I just saw on Penguin the "Bicycle® Elite Edition Playing Cards" and was wondering who has had a chance to use them and how they compare to the standard Rider backs.

These are meant to also have Rider backs. Do they have the air cushion finish as well?

My local dealer doesn't have any for me to try and I was keen to pick some up. Any help is much appreciated.

I was wondering how these compare to Bicycle Playing Cards (Gold Standard) - by Richard Turner

Did I notice correctly? They brought back the old cardbox with the card back on one side? I have been saving the older card boxes for some time now because that back allows for some great things.

Hey everyone. These are exclusive to Penguin (we did a custom run) and will not be available elsewhere for quite some time.

The biggest difference between these and the Turner Gold Seals are that those are printed on Bee stock, which is thicker and stiffer than standard Bike stock. The Elite Edition are printed on a thin-crushed stock that is thinner and softer than standard Bike stock but still just as snappy and durable. Yes, they do have the embossed "Air Cushion" finish, but with USPCC's top-of-the-line coating.

The first run is very nearly sold out. We do have a 2nd printing underway, but they will not be ready for about 2 months.

The Elite Edition do have the old-style box (much more useful for magicians) and NO seals or stickers of any kind. The pull tab/tear strip on the cellophane works. Duplicate Color jokers. Blank facer and double backer in the box.

Enjoy!

Hope you will have the second run ready for the sam/ibm convention in Kentucky.

Thanks Penguin, went ahead and got myself a couple packs which arrived yesterday. Promptly went ahead to get a couple bricks last night. These are really smooth.
Are you going to go ahead with a run of blue backs?

Chance that Mark Calabrese actually threw out all his cards? LOL

Use them to practice card throws

Yes, second batch should hopefully be done in time for IBM/SAM. I'm not really involved with whether or not we have a booth, and if so, what gets offered/sold. But I imagine since a Brent Braun (our convention dealer rep extraordinaire) lives in Louisville and love the Elite Bikes, we'll probably have them there.

No idea if Mark is actually throwing away his old cards, but he was the very first person to place an order for some, and he bought quite a lot.

No firm plans or dates for a Blue back yet, but am keeping an eye out on requests to see if demand is there overall. No promises, but it's not out of the realm of possibility.

Penguin is listed on the convention website. That's why I asked

I just bought a brick from Penguin and they are fantastic! The cards handle beautifully right out of the box. Like others here I missed the old "Rider Back" box. I even have a couple bricks of the originals that I use on special occasions. The Elites are even better since you don't have to pull off the sticker and eliminate the residual glue. The gaffs are a nice touch too. The Elite edition should be very popular with magicians.

I went to order a couple of bricks of these and the postage to the UK was $95......

I post and receive things from the US regularly, but...$95?.....

This has been among several things I want to purchase abroad
But the shipping costs is astronomical. And this is just for a pack of cards

Even getting stuff shipped from USA to Canada has increased over the past little while to the point where shipping costs are the same as the price of a brick of cards. Really want to try these tho.

Shipping prices have been ridiculous especially through ebay.

Rev: May I ask where you were looking to order from?

Penguin Magic has them pre-order for $39.95. per brick. Not sure what the UK shipping would be
but they are usually reasonable.

Jim Rose

PS: Just pre-ordered 3 bricks!

Can anyone comment on how well these cards faro please?

They seem to do so it well. No complaints

Thanks!

Hi Lempereur. It was Penguin I went to. The brisk price was find, but the shipping for 2 bricks was $95.