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haywire Special user Philadelphia 760 Posts |
Anyone who knows me or has seen me perform knows I'm huge on fire magic
and effects. When I heard about Kevin's portable flamethrower, I was excited and very curious about it. It was no surprise to me that I had to have one, since I own virtually every fire gimmick currently made. I came home yesterday and the box was waiting for me. Like a nervous kid at Christmas I rushed opening the box and I was instantly and pleasantly suprised. The first thing you notice is that the device comes in a very nice labeled storage case. While this is a small bonus, its speaks about Kevin's commitment toward giving you a quality gimmick you will keep and use for a very long time. I also remember wondering why no one else does that, since my fire gimmicks all end up in a cardboard box somewhere in my practice room. That really isn't a very smart way to store flammable things is it? So Kevin addressed that by giving you a very nice case to store your prop in. Hey, at least he took the time to do that, most guys give you a $100 fire magic device in a plastic ziploc bag. Upon opening the box I remember thinking again "BONUS!" because the device includes a DVD. Maybe I'm just retarded (or lazy) but printed instructions usually confuse me when a gimmick or trick has many parts. Because of that, I was very happy to see the DVD. As far as the DVD, I rushed to my TV to watch it. I have to make a special note about this DVD's quality. I produce music and video (visit http://www.haywire.tv to see some of my work) and I know a bit about production, this DVD used very high quality cameras and was expertly edited, even the audio is very well done (which is usually a sore spot in magic videos) The DVD shows you step by step how to assemble the gimmick, which is really simple with Kevin explaining it so well. I assembled it in 5 or 10 minutes while watching Kevin explain it. Now the fun part, using the gimmick. Lucky for me by the time I got home yesterday it was late, and my girlfriend was sleeping (fire stuff in my house makes her nervous). I was all hooked up and ready to go, got a Bic lighter and braced myself for the first blast. As the device made its first 3 foot plume of fire streak out of my hand, I simply thought "WOW!" I hit it again, and again, and again. I gave it a rest a bit and hit it again and again, and each time the fire was a surefire huge plume of fire rising 3 feet or more from my outstretched hand. While its a bit hard to gauge, I got my hand dragon out and I'm quite sure that the portable flamethrower has noticeably longer (and even wider it seems) flames. This gives Kevin's device the prize for biggest flames of any currently produced fire gimmick. Next,what about the retraction method used so that you can end clean? I believe its the best idea I've see yet for any fire magic device that goes in your sleeve. While his idea for the retraction is simple, it's one of those "Why didn't I think of that?" ideas. No elastic, no noisy reel or anything, it simply retracts into your sleeve silently and wonderfully and you end clean. I would also like to comment on the construction of the gimmick's parts themselves. It would appear that the parts are more stable and better made than other devices I have used and I think this will stand up to the rigors of touring and performing constantly much better than most other devices. Also a note about performing with it. I work in an office for a day-job. Most of my coworkers know I'm a magician, and are very amused by that. Today I went to the "smoking area" outside our main offices building and asked to borrow a light... Everyone there was a surefire safe distance from me and I let it rip. I have to say that the reaction I got was tremendous. The laughs I got when I handed the lighter back to the person I borrowed it from were great... I said, "Here, you'd better get this thing repaired before you try using it again!" I finished smoking my smoke and everyone out there with me had a great laugh and they all kept trying the lighter. "Must be just MY bad luck, I guess!" Already people are coming to my desk and asking me to do it again, having heard about it from my first victims. All in all, I like it, and I'm quite sure you will too. Even for a gag this is simply a great thing to own, but I can (and I'm sure I will) think of many, many magical uses for this. All in all I'd say Kevin did a tremendous job on this product. Worth the money? Hell, yes in my opinion. 3 foot flames? Hell, yes. Steven |
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kevinuncanny Loyal user 264 Posts |
Steven--
Thanks for the review. I'm glad you like it. Kevin
Kevin Lepine
Hypnosis Unleashed-THE Vegas Hypnosis Show www.Kevinlepine.com www.VegasHypnosisShow.com |
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rowdymagi5 Inner circle Virginia 3614 Posts |
Great review, Thanks!
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kevinuncanny Loyal user 264 Posts |
Kevin Lepine
Hypnosis Unleashed-THE Vegas Hypnosis Show www.Kevinlepine.com www.VegasHypnosisShow.com |
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kevinuncanny Loyal user 264 Posts |
Please post any comments about your flamethrower here.
Kevin
Kevin Lepine
Hypnosis Unleashed-THE Vegas Hypnosis Show www.Kevinlepine.com www.VegasHypnosisShow.com |
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katty New user 39 Posts |
I am new to fire. Is it safe ?
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Jimmy Y Regular user 108 Posts |
Thanks for the review Haywire.
What kind of fuel do I need for the flamethrower? How long does it last for each fill? Is there a risk where the fire is still on when retracting into the sleeve? I hope these are not stupid questions, thanks.
Nice to meet you
Jimmy |
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neoreform New user 54 Posts |
Thanks for the review. Very helpful.
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kevinuncanny Loyal user 264 Posts |
Katty-- Is it safe? Yes. It uses fire so be safe with it, but used properly it won't burn you.
Jimmy-- Not stupid questions at all: It uses Ronson Butane (72, 42, or 26 gram available in any walmart, hardware store, convinience store, etc.) A tank lasted me about 3 or 4 weeks using it for close-up work 10 hours a week. When the tank runs out--just attach a new tank (about $3.99 a tank) It will not burn you as it retracts. Keep the q's coming! Kevin http://www.FiredUpEffects.com
Kevin Lepine
Hypnosis Unleashed-THE Vegas Hypnosis Show www.Kevinlepine.com www.VegasHypnosisShow.com |
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kevinuncanny Loyal user 264 Posts |
"Great flame! Excellent DVD, very clearly explained."
--Tim Ellis
Kevin Lepine
Hypnosis Unleashed-THE Vegas Hypnosis Show www.Kevinlepine.com www.VegasHypnosisShow.com |
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CasualSoul Special user Edmonton, Canada 542 Posts |
Is the flame size adjustable?
"Open their mind by performing the impossible"
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kevinuncanny Loyal user 264 Posts |
Kevin Lepine
Hypnosis Unleashed-THE Vegas Hypnosis Show www.Kevinlepine.com www.VegasHypnosisShow.com |
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CasualSoul Special user Edmonton, Canada 542 Posts |
Awesome! Thanks Kevin.
"Open their mind by performing the impossible"
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walking_liberty Elite user 458 Posts |
I assembled this properly, as it is very easy to do, but I haven't been able to get such a big flame. And it doesn't seem to retract properly. I'm pretty disappointed, especially for $90.
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kevinuncanny Loyal user 264 Posts |
Liberty--
you can email me at firedupflamethrower@yahoo.com or call me at 248-307-3158 and we'll go over it. If you aren't getting the right size flame it is usually: A) The wrong butane B) The Trigger hinge isn't at 90 degrees As far as the retraction goes: Did you size it properly with the tension from your fingers to the brake? Give me a call or an email and we will make it work for you. Kevin http://www.firedupeffects.com
Kevin Lepine
Hypnosis Unleashed-THE Vegas Hypnosis Show www.Kevinlepine.com www.VegasHypnosisShow.com |
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swtrocks Loyal user Los Angeles 206 Posts |
I was wondering if the setup had to be done running along the arm up the sleeve, or can it be set up Inviso Torch style?
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kevinuncanny Loyal user 264 Posts |
Swtrocks--
I advise the arm method though you can set it up like a raven through a button-down shirt. Kevin http://www.FiredUpEffects.com
Kevin Lepine
Hypnosis Unleashed-THE Vegas Hypnosis Show www.Kevinlepine.com www.VegasHypnosisShow.com |
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brendan_670 New user 26 Posts |
What is used for the end of the device for the retraction? (safty pin, bulldog clip, etc.)
Thanks, Brendan |
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DR STEVE HOSKINS Special user North Wales, UK. 831 Posts |
Try volcanic match from Stevens Magic Emporium It's small, easy to palm, and has an effect similar to a flamethrower, 6 foot long balls of fire. Awesome!
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kevinuncanny Loyal user 264 Posts |
Brendan--
The device naturally retracts to a brake that you set at a convenient place on your arm. Oska-- I have seen the Volcanic Match and still believe the Portable Flamethrower to be more reliable. Kevin http://www.FiredUpEffects.com
Kevin Lepine
Hypnosis Unleashed-THE Vegas Hypnosis Show www.Kevinlepine.com www.VegasHypnosisShow.com |
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