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Simple question - for normal, everyday sponge ball effects (vanishes, concealments, appearances etc) what's the best size to use? I know it'll depend on hand size to a certain extent but I was wondering if 1" ones are too small to be seen effectively but 2" ones a bit big to conceal therefore heading towards 1.1/2" ones. I see there's a choice between regular and super soft in the Goshman range but are the super soft ones any better or worse? All tips & comments would be really appreciated!

I admit that I don't (yet) do a great deal of sponge ball magic, but I do find it so rewarding, so it is something I wish to work more on.

I mainly use 1.5 inch balls - and I prefer the super softs. If they are slightly dampened they expand to immense proprtions and yet still can be compressed to the smallest of small ball like things. When held in th ehand they are also practically weightless.

Thanks for that - I've tried a few basic moves with a 2" ball and I find there's a weny bit too much sponge there for ease of concealment so it looks like 1.1/2" is certainly the one to use for close up work. Cheers!

don't forget to soak your balls - it really makes a difference (that is if they are super soft).

I use 2" supersoft and I usually wet them before a show and then squeeze all the water out. It makes them even bigger - but nice and soft and quite bouncy (I use this as a bit of a gag later when I try and juggle with the sponge balls and they bounce of my hands etc.).
I use the pinch vanish (taught quite well in Sponge Ball Manipulation) when vanishing the prepared 2", or the schneider vanish when it's more impromptu and the sponges are back to their usual size.
The pinch vanish has a really nice retention of vision effect, and because of the size of the ball it just seems impossible that it's anywhere but where I put it.

If you're using something like the sanada gimmick, then go for the smaller balls - i find the 2" hard to conceal in the sanada, although I'm sure if I took the time to practice with the sanada that might change.

I'd definitely go with super soft - I find them a lot easier to work with - ie. pinch in thumb palm, pinch vanish etc.

for a lesson in sponge balls you could do far worse that look at the lesson provided by Dan Turcotte.. trust me its very good. it shows a basic routine done for specs and it blows them away which for me is the best recomendation you can get

just to echo what has been said and add a few of my thoughts as a regular sponger (in more ways than one).
as a guide to size two balls should sit comftably on your palm and three should fill it.

after you have wet and squeesed your balls (ooo errr missis) keep them in a tuperware container which will keep them comftably moist and stop them drying out prematurely.

your special sponges ball to squares / rabbits should be stored in the open position and can be set in the box as you get you sponges and a modified downs palm is ideal for vanishes and productions and i also use this method to load a ball into an empty fist ala a coin load.

non supersoft balls are better for spellbound changes than soft ones for obviose reasons conversly super soft are ideal for twist offs (one to two) and multiplying in the hand and specials

This is part of what I said a few weeks ago when someone was asking about sponges:

Part-Timer wrote:You asked what size and type. I'd say that, if you can, use 2" ones, rather than 1 1/2" ones, simply because they are more visual. You might find them a bit too big for your hands, but you need to try. I don't have big hands and I find Gosh 2" supersoft sponges fine for most purposes.

That sort of gives you a clue as to my answer for your question about what type. Some sleights are easier to do with the regular density sponges (Spellbound would be one, I suppose), but I think the majority are better with supersoft ones.

Magicdiscoman has confirmed my opinion about Spellbound changes. I think that for 90% of moves (if not more), supersoft balls are better or at least no worse than regular density sponge.

My sponges are 2" (and I have quite a few sets), but I have been wondering if I should try with a 1 1/2" set. I have quite a few that size and find them a little too small, but 2" ones sometimes seem a bit large. Only half an inch seems to make a big difference (yes, still on the subject of sponge balls).

If you've tried the different sizes, then you should go for what feels right.

A fantastic response and exactly what this Forum is all about - many thanks folks, all much appreciated!

I'm going to try the 1.1/2" supersoft for starters and, as they are sold individually and at a good price on cards4magic.co.uk, I'll also have some non supersoft ones to try out as well. If all that works OK then perhaps some 2" ones in both qualities will be next on the shopping list.

When I am table hopping I personally use 1 inch sponge balls.

This I find has two advantages. Firstly, it leaves a little more room in your pockets and that freedom of movement I find really important. Secondly, if the table has mainly children on it then it is easier to "load" some sponge balls if they are smaller as the children have smaller hands.

Otherwise I normally use 1.5 inch.