On Jan 25, 2023, chicagoman wrote:
Here's my honest review of "Down 2 1": It's a ripoff of FLIP by Wes Iseli which was one of the best, exceptionally priced contributions by a magician of late (at $20)! Jon took Wes's elegantly simple idea (which Jon admits upfront) and more than tripled the cost at $65 - $75 with props that aren't even needed (Yes, you can use regular coins because as Jon says, "the coins aren't gimmicked", and any kid can make the "special envelope"). Jon has only improved on two small nits that Jon perceives are lacking in Wes's routine--but let's not forget: IT FOOLED PENN AND TELLER.

Plus, Wes, who obviously worked on his "Flip" concept for years, instead of Jon working on his "improvement" for a fraction of that time, came up with all the nuances and presentational approaches to demonstrate the same effect in all the various venues with copious explanations and battle-tested advice. Wes, offered to other magicians a well thought out trick that can be performed from close-up to parlor to stage, all at a reasonable price.

Jon took just ONE of part of all that Wes created and sold it as his own to the magic community at a very unreasonable price.
Wes, is probably not doing or saying anything about Jon ripping him off because he's too nice a guy. BTW I do own both.

On Jan 25, 2023, chicagoman wrote:
Here's my honest review of "Down 2 1": It's a ripoff of FLIP by Wes Iseli which was one of the best, exceptionally priced contributions by a magician of late (at $20)! Jon took Wes's elegantly simple idea (which Jon admits upfront) and more than tripled the cost at $65 - $75 with props that aren't even needed (Yes, you can use regular coins because as Jon says, "the coins aren't gimmicked", and any kid can make the "special envelope"). Jon has only improved on two small nits that Jon perceives are lacking in Wes's routine--but let's not forget: IT FOOLED PENN AND TELLER.

Plus, Wes, who obviously worked on his "Flip" concept for years, instead of Jon working on his "improvement" for a fraction of that time, came up with all the nuances and presentational approaches to demonstrate the same effect in all the various venues with copious explanations and battle-tested advice. Wes, offered to other magicians a well thought out trick that can be performed from close-up to parlor to stage, all at a reasonable price.

Jon took just ONE of part of all that Wes created and sold it as his own to the magic community at a very unreasonable price.
Wes, is probably not doing or saying anything about Jon ripping him off because he's too nice a guy. BTW I do own both.

On Jan 25, 2023, chicagoman wrote:
Here's my honest review of "Down 2 1": It's a ripoff of FLIP by Wes Iseli which was one of the best, exceptionally priced contributions by a magician of late (at $20)! Jon took Wes's elegantly simple idea (which Jon admits upfront) and more than tripled the cost at $65 - $75 with props that aren't even needed (Yes, you can use regular coins because as Jon says, "the coins aren't gimmicked", and any kid can make the "special envelope"). Jon has only improved on two small nits that Jon perceives are lacking in Wes's routine--but let's not forget: IT FOOLED PENN AND TELLER.

Plus, Wes, who obviously worked on his "Flip" concept for years, instead of Jon working on his "improvement" for a fraction of that time, came up with all the nuances and presentational approaches to demonstrate the same effect in all the various venues with copious explanations and battle-tested advice. Wes, offered to other magicians a well thought out trick that can be performed from close-up to parlor to stage, all at a reasonable price.

Jon took just ONE of part of all that Wes created and sold it as his own to the magic community at a very unreasonable price.
Wes, is probably not doing or saying anything about Jon ripping him off because he's too nice a guy. BTW I do own both.

On Jan 25, 2023, chicagoman wrote:
Jon took Wes's elegantly simple idea