I don't know how this works, only that they sell refills for it. (!?)
I haven't seen a video demo.

My question is, is the wand itself decent quality, to be used as a general purpose wand? Or should I just shell out for a nice wand?

I would just shell out for a decent wand and learn some vanishes and appearances using an ordinary wand...

If they sell a refill for it, then I don't think it is the wand you are thinking of - and it cannot be used as a general all purpose wand.

Thanks...I'll pass on it.

Sounds like the P-L vanishing wand described in Tarbel V2 p47.
It is a fine trick, I think I saw a clip of Kapps using one.

Yet, as the "refills" imply, it is use once, then pull out the next refill.

As mentioned above, there are other ways to vanish/appear a non-gimmicked wand - check out the Flip-Stick moves. There are also reusable appear(only) or vanish (only) wands

I once asked a similiar question, and got a simple answer from Pete - FLIP STICK IT. I can only quote this wise and experienced man. Forget the gimmicks.

FLIP STICK.

There's a relatively inexpensive P & L type vanishing wand and shell(s) set and also matching shells packaged alone that is available from a contemporary supplier.

It's really a pretty good trick that can be presented a couple of different ways: straight vanishing wand, wand to silk, wand to salt/confetti and probably others I haven't imagined...

Julie

A less expensive way to explore a variety of wand types is in my Dollar Store article on "Broomstick Witchcraft," on my site. After I ran out of ideas for a Dollar Store Broom, I began cutting up the broomstick into smaller pieces to make canes and wands. You'll find a wide variety of wands described that you can make yourself from inexpensive materials.

Do not buy this effect. I got one from Hocus Pocus, and bought refills as well. But they are useless, as you are supposed to wrap wand in newspaper and then tear, but you would have to be Hercules to tear even the shell on its own. Feel really let down with this, as I will have to make my own shells.
Cheers,
denis

P.S. It's by Empire Magic.

Shoot ogawa just produced his new wand DVD.
All you need is just a wooden wand and silk.
I think you might like it!

http://www.holyshoot.com

The vanishing wand using shells plays well. However, doing it early in the show and replacing it with a solid wand make a lot of sense. That is the only way I was willing to use it. Now I never use it at all. However, I still think it is good magic. It is just not a good alternative to a regular wand.

Some things in life are illusions. Others are delusions.

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander