The Viking one uses F****paper, which I think might be better than preparing the cards ala Hot Leads. Of course the Hot leads looks great 'cause the card is onfire. But which is more practical-Magical?

Any thoughts?

Chris

Man don't say that about hotleads.... exposure!


Anyway I like hot leads because the card is really on fire, and also buying flash paper all the time gets a little expensive, especially if you are doing the effect 10 or more times in a night.

The two are totally different in effect and presentation.

With Flash card, you set up the spec. Here let me give you a business card. Card wallet shown empty.... Oh, well, I don't have any right now, but I am a magician, so ...FLASH, and the card wallet now has business card(s) in it. And you hand one out.

WIth hot leads, you offer a card; "my card sir"; and WOW! Look the card is on fire.....and flaming. Not just a momentary flash - but actually flaming.

I love Flash Card. I am now on my fourth one. It isn't that it is a bad unit, that causes me to have owned so many, but I use it constantly. And the ignition source dies over time. Viking will replace the source for a fee. But it is as easy to buy a new one and not a lot more expensive.

Here I will toss out a hint that I offer in my lectures. The Flash Card wallet section where you load the business cards is covered with plastic, and when you have just amazed folks, and are trying to get a card out of there , it can be awkward. And if you stumble - you lose the impact and magic of the flash. So just lay a loose card on that section and close it. It stays pretty well, but if not, a tiny peice of magi wax will secure it.

Then when you Flash, and open the wallet again, to show that bus cards have magically appeared, you can just slide the business card right off and hand it out. I continue to hold the flash card open, so they can see the additional cards held in by the plastic.

Oh, and to address the comment about constantly buying FP. I used a full shetet 7X9 inches or so, and used a 2X3 pad and now am still working on a half sheet, and that is all I have used in over two years with flashcard. It take a small peice of FP (I make mine square) a little larger than the diameter of a quarter in each direction. A single page from a 2X3 pad gives me 6 loads. I bought a new pad of FP recently but don't even carry it yet. I still only carry the remains of a half sheet of FP, because it will be about two months before I use it up.

As for Hot Leads, I don't have one yet, but have been following it since Jim released it. And I know that Jim has solved most of the concerns and issues that existed with AfterBurn (which I do own) So Hot Leads is high on my list of upcoming purchases.

But they are different effects, with different requirements, and different impact. They both have their own place.

I use flash card almost everywhere except a hospital or a paint or chemicals factory. But almost everywhere. Close-up, it is no problem.

But Hot Leads will be for wide open spaces - certainly not shoulder to shoulder packed rooms, but places with a bit more distance from/between specs, whcich also gives room for more onlookers to see the magic from a distance.

Decide your audience and go for it.

The last Flash Card I got was only about $26 (the first one was $49 as I recall) and Hot Leads is really not very expensive either at $35. Especially compared to AfterBurn which I recall retailed closer to $60. So with a little budgeting, you have could have them both.

BroDavid

Hot Leads is great! It takes several practices to get the exact timing down, but once you're there, it is definitely a startling presentation for someone.

I have found it works best when you're handing out your card in an environment where there is some noicse around you. It isn't really terrific for a deathly quiet room or situation.

Nevertheless, it is a great effect and, I think, well worth the $$$.

Both were created by Jim Pace. Both are good, as far as visual, go for Hot Leads.

Flash Cards is truly a great way to hand out your card. First you have no cards then FLASH you have a wallet full of them. I sold the manufacturing rights to Viking Manufacturing about seven years ago. Michael Ammar was also responsible for the popularity of Flash Cards. If you look close in the original instructions you can see his hands and his card.
Just a little history-
Jim

Will the Pace/Howard Mercury Wallet have any type of flash?

Chris

Viking's Flash Card Wallet sucks. The wire don't get lite up every time and I have to keep adjusting it. I would prefer Burning Connection 2.0 which is more reliable.

I have both. I have gravitated to using the Hot Leads all the time, so IMO it is the better of the two

Jim

For me personally, since Jim Pace is a convicted child rapist, I will not use any of his products. He's still in snake river prison until 2024

http://itricks.com/news/2010/08/jim-pace......viction/

James