talkmagic.co.uk

I thought it might be a good idea to launch this topic, not sure in what section though so here it is.

I first started learning to manipulate cards with Bike decks which are really the best in my opinion...

But the idea struck me recently that I could train on normal non air cushioned plastic coated cards and that, if I managed to improve on these, it would be a piece of cake to move back on to bikes...

So I did and still am... My DLs are getting really good now and training on sleighs such as the mercury card fold is not as expensive as when using bikes !

No worries when you need to destroy a card in those 50p decks... I think it is a good way to progress if you have the motivation and don't want to spend a fortune initially. Of course, as I get better I will probably use bikes exclusively but, being a bit of a perfectionist (aren't we all in magic...), I think I will stick to using normal cards for those destructive routines...

I do actually use both regularly and coming back to bikes is a real pleasure as everything is a LOT smoother and easier to do.

What do you think about this method ? I think if I can use any deck any time, it is a great plus and makes it really easier when using bikes.

Good idea. With sound technique though, it shouldn't really matter what deck you use (within reason). Fair enough practising torn and restored effects etc. with cheap decks now that you can't get Bike Seconds anymore!

Problem is, a lot of the cheaper cards can't withstand what a Bike card can. Therefore effects that require bends and tears etc. are sometimes very difficult to achieve without the quality of a Bike.

Food for thought though!

Yeah but the point is, although they are not as bendy or resistant, at least you can dispose of them at virtually no expense ! and, if you manage the tricks on normal cards, bikes are just a treat !

Most of the cheapo decks are bridge sized so does it cause you any problems when you go back to poker size?

Good point Mandrake - the normal cards I use are indeed Poker size.

I certainly would not recommend using bridge cards for training !!!

I'm sure that I'm not the only one who's shown a trick with a deck of bikes to then have a bridge sized cheapo deck put in front of you and asked to perform another trick.

I think that the more types and sizes of cards you can handle then it can only be good experience overall.

I find that the most likely places for this to happen is when you perform in a bar, pub and perhaps some restaurants.

Yes I totally agree on that but the poker size is definitely best for handling. I wouldn't risk myself at complicated sleighs on bridge cards at the moment !

But who knows that may just be the next step of my training experimenting...

MagicBill wrote:you can't get Bike Seconds anymore

Not sure about this, but what's http://www.magicbox.uk.com/product.php/908/11994/?

Kati

Thanks Kati!

I never knew they were still out there.

Hi, i've yet to buy a any bikes...... I practice with signed and destroying type effects with real chepo cards and have a few higer quility packs... yet to buy bikes next on my list i guess I have Sharpies!! (the other must have )

I find I can do certain effects better with cheaper cards!

I can do cut estimation better with a deck of Waddingtons than with Bikes.

Wow kems, I would put bikes as the number 1 on any "to buy" list... But as I said previously, if you are good with ordinary cards... you are in for a good surprise !

Thanks for the link Kati.

No problem .

I think I'm going to have to make a big deck order - magicbox is great .

Green bikes, black tigers, seconds...I could spend £££ .

Kati