Where can I find them, and how much are they? Been out of the game for awhile and don't see them at my old haunts.

Thanks!

For all purposes they are out of business, they took orders last I heard, and never delivered or refunded the money. Frank died several years ago, the family ran them until some kind of trouble, then they just stopped with not rumors of why.

Just check a few topics down, you will see some new manufacturers that recently come to market.

If you had them and sold yours, big mistake.

Several independent shops still carry them. Check out www.magicshopsandiego.com
I was just there today, and they have some in stock. Hope this helps!

They have indeed become harder and harder to find. JL Lukas makes a very suitable alternative, and I've been happy with them. I have, however, recently managed to find a set of Fakini balls on Ebay for $100, so you can occasionally find them in magic shops that do estate/commissions or at auctions.

The Bond Lee 2" balls are now available, white and red. (white are currently sold out, more stock coming in soon)
$110 intro priced for 4B/2S sets
As a 30+ year user of another American made brand, I can honestly say I prefer these and have switched over.
The biggest difference to me is the fit of the shells-2 completely cover a ball, no gaps
You will not be disappointed

I have a like new special set of fakini golf balls I'll sell. Has 4 balls and 2 s***ls. Pm me if you would like to buy em.

I think the Bond Lee balls are really good so I'd go that route. I was exclusively a Fakini ball fan ordering directly and in contact with them when I could buy them. After that wasn't an option, I found the Bond Lee balls to be pretty nice. The only downside is not getting "Prestige Red", manipulation balls and custom sizes/colors. I own 2 sets of the 1.7 size and I don't think anybody wanting to replace their Fakinis will be disappointed. Glad the 2" version is now available. Just my opinion. Give the Bond Lee balls a shot.

Kenny
The new 2" red balls are close to the prestige red, not the florescent shade of most sets including the BL 1.7" balls

I just bought the 2" red Bond Lee balls. The color is indeed close to prestige red. The balls are close to Fakini. The only disappointment I've had is that the shells are thicker than Fakini's and they are looser fitting. If I'm not holding them just right, they will fall apart. But generally very good quality and the color you want.

I like that my Bond Lee balls don't have such a tight fit. The thickness of the shell isn't much more than the set of Fakini I have, but this is just my experience. Not saying anyone else is wrong. My Bond Lee set is 1.7" (Which is what I wanted) and my Fakini is 2" so the disparaty might be greater with a 2" Bond Lee.

Different strokes for different folk I guess. I don't have to add bumpers so I can manipulate them. I do need to throw them right so they don't come apart, but I don't throw them more than once and I do separate them severally.

I use white, so I can't say anything about the color.

As far as I know Fakini's were 1.75. Bond Lee is 1.7. So that is a difference of .05.

Danaruns-
Regarding the comments on the shells, this is not necessarily true. I have several Fakini shells and they vary from 1.9MM to 2.4MM and the BL are 2.2MM.

For advanced moves like 1 to 4, etc, having a ball stick in the shell is not favorable. Personally, I think the fit of the ball to shell is perfect. Also, two shells fit around a ball perfectly - no gaps like on the Fakini's. If you put 2 shells on a Fakini ball, you will have almost a 1/4" gap, not ideal for multiple shell routines.

With that being said, if a tighter fit is desired, it is a simple fix - super glue will hold it well.

Kidding, add a small piece/pieces of tape to the inside of the shell along the edge until you get the feel you like. Many have added felt tabs, etc to Fakini (and other) shells to enable the ball not to stick as securely.

Hope this helps

Bill you are correct - Fakini 1.75, BL are 1.7

With Fakini sets I have, I've had to add a small rubber "bumper" to the inside of the s***l. This is the same thing you buy at a hardware store to stick on the bottom of a vase or whatever. It was a tip Levent offered in his Billiard Balls DVD set and helped because too tight a fit and it gets stuck. With silicone type balls that air gap usually helps. Mine are clear rubber with adhesive to attach it and they are on every Fakini s***l I have. After using wooden sets with a few dents when I was a kid, anything "grippy" is a big improvement. I still can't believe and remain in awe of Cardini and Benson just among the few that could handle the real billiards. I still say Wow and can't imagine the practice that took. I like the new sets out now and think Fakini was the "go to" for everyone once they were available. It's sad to me that Fakini had/has a following and just decided to stop doing it, but it happens and maybe their hearts just weren't in it anymore. I like the fact that the Bond Lee's I have also have the seams shaved. I have a few Fakini sets where there is a seam that only "YOU OR I" would notice. But, that's just fit and finish. It's still nice when you are buying a quality set and paying a lot for them to have them really done right. If you're paying crazy money, you expect mediocre quality at least, I think. I have said a lot and apologize, but hope my comments are of some value. Glad we have other options!

Got to play with the 2" set of red Bond Lee set I ordered that arrived yesterday. And I know this thread is now a bit off subject as far as finding a Fakini set new today, but these are nice and don't stick like the Fakini sets did (especially Prestige Red). I was told that the dye used for the Prestige actually made them tackier, which I found true. I agree that the shells are thicker but there's no need for bumpers and the two shells fit perfectly. There are slight seams but they are a good working set. There's also more of a matte on the shells (just for the red) which was mentioned to me before I ordered. But from any reasonable distance, the thickness and finish are not noticeable at all. I have small hands and think the grip, weight and overall feel is really good. My ONLY complaint, if I push for one, is the shell thickness. But I agree with the Bond Lee balls comments and I like them. There's some NEW old stock Fakini and used sets around as mentioned and I don't get anything for saying I think these are a better value for typical ball sets. The only thing constant is change and these are a really good Fakini alternative. Plus 4 balls w/ the 2 extras. Just my opinion and I know if I were trying to find a Fakini set now and knew about these, I'd be glad someone let me know. Now the golf balls sets are a different story. Hope this helps someone.

Just discovered on browsing, that Tannen's Magic lists Fakini Balls in 1-3/4 inch size. All are sold separately. I would check by telephone if possible, as Tannen's have been known to substitute other brands for e one you are actually ordering. They made this qualifying notice many years ago. So buyer be ware and pay on PayPal or credit card that will handle a dispute.

I've been looking for the giant climax golf ball. Does anyone have one they would like to part with? Searching Internet has not yielded good options. Thanks.

Bruce

The Giant Golf Ball was a children's saving bank, that was covered with the silicon material. They were found in stores back in the late 1970's. I found one at a Dollar Like store many years ago. Tried to make it a Zombie. I don't know how many Frank bought at the time, but they have been off the market for many years.

Just did a small search, only found ceramic ones now being offered. Go figure, in a plastic world, can only find ceramic giant golf balls.

What a world.

Greg, at Abbott's, found some Jumbo golf balls about 10 or 12 years ago. I doubt that he has any more left. I'll be in Colon for the annual Flea Market on May 12. I'll ask Greg.

Will the Bond Lee 2” balls be available through Murphy’s Magic dealers?