Lately I have been bitten by the bug to add a chair suspension to my act. I was dealing on one and it fell through. I am not sure I can affort the Harbin model plus I am concerned about the weight of the props for transporting. I guess that gets me down to chair suspension by: Abbotts, Mak, and Klamm which I think is made by Jim Sommers. Can someone give me some advice on which models are better and why? Also is there another chair suspension that I should be considering. Would also be interested in any info concerning making one myself.

Thanks and Have a Nice Day!!!

Walking Bob in Iowa

Hey bob;

From what I hear sommers makes a great one. Mak, I've heard some roughs stories, but also some good stories. Another building is Bill Smith he makes an amazing chair suspension (used by Penn and Teller). Do a search on here, you'll find lots of threads discussing the chair suspension. Hope this helps.

Matt

I recently tried out the Klamm model. It is made by Sommers. Loved it, and they indicate it holds about 140 lbs without a problem. Sorry but I don't know about the others. Mr. Klamm is in Kansas City, where I'm from. Great guy. Very honest. Call him.

If you ever see one for sale, get the Jack Hughes version original.

I use the MAK and like it very much. Simple, no problems or issues. Plus, make sure you get Kyle's e-book on the illusion.

If you would like a new MAK one, PM me.

Just got my new one today..Made by Jim Summers very impressed and works great tested it with 100lb subject no drop if you know wht I mean..Ordered it thru Klamm Magic great service and really nice guy to deal with.. Also you might be interested in Kyle Peron's e-book on chair suspensions ..If your going to get a CS his e-book will be the best 10 bucks you ever spent..Just for the record I have no afiliations with any of the above mentioned.just my opinion.. Hope it helps.. Mark

I used the Jim Sommers/Klamm suspension for 5 years - really liked it. I now have a European suspension. If you can afford the extra $200 - 400 bucks, go for the European model. I was very careful with the Sommers - careful about whom I picked, careful about putting them on, careful about removing the chair, etc. With the European Suspension, all your concern is thrown out the window. Just pick a volunteer and put them on the board. No worry, no "hitting the sweet spot", no checking for sag, nothing. done. It's a joy to perform.

Jim

Café Members

I bought the European Chair Suspension several years ago from Hocus Pocus and have been very satisfied with the purchase!!!

Happy New Year!!!

Walking Bob in Iowa

I too use the Mak. I use their deluxe one and it's fantastic! No sag or wobble and can levitate up to 170 lbs. Highly recommended. (You can contact me if you want to order one. I LOVE mine.)

Ever see an engine block on a chair suspension?

Click here to view attached image.

Thanks Jay ... Now there's something I haven't tried yet.

Dan.

Jay, that's not what your mechanic meant when he said you needed a new suspension.

The complete suspension is for the engine... but the gimmick can be used for a car jack.

Click here to view attached image.

Impressive. Which model is that, Jay (the suspension, not the car)?

PM sent

Most will scream out. "There is another board." when you pull the chair and board away.

Someone needs to make a more deceptive version

The problem that this tends to happen a lot is because a lot of folks have a routine that is set up and performed wrong. Most call the illusion floating. They even have in their marketing floating and their patter is "floating". As soon as you start to head that way, it puts the wrong ideas into the minds of the audience.

As many know, this is a suspension. That is what it is. So I present it as a mystery and I never even state exactly what will happen. They do not know until it does happen.

Now they should never ever say there is another board there. If they do. it is also because of several factors.

1) the person is positioned wrong and in such a way that it looks unnatural
2) some add a head rest attachment to the illusion cause they are afraid the child's head will hurt. The head rest is never needed.
3) the cloth on the anchorage board is not attached or on correctly
4) the cloth when the child is wrapped is wrapped too tight. When the cloth is draped over it is done so that their is natural sag on it. It is gently placed over and not pulled tightly.

If done correctly with the above points taken into consideration, they will never shout out about another board. They will be too floored as to what they are seeing and witnessing.

So there does not need to be another deceptive version made. Harbin created a classic for a reaosn and it should remain a classic. It just needs to be understood more by folks before they perform it.

Kyle

Jack Hughes +1

I use the Somers version and love it. I also can vouch for Kyle's book - a lot of great info in there. Really took away any trepidation I had for doing the effect.

Here is one for sale for only $250 wow!!

http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......rum=76&1