I saw at Hocus Pocus an updated mirage wallet. Is this something new? Also it seems this particular wallet uses a different method than the others. the "moving part" seems to suggest you never really have to load the wallet at all but rather just need it resting against the outside (actually reminds me a bit of "black envelope). Is this the case? And if so, is it unique in this function? I'm looking for an everyday hip style wallet that I can perform in jeans and t-shirt and keep my money, credit cards, etc inside... I know there's a ton of threads on wallets but for those that know the CTW scene, would you recommend this one? Wayne Dobson's seems good too.

You are spot on with your assumption. I will be ordering it myself. It now comes with a DVD with instructions and routine and what I've been told is an improvement on the gimmick, a little sturdier. Can't say much more without exposure. Hope this helps

I always liked the original Mirage Wallet. There was a little knack in getting it to work, but the illusion was wonderful.

This new one says it comes with a DVD, which will help allot. From the clip, it looks like the wallet is still the same.

http://hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/?hn=1

I wrote Mark Mason about the wallet and he said:

"same mechanism, no gold corners now and the gimmick is fastened in with a softer glue".

Thanks Chris, I actually perfer it without the gold corners
cheerz and happy new year

Over the years, I noticed folks didn't care for the gold corners. I guess Mark listened and made the adjustment.

I caved in and bought this. I'm very pleased the with the basic structure but I can't understand why the part of the wallet covering the gimmick is attached with glue- seems almost like rubber cement. It came apart in about a 5 minutes. Now this can easily be superglued but why do you think it wasn't superglued or stitched to begin with? If it's about giving the user the option to change out the gimmick nothing was mentioned about that. If that was the case they should have used velcro. Anything but temporary glue. Anybody else have this issue?

The DVD unfortunately only showed a no palm handling. Any suggestions for getting a card from gambler's cop to the wallet? Would you "load" it below the upper part of the wallet and slide it down to the lower part (as done in the no palm version)? Or would you just load it immediately below the lower part of the wallet? The most natural option would be to load it under the closed wallet and then open it. But I suppose that would sort of negate the advantage of this wallet.

I like the fact that that section comes away. I used a bit of fanning powder on the card it it slides back great now. You can palm or just bring the wallet to the top of the deck and glide the card under it. open the wallet remove the paper clip and pull the card out from under it. I actually want it to replace the card with a business card for a prediction effect. Very happy with it, so easy

I have a question is the paperclip neccesery to do the effect. Thanks Jeremy

Takeachance, I''ve actually already experimented with the business card per your suggestion. If you haven't already, you can very easily do that. You have several options. You could remake the gimmick entirely which would require a small amount of work. Or you could just cut the business card down to size, use some double-sided tape and tape it onto the existing gimmick. Of course you'd risk cosmetically damaging the original gimmick. How were you planning on using biz cards/predictions? Feel free to PM me if it's too much exposure.

Krazyjay, yes, you do need a paperclip to do the effect.

Thanks james, I just modified it as I have another card to wallet effect and I don't mind palming. I like the fact that I can leave the wallet open then reveal a prediction which was in view the entire time

I'll post a handling for the Mirage in the Secret Session section.

The original took a bit of a knack to make the gaff work smoothly, but once you got it, it worked fine.

Doing a bottom palm and slipping it under the wallet in your back pocket works well as some folks do not like the wallet touching the deck.

Bill over at Madhatter has a nice price on the Mirage:

http://madhattermagicshop.com/magicshop/......_id=7148

Anyone have the older model and the new wallet to compare them?

I wrote Mark and asked him and he said :

"this is one of the new features. It is roller glue from any stationers. It's non permanent so you can now take it apart to re tie or change the colour of the gimmick. Simply push back into place and it will be good to go. I push mine down every night before perform it.

You can use a super glue etc. Just run it around the 3 pieces of thin leather strips and put the gimmick in permanently like original. However after a period of time the paper clip will scratch and mark the card it will need removing and then you cannot get to it.

Mark".



That actually sounds like a good feature. In time the card will wear and now you can replace it without buying a new wallet.

Totally agree, luv the fact that it can be removed for replaceing the gimmick with another style of gimmick. For me its a plus

It's nice that it can be removed. But trust me, that glue will not hold the gimmick in place very long (even with Mark's suggestion of pushing down before each performance). In fact the glue on mine is already worthless. Mark really should have included extra glue or at the very least should have mentioned this issue on the DVD. Considering my gimmick began sliding around after a few minutes, I guarantee I will not be the only one with this issue. You've been warned. That said, lovely gimmick. Perfect illusion. With Shoe't, Mystery Box, Black Envelope, Special Delivery (I'm sure many more), this is obviously not a new conpcept. But it's the first I know of that uses an everyday object that you'd actually have on your person. IMHO, that alone makes it the best of its kind. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some glue to buy.

James, I think if we all work on this, perhaps we can find a proper glue. Perhaps a repositional glue stick?

I didn't sue my original as an everyday wallet because when the card wears out, you have to buy a new one. With this new wallet, I think you could carry it with you as an everyday wallet. James, do you do that?

No, I don't carry it around with me. At least not yet. I picked up some rubber cement and let the rubber cement on each side dry, then put them together. For now it seems to do the trick.

Can the mirage stand up to every day use as a regular wallet?

You could do that. You can't carry much. Bills, a license and a credit card is about it otherwise it gets too thick.