talkmagic.co.uk

Wooden “Diablo” Cigar by John Rogers

Available from www.woodencigars.com

Price: $49.95 (USD)

Category: Close up magic

Difficulty: 2-3 out of 5

They say:
NEW DIABLO CIGAR
The ash magically jumps from end to end!
The Diablo cigar seems to be possessed by the devil himself as it refuses to behave in a normal manner! YOU MUST WATCH the videos to see how impressive this cigar is in action!
I have revamped my Diablo cigar to a smaller size. I have found the this new size works much better in a wider range of audiences. The photo with a cigarette gives a good comparison so you can get an idea of the new size of the NEW Diablo cigar.
I can make you a Diablo cigar any size that you want. I just sent a stage size Diablo cigar to Italy that was 3/4" wide by 8" long. Email me the size you want and I will email back a price.


I say:
John Rogers is one of those guys who puts time and attention to all he does. You only have to watch one of his videos on his website to see that this is a man who practices his performing and really enjoys it.

The same is true for his gaffed cigars and cigarettes. All of these very realistic looking, solid wood items are hand crafted and finished!

At first, my interest was that of amazed curiosity but I went back after some months and John had included a new product to his range. If any of you have seen Ron Jaxon’s “Out Smokin’” just imagine the same effect but with a cigar, that’s the “Diablo”! Have a look at Johns performance of it…it’s a very weird and funny effect. Being a cigar smoker myself I was instantly attracted to these gaffs.

The “Diablo cigar” comes in a clear plastic zip-loc bag and you are also supplied with a full routine and handling guide…very comprehensive it is too.

The shape of the cigar is just right for the moves needed to create the illusion. One end has been finished to look like a solid chunk of ash and the other looks like a trimmed “stogie”. The body of the cigar is hand painted with subtle shades of brown and olive to simulate the variable colours of a fine cigar. It has just the right kind of matt/flat finish and the ash end is a perfect mix of light and dark grey on a heavily textured section of wood…VERY convincing!

The moves will take some practice. The “Out Smokin’ cigarette is a bit easier owing to it’s size and there is a different kind of action with the Diablo. With Out Smokin’ you always put the wrong end of a cigarette into your mouth, and that’s funny…with “Diablo” you stop short of that…if you were to put the wrong end of a “lit” cigar into you mouth that would be tragically gross!

It is really worth practicing with the prop. The effect is genuinely unique and often eerie…like a comical fever-dream where nothing ever “goes right”!

Diablo is always ready to go and needs no reset. There are some angle issues. I would estimate that your audience should be in a 160-degree arc in front of you only. You can switch out at the end if you like for a pre-lit cigar but that would be a bit too much fuss and bother. Personally I’ll learn a tidy vanish like John’s (in fact his is stunning!) and just draw a veil over it there and then.

Overall:
When you buy your Diablo (or any other of John’s creations) you are buying a hand made magical prop, built to last by someone who knows about performing. The cigar is a wonderful construction and feels like something you want to keep to hand down to your grand kids. Contact John with your needs and buy his props, you are investing in a magical heirloom.

Rating: 8.5 / 10
These will probably only be used by those who would consider using a smokers prop in their magic but who knows…perhaps you would simply like to own a hand crafted bit of magic, just for the joy of it?

Nice review, Tom - as always.

Are you, yourself a fan of cigars? I enjoy them from time to time, so I may have to pick one or two of these neat effects up.

Did I remember to thank you, Tom? Did I remember to thank you for once again tempting me to clear out my wallet?

Seriously - nice review.

I'm actually a non smoker and have seen these advertised in Magic magazine and they look stunningly realistic.

Judging from the link to his site that has now appeared on the forum, I guess John Rogers ears must have been burning!
Looks cool though, but must fight the urge to spend...

Tom,
if you had one of these and a matching ungaffed wooden cigar, could you use them for the Carney Just a Cigar routine (from Book of Secrets). ie can this ungaffed cigar be handled naturally or is it a bit delicate?


Thanks

Shanester

Judging from the quality of the build of the "Diablo", the cigars are more than tough enough.

Cigar (and cigarette) magic is what John builds them for so manipulation is the name of the game.

They are all solid, painted wood, even the ash! Have a look at the various cigars and cigarettes on his site and keep in mind that they are all made completely of wood...it is VERY impressive...and surprisingly affordable for hand made props of that quality!

i had studied the cigar prop web site because of the advert on this site prior to reading yr review. as a result... after watching several videos on line i was fairly convinced about the quality, usefulness and just plain old fashion hand made quality of these props. thanks for yr review which has re cfm'd my opinion and will likely lead me to make a purchase.

Thanks for the review Tom,

I am also a non-smoker like Dave, but I am really tempted to buy one of these items. I also agree with your point that on top of being a great craftsman John Rogers seems like a very talented magician. I wonder what his instructional DVD would be like.