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The Effect

Magician displays a metal tube about 6.5 inches in diameter, along with a candle. he then prcedes to push the candle through two wholes opposite one another in the tube to prove that the candle passes all the way through the tube. He then places his arm within the tube and lights the candle. The candle is then placed back through the tube and arm. And emerges the other side of the tube with the flame still lit. he then removes his arm from the tube along with the candle. Showing everything once more.

Cost

Between 15-25 pounds for this specific model however the "Mak" model is more expensive i.e 35-40 pounds but could possibly be a better "mechanism" than this model.

Difficulty

1-2 as it is relatively self working but does require practice to get it "spot on"

(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)



Review

When i ordered this trick i thought "for this price, its a bargain". This however did mean that quality of the aardvark was not very good. The seams on both parts of the gimmick are not rolled together, nor soldered properly. Also the finish on these rubs off after alot of use meaning that it does need a respray and perhaps spraying with a layer of varnish to aid in the protection of the aardvark.

All that being said I believe this is an average trick which after a bit of performance practice can become quite deceptive. However when performing it is best not to perform in bare arms as the tube can look quite big, probably best to where a long sleeved (relatively) baggy shirt. Also the tube cannot be shown from the end with the candle through.


Overall
Not a bad effect if you are looking for a cheap parlour/stage act.

7/10 as i have yet to use it in my act, mostly because it dosn't really fit with my style.

Thanks for that informative review. I have had this effect for more years than i care to remember,and on the times i have performed it, Its got a reasonably good reaction.
Which model have you got? It sounds like one to avoid if the aardvark wasnt up to scratch. I have the one put out by George kovari. the aardvark is not removable, as in some models, but it is clear, so brief flashing, and spinning on the candle, renders it, invisible.
Dale