Hello friends,
Ever since Ellusionist bought the rights to Paul Harris presents Flow by Dan Hauss’, an old almost forgotten cheapo prop has once again gained some notoriety.
The Flow effect is very similar to the old Pop Bottle Trick but the method and handling are different. I must tell you that I really do like the Flow trick, but what I do not like about it are two things. One is the price. I know with magic you are paying for the secret, which is fine but for $35.00 this is a secret that does not warrant the price. This is just my opinion of course. And my opinion my be skewed a bit because, I grew up with the Pop Bottle Trick and I think it was fine just the way it is without the need for another method.
One of the selling points of Flow is that there is nothing to take away. To me this is not a selling point. Who cares if you have to take something away? With the contest of the Pop Bottle Trick, you do have to take something away. This is not a big deal at all! Its all in your presentation. If one wanted to present The P.B.T. like Flow, I don’t think it would be too hard to use the PBT gimmick and altar the presentation to beef it up a bit. No you can’t look inside but so what? Looking inside doesn’t add to the mystery. In fact I believe it actually takes away some of the mystery. One less thing for them to think about. Although looking inside is an interesting think to think about. But better? I don’t think so.
The real problem I have with Flow is that so many secrets are exposed on the internet, that it won’t take long for the cat to be let out of the bag on this one and then where is your $35.00? Free online with no value at all.
At least with the PBT, you need the gimmick to do the effect. Flow takes set up time, PBT no set up. And I might add, no fear of failure!
Also even though I said before you could sort of let the spectator do all the work, even with flow or PBT, the more you give the spectator to do, the more you deserve to be caught. If I am presenting an effect, I want to be the one doing it. Especially one where a squeeze, shake or twist of arm might be the difference between success & failure.
Now I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t know everything about Flow either but I know enough to tell you I am unable to sell you this effect without feeling guilty of making you feel a little ripped off.
Anyway back to PBT. This little gimmick used to be sold as a stand lone trick for about $1.00-$2.00 many years ago. I have not seen it sold by it self in ages. We now have it in a 3 effect box called Anti-Gravity Trio. This package is only $3.99 and has three fantastic effects. Though I would imagine almost everyone who purchases this effect will only be using it for the PBT.
But it also comes with a mini Hydrostatic Glass (not this one) but a similar effect & similar method & a version of Lewis Ganson’s Anti Gravity Glasses (as explained in his book) Routined Manipulation.
For $3.99 you can do a full triple whammy routine. And these effects really are foolers.
This is the description as made by the manufacturers.
Three stunning tricks that defy the laws of gravity!
Imagine being able to turn an open bottle of soda upside down and leave the liquid suspended inside! Then take the trick one step further by inserting small objects into the mouth of the bottle and watching them float inside of it, without spilling a drop! Or what about placing two glasses mouth down on an unprepared book and having them stick to it like magic.
The glasses and book can both be examined. With this set of gimmicks, you’ll also be able to turn a glass full of water upside down without fear of spilling it! The Anti-Gravity Trio comes complete with all gimmicks necessary to perform these incredible tricks, and detailed, professional instructions.
Made in the USA by FUN Incorporated.
Not as descriptive as it should have been but for about $1.00 and effect and with just some tiny plastic props, they didn’t think it warranted such a full description. Directions are clear and each individual effect are described in detail.
This product is not yet on our website but you may order it by phone 1-866-41-Ronjo or come into the shop to pick one up.
Talk to you soon!
Thanks for reading,
Pete