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Alex DLF Inner circle 1990 Posts |
X-Act – Mike Kirby
Product description : Magicians love ACAAN or CAAN, I really don’t know why because it’s not a very engaging plot. However, with a good presentation, such trick can play really well. Mike Kirby has found, for me, the best presentation to this plot, it’s streamlined, easy to do, plays really strong. You ask a spectator to name any number between 1 and 52, pull out the cards from the case, count to their number and your prediction which have been in full view from the beginning. But is it worth your money, would this fit your presentation style ? Let’s find out together ! Price and where to buy it : This is sold at $45 and you can find it in nearly every Murphy's magic « partner » shop ! What you get : You get a small cardboard sleeve, usual packaging from Mark Mason. Inside, you’ll find the main gimmick, the card case, some gimmicked cards and a link for the explanation video. This is the first I’ve seen a Mark Mason product with a downloadable video, usually, we get a DVD. Anyway, the video is typical from Mark Mason, looks like it was shot in the 90’s but it does the job, the trick is well explained. The material you get with it is really well made and works well, you can’t be disappointed with what you receive. The card case provided is not the usual case you receive with a Bicycle pack, it has been specially made by Mark in order to make this trick work. The case material is a bit surprising, not cardboard but something which looks like a little bit more durable. Overall, I like the look of this, X-act is promising ! Teaser : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apPc0p75SR0 The pros and the cons : Here is the core of my review, let's begin with the cons, as I will usually be doing, I prefer to keep the good things for the end. THE CONS : • In most cases, you won’t be able to show the inside of the case during the routine. Many people won’t consider this as a con, but I think it’s worth mentioning it. • You won’t be able to do this twice, they’re 2 handlings, but in both, your out will be the same (or nearly). And there is a small limitation about the number but nothing that would draw spectator attention. • The deck can’t be examined at end, people would find some things strange. Again, maybe not a con for many magicians but worth mentioning. And you have to have this deck in order to perform this effect, and you can’t use it for anything else. THE PROS : • I think this is the purest and cleanest CAAN out there, there is no manipulation at all during the routine, you remove the deck from the case, and deal them, that’s it ! • The working of the gimmick is just amazing, being an engineer, this is something I wouldn’t have dreamt of ! Mike is really someone super inventive to come up with this principle. • The reset is instant, just put the cards back in the case and you’re ready to do it again (but not to the same people). • There is only one deck, you don’t have to switch anything in or out. And there is nothing more to it (or nearly nothing) so your pocket management is good with this. • In some routine, you have to add jokers, or several cards, in order to do the trick. Here, with Mike’s genius thinking, pull out the cards and deal, that’s it, nothing more ! • The memory work is minimal, you just have to learn a single information and you’ll be ready to perform it in minutes. • There are 2 handlings, the first one uses an envelope, the second doesn’t. They both have their pros and cons, but I think, since you won’t really show that much the deck nor do the effect again that the handling 2 is the best. Overall rating : For me, this is one of the best CAAN out there, streamlined, easy to do, killer ! However, it requires a special deck and I can’t see myself using it on a daily basis. I would say it’s a pipe and sleepers moment, perfect for those who have a table and time to present this little beauty, 3/4 hearts. As for the difficulty level, the memory work is minimal, you will pick this up in less than 10 minutes, I would say 2/5 stars. Similar products : For another good CAAN effect, you have THINK by Shin Lim, it works well, less gimmicky but with more “conditions”. If you liked this review, make sure to check all my other ones on my website : http://lesavisdalexis.wixsite.com/reviews
Get yourself Stamper and MONU, the perfect walkaround packet tricks: https://youtu.be/rwtfeKFeLms & https://youtu.be/yz5yKlI-4w8
Make sure to check my English review Channel! http://www.youtube.com/c/alexisreviews |
Waterloophai Inner circle Belgium 1368 Posts |
"""""""""I think this is the purest and cleanest CAAN out there""""""""""
I would not say that. It is indeed a VERY good trick and surely the easiest in execution. But the cleanest it isn't. (card case in most cases and the deck...) The method is indeed ingenious. |
stempleton Inner circle 1443 Posts |
I'll agree with the review in the majority. No, you're not "clean," but if a tree falls and no one hears it.... in other words, I've NEVER been asked by the spectator to hand over the deck, or to even see in the case. To me, that's as clean as I need to be.
One thing I did note on another thread for this, I did have some issues when the prediction was stretched to its maximum... those that have this deck understand, but I simply made a part of the gimmick "stronger" and the problem was vanquished. I love the engineering...and it works with minimal thinking, as the OP stated. I was an exclusive "The Grail" man... not any more. |
Steven Leung Inner circle found the Magic Rainbow after 1614 Posts |
I will say the method of this CAAN is interesting, it is definitely not clean and I did it in a quite important performance back in the days when it released, and the gimmick not work quite well, made it off by one, but then still impressive.
Most memorable moment - with Maestro Juan Tamariz & Consuelo Lorgia in FISM Busan 2018.
"Being fooled by a trick doesn't always mean they are having a good time" - Homer Liwag https://hhpresents.com/ https://www.glitchstudiohk.com/ |
wulfiesmith Inner circle Beverley, UK 1339 Posts |
This is a real worker - but not for table hopping.
Those who have this effect will know why. Having said that ... this is an excellent effect and a recommended purchase. The methodogly is truly ingenious. |
Papa Legba Special user home-an unremarkable spiral arm of an insignificant galaxy 750 Posts |
The methodology is indeed ingenious but IMHO totally unnecessary. For me it's a classic case of "fixing something that ain't broke". My advice to anybody considering a purchase, don't, do the effect with a r&s f@#$**g deck and save a lot of money.
Use the FORCE Luke.
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wulfiesmith Inner circle Beverley, UK 1339 Posts |
Papa Legba ...
I know, this is a very late reply to an old post. It is a credit to you, that you state that you have created the same effect using r&s and a for**** deck. Care to elaborate? |
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