I'm looking for a decent Vanishing Cane, Cane to silks, etc. I have seen the Fantasio's. Seem good on the demo's. Anybody have any experience with these that can give a good recommendation on a brand?

Thanks!

Without a doubt, Fantasio is the way to go...I've been using their canes & candles for years with no complaints.

I love the Fantasio White Vanishing cane, it gets my highest recommendation. Some might recommend 'metal' vanishing canes but I would certainly say stick with the Fantasio plastic brand.

You cannot go wrong with the Fantasio cane. I have used the metal canes and the plastic is much better on the silks.

I agree, Fantasio is the way to go.

My "Walsh" canes are sitting in the display case since Fantasio arrived on the scene!

Cheers!

Fantasio=Fantasioastic

"I have used the metal canes and the plastic is much better on the silks. "

Yes, and the plastic Fantasio canes are much easier on your hands as well.

I have both metal and Fantasio canes, and have to say that the metal canes are a body impalement waiting to happen. To me, they are just too dangerous, and require more maintenance (such as oiling).

Fantasio definitely!!!!!!!

I have had some bad experiences with metal canes.

Fantasio are fast, you don't have to oil them, and they look great on stage, especially the red vanishing and appearing canes.

Harahkan vanishing cane...it's metal. By far the best vanishing cane that has ever been made. They are very hard to find though. The problem with the Fantasios is that they don't collapse fast enough.

My Fantasio cane is very fast!!!!!!!!!!
You have to look after it well and it will reward you. Also don't load too much into them.

The Fantasio, they're nice and light, and easy to appear.

Guess I'm from the old school like Ben. I have a harrakan vanishing cane and it's twice as fast as the Fantasio ones. Also, it doesn't need oiling. I use large silks in my act and can easily load this cane with two 24" ones. Impossible with the Fantasio canes. I've had this cane for over 25 years and it's just as good as the day I bought it. It all really comes down to what you are doing with it though. For some routines the plastic is fine and if you're looking for colors, then you have no choice.
As for the danger of using the metal versionsas mentioned by MCatalani, if you handle them correctly, you will not be injured. It takes practice to get the handling down but IMO, it's well worth the effort.
Also, if you do the vanishing cane in newspaper, I've found the plastic canes to be very difficult to work with.

I agree with Dave about the Harrakan cane. They are so fast - much faster than a fantasio plastic cane.

I noticed that Hocus-Pocus is selling them on their website. They're expensive - $125.00 or so, but well worth it if you can afford one.

Ron Reid

I have the metal and plastic as well---plastic is more comfortable--BUT---It LOOKS like plastic and tends to "wobble" when it is produced plus I think they are way too thin--I have a metal one I got Tannens, but it has the problems mentioned in the above post plus is is gun metal blue and not black.----get both and try them out--spend money and help the economy!---lol----Cheers!---Jimeuax

$125 for an appearing cane

I think I will stick with Fantasio for just now

I've had my Walsh style vanishing and appearing cane for over 25 years and they work great. I wonder if a Fantasio would last that long.

Ok here is my thoughts on the canes.
I use both fantasio and the metal canes from modern magic in Germany and some great metal canes from Yoji Yamamoto from Japan.
Both the fantasio canes and the metal canes has there advanteges and errors.
If you want to do effects like the flash vanishing cane or flame cane or torch to cane, one can't use the fantasio canes. On the other hand, one must use the fantasio canes for effects like the colorchanging cane (double and triple) or the dancing vanishing cane.
I think the metal ones are more sturdy than the fantasio and if you handle them corectly, you won't cut yourself on them. Take the bottom of the cane between the left middle and pinky finger at the midle joint and the knob in the right hand. Now slowly start to release the cane from the knob by twisting the knob back and forwards slowly.
You will find that the cane will vanish fast, silent and that you won't cut yourself. By the way, this also works great for the fantasio canes.

Vibono Magic
Sweden

I think that Fantasio canes are best overall. OK - so they might not be as fast as metal canes, but they don't chop fingers or rip silks. Fantasio are the way to go.

Which one have the longer lasting quality, Fantasio's or Harrakan's?