I have done a search but it really did not answer my question.
Hocus-Pocus has the European Chair Suspension? Then there is the Harbin one and then there is Mak?
What do you all think?
Anthony

Don't forget the Sommers version which is very good, too.

I think the more accurate question would be "which chair suspension is the best for you...?"

Do you plan on using adults? How is your budget? The Bill Smith chair suspension is widely regarded as THE best... But it does have a price tag...

If you do not plan on using adults, a cheaper model might be good... Again, depending on your budget, and usage...


Louis Jutras

The European chair is the the most secure and innocent looking. I have used Sommers & Bill Smith.

I have the Mak version which I have used for many years without any problems. I always use a child of 7 or 8 that weighs about 80 pounds or so (never over 100). I also have the European version for adults that is great (although heavy). I agree that the European and mak versions look more inocent than the Bill Smith version. As others have said, it's all in who you want to float!

One note: Always check your rivets in the chair hinge for integrity and check the gimick for stress cracks and movement before each use!

MJ

I have a custom made Bill Smith model that was made from european chairs. The chairs are real chairs that were beefed up by him per Harbin plans. It holds 125 pounds.

It is different from what he make now.

In the case it is 111 pounds total. The models Bill Smith makes now are even more heavy .The gimmicks will last several lifetimes. I would not use it in a typical Birthday Party, to much to set up (bulky).

It's the best version commonly available. If you plan to use adults or children.

The above post are correct.

Don

I own the european version sold by Hocus Pocus it works great for kids and adults
I fell much safer when I use kids knowing it will hold someone who weighs 150 lbs.
John

I brought park chairs home from England and John Gaughan made them into a Harbin version. None Better. I'm sure Bill Smith's are just as good. Be safe.

I had a Jack Hughes Chair suspension, probably the most natural looking and effective. Mine was owned by Jeff McBride when he was 12 yrs old.

Very nice of all of you to comment. Thanks for all the insight. It makes my decision much easier!
Anthony

All the versions are doing the job, however the European chair suspension can hold an adult which give it a great benefit.
The chairs are made from wood and they look like regular home folding chairs.

If someone is interesting I have a set in a very good condition for sale, PM if you are interesting.

I have a Bill Smith chair suspension that I am selling. The chairs are custom and have been painted tho look like wood, it comes in 2 ABS cases, the board is aluminum. It's very nice. This cost me close to $3000 to have built. If anyone is interested PM me and I'll give you a price.

Hi all,

Great question and one in which many performers are confused about when looking into this illusion. llow me to describe and explain the models and types that are oput there in hopes it may be of benefit to you. My pleasure.

Louis is correct. The first thing you must realize is not whcih model is the best but what you plan on using the chair suspension for. Each model type is built for a very different purpose. All of them work well but they work well based on a specific need.

The main question to ask is if you plan on using it with a child (as in a birthday party or family show situation) or do you want to use an adult? The answer to this question will direct your path to which one is best suited for your needs.

Models:
1) mak magic and sommers: These models are good and are about the same. The difference is that the mak model uses a more metal folding chair where as the sommers model chairs have the heavy plastic back and seat. They both sell for around $450 US. The main point about these models is that they are intended for use of a child only. You would never want to use this model fopr an adult. If yoour goal is to add this into a kid's show, then this model is all you would ever really need. I own a sommers currently and have had it for years. It will serve you well.

2) Bill Smith model: This model is mainly used for adults. if you want to be able to use an adult or adult assistant, then this model is the correct way to go. It is heavy construction and ways a lot more so take that into consideration. This model is also the most exspensive model chair suspension out there. if using it for adults, then this is ideal and is also ideal for larger style shows.

3) European model: this model is relatively new to the chair suspension models. it is a sort of middle of the road model between a mak or sommers and a Bill Smith. It can hold an adult if you need it to and should do a good job for you. It also does not cost as much as a Bill Smith version. I still would not use an audlt all the time on this model. However, if youwant to use an adult or adult asisstant, this can handle it.

I hope this helps. I can go into a lot more detials on this and any other question you may have. it would be my pleasure to do so for you. Just simply ask.

Kyle

There is another difference with the Bill Smith prop apart from its ability to handle significantly more weight. It's subtle, but it's something that really facilitates the illusion that the person is actually floating and not simply being held up by some sort of support that can't be seen. It involves the design of the gimmick, and Harbin was very specific--and emphatic--about this aspect of the illusion in his book.

I don't want to say more on an open forum, but if you have the "10 Years of Steve Spill" DVD then check out "The Making of Magicopolis" bonus section where you'll find a video clip of Penn & Teller taking full advantage of this feature in their performance of the illusion, and you'll see what I mean.

I have tried and seen all it is an illusion wich I like a lot , from my experience bill smith is the best it is heavy but it has some feautures that fools and when you perform it you feel totaly safe .

I had 8 pairs of the original puchinger levitation chair, my first pair is dated 1987 I has to say after more than 4000 performances with this chairs is top, its the best and most commercial illusion I ever had, I have 60 illusion in my possesion and still its stays one of my preferees !!!! papa chico belgium

I use an Abbott's Chair Suspension. It could be used on someone weighing up to about 110, with strength to spare, but they'd be hanging off the edges of the board. When I pull out the chair, I want to be able to lift the board, slightly. That's why I prefer to keep the weight limit to about 80 pounds.

The volunteer's head doesn't hang in an uncomfortable position, because she rests on a visible board.

Well the proper positioning of the suspension is to indeed have the helper's head positioned slightly off the board and resting downwards. this gives the appearance that she is suspended from her neck outward and adds to thr proper look of the illusion. It also helps in the balance point and the head and hair covers the "secret" area better allowing you greater angles.

Kyle

As I'm not familiar with the in's and out's of the various chair suspension models I was wondering which ones do and which ones don't allow/involve the removal of the board the 'suspendee' is lying on?

Neal

BTW, I added an aftermarket accessory to the Abbott's Chair Suspension, to make it more deceptive. When I refinish it, there may be some more changes. I simply prefer a model with a visible board, rather than a removed gurney. Even if it would support my weight, I wouldn't get on it if my head were hanging off of it. That's painful!