Are these tricks all the same, or are they slightly different? If so which one is best?

... should I even buy one? What would I be paying for? I don't wish to expose here, but is there something MORE to the method than what I am thinking? I'm thinking the method is just IT... please PM me for more.

Adrian,

I know the hummer card and UFO card are the same effect. The only difference is the Hummer card is done with an ordinary playing card whilst the UFO card is done with a specially rigged card which contains LED's. This allows it to show up more on stage and darker areas.

I haven't heard of the hummingbird card, but I would presume it's the same as the Hummer card.

I've PM'd you also Adrian

Darren.

Hi Adrian

I have the Hummer Card. I don't know much about the other two.

The Hummer Card was invented by Bob Hummer over 50 years ago and is sometimes also known as Hummer's Whirling Card.

I am new to levitation effects so when I got this trick a year ago I thought it was genius. The trick comes with a book that explains everything quite well. The effect is not difficult and fun to practice. I do not get a chance to use the Hummer Card much during performance because I do mostly close-up and conditions have to be right for this effect. If you do not have any effects like this yet I would recommend it.

I agree, it is a great effect when done well.

As far as method goes, they are all the same.

I agree.
IMO, Don't buy any of these tricks. They're not worth the money.

Don't you like the effect Mistro? I think the hummer card is only a couple of quid over here anyway. Although, if you have some knowledge of IT you can probably figure out the method anyway.

I think this effect, combined with another one such as a card magic trick (guessing a card), can be a real jaw dropper. Anthatron is right though, you do need the right conditions and a little space so it doesn't get figured out...

@Mistro:

I agree, it's a rip off. However, if you don't want to get into IT magic, getting UFO/Hummer/Hummingbird is a good idea IMHO. Getting a DVD on IT just for this effect would cost even more money.

The Hummer Card was one of my first magic purchases. In the hands of an expert it's a fantastic trick. For my purposes it's just too impractical, the setup is just not impromptu enough for me. If you're interested in getting into IT I think it's a great place to start.

These are pitch items for mall and tourist shops. Anybody who's been to a Houdini's magic shop in Vegas (they're inside nearly a dozen of the major casinos) has had a demonstrator try to sell this to them.

There's so much better stuff to do with IT.

Yes it's cool looking, but it's not strong magic. If you really want to do thread work get a video like Ammar's or LeClair's.

The Hummer Card is the original one. It was made by Bob Hummer. The UFO card is just that with some lights which does add to the effect a little. The Hummingbird Card is just a plain rip-off with nothing added.

Granted, it's a great effect. But I have the Hummer Card and I am disappointed with it, to be honest. I wouldn't buy any of them because it takes far too long to set up-it's like colour fusion. However, if you're into that sort of thing, buy Hummer Card

Hehehe....Sheepish Grin

I bought UFO card from houdinis in Vegas...It was $20 and a big giant ripoff. I didn't even get the card all I got was instructions on handling and a short lesson on the hookup. It did include some IT but not much...
:-(

Any wonder why so many may leave the hobby with a streak of cynicism? Agreed Adammcd, $20 for the instructions is quite the crime. By the way, Hummmer, the inventor died practically penniless following years of performing the effect in local taverns. Imagine his reaction to the $10 and $20 charge for his brainchild today.

B.Hummer actually used human hair tied into the needed length as IT was a few years away.

I still appreciate the effect and perform it whenever I can.