No thread on this yet? I guess it’s hard to get people excited by an ESP Deck.

I have used a lot of ESP decks over the years. Up until now my go to has been Michael Murray’s Naked ESP. I liked the minimal design on the back and the fact that they are made of plastic. But sometimes I have a hard time reading the mark, and I have to remind myself of how the markings work from time to time because although it’s easy, it’s not necessarily second nature (at least for me.) I saw this deck come out, and I was immediately drawn to it. I love the retro “worn” look of the cards, appreciate that it’s plastic, and really like that they aren’t standard poker sized cards. Now I’ve received them and had a chance to play with them, and I like them more than I thought I would.


You can read my full thoughts here:
https://www.magicreview.org/af-esp-deck

Madison

I thought he released this a few years ago. I'm sure it was advertised on Hocus-Pocus when I was looking for an ESP deck.

EDIT: I see on Jheff's market place, it's a new version - but doesn't say what has changed.

I have his previous release and think very highly of these ESP cards. I believe the main difference is the new release comes with more routines.

Neil

I like these as well. I don't get to do a routine like this often but I also like the plastic, the markings and the look of the cards. I really think its worth it for cards like this to come in plastic. Paper packet tricks that the spectators handle can get beat up pretty quick.

The cards look great and the markings appear as though they’d be easily readable. I don’t have the cards in hand yet, but I’ve watched the tutorial and absolutely loved it. Best matching routine in my opinion.

I'm thrilled with these cards.

This marking system makes the most sense to my brain. I do have to have my glasses on if I'm using the marking system, though, just to be safe.

I’ve had a bit of a splurge on ESP decks over the last couple of month’s and I wish this one had been available at the start. For me, it’s the best by some considerable distance.

Bear in mind that if you purchase through Vanishing Inc. you have the ability to download the tutorial. You have access to the tutorial through Penguin but you are not able to download it.

I'm really happy with these cards, both in size and style as well as markings.

The markings are clear, at least for my eyes, and logical, but subtle enough in the back design.

AF ESP cards won't replace the 5 Eclipse cards that live in my everyday wallet, but they will replace the set I use at gigs.

The routines taught are a great addition too.

As a number of people I trust had bought these and said they were nice I thought I'd take the plunge as they are relatively cheap and had a chunk of VI credits to get them at a good discount. I'm perfectly happy with The 1914 eclipse deck, but I was mainly interested in the tableless match up routine. I would like a cabaret or stage effect that can be done stood with it all visible. This didn't really meet the name though as it does still need a table, just a smaller one than the main matching routine. Alex does talk through using spectators as a table to do it standing, but I'm not a fan of using spectators as furniture. If I'm going to have people involved I want them actively involved. So that was a bit of a let down.

The table match up is ok, one dodgy move that I'm sure will go unnoticed by most, but I already have an ESP match up that I've done a good many years so this won't replace that.

The visa cabaret routine may fit what I wanted for a stage routine. He uses a table, though with a different force that can be changed depending on performing circumstances. Though I think I can probably do a free will style routine for the same impact with less effort, but it's an ok routine.

The Gemini twins effect I really liked the idea of and have given it a run out twice already, but I got unlucky with part of the routine and had to spread through right to the bottom for the second part of the routine both times to find a target card. Made it a little suspicious, but having dealt with that I'll probably spread wider and that'll be resolved with performances and experience. The markings are easy enough that it wasn't a major issue. This is probably the only routine I'll be trying regularly.

The gaff cards are used for the standard multiple out included with most ESP decks. It only covers 4 outs though rather than The 1914 version which covers all 5. I would have liked the same gaff card they have to achieve this, but possibly not in there so as to avoid it being a replication of that effect.

So, not too bothered for the routines, but the cards are nice. I quite like the slightly longer cards. I make cabinet cards this way and they handle well, while being visible. Not too keen on the artificial aging, but it's part of what allows the marks to work. They are a robust plastic deck, textured which is nice for the few moves you need for the routines. Wouldn't buy for the routines, but they are a good price for a solid enough deck.

VI put up a blog of some other routines with the release of this, some I know some I want to check out.

https://www.vanishingincmagic.co.uk/blog......outines/

You should have read my review first! It would have given you more insight into the routines

Madison

I'm alright with another deck. I've paid more for less.

These are great cards, a great alternative, routine wise as many have mentioned you can just do whatever you like. But the design seems a little more subtle than others. Love the eclipse and use those a fair bit. These look more innocent.

Thanks for your review Joshua. That was helpful. Sticking with my trusty Eclipse cards. If it ain't broke...

If you've got a deck you are happy with, this is unlikely to replace them. The markings are nice and clear and easy to use. I'm split on the size. The extra size helps visibility, but means I can't fit them in a lot of what I'd normally carry them in. I don't normally carry a full deck, just two sets of each symbol. The extra length means they don't fit in my wallet or packet trick holders, maverick, etc. So, they need to be in the envelope case or find something else to carry them. May construct my own card wallet or envelope to size so I can take them out of the envelope and use it for the multiple out. I do like the texture plastic of these. It handles nicely and won't be any concerns using them out and about if I can find something better to carry them in.

Joshua -

This is what I'm currently carrying 2 of the AF ESP Decks in (total of 50 cards):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BG8KPCTQ

Unfortunately, they appear to be out of stock at the moment but I wanted you to see the dimensions in case you make your own or decide on buying something similar.

Cheers Scott. They look good. I had a a look at a few holders, but I'm UK based so business card ones are generally a bit short so need to filter through a load to find the right size. May look at some of the plain tarot cases or ones for games.

Joshua, if you track anything suitable down in the UK, please let me know.

Thanks,

Neil

This looks similar I think.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/VULKIT-Business......D2XRYXKQ