talkmagic.co.uk

I'm brand new to doing tricks, started about a month ago. I've been carrying my trusty bicycle deck with me everywhere and it's getting stickier and stickier, harder to do different things (DLs are getting way tougher). Today I just opened the other deck a got a month ago and I can't believe how freaking smooth they are in comparison.
I'm just wondering about how long you all can use a practice deck before it starts getting too messed up. And if you'd suggest just shelving that deck and moving on.
Also when going out to do routines (my whole goal is just for friends to have fun, not professional) would you suggest using a pretty new/really slick deck? Or one that's been 'broken in' a bit?
Cheers

Firstly.....some people like brand new decks, some like slightly broken in decks, and others (all though rarest) like them really broken in. Bottom line you must find how YOU like your decks to be and how you feel best with them....me....brand spankin new out of the wrapper!

Always keep your old decks, they are great for practicing torn and restored effects, etc....you will find that you can use an old deck to work out a routine and not worry about wear and tear on your cards, some sleights are actually easier to practice at first with a stickier deck. Once you have the sequencing down you will want to use a deck that is broken in just as you like them and will be using to perform. Oh yeah.....look up things you can do with a dirty card....pm me if you are not exactly sure what I mean by this!

Be sure to wash your hands well before using decks and you will be amazed how much longer they will last.

You never really realize how worn out a deck is until you break open a new one.....and wow!

Not forgetting that you can buy Fanning Powder, which when applied properly will make your cards smoother and easier to Fan again (obviously).

Don't use it on a deck that is too wrecked though.

Use a card guard and always keep your hands clean.

http://www.nothingupmysleeve.co.uk/mark ... steel.html

I always keep hold of old decks and use them for tricks where the card will end up getting destroyed. Or if the cards going to be forced and then signed, old cards tend to be good for that too. Saves ruining your decent deck.

You can also use them to make gimicks, short cards are ok with older cards as are double back and double face cards.

I like slightly broken-in cards, but it's not good to keep using your cards too long time.

Why don't you pop into Introduction forum and introduce yourself, Kevtron?

Thanks ya'll. The last couple days I've been using a brand new deck, and at first it was a bit tough, but 2 days of practice has gotten it to a level where doing things are easier than they were with the old one.
I might have to check out some of that powder, though my fan still needs a lot of work. Mostly been working on ACR. Though I'm excited for a coin book in the mail soon
I'll pop over to the intro right now, thanks for the reminder

majortom wrote:Not forgetting that you can buy Fanning Powder, which when applied properly will make your cards smoother and easier to Fan again (obviously).
.

I won't reccomend using fanning powder on a deck you use for cardtricks. Fanning powder increases the friction, to make the cards fan evenly. Better to use a deck that's "broken in", by shuffling and handling.

yeah, get a card guard or two..i just treated myself to a Porper one, with the Professor etched on it...lovely...

i use the stainless steel cheapo ones all the time, and JBTV have a nice looking one - with symbol forces on it too for about a tenner i think...

and as said before, use your old ones for the odd gaff and mercury card fold practice and so on...

I agree about the cardguard, and Joe Porper's are the best!

They keep the cards flat, and also cools them down between sessions.