Well, any thoughts? I will probably be wanting a hard style tip. Anyone have any brand they like for a realistic thumb tip?

ATG

I like the Vernet hard XL.
I like the Vernet soft regular (which is not that soft; my new favorite).

Not sure what you mean when you say "realistic." I have a Vernet hard (medium) I picked up from Denny and Lee's Magic Studio, and it works like a charm. Just a standard thumb tip should do you fine if you know how to properly use it...

I am NOT cheap or frugal. However, I am proud to say...for a bill switch performed dozens of times a week...I have been using the same hard Vernet tip for at least 8 years. It is split at the bottom and quite shiny from use, but it doesn't matter...because it does the job...and it is never "actually" seen....except by me, of course.

Rich

This is a funny thread, I think. Who cares what it looks like? NOBODY EVER SEES IT, and if they do, then you're doing it wrong.

I use the Vernet Hard XL...but here's the thing...to prove a point to another Magician, I painted it GREEN!!!!!! Yep...GREEN...even more green than the Café Green. It's the ugliest thing you've ever seen...except YOU NEVER SEE IT!!!

A good TT performer can do whatever he wants and the tip is never seen by the audience. So when I do my TT stuff, I have a green thumb...but nobody ever sees it, and I've never once been busted!

Work on your handling and you'll be fine. I think it's silly to waste money on one of those TTs that have finger prints and a shiny nail.

Lyle is right, any thumb tip will do, even a bright red one. If you use it right, the appearance won't matter. The Vernet is widely available in multi sizes and not at all expensive, pick one.

I disagree. A thumb tip that closely matches the colour, texture and size of your thumb allows for a more free display of the fully open hand all around and is, therefore, more deceptive.

Ehhh...to each their own, I guess. My point was that regardless if it matches your skin tone or if it's plaid...if you no how to handle the prop, then nobody will ever see it.

A TT is not a "secret" much anymore. I think many have seen one due to exposure in movies and on YouTube. Many people ask me how I do stuff without wearing a "fake finger" because they know how it's done...but I don't do it the same way.

Proving my point...

I would say: Whatever floats your boat. If a highly realistic TT makes you feel more comfortable and confident, it's probably what you should get. However, I do agree with the above posters; it shouldn't matter.


Maybe slightly OT, but I have a thought about showing the hands empty: Personally, I prefer it to appear slightly casual. I want the audience to notice that my hands are empty without me really bringing attention to it. The reason for this is that if you 'aggressively' keep bringing attention to your empty hands, it will seem strange when you don't do it.

So if I do, say, a TT silk vanish, I keep the focus on the hand from where the silk is vanishing, casually letting them notice that my other hand (wearing the TT) is indeed empty. After all, at this moment in time, the 'magic' hasn't happened yet and they should have no real reason to suspect foul play.

Vernet Soft Regular
Thanks,
Hansel!

I think the funniest thing of all about the thread is that Lyle HAS NO IDEA WHAT I'M USING THE TIP FOR, and yet he's telling me to work on my TT handling! Bottom line, I asked about realistic tips for a reason.

A lot of magicians talk about using a 3 dollar thumb tip and how "if you use it right, no one will see it" and pride themselves on their boldness for use of the prop. The point is some of the newer thumb tips are better looking, and there is no reason to hold onto the old ideas unless they work better for you for some reason or you do not find it necessary for the kind of TT work YOU do.

It doesn't have a thing to do with my handling. What it does have to do with is the trick I will be working is one where people look within 6-12 inches of my hand and the tip is highly exposed.

I don't want a $25 thumb tip to fool the 99% of the people that its going to fly right by. I want the $25 thumb tip to fool the 1% of the people who may be more observant and who may potentially point it out to others. People talk about owning their tips for years, and I'm not different. I'm fine spending 25 bucks on a prop that will last me 3-5 years. That works out to about 5 dollars a year. Pretty fair price to have a little added security if you ask me.

Thanks for the input and the time for everyone's responses, but I'm already well versed on the TT.

ATG

P.S. As far as using a green thumb tip, isn't it a little foolish to give yourself a handy cap during your performances? I'm sure you'll roll out a bunch of reasons about it being a challenge, or you think it's funny or something like that, but I know few full time working professionals that find time to take unneeded risks in their work. Also, some of the old masters have proven the point you made to your friend by the exact same means, but I'm sure you knew that.

The point I was trying to get across that perhaps got lost in translation was that any old cheap thumb tip will do fine if you know how to use it. If you point it directly at the person for any length of time, you're temptin' fate...but that's on you.

Good luck with whatever you're doing....

Yeah, that's kinda the deal here. It will be for an extended period of time, roughly a count of 6 seconds. I've never been caught, even by repeat viewers, BUT I'm all about minimizing risk and using the best I can rationally afford.

Also, I agree a cheap tip will work fine for most all TT work.

ATG

The color doesn't matter, but...if you won't perform with it until you feel comfortable, then look for one that makes you feel good.

And...get Alex De Cova's Examining the Thumbtip DVD. You won't look at this device the same way:
http://www.topsmagic.com/topshop/product......033c030a

Free Shipping in U.S. and Canada at TOPS Magic.

AntonDreaming,

http://www.magicshop.co.uk/p2059/Deluxe_......nfo.html

I'm surprised nobody has posted this yet, but these look very nice. However, there was a thread on these, and I believe, if used forcefully, they have a tendency to peel the paint. Not sure, though. Please check previous threads.

luke

P.S. Have been thinking about picking one up myself, but haven't made up my mind.

Posted: Apr 25, 2008 4:48am
By the way, if you find the company online, they will cater for a range of skin tones and thumb sizes. I think there are four colours altogether and a bunch of sizes.

Posted: Apr 25, 2008 5:11am
http://www.magic-frediup.com/
Did a bit of searching, and I think this is the right site.

luke

That being said, I actually use a soft Vernet, but I will now be searching out a pink fluorescent tip with flashing strobe lights.

For whatever it's worth, I bought a Frediup tip and then resold it a couple of months later.

It was just too soft and flexible for my taste. Also, the bottom edge is significantly more obvious than the Vernet and some of the vinyl tips that I prefer to use.

That said, I don't know what ATG is intending to do with the tip, so this might be right up his alley as it is much more realistic in appearance.

I do not know if you guys know or not, but Magic Makers, Inc. makes a really good one as well. I know because I use it all the time, and if you buy one of my DVDs, you get two of them with it.

I went to a magic convention and looked through jars and jars of thumbtips (and tried them on) until I found one that almost matches my skin tone and fits perfectly. This is the COMFORT FACTOR Christopher referred to. It's not green or red, nor does it have a flashing light (isn't that another marketed effect?). But I can wear it whenever and perform with it, and it just feels "right".

Jim

I use a hard Vernet (standard size) and a Vernet King size.

In one of my routines, the King size is within audience view for over 20 straight seconds, within 12inches of their faces, with FULL HEAT on my hands.

Never been caught, never been hinted at.