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The Effect: Peter Austin’s “21st Century Fire Wallets” Line-up

Cost: $99.00 to $299.00

Difficulty:1 (Easy to do but requires someone responsible)

(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)

Video Instructions:
Included with each wallet is a full set of video instructions that are very comprehensive and easy to follow. Mr. Austin gives great instruction and very valuable tips as well. Video quality and sound is fair at best, but I’m not as concerned about how good it looks more than the informational content and how well it is explained. Mr. Austin gets 10 out of 10 in this category.

I was a bit disappointed that the instructions were not on a DVD but rather a CD and done in Window's Media format. But after thinking about it for a while I had to admit that I was not paying for a professionally made studio quality video, I was paying for the effect. Again, the instructions were excellent in their informational content and ultimately, to me, that is what's most valuable.



Review:
Not too long ago I was scouring the Internet trying to find the latest and Best Fire Wallet on the market. I had just retired my faithful fire wallet (which I purchased at Tannen’s in NYC) after 10 years of great service. I figured there must be some new concepts and more advanced fire wallets available now after 10 years.

After a while of searching I was starting to become disappointed. It seemed that the same old fire wallets were still being offered. I stumbled on a few "electronic" fire wallets and although I was very interested in a silent, more dependable ignition system, (than the old striker style) I found these electronic wallets to be of poor innovation, construction and design especially for the $125.00 price tag.

Just when I was about to resort to just getting another one of the same wallet, I stumbled upon Peter Austin Magic and his new line of "21st Century Fire Wallets." I was immediately interested since this seemed to be just what I was looking for. It was very obvious, after reading his website, that Mr. Austin knew what he was doing.

At the time, Mr. Austin's “21 Century Fire Wallets” line consisted of 5 different wallets (now 7) that ingeniously and with great innovation, combines and incorporates different fire effects into ONE Wallet! Of course, he also has a stand alone “Fire Wallet” (Electro-Blaze)that is less expensive than his competitors ($99.00 vs $125.00).

His top of the line "Trilogy of Fire" ($299.00) incorporates all three different effects into one wallet consisting of a Fire Wallet, Flaming Credit Card, and Business Card on Fire; all powered electronically.

The other wallets in the line consist of different combinations of these 3 effects. I was also just made aware that Mr. Austin has recently added 2 more wallets (SCTW Explosion & BCI MINI) but I don't have enough information to review them at this time. I believe he has information already posted on his website though.

Since then I have purchased 2 of Mr. Austin's Fire Wallets and soon to get my third. I could fill pages about how great his wallets are and all the very well thought out improvements and innovations his wallets have. Instead I will try my best to surmise and then if you want, you can go to Mr. Austin's website for more details.

ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM
Mr. Austin has really outdone himself with his amazing electronic ignition system. Designed and manufactured by Mr. Austin himself, it incorporates his "safety" spring loaded slide switch which makes it IMPOSSIBLE to have any accidents! Mr. Austin's Wallets are truly a work of art. There is no comparison, at all, to the competitors and I’ve seen just about everything out there in the last 20 years. Beautifully designed and innovated, totally silent, so easy to use and maintain, 100% accurate, and built to last! What more can I say?

THE "PYRO UNIT"
When I first saw this amazing new innovation in my wallet I was totally blown away. Mr. Austin's new invention, the "Pyro Unit," really does bring the "Business Card on Fire" effect into (and beyond) the 21st Century.

A few years ago I heard about the "Business Card on Fire" (BCOE) effect and saw some demo videos for it. I was very interested since like most people, I give out a ton of business cards. What better way for a Magician to hand out his cards! Then before I actually purchased one, I was given some more information on the product that made me decide not to get it. Then recently, when looking again for a Fire Wallet, I stumbled on the same BCOF wallet (same manufacturer) but in an "electronic" version. I was like "yeah!" But again, after researching it, I discovered some things that once again made me decide it was not for me.

It took someone like Peter Austin to come up with a way of doing this effect the RIGHT way. Now, with his new invention, the "Pyro Unit," this effect (BCOE) is not only TOTALLY SILENT but RESETS IMMEDIATELY, NO FLASH PAPER NEEDED, CAN BE DONE 6-8 TIMES ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER! Now that's innovation...

OVERALL:
Like I said earlier, I could fill pages and pages about all the great new innovations and amazing work Mr. Austin puts into his wallets. From his flawless electronic ignition system, advanced innovations, smart replaceable wick design that preserve fuel, super ease of use, to the beautiful leather quality and precision workmanship, I give Mr. Austin's wallets a 10 out of 10.

I (as well as many of his other customers based on comments posted on The Magic Cafe) feel as if I have gotten more than the price I paid. Not only does Mr. Austin make a TREMENDOUS product worth every penny of the price, but he also includes with each wallet a BONUS Accessory package that includes extra batteries, extra wicks, a sweet little travel fuel bottle, battery/wick removal tool, extra credit card stickers, and a bottle of specially formulated leather conditioner to keep your wallet protected. What else could you possibly need to maintain your wallet besides maybe a nice box to put it all in? Well, Mr. Austin gives you that too. It is all packaged in a very nicely designed, sturdy, hinged metal box! Who gives all this stuff with a magic effect?? THANK YOU PETER AUSTIN!

FINAL NOTES:
In my opinion, Peter Austin's wallets are most certainly the best of their kind in the World. I have used and seen many fire wallets over the last 20 years and never have I seen anything like his wallets.

When it comes to price, Mr. Austin’s “Stand Alone” Fire Wallet (Electro-Blaze) is only $99.00 while his competitors both charge $125.00 for theirs. The other wallets in the “21st Century Fire Wallets” Line-up are so unique, that as far as I know do not exist anywhere else in the world and therefore can’t be price compared. Even though his most expensive wallet is $299.00, I believe it is worth ever penny as I have added one to my collection and can attest to this first hand. (Purchased it for $249.00 before the price recently went up.)

Each wallet is hand crafted and assembled and to my understanding, depending on the wallet, takes between 6-12 hours of very precise work from start to finish.

Shipping times were slower than I would have liked (20-30 days) but I have waited just as long for low quality, poorly made Magic items and Mr. Austin’s awesome products were for me, most definitely without a doubt, worth the extra wait.

Respectfully,
TheMagicMaker