I've run into about 5 different kinds on the internet. Which do you prefer to use and why?

I use ordinary Bee cards.

For some productions I use them right out of the packet because I need a lot of tension in the cards.

Sometimes I use a ruler to softem them a little bit, this is ideal for arm spreads, fans, etc...

Most of the times, I peel off the back layer (a Bee card consists of three layers in total): this is for most productions, especially split fans.

For single back productions (which I hardly ever do) I just use the front layer. That's as thin as you can get.


Cheers, Chris

Peter Marvey's cards are pretty good.

* "futuristic" colored background
* Flesh colored edge's
* 2 Types - Thin and Extra thin

His extra thin cards are fantastic for production fans and the thin ones are good for single back card productions.

Great info. Thanks guys!

Well, you know what I prefer. The Marvey cards are good for certain things, but for all around use, I prefer Murphy's.

Sable

bee cards are good for general production.
I use Norm Neilson cards for presentation and for fans. They are thinner...
Murphy I haven't used.
Marvey cards...are a bit more pricey...

u know what i use?
of course not i havent told you yet

ok sereously
i go to a dollar store and get some of those decks already used in a casino
they take breaking in but they work

i like Bee too(simply because there corneres arent cut)
Gary

what cards to you guys practice with (just out of curiosity)?

I have manipulation cards (N. Nielsen), but I can't bring my self to use them just yet.

when I practice, I have been using a streamline deck. I've worked with this particular deck a while, and I just feel more comfortable with them. I just wish they didn't have the boarder.

Kallak

I think Norm Nielsen manipulation cards are great but i found a bridge size deck made of bicycle cards material and i think of they are really great for manipulation.

Norm Nielsen are still to stiff to use brand new. Kallak: Cards aren't precious. Use 'em, Abuse 'em, and lose 'em.

My whole thing with the Neilsen cards is that I don't want to use them until I actually attempt a performance piece.

right now, I'm still learning some stuff and putting a routine together.

If there were a magic shop in my immediate area (which sadly there isn't), I might be a little more willing. but those manipulation cards a kinda pricey and buying them off the internet is time consuming.

Kallak

You are going to practice with them befor you perform with them RIGHT??
After you have all the bits, but befor you put it to an audance.

yes. that's the plan. I've messed with them once or twice, but I just don't really want to get at them until I have a routine down, and am ready to go with it in front of people, then I'll work them in and give it a whirl.

Kallak

but I don't get why your afraid to break them in now. give your cards and hands time to get aquainted. Manipulation cards get BETTER with use.

I guess when it comes right down to it, there are a few reasons.

my practice cards (from much use) have small tears and a solid bend or two here and there. If I do that to the manipulation cards before I get to try them out for "real", I'll get this feeling like I have to buy more, which leads to...

no local magic shop = have to buy online. takes a while to get here (that and the prices are kinda high).

as far as getting better with use, I guess I should know it, as I am far more comfortable with my practice cards. I think maybe its the psychological effect of the wear and tear on them making me not want to destory the manipulation cards as rapidly as I imagine I might.

I have 2 decks of the manipulation cards, one is open and the other is still in the plastic wrapping.

I find myself wanting to use the open pack for practicing, but then telling myself that for an actual performance piece, I will need more than 1 deck's worth, and therefore is one is wrecked...

I don't know, maybe I should just order some more now and use the two I have for practice. I am kind of interested in experimenting with the P.Marvey ones (the concept of two thicknesses kinda grabs me).

Kallak

Kallak
break in the neilson cards...I would recommend working with them for at least an hour or so before performing...they are stiff out of the wrapper...
Then if you want to save them, put them away.
I have a few decks of neilson "saved up" but broken in, for real performances. I use those or bee.
I practice with Bikes, Bees (cheap if you buy the casino used ones)
I'm not sure if the extra thin Marvey's have enough snap...you need to see if they fit you.

<Sigh!>
Card manipulation remains my forte. However, card type - brand, size, thickness remains a thorn in my side despite being my specialty.
The paradox: I spent my early years practicing flourishes/techniques using Poker size cards (Bee/Bicycle) for many years.
Recently purchased a third brand of manipulation cards. Most recently Marvey and Nielsen, both of which are excellent if you don't have my newfound problem.
Performing well-rehearsed techniques with bridge size cards when your hands accustomed to poker size! Believe me it makes a difference. My hands went from polished no flashin' works of art (my humble opinion <grin>) to sloppy first day newcomer status. It shocked me! I assumed i would have an easier time but didn't. I decided not to "adapt" to the new card size and stuck with (Bee/Bicycle) again <sigh>.
The cards rendered useless in my case as my hands are very accustomed to a specific size and thickness - despite having average hands. I imagine the opposite would be true for those initially exposed to and performing with professionall fleshback bridge cards.
I believe McBride has a line of poker size flesh-colored cards....will visit his site and see what he offers.
But before doing so, any comments regarding his variety?
Afterall, my act won't be sent back to drawin' board if I dont find a suitable poker size fleshback deck. I've done very well with Bee/Bicycle.

Best wishes to all - do great things always!

Randy Stewart

Hehe.....I love that dancin' pepper.

Randy,

it is OK that you manipulate better with poker size cards. Since they are broader they will be curved more holding them in b_______ and will leave more place for the two fingers in the middle. Also they are shorter, so when you transfer them to the inside of the hand you reach the upper end more easily.

I am preferring poker size manipulation cards too. I have some japanese decks which are labeled "Magician's cards made by Million Cards" and they are fantastic.

Regards

Hannes Frischat

I would perosnally recommend to stick to one type. Once you get accustomed to use one you have spend another time to get used to another one. Do not waste time... Use the ones you like best and feel confortable. I suggest not to make a collection of all types.

WOW very interesting topic I must add, well I like to give me opion here if I may...thank you...lol.
I been doing card manipulations for 16 years now I have never changed anything as to my order of produtions I have added newer effects over the years as I have mastered them, now heres the kicker in total I use 5 full decks of cards 2 decks Neilson's the rest I used were mixed one full fanning deck and the rest all bicycle poker and bridge size now I was using the same decks for the past 14 years never replaced them now there were torn but hey like any tool in any trade once its broken in to the way you like it you never want to get rid of it. I used deck clips to make them straight again and heres a trick I learned from a magician when I was in Japan you put them on a cookie sheet in the oven UNTILL GOLDEN BROWN>>>LOL just kidden untill there flatten'd out again. It wasn't up till two years ago I had some made for myself case I wanted pictures on the cards instead of regular playing card style.
Now im a dealer so I have decks right in front of me to replace mine but you know I never did and bot im missing my old ones still today.
WELL LAST POINT ID LIKE TO MAKE Jeff Mcbrides got a beautiful deck check his sight I beleive you can buy them there and who else knows better then him whats best in a card!!!! <<ME TRIEING A NEW DECK>>>>NOT GOING TO HAPPEN ANY TIME SOON...

Magicaly Yours FantisyKnight