TRAILER : http://www.ellusionist.com/baller-by-jt.html

This looks really nice!!!

Saw this performed at the Session back in January and can vouch that this looks even better in person. It's such a great idea!

Will anyone in the UK be stocking?

How durable is this? While the trailer looks great, at $34.95 for one, I hope it's durable.

Also, maybe I missed it, but is this something which you add to your own spongeballs? I don't see color options, or color even mentioned, so I'm not sure if the only option is red, and we're supposed to presume that since the only thing seen in the trailer is red spongeballs, or if it's a gimmick to which you add your own spongeballs.

Looks good. Will be waiting more info and review.

I thought it seemed on the expensive side, especially with shipping to the UK, but... I use sponge balls at nearly every gig and was impressed by the visuals, so pushed the button (impulse buy which is against normal buying habits - yes, calculated gamble based on increased visuals to an already brilliant close up trick - also yes).

The downloads kept getting stuck after about 4mb (which will hopefully get sorted), but I did watch the streaming version of the instructions. You get a very basic routine, a balls across routine which looks great and a balls through glass routine.

JT recommends that if you are new to sponge ball magic, to "throw away" the gimmick until you have learnt the basic sleight of hand - wise words. If you are not competent with sleight of hand, this is probably not the product for you. For those who have the basic skills, this should really add to the routine you already do (and allow you to do the balls across/through glass etc.).

I don't really want to go into the gimmick details as it would not be fair on the creator/on E, but I hope that the gimmick comes with matching balls for colour (or color!) consistency. The balls used look like they're around 2".

If the gimmick works in real life and is durable, then this will be a definite step forward for what is one of the most powerful close up props you can use in the trenches.

Once I get it, I'll post a review if real world feedback hasn't already been posted.

You are correct Puggo - It's 4 2" inch red sponge balls, and the gimmick. Made by Goshman so you know the quality.

Thanks Christopher.

PS - the download worked fine from the email link.

It's probably still propagating through some of the download servers. It starts in CA and moves out from there. It should be all good soon, though, worldwide.

I haven't ever really even tried to look into the sponge balls.... seeing this is making think I need to research more into it and possibly look at getting this... I'll take the advice mentioned above "JT recommends that if you are new to sponge ball magic, to "throw away" the gimmick until you have learnt the basic sleight of hand - wise words."

Sponge balls always get a big reaction. Frustratingly so, I feel. I showed my simple sponge ball routine (which I learned on Inside Magic I believe) to my wife 4 years or so ago and she still talks about it to this day. All the mind reading, hypnosis, cups and balls, classic card tricks, etc. that I've done, that's the one she still giggles about.

Sounds good and interesting.

Not everyone performs with them, but there are pros I've heard of who don't particularly like them, but use them or that stopped using them, but had to bring them back.. (e.g. Eugene Burger).
Learn the basics of sponge ball magic and apart from having a strong trick, you can use napkins, paper money etc...

This is not the download to learn sponges from, there are many sources such as Daryl, Pat Page and more, that will set you up for life.

I bet this would look really great in conjunction with these;) http://www.bizzaromatic.com/#ccsb

I hate sponge balls, if I never see another routine again I'll be happy and yet that looks so good I'm tempted to buy. That ball through window is so nice. Well done. Hopefully the reviews are good.

Hey everyone!

Thank you all for your interest and kind words on Baller. Just thought I'd jump in here and answer some questions.

First of all, I stand by my statement. If you're new on sponge balls, this probably is not for you yet. Get the time to get to know the prop, learn all the basics and when you're comfortable with what you know move on to gimmicks. Basically, buy the gimmick only when you FEEL you don't need it to get a good reaction.

On to the gimmicks. I've made all of the gimmicks just like I made mine - and it has lasted for over a year. If you use the tips I give you in the instructions you'll have that gimmick kicking and ready to rock for years. If however your gimmick DOES get damaged somehow, I am here to help. The best part about being the creator of the effect and the creator of the gimmick is that you can contact me so we can fix your gimmick together.

About other colours, I believe that if the product is well received, Ellusionist will agree to produce more colours. I know many of you use other colours and I'm sorry, but we agreed to go with red as it is the most popular.

I hope this post cleared some things up. Again, thank you all for your kind words and please feel free to contact me with any questions. I'll pop back up here soon!

Oh and yes, they do come with matching regular sponge balls. I'd never leave you like that.

JT

It looks great BUT...devil's advocate....even in the trailer the pretty girls yell when they open their hands not when the gimmick is used. Still does look good

Anything that happens in the spectators hands, always gets better reactions!

Sleepy

Wow, this looks interesting. I always have sponge balls with me. I just do a simple transpo with 2 balls into a spectator's hands - and it always gets the best reactions.