|
|
Go to page 1~2~3~4~5~6~7~8 [Next] | ||||||||||
Dan LeFay Inner circle Holland 1371 Posts |
After a week full of different performing situations there is nothing better than receiving a long-awaited order and a couple of days of spare time! The Predator Wallet was delivered when I got home tonight, nice surprise. After all it was a long wait.
It is very well made and comes with a couple of pages of three different effects and a special pen. The working-nature of the Predator reminds me of another wallet that was sold once (which Paul in fact mentions) and takes this into a whole new dimension. This is a very clever prop and the routine mentioned in the advertisement reads very well. I put some old dollar bills in it to get a feel of it and I expect to give it some tries next week for laypeople. I found that European 5 and 10 euro bills will fit as well without any problems (apart from making it a pretty expensive trick). Is it worth the money? Well I must be honest and mention that such a question can only be answered completely by a performer if it is tried and tested on a real audience. Of course I haven't had the time for that yet. However, since more than one member of this forum has decided to burn down not only this product but its creator as well—based solely on the color without wanting to give the effect a review, let alone try it out on an audience—I will say that this is something I like a lot. Without any doubt I am convinced that I have something incredibly powerful in my possession that will pay itself back in no time... For ME this product is worth its money already. I have enough trust in my own judgement on described effect along with a diabolical method. This wallet will be in my back pocket right this week! I think Paul has given us something truly incredible that will find its way in the repertoires of those who have a fine sense of what a killer "impromptu" effect is.
"Things need not have happened to be true.
Tales and dreams are the shadow-truths, that will endure when mere facts are dust and ashes, and forgot." Neil Gaiman |
|||||||||
Madmonk Regular user 106 Posts |
||||||||||
John Clarkson Special user Santa Barbara, CA 749 Posts |
I have had my wallet for a few days. I like the look of it (skinning lizards seems like an appropriate use for the little devils...). Mine is black, although the one I saw Paul use at The Castle was brown, as I recall. The routines are top-notch and the wallet lends itself to much more than the three effects included with it.
Questions to other owners: The documentation mentions a notch at the fold. Mine doesn't have one. Does yours? I am not sure it's important, but I wonder why it was mentioned. I am glad I bought it and am dying to try it out. I respect it too much to run out prematurely, though, so it will probably be a couple of weeks before I give it a test-run. Having said that, there are a few protential snags that I will mention here (perhaps vaguely so as not to reveal too much), together with solutions:
About the cost. Actually, the price is reasonable, I think. Barry Price's wallet, for example, costs the same. I've even checked out top-end wallets on the internet (just garden variety high-quality leather wallets) and have found many to be even more expensive than The Predator. When you get this wallet, you will see that a lot of work and thought went into it. I was fortunate enough to be at The Magic Castle when Paul used it. All night long, I overheard people (magicians and non-magicians alike) raving about the effect. And, I'll admit, he "got me" with it—I didn't see it coming. I love to be fooled like that!
John D. Clarkson, S.O.B. (Sacred Omphaloskeptic Brotherhood)
Cozener "There is nothing more important to a magician than keeping secrets. Probably because so many of them are Gay." —Peggy, from King of the Hill (Sleight of Hank) |
|||||||||
Madmonk Regular user 106 Posts |
I thought the same thing. Where's my notch?
|
|||||||||
marky707 Regular user 138 Posts |
I have it, at first I didn't like the color but really who cares about the color? I have performed the effect a few times now to magicians and non-magicians and they are fooled totally. But before I bring out the Predator wallet I do some psychological card forces of the jack of spades, or three of diamonds, six of spades and so forth whether or not I am right. Most of the time I am but when I am not it is perfect to bring out the wallet and say it was all a con then go into the routine.
mark |
|||||||||
Gregory57 Loyal user 246 Posts |
I was also wondering where this notch was. In addition, I also noticed some flaring of the bottom compartment. I agree that technically this shouldn't be a problem. Otherwise, the wallet is beautifully made and well worth the money. My mind has been spinning with ideas ever since I first read the effects made possible with this wallet.
P.S. I haven't prepared the wallet yet for Psycho Killer but have any of you, without the notch, had any problems once loaded? I don't expect this to be a problem but was just wondering.
Cliff Gregory Wollin
|
|||||||||
Review King Eternal Order 14446 Posts |
Paul Wilson is overseas but took the time to write me. I won’t go into the dispute we had over the Predator Wallet purchase (the color shows a beautiful brown color wallet, that is not the color I have-it's not even close) but I want to say that I apologize to the staff and members of the Café for using this wonderful forum to address a problem I had.
I was disrespectful to Paul and everyone that is involved in the Café when I addressed a problem with a purchase as opposed to the workings of a wonderful prop (effect) that Paul created. Paul is one of the greatest magic minds we have and a fantastic person. The staff of the Magic Café and Steve Brooks gave me the breathing room to realize my errors, when I should have been banned, and I’m very grateful as I love this forum and how it has improved my magic. Best, Christopher
"Of all words of tongue and pen,
the saddest are, "It might have been" ..........John Greenleaf Whittier |
|||||||||
gilbreath76 Loyal user 279 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-11-02 00:30, MagicChris wrote: Classy post. Although I have not bought one, I've read the dispute and I for one disagree with those who say color does not matter. Anytime I search for a magic wallet, I want it to be something I can carry. Something that my friends can get used to seeing me with for like a month or two before I do magic with it. This is just to condition my family and friends to thinking that it's a normal wallet. Thus, such a wallet needs to fit my taste and personality. Your friends and family know your taste very well, and they ALL KNOW I do not carry brown wallets. So in my case, it would of screamed PROP! I'm not a working professional and only perform for friends and family, so they know me. But maybe color would not matter to a working professional who performs for strangers constantly who do not know you, your personality or your taste in color. Anyway, I feel for you because I would have had major problems with the seller too if he had told me color is no grounds for refund. But it's obvious, Paul has rethought his position and is doing the right thing in granting exchanges. |
|||||||||
mindhunter Inner circle Upstate NY 2280 Posts |
MagicChris: I see where one would be upset had they expected a black wallet—for two hundred and fifty dollars (sounds MORE typed out). Your comments were not without merit but I think had the maker thought this an issue he would have mentioned it. No deception intended on his part I am sure. That being said, I too thought a black wallet was offered...I saw the website.
Regardless, I want to see this post keep going as to the PRACTICALITY of the wallet: how many OUTS etc., does the missing TAB mean anything etc. Face it, we are ALL James Bond junkies in search of that perfect prop. Now I'm seeing supposed problems regarding notches and flaring, etc. I THINK I have the basics of this and would order one (yes, black only) if these were explained in more detail. I'm looking for eight outs and this offers about 10 times that in a wallet that one can carry everyday. (Are you SURE it won't hold uncut credit cards?) If this stacks up and he will sell to new customers in a black leather...I love Paypal...smiles. I feel for those expecting black leather but hope this is kept up for discussion of quality, originality of effects, etc. despite the color, since this has been publicly offered in a different color...
Bryn D. Reynolds, Author of:
"The Safwan Papers" & "The LOGAR Scrolls" Mentalism ebooks - PM any interest. My artwork: https://darkmountainarts.com |
|||||||||
Dan LeFay Inner circle Holland 1371 Posts |
I tried with used dollar bills. No problem at all.
Yes the wallet unfolds a little. I have no idea what the notch was about but the unfolding can only be of concern when the wallet is placed on a table. If held in the hands, again no problem. Chris, I'm glad you posted that! Cool reply!
"Things need not have happened to be true.
Tales and dreams are the shadow-truths, that will endure when mere facts are dust and ashes, and forgot." Neil Gaiman |
|||||||||
Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5443 Posts |
I’m glad that the “real” reviews are starting to come in! After the pages of discussion that usually turned to flames it is refreshing to see that the wallet has shipped and that real world users of the item are finally speaking out.
Madmonk, thanks for the link to the review and photo’s of the infamous “brown” wallet! All I can say is “WOW!!! What a beautiful wallet!” That brown lizard skin is absolutely beautiful! And that is the one that garnered so much hate and discontent! In terms of color of wallets (and I have several for card to wallet effects), I prefer brown or oxblood to black. I tend to dress in dark colors (slimming donja know!) and the lighter color wallets simply show up better. Yet black tends to predominate the magic wallet marketplace. I have had many of my wallets custom made in brown and oxblood (Himber, Mirage, Kapps). You cannot imagine how many magicians I have fooled by NOT using a black, gimmicked wallet! Anyway… (MagicChris, that was a very gentlemanly apology, it truly shows class!). However, the construction problems that John mentions do concern me. A wallet which is supposed to hold money and credit cards SHOULD hold money and credit cards WITHOUT needing to trim the credit cards or money. The confusion about the “notch” should be addressed too. Is it simply something in the mock-up that was determined not necessary in the finished product? Or, is it an oversight in construction? I must admit that after I read the description a couple of months ago of the three-bill effect on Paul’s website advertising the prop, that I replicated the effect using an old (very, very old) Dr. Jak’s wallet and a TW. Now the Jak’s wallet cannot be examined even casually but then the handling of the trick leads people away from the wallet. So far, after over a dozen presentations, no one has asked to examine the wallet. It appears that most of you like the prop and believe that it assists in producing very strong effects. However, for me the jury is still out on this one. I will wait until I hear some more reviews of the prop in actual use by workers in the field. I want to hear the Pros and the Cons (as friend John Clarkson has done). Keep those reviews coming! Thanks!!
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
|
|||||||||
John Clarkson Special user Santa Barbara, CA 749 Posts |
Quote:
I tried with used dollar bills. No problem at all. Chris, let me join in Dan's appreciation for your most recent post. In view of it, you will be ecstatic to know I have removed you from the abyss of the black hole of my personal universe into which I had previously cast you. Mindhunter, there is no missing tab. It is simply that the documentation mentions a notch that, so far, no one has seen. My guess is that the documentation refers to a prototype that was changed later. Harry, the wallet does hold dollar bills without a problem. It's only the credit cards that need a little work. Dan, by "flaring open" I did not mean the wallet unfolds. I mean that the compartment that holds the IOU opens laterally, potentially revealing its existence when the wallet is unfolded to remove dollar bills from the other compartment. (Vague, but, again, don't want to tip too much.) The workaround is easy, as I mentioned in my previous post: hold the wallet with fingers curled around the bottom. This still allows you to use both thumbs as described in the documentation. Now, let's hope that all the guys who lack opposable thumbs don't blame Paul for it! I suspect the size of the credit card slots is, in fact, a manufacturing defect, as Harry suggests. But guys, the workaround is really easy! At first I was annoyed by this. My thought was, "I can't use The Predator as my regular wallet if credit cards won't fit in it!" After I thought a few moments more, I realized that I would never be using The Predator as my regular wallet anyway because I'm not going to mix my every-day-walk-around thousand dollar bills with the paltry one-dollar bills used in Psycho Killer! Bottom line: flare-out is not a big deal (but I'd like to hear Paul's comments about the effect of a "notch" on it). I suggest that the credit card slots be re-sized in the second run of production. Because credit cards don't fit without being trimmed, you cannot easily use The Predator as your every-day wallet. (See note, below.) However, unless you usually only carry three dollars (that have writing on them) with you, you'd probably not be using it as your regular wallet anyway! The wallet looks classy. It's easy to handle. The routines are stunning. And, just as important: The Predator will allow your imagination to run wild with possibilities for other routines. Note: if you absolutely must use The Predator as your everyday wallet, I suppose you could put the credit cards in four of the six the slots at 90 degree angles (i.e., short end into the slots) and carry no cash (other than that used in the effect). The problem with this (besides the fact that it looks messy) is that when you invert the wallet to show the IOU, the credit cards will be upside down. Since you have cleverly drawn attention to your credit cards throughout the routine, I am certain that every one of the spectators will notice the difference in orientation. We all know how observant they are!
John D. Clarkson, S.O.B. (Sacred Omphaloskeptic Brotherhood)
Cozener "There is nothing more important to a magician than keeping secrets. Probably because so many of them are Gay." —Peggy, from King of the Hill (Sleight of Hank) |
|||||||||
Michele Veteran user Taiwan 301 Posts |
Hello Mr.Clarkson,
Thank you for your great review. You have made many of my questions clear. I will place Paul an order on the second run production. By the time I think Paul will re-size the credit cards slots and have some black color wallets supply. |
|||||||||
MagicCarisio Inner circle 1061 Posts |
I was very interested in purchasing this wallet. I guess I'm a wallet fiend with all the wallets I have...but a few things have to be reviewed about the wallet, in my estimation first!
Gerry Thoughts Have Wings |
|||||||||
Ron Reid Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 2732 Posts |
Hello:
I'm seriously considering getting the wallet, but have a question about the color. First, the brown shown on Andy Martin's site is beautiful but isn't it considered improper attire to have a brown wallet with black tie formal wear? I perform at a number of cocktail parties and would feel uneasy pulling out a brown wallet from my black tux. Sort of like wearing brown shoes. Maybe I'm wrong; any thoughts from someone who's really up on fashion faux pas? Ron |
|||||||||
mindhunter Inner circle Upstate NY 2280 Posts |
Are the black wallets eel skin? I was offered one for sale from a person who just received his from Paul Wilson. (This person wants to wait for the PIG SKIN version that is coming in the next batch?...Whatever.)
The color, at least for me, is important and if there really is a black eel skin version that was made I may make the purchase. The Miller wallet can certainly be used for a prediction of a thought-of-card being produced from your wallet as can a regular wallet! (Many versions of Killer.) So I am sure people aren't spending $250 on the Predator just for the effect with the dollar bills. This seems like it will suit my desire to have a "multiple-multiple" outs wallet with no fumbling, ****** envelopes, etc. John states that credit cards don't FIT? How can a $250 wallet not have slots big enough for CREDIT CARDS? I'm sure many would like to carry this every day. Any owners other than John having the same trouble? Thanks in advance to the answers to my questions! Bryn,
Bryn D. Reynolds, Author of:
"The Safwan Papers" & "The LOGAR Scrolls" Mentalism ebooks - PM any interest. My artwork: https://darkmountainarts.com |
|||||||||
Seth Special user 566 Posts |
Do any of you guys know when the pig skin verions will be out and what colours it's in? I'm tempted to sell mine as well and get the next issue if it's not too far off as I prefer the pig skin to the eel.
|
|||||||||
MJ Marrs Inner circle Los Angeles 1125 Posts |
If you look carefully INSIDE the wallet (bottom of the gimmicked side), there is a cut out, "notch-like" half moon shape, thingy. Maybe this is the notch that everyone's talking about.
I can only imagine that this serves the purpose of allowing the wallet full of bills to be closed without any bunching or bulging. Clever idea. Perhaps it was decided, at the last minute, to place this notch inside and at the bottom of the gimmicked side instead of at the top of the ungimmicked side. This probably took place late in the development stage (after the original instructions were already printed). Anyways, I haven't tried out my wallet yet, although I am very happy with the final product. |
|||||||||
nimrod Special user 881 Posts |
Is there a chance that Paul will put up an online demo?
|
|||||||||
hawkbird New user 94 Posts |
Does the brown wallet look the same or close to the one pictured at Martins Magic? And if anyone is not happy with theirs because of the color problem I may be intrested in purchasing this one at a reasonable price!
PM me! Before I decide to order... |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Magical Accessories » » Predator Wallet Real Review (14 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page 1~2~3~4~5~6~7~8 [Next] |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.07 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |