What close up mat would you recommend? What should I look for in a good close-up mat? Is there a good one that is also not to expensive?

I love my Dean Dill matt. It may be too big for some performers, but it's incredibly well made and has just the right amount of give, and a perfect surface texture for cards and cups. Not inexpensive, but I feel Dean's products are always worth the price.

http://www.deandill.com/pads.html

I might have to work up to that one Oz. Dean's is a little out of my budget right now. Thanks for the advice though!

Greg~

I've got two of Pattrick's mats... Great mats at a reasonable price and a good guy to work with......

http://www.pattricksmagic.com/


allen

Pattrick's pads are the best. I also have the aluminum backed pad from Dan and Dave and I love it.

Would you recommend a certain color? Or is it really just personal preference?

Color often depends on what you will be doing with your mat. You want the color of the mat to contrast (but not clash) with the props you will be using on it. For example, if you plan to do the Cups & Balls and your balls are blue (no jokes here), you do not want a blue mat. Seems obvious, but there are folks who miss this idea and make their magic unintentionally invisible to the spectator. (Personally I also do not want a mat the same color as my costume/clothing; I want the performance surface to stand alone.)

In the days (long ago)before close up pads became a "status symbol" (hee hee!!!!!

We all went to a store that sold carpets. They always had a pile of samples, which they would GIVE us (or sell very cheap!)

Jay Marshall called them "P****h Close Up Pads"!!! They worked just fine! (The performer is more important than the pad (or props)!

Here is an old posting I listed to make a close up stage... http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=26

Similar to what Dick posted; if you sear on google there are some pretty cool small prayer type rugs available with a short nap to them that works well as a close up mat.

Good luck,
Bruce

That's really cool Bruce! Thanks for the advice. I will definitely check out possibly making my own mat. Love the look!

Greg... Glad to share, if you have any questions please ask.

Bruce

I personally mounted a small kitchen rug from Walmart ($5) about 18"x30" to 1/4" plywood for my travelling table. A search on Google for "mousepad material" turned up a plain grey pad roughly 17"x13x" (about the same size as Patrick's Pro series) for $7 that could easily be covered in felt or velvet using spray adhesive. Just a thought.

Motley - Thanks for that tip! I will check that out. I didn't know that they made mousepads that big.

Every once and a while Office Depot will have them in their stores... usually in black.

Take care,
Bruce

Another vote for Pattricks. I have bought three custom mats and love them all!

http://www.pattricksmagic.com/

So I'm thinking on the affordable end...Patrick it is!

I have them all. In addition to Pattrick's pads, I have a few of Dean's and I also have jumbo size custom made Production Pad from Dean, and do love them dearly. I really prefer a little loft for purse palming, so I like them over soft backed pads.

Recently I just bought both of these pads from RNTII and I think I have a new favorite! I have another on the way. If you look at the features, you really can't ask for more...period! The surface is like a baby's bottom, and I love the raised feature and the ability to raise up the back even higher. AND FINALLY a pad that holds halfs and dollars alike! I was going to design my own honestly but Donnie beat me to it and I'm glad. The "Servante"/case is so deceptive it makes me giggle to myself. Even my wife who's pretty well "in the know" asked if that was supposed to open like that. I explained to her that it's to keep my coins and balls from hitting the floor (which isn't a lie if you think about it... lol). She bought it!

Until now, I never dreamed of using a servante in strolling (who would?)...but I'm going to be trying it at my next gig.

Tell Donnie Christian sent ya!

http://www.rnt2.com/tables/

Man, Donnie is on a roll with RNT2. Those pads look great. Not inexpensive, but think about it this way...you are buying a stage for your magic.

If you think they look great, wait until you see them first hand and feel the micro velvet. They are also very solid and substantial. My small one is PERFECT for practicing on your lap while watching TV etc. The ease of access on the slots is a dream and so natural looking for switching and stealing. And that fargin' Servante/Case is even very elegant looking and made to open as wide or as tight as you want simply by scooting the pad further/closer.

You made a great point Wiz, and that's exactly how I see it. 90% of my props (minus cards) cost more than these pads. Many of my single coin gaffs, and sets cost much more than even both of them combined, and I don't even need to get into cups and balls and and and...

So....you've invested in your props...why not showcase them accordingly?

To each their own, but my props and performance deserve more than a glorified mouse pad. I've always felt strongly about that.

These catch the eye of folks that of come over and don't even know what a close up pad is, so they ask and have commented on how nice it looks. Naturally, I then tell them "Let me show you what it's used for..."

I only have ever had a mat from Pattrick's, but it's a nice quality for a reasonable price. He has loads of different sizes/colors available, and you can even get stuff embroidered on there I believe.