talkmagic.co.uk

Hi guys

I'm not experienced with any ITRs.

What is the most recommended reel out there for casual use which is easy access? Tarantula? Spiderpen?

Ideal uses is easy to access, not a massive pain in the **s to fix if some thread snags, and...well...that's pretty much it

This won't be for professional use but more for casual use.

Thanks in advance!

ALL of them are a P.I.A. when it comes to fixing the thread, especially when you have poor eye-sight and were born with ten thumbs. For casual use however, I'd look at the older BOSS unit by James George (the originator to such devices -- http://www.thisismagic.com/html/invisible_thread_reel.html). The small size makes them quite versatile when it comes to placement and application.

TARANTULA is an interesting idea but in my opinion, not as "practical" as the Spider Pen . . . It is excellent in certain settings and with a bit of practice, can leave you clean; but that's the rub, it's something you must ditch vs. the Pen that is in full view or a concealed unit like the above.

I'm not a huge thread worker simply because I'm a klutz with the stuff (picture an elephant learning fine embroidery or how to spin a spider web), but given my experience with what's out there, the BOSS or the Pen would be my first two choices with the TARANTULA as a great way to accent either of the two (it breaks the pattern when it comes to anchor point; by using two reels you're able to remove the patron's ability to reverse engineer things. I've been a huge advocate of multiple methods for decades now.)

Hope this helps

Thanks very much. I did a bit f research and ended up buying 'centrifugal'. Apparently it's quite decent at teaching how to use an ITR as well as coming with a good quality one too. We'll soon see!

There are 3 DVDS James George put out on the ITR which include repairing them as well as effects.

Personally I have never liked the normal reels (ITRs being the exception and for me it has to be the longish Standard model or the slim one that followed.)

LOOK at Jon Le Clairs DVD--'Who's Afraid Of IT'. It includes his brilliantly simple 'Animator'-for me better than a reel.
I first learned of this when I bought the lecture he did in the Davenport's Studio & used it ever since.
Davenports sell the DVD, which comes with a starter pack of IT and his special putty.

Allen Tipton