

http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic29479.php

http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic21780-0.php

http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic18879-0.php

http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic15807-0.php

http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic28299-0.php

That's not all the relevant threads, but the main ones from recent times.

Thanks Part-Timer, I'll have a read. Sorry for posting something obviously discussed many times before.

i truly hate the design of the backs...

anything i can use, that the majority don't...good!

too magician-y...

i dont use gaffed cards/decks much - the ones i do, i use aviators...

awesome!

To my mind, I think it's all down to the gaffs.

Gaffed cards are typically supplied in Bicycle stock.

It's easier to get a deck of blank faced bikes than any other brand.

If you want a trick deck that you can later switch for an identical-looking normal deck, you're usually limited to bikes.

I like the Extractor. It's designed for bicycle cards.

If, however, you only use a normal deck and forego gimmicks and gaffs, you can choose whatever deck you like.

I heard Pat Page comment once that whenever anyone asks him what type of cards he uses, his reply is always 'fifty-two'. He doesn't care about brand in the slightest.

I don't think the brand should matter as much as it is hyped !
Instead, go out and get different materials of cards - paper, plastic, novelty, or even recycled paper ! I've used all of them some time or the other, when performing impromptu. It's a great feeling to do magic with a deck that's worn out and lying in someone's attic for the last 20 years.

I say this mainly because plastic cards are harder to do some sleights with - eg : the normal ribbon spread, or even the push off DL .. So you have to get those down by practicing with plastic..

So if someone tosses you a plastic deck you shouldn't mess up, or just be limited to self working card tricks.

Wishmaster wrote:Thanks Part-Timer, I'll have a read. Sorry for posting something obviously discussed many times before.

It's no big deal. You have to be at least the rank of adeptus minor to get the search engine here to work right.

(Or to know that a very popular brand is "Tally-Ho", and include that in the search terms.)

I don't really use Bikes anymore, can't be doing with the hassle. I'd much rather walk down the local shop and pick up a pack of Waddingtons - just as good!

I once had someone hand me a deck of 'cards' made of paper, and measuring 3cm x 1.5cm... that one took some thinking!

Bikes are BY FAR the most common cards used in the U.S. Therefore, they are the most NORMAL looking cards for magicians to use in the U.S.

Second to bikes are any other cards made by the U.S. playing card company - which covers a wide range of high quality cards.

Finally, as mentioned, all gaff cards coming out of the U.S. are bikes - putting the rest of the world in a bit of a bind if they want to take advantage of the wide array of available gaffs.

There is a similar "feature" with Kennedy halves. It isn't a very common coin anywhere in the world, including the U.S., but the vast majority of available coin gaffs can be found made from Kennedy halves (and old English pennies). So, there is a good advantage for magicians to use them, especially here in the U.S.

I don't use gaffs much, but I like the commonality of bikes - so I use them mostly.