Well, from other posts it says that it is "easier" to do the effect if you're wearing a jacket. Maybe that has a hint to it..?
I use the balducci levitation once in awhile but I'm really interested in this new one, the King Levitation. Maybe I'll think about it or try to figure it out myself in the future.

I might actually send for this... I've spent much more on terrible items so this won't break my bank account. If I end up getting it I'll post my opinions.
Greg

Well, what do you know? I downloaded the levitation. Here are my thoughts: It's not a new principle, but a great new spin on it. It will take a bit of practice, but it is worth it. I like a lot of the thinking that went into it. I recommend for all those that just want to add another weapon in their arsenal of magic. For seventeen bucks you get a cool idea so keep it to yourself.
Greg

Following Greg's lead, I also downloaded the King's Levitation from ellusionist.com. I own Zero Gravity, but have never taken the time to construct what needs to be constructed. I know the gist of the Balducci, though I'm not familiar with all of the details.

In terms of angles, Zero Gravity is definiately the best, because you can do it with people on three sides. However, King's Levitation is GREAT because it is impromptu, and BOTH shoes clearly rise up. There are no gimmicks to construct and have with you! I haven't tried it yet because I just watched the video moments ago. I know it will take some practice (nothing grueling, just practice). The only drawbacks are that 1) you must wear a jacket (no, you are not hiding behind it during the levitation—you just need it for one aspect of the routine). This isn't a drawback because I wear a tux when I do magic, and wear a sport coat and tie at work. 2) the spectators really need to look at the trick from one direct angle. As long as you can control the situation in terms of angles, this seems like a real powerful illusion, different in details from both Zero Gravity and Balducci. I'm glad I downloaded it. Thanks to Ben7217 above who posted the note about this. From what I know about the Balducci, this seems like a huge improvement.

Has anybody purchased or seen a demo of something called "Wild Levitation"? It appears to be a similar principle to Fearson's, but from a different angle that the body appears to 'float' on, and also requires a jacket. But it's cheaper than Fearson's and seems to have virtually the same effect, except that one shoe must be covered by the jacket, whereas Fearson's requires sewing the pants and other prep work that to me isn't wearable for impromptu situations.

Anyway, I'm just wondering how this compares to Zero Gravity/Pocket Levitator, which I really haven't seen ... are these basically just rising shoe effects with a shoehorn of some sort?

I've just downloaded and seen King's Levitation video and I think it is really good - very effective. Anyway, I don't know the details of the others levitations so I cannot really compare. I think I will use this one, after some practice.

Gio

is the king levatation that much different from the balducci?, and that much better?

I own several of the levitation's previously discussed, and in their own way I like each of them.

It really depends on the location, the audience, the prep time, and of course your own personal preference. I like to use a ("modified") "pocket levitator" when I'm in a pinch. If I'm performing in my living room or someplace similar then I'll use the "Fearson's Box" of "Fantastic Flotation". The "Balducci" and "Zero Gravity" are also pretty cool depending on the angles and so forth of course. If I wanna do something a little silly perhaps I might perform "Looy's Sooperman" from the Paul Harris in the book Close-up Entertainer.

If I want to levitate someone other then myself then most of the time I'll stick to something along the lines of a U.F Grant levitation or perhaps the "Suspension Levitation" in the Mark Wilson Book Encyclopedia Of Magic.

Again IMO it depends on what your going for, this is a question where you can get some great solid opinions but you'll have to find the levitation that is right for you, and what you wanna accomplish.

Good Luck !!!!

Sorry if this is off-topic, but it was mentioned in the very first post of this topic. What is Ground Zero, and where can I read about it? I've never heard of it before.

Thanks for the comments on King.

-Corey

>I heard wild levitation is suppose to be
>good. My friend bought his here.

Thanks. I did buy it, and it seems to be a decent effect, but I have yet to perform it. The instructions ought to really have illustrations ... they refer to a lot of positions, but you need a heck of a lot of conceptual dexterity to figure out what they're talking about.

Ok, thank you davekilpatrick, that really cleared up somethings for me about the King Levitation.
Thanks.

Hey, guys,

Can anyone tell me where I can find:
Spirits in the Sky,
Dracula rising,
Neo Rising,
Balducci Version 2

Thanks. I am compiling a full list of levitation and their secret. So far i have about 9 different levitations.

Why are you "compiling a full list of levitations?"

Guys, I gotta tell ya. Self-levetations are not only angly, but they are also CONDITIONAL. You can't "just do them". The spectator's cannot know what is going to happen before hand. Lighting is a factor as well. a darker atmosphere is better than a brightly light one.

I have "seen 'em all" (or close to it anyway), and the best one, IMHO, is still the Balducci. A common mistake that guys make when performing this effect is that they try to go as high as they can. Only go about one or one and a half inches off the ground. Height is a non-issue. I mean, ask any one else to lift themselves off the ground even a half inch. Besides the spectators memory will embellish the effect, and a week later they will swear that you were a foot off the ground, and that they saw both feet in the air, etc.

davekilpatrick:

To be honest...FOr the sloe purpose of my enjoyment. Yes, I am wierd.

Just afraid you're preparing the next Fox special exposing all the ways to self-levitate. (It's too bad we have become paranoid.)

Let's just kill the MAsked MAgician....

I saw the late Bob McCalister perform
his levitation effect at a Magic Convention.
in New jersey.It is still the best I have seen for parlour or stage.
I forgot the name of it but he used a small
cloth and a bag.there could not be anyone behind him or at the sides.
Has anyone seen it performed or know the name of it?

Maybe this is the levitation called, "In-Flight"? What happens is you stand in a type of milk crate(it's not Fearson's crate levitation) and you pull up a cloth in front of you and you "float" up and down behind the cloth. It looks like the spectators or audience with this has to be in front of you and not behind or the sides. It's not the pocket levitator either.
Is this what you was talking about? I hope I helped you in some way.
Just my 2 cents..
Mack Magic

Bob actually performed one of the oldest self-levitations in the book. It is found in the U.F. Grant pamphlet called “Bodies In Orbit”. The levitation is titled “Self-Rise. It is the one that Martin Lewis used to perform in his club act. There is a rather expensive version using an “open-sided” cardboard box and drape out based on this principle. It is old wine in a new bottle!

I have been wanting a good self levitation so far my fav is king rising it rocks but I want one that is a little more inpromptu but not balducci!

PS:corey king your levitation is the best People just stare at me like "what?"