I have been practicing with Steamboat cards and the borderless pattern is really helping me with card handling finesse when dealing with reversed cards in Triumph style effects and Biddle movements as well. It really takes careful finesse to avoid revealing moves. I probably will never perform with said pattern decks, I normally use Bicycle or Ace Authentic (very inexpensive Carta Mundi product of reasonable quality) to perform with. After doing this for the last month while practicing, I am seeing some definite improvement in my mechanics. Honestly, I believe it has helped my double lift also. Cleaner handling makes a difference. As with anything in life, YMMV.

Mike Malone

I find it easier to practice with larger cards that are slightly "worn." It surely helped my dl a lot!

Different cards have different feels and handling, so to be the best you can be, practice with what you will be using for your actual show.

I agree! Its the same with coin gaffs. Most people try to practice with Johnsons since they are cheap and easy to replace. I practice with my Lassen gaffs since that's what I use for my performance.