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sgtgrey Special user Austin, TX 839 Posts |
Product: Infinitum
Released by: Magic Soul Creator: Hondo (Cream bands, Picasso Bands, Cobra Kiss, Intuition, etc.) Price: $40 Let me start off by saying first that I was privileged to be offered a chance to review Infinitum by Hondo. I do not know Hondo beyond purchasing his prior effect, Cream Bands, and will do my best to give an honest, impartial review. This effect is the culmination of the prior releases of Cream Bands (Taiwan only) and Picasso bands, which used a Daniel Garcia-like effect, Slink, to perform a linking rubber band where the rubber bands are actually linked and given out as a souvenir at the end. Similar effects include the Alan Wong effect Souvenir Linking Loverbands and the Paul Harris Souvenir Linking Rubber Bands (or SLR for short). So what makes Infinitum different? I’ll get to that in a moment... What you get: All rubber bands are of the golden #19 type rubber bands. The nice thing here is that these are the standard style of rubber bands that you would use for a regular performance of any rubber band effects. These are quite normal looking, unlike the odd SLR-style bands. Included is -30 regular #19 golden bands -20 sets of pre-linked golden bands -1 set of pre-linked bands (9 total bands linked) - Something extra to performed an optional gimmicked effect The quality of the gimmicks is quite good – in fact, the gimmicks are amazing. I first took the time to open up the package, find the linked bands, and start examining them, and they definitely passed my exanimation. Considering my experience with cream bands, Picasso bands, SLR, and loverbands, I was quite impressed with the quality – not only are these gimmicks far superior than the prior Hondo gimmicks, they surpass even the SLR and SLR slims, in my opinion (no noticeable way of being linked and they act like regular rubber bands...seems too good to be true, but here it finally is in my hands!) This in and of itself is pretty exciting news to anyone who likes linking rubber band effects. DVD: Quality: The quality is very good. It is shot in typical Magic Soul production, with studio performances, casual shots of each effect, and the teaching is done from the performer’s point-of-view. There are some quirky moments I’ll leave to those who buy to enjoy, but it is an otherwise professional and well-produced DVD. The whole thing is done in Taiwanese, but you can add English subtitles, and it is quite easy to follow. Instruction: Hondo does a great job showing and teaching each routine step-by-step in a very clear manner. It seems like Hondo has taught this a lot before and has definitely thought the effects out a lot as he explains them very well. What’s on the DVD? -The basic link, based on and credited Daniel Garcia’s Slink -A full 5-phase routine including CMHC, the link, and the final 9-band link. What I like here is that the routine explains the motivation to move between the different rubber bands, etc. and is not overly long or complicated. It is a well-polished routine, and there isn’t anything I’d change about it as it all flows together perfectly and motivates the switch of the bands, etc. (note, this does involve making a gimmick as well to get the most out of the routine, which is taught, but the gimmick materials are not exactly supplied. Given the quality of the product, I’m surprised they didn’t include a little more for this gimmick, but it’s no big deal). There were no effects here that were new to me, but they may be new to some. In any case, the whole routine, from any pocket management, etc. is fully explained. (BTW, once set up, this is essentially a self-contained routine and packs small). -Suggestions of other impromptu rubber band effects to learn, with a large endorsement to Dan Harlan’s work, as well as Touch, of course. -Dealing with other routines and challenges: Hondo teaches you how to deal with situations where people give you bands to perform with or ask you to unlink the bands. In fact, he gives you multiple suggestions, including suggestions and one effect from Dan Harlan that was given permission to be taught. This part of the DVD impressed me and showed that nothing is left out here. Hondo gives you everything you need to succeed, even when facing the challenges of a skeptical crowd. Final thoughts on the product: -Gimmick quality is the best I’ve seen yet (yes, better than previous releases and SLR bands, imo). -DVD instruction and effects are great. No ideas or questions are left out. -Challenge section of the DVD is top-notch advice and ideas, including an awesome unlink using the optional gimmick. There is one issue I want to address, though – refills. You have enough pre-linked bands to do 20 performances of the full routine. After that, then what? I’m not sure if Hondo or Magic Soul are planning on creating refills or anything of that matter for Infinitum. I would surely hope so as this would replace my need for SLR slim refills. Hopefully Hondo or someone from the production team will comment on whether or not they are planning to do refills. With an effect that uses up a gimmick each performance, I feel refills should be necessary. Lastly, you can do whatever you like with the gimmicks. Perhaps you already perform SLR as it is taught and don’t want a full routine or don’t want to learn something else. Fine – these gimmicks are still better for SLR than the SLR gimmicks are, and if refills would be made available, I’d suggest you make the switch. Until that happens though, this remains a great release, but flawed due to the lack of refills. Recommendation: The effect doesn’t come cheap, but Infinitum is the best linking bands product I’ve seen to date. The lack of refills is a concern to me, but otherwise, I’d definitely recommend it. If you have any questions, please let me know! |
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sgtgrey Special user Austin, TX 839 Posts |
Just an addendum to the prior review - I messaged Hondo and it appears there are plans for refills in the future. To me, this is great news!
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Roland Choo Loyal user Singapore 226 Posts |
Just received this this morning.
Just watch through the DVD and I can say that is go ahead to buy it if you like to learn amazing rubber band tricks. Beside infinitum, Hondo shows us classic crazy handcuff tricks and many others. Although most of these tricks are common, these are good rubber band tricks. I ain't a rubber band guy and I will miss this good DVD if not Hondo has offered to post it to me out of his kind generousity. From the DVD, I noted Hondo has a lot of Dan Harlan's item include the DVD collection. Hondo, are you a fan of Dan Hondo? In addition, he wear Joshua Jay's timeless watch. Clearly, Hondo is not shy of others' products. He is a " practising " magician, himself so he knows what audience wants. Since sgtgrey has already given a very detailed review for this product and I only have time to briefly watched through the DVD I will reserve my comments later. Now I will say, "Good DVD. Value for money." |
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Roland Choo Loyal user Singapore 226 Posts |
Sorry, I mean Dan Harlan not Dan Hondo. Lol
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vinsmagic Eternal Order sleeping with the fishes... 10957 Posts |
Too bad he did not teach how to make the gimmicked bands
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tonysamos1 New user 79 Posts |
Just watched the review on WPR and Craig states "Best elastic band routine I've ever seen!" Another item on my want list.
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tonysamos1 New user 79 Posts |
Forgot to mention that it also was selected as Worker of the Week and they are offering a Worker Special if purchased by 04/26/2013.
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corindaman Veteran user 396 Posts |
But I would still like to see if there are refills available! If it is such a good item I don't want to have to pay for the DVD each time I need some more. I would, however, be prepared to pay extra for a DVD which shows how to make the gimmicks ( if that is possible) Perhaps Hondo would like to comment on this?
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Silver Glove Magic Veteran user Magic... coast to coast, here's to another... 334 Posts |
I don't think I've ever performed a single rubber band trick in my life. Perhaps this would be great to start with.
Posting ever so slightly.
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tonysamos1 New user 79 Posts |
Rubber Band magic suits me well. I have a severe anxiety disorder and one method of coping with it involves snapping a rubber band on your wrist to help you focus. So I am usually wearing a couple of bands around my wrists in social settings and when someone inquires I go into a three phase crazy man's handcuff routine. Adding this new effect would complement what I already do.
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Xpilot Elite user Florida 464 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-04-25 06:39, corindaman wrote: Rasmus DVD teaches how to make the gimmicks: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......tart=120 |
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Lundonia Veteran user refuses to read more than 321 Posts |
Re refills: Is it necessary to give away the linked rubber bands or are they broken in any phase of the performance?
I mean, sure it would be nice to leave a souvenir with the spec but maybe we can hold off on that until refills are available?
"Only two things are infinite; the universe and human stupidity - and i'm not sure about the former" - Albert Einstein
www.jensmagi.se |
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mantel Special user 922 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-03-26 19:58, sgtgrey wrote: I always thought this rubberband link was Chad Sanborn's. It was on Chad's Mindbender DVD/video. Which came out before Daniel Garcia's Slink |
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Hondo Regular user 147 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-04-25 06:39, corindaman wrote: Hi, The refills will be released in the future. I'm still considering about releasing my method how to make the gimmicks. My method is simple but not easy. I'm not sure if people can learn the work well through DVD or booklet. I can produce one set in every 35 seconds now after a lot of practice. In fact, the most gimmicked bands with the DVD are made by me. I believe that it's the best quality linked band in the world now. Hondo |
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Lundonia Veteran user refuses to read more than 321 Posts |
What do you use the extra something you receive (except the rubberbands) for? Haven't found anything on the DVD. Sorry if I just missed a chapter by mistake.
"Only two things are infinite; the universe and human stupidity - and i'm not sure about the former" - Albert Einstein
www.jensmagi.se |
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ncsteve Veteran user North Carolina 313 Posts |
It would have been a very good idea to make a slow motion video of the hand position used. It's difficult to stop and rewind the DVD while both hands are busy with the bands.
To answer Lundonia. Nothing comes with the DVD except for bands some linked, some unlinked. |
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Andrew M New user 59 Posts |
Lundonia is correct in saying that there is an extra something. It's discussed in chapter 10 on the DVD (Challenge 2).
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Lundonia Veteran user refuses to read more than 321 Posts |
Yes, and Hondo was very kind to send me a PM with directions. Great service!
I am amazed that there's not more buzz around this product. Infinitum is exactly what I've been looking for since I started doing CMH! The gimmicks are actually rubber bands that looks like, feels like and heck - ARE #19 bands, the ones most of us use (or should use). Again, great product and I am very happy with the purchase. No surprises (but that's good in my book), you know what you will get. Sure, it takes a little practice to get down and to make it look smooth but there are great hints and tips from Hondo on the DVD. The routine taught is excellent, going straight into my table hopping set. If you like the effect (and who doesn't?) - get it, practice and then kill!
"Only two things are infinite; the universe and human stupidity - and i'm not sure about the former" - Albert Einstein
www.jensmagi.se |
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Zombie Magic Inner circle I went out for a beer and now have 8733 Posts |
I think the refills might be the issue. With Rasmus's Totally Crazy bands, he supplies the bands and teaches how to make the linking bands.
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Christian Rey Regular user Magician'y toast...to my 135 Posts |
Haven't watched the DVD yet. But I had to swoop this one up ASAP. It looks too good. My first rubber band effect ever.
My first name rhymes with Magician
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