talkmagic.co.uk

Basically I'm after reviews of as many different versions of cups and balls I can get, so as to make an informed purchase...

With prices ranging from just over a tenner to nearly 60 quid, I don't want to waste money on expensive stuff if it's not worth it, equally nor do I want to buy cheap tat and have to replace it. (check me out - I'm battling against CUPSas much as I can!!!)

I want to know about the actual equipment, rather than any routines you may have. So, if you have cups and balls, let us know where they're from, who they're by and how much they cost etc etc.

Many thanks in advance for all your help...

Unless your going to get a cups and balls set that includes a chop cup, I really can't see the point in spending too much on a set.

They all work the same, even the cheap plastic ones, so as long as they look good enough for the situation your performing in and are a size that you want, i'd go for the cheapest option on this particular prop.

Cool - sound advice.

In that case, how can Penguin Magic charge £55?!

Is it a complete rip off? Are they special?

...or is it to pay for all those lovely video demos they have all over their site...

£55 is nothing for a set of cups!

Gazzo sells handmade silver cups for about £1000 a set and so do a few other manufacturers.
Also available in gold.

But if you're new to C&B you're much better off getting a cheap set before you decide whether to spend serious money.

You can often get used sets relatively cheaply at the auctions which are held from time to time by local magic societies.

Nah Zack they have no special extra, just solid copper and look nice. Won't make a jot of difference to the actual effect

Here is a decent set for £14.99

http://www.magicshop.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=31&products_id=206&ref=5

Hi Zack,

If you take a look at James Riser's Cup Selection page ( http://www.jamesriser.com/Cups/SelectingCups.html ) you'll get a good idea at what to look at for a good set of cups and balls. Just be careful to apply that information to your situation and budget because most of it is geared towards those looking into purchasing a "good" set of cups.

Also even though it is true that the quality of the cups shouldn't make a huge difference to the performance of the effect, there is alot of rubbish out there and you get what you pay for.

At the moment I have two sets of cups and I'm looking into getting another set, and also Jay Sankey's Magus Capsule. The first of my sets was a "combo" set which included a chop cup and even though it seemed like a good idea at the time the quality really was awful. They occupy a space at the back of a drawer in my room.

My "main" set of cups is actually a set of the Penguin Cups which I managed to recieve for free when I placed a large order with them at the beggining of the year. I have to say that they really are a good quality set of cups. As far as I can tell they are modelled after Dai Vernon's Cups, but I'm unsure what the Proffessor's cups were based on so I can't give you any more detail I'm afraid.

Also worth a look is Jay Sankey's Magus Capsule, but you have to bear in mind that this is not the traditional cups and balls but you do get the chop cup feature built in.

I hope this helps a bit.

All the best,


Will

P.S. I've also heard that the Morrisey cups are good quality and relatively cheap. Will

Have a look into Micheal Ammar's 'Complete Cups and Balls' available on video and as a book. If I remember correctly he has a section on choosing the right cups as the shape, size and depth really do influence the range of loads and effects that can achieved.

I think there is a review of the book in the reviews section.

If you're interested in a very large version of this using young ladies instead of balls, check out http://www.owenmagic.com/Illusions/illusions.html

The first set I got was in a cheapo magic set and uses tiny coloured cups and v. small polystyrene balls. It's really small but has the same effect as any other set. Unfortunately I have managed to squash one of the balls a bit, but if I bought a new set I'd probably go for the Sankey Magus set.

Yes Michael Ammar does have a whole DVD dedicated to his cups and balls routine which I highly recommend its a great dvd and he goes into great detial. But you must keep in mind that this is no easy routine this one will take lots of practice, I mean lots. But if you are willing to put in the time go to www.ammarmagic.com and buy the DVD. I have seen many routines and this one is one of the better ones that I have seen. Moves like the wand spin vanish, are skills that once learned will amaze people for many years. If gives the wand that magical ora that everyone seems to think it really has. Another Ammar DVD that features his cups and balls routine is Michael Ammar live, this is his lecture at the magic castle and personally i feel that it is one of the best lectures that i have seen. Mind you the quality of DVd could be better the material on it is excellent. During the lecture it is very hard to hear questions that people ask but you are able to make them out by Michaels responses. To buy this lecture visit www.penguinmagic.com or www.ammarmagic.com hope you found this review helpful.

If you looking for an easier and less sleight if hand related routine watch DAryls Fooler Dooler volume one, great routine easier to do, one cup, one bill, great effect.